The Big Blue Momma

Dance, karate, and soccer

2011-08-27T11:26:00.002-04:00

I've always felt it's important to expose your children to all opportunities possible. I have found that two working parents with non flexible schedules make it hard to do everything you want to do. As L gets older, more sport and other activity fliers come home from school. Of course, he wants to do them all. That's just not possible, even if I didn't work. But I do work outside the home and the time of many activities is just not user friendly in my household.

So we try and find a good balance. L did karate over the summer and has already advanced to the rank of yellow belt. We committed to another year and it's been really good for him. His physical therapist even commented on how that was the best sport for his balance issues. He wanted to join cub scouts, but it meets at the same time as one of the few classes he can go to for karate. If my schedule were more flexible, it would be a whole different issue. But I don't anymore and so cub scouts will have to wait until he can move up another belt level and switch classes. He also wants to play soccer. We've participated in a league through our church that meets only on Fridays, but by the time I get off work, get both kids and drive across town it will have started and there would be no time for dinner. BBD's schedule changes weekly with no way to make plans to do things like this.

I type this at K's first dance class. It wasn't fair to let L have all the fun. She's having a blast, but the cuts out the ability to get L to the Saturday morning karate class and this will hopefully still allow for basketball in the winter.

It's so hard to tell your kid that they can't do something because you work. Not because of any other reason.

Man I miss the flexibility I had before.

- The Big Blue Momma

All about L

2011-06-19T21:56:00.002-04:00

I've said before I would tell his story.

My boy has something wrong with him. You can see it when he walks, when he runs, when he sits. He often tires easily and I watch over him more than I should at this age.

He is patient of Shriners for curvature of his legs and potential scoliosis.

He's a patient of the local pediatric neurologist because unexplainable complete left sided weakness.

I saw the problem early on, he sat up on schedule but not "right". Something was off. My great and wonderful pediatrician, Dr. Beth, noticed it too. So she sent us a referral to First Steps, the state's early intervention program. He qualified for occupational therapy but not physical therapy, but we were told the OT would recommend PT and sure enough within 3 visits we were getting an PT consult. Through therapy he started self feeding and walking and gaining strength.

Then he turned 3 and aged out of the program.

We've been fighting for something for him ever since. See we have no official diagnosis. No one can explain why he has this weakness. No diagnosis = no treatment according to all that control those things.

So we've sought things out on our own. Some things work, some don't. Current things to help him with balance include karate and swimming. The karate master has been great at building his confidence and working with him.

We may never ever receive an official diagnosis and he may eventually get to the point where you can't tell, you can't see that foot turn in.

But until then, we will continue to look for ways to help him, even when the healthcare system doesn't seem to know how.

- The Big Blue Momma

"Normal" behavior?

2011-05-28T22:35:00.002-04:00

K just turned 3. She is a fun loving little girl who plays with baby dolls. She thinks Hello Kitty and Dora make the world go round. She will grab your face to give you a kiss and always greets you in the morning with a big hug.

But, at times, the sweetness fades. My little girl gets angry and violent. She can hit, pinch, kick, and bite. Once she calms down she apologizes and cries and feels bad, but randomly this behavior returns. Sometimes she's jealous and sometimes she's super tired. Whatever it is it keeps her from controlling those actions and she lashes out.

These instances are not common. They don't happen everyday. They don't even happen every week. They sometimes happen on clusters, like when she decided to get rid of her pacifier the same time we moved her to a big girl bed. There is no set pattern.

Recently this behavior caused the mother of her BFF to decide that K was too aggressive and that coming to her birthday party was not a good idea. That the girls needed to be separated. I'm struggling with this as I know K is not the only party in this relationship that has inflected injury on the other. They are 3 year olds. (I'm also upset because this info was sent to me in a text message, by someone who was supposed to be my friend, but that's another story)

Today was a recipe for bad behavior. She woke up early and had no nap. While out to dinner with a friend, K got mad because I wouldn't take her to the boys bathroom. This ended with her smacking me in the face as I carried her screaming out of the restaurant. As we continued to the car, she pulled my hair and tried to pinch me. I held her close and got her in the car as quickly as I could. She screamed herself to sleep in the car.

When we got home, she woke up and refused to apologize. We read Hands are Not for Hitting and talked until she apologized. As we have done before, we talk about what else to do when she gets upset. She was calmed down and wanted to cuddle, so I put her pjs on her and we watched a little TV before she went, kicking and screaming again, to bed.

I do everything possible to avoid creating the situation that happened today. Sometimes it seems unavoidable. I'm at the end of my rope. I'm afraid that more friends are going to withdraw from doing things with us. Right now I just want some reassurance that this is normal. I even discussed it with her pediatrician at her well check-up. Her reassurance isn't helping much right now.

Please tell me you've been there, done that and that it gets better.

- The Big Blue Momma

Meeting your insurance deductible in April is not a good thing

2011-04-13T21:58:00.001-04:00

For those of you who follow me on Twitter, you know that this hasn't been the best year for me personally, health wise. January 1st I began having lower back pain. By Monday, I couldn't sit up. I had my first kidney stone. Not just any stone, a big trapped stone. One that didn't leave after the first procedure. Two procedures later and there are still stone fragments in my body. I was also injured but the medical staff at the hospital during the first procedure. I'm still in PT for my hip flexor strain/tear.

I met half the family deductible all by myself. In January. Go me.

Thursday night was my 10th wedding anniversary. We didn't have a sitter as all our usual ones were either vacationing for Spring Break or ill, so we took the kids with us out to dinner and for some fro yo. Little did I know the excitement that was to come.

BBD had been sick earlier in the week. When we came home from dinner, he took the prescribed antibiotic. Within minutes he began having discomfort in his chest, he was comparing it to severe heartburn. After about 20 mins, the pain was so bad he asked me to take him to the ER. (It should be noted that BBD, like most males, hates going to the doctor, taking drugs, etc. I knew he must have been miserable to ask to go to the ER.)

So I call a friend, throw some pjs in a bag for K, and we leave.

At the hospital, I check BBD in. Because I wrote down chest pains, he was taken back right away and hooked up to an EKG machine. Within minutes, the admitting nurse and an entire crew of people come rushing in. The nurse looks at me and tells me that there is something going on with his heart. The attending physician comes in and says his EKG was telling them that something was going on, maybe a heart attack, maybe something else. They brought in a second EKG machine and decided that a heart cath would be necessary to determine what was going on. BBD was rushed in for an emergency heart cath at about 9:00pm that night. From the heart cath we learned that he did not have a heart attack, but he had pericarditis or inflammation of the heart muscle probably from the infection he had earlier in the week.

So we spent our anniversary night in the hospital, listening to the sound of heart monitors and IV machines.

And meeting our insurance deductible. In April.

I would like to thank our friends to took our kids no questions asked that night. I would also like to thank the ER staff that acted quickly on BBD's behalf. While I was less than please with the quality of care received once we were admitted, we were discharged fairly quickly, for which I am also thankful.

-Big Blue Momma

Mr. Smarty Pants

2011-04-04T22:24:00.000-04:00

We had L's parent-teacher conference last week. As a parent who is new to this whole gig, I still don't know what to expect at these things. We know that L is pretty good at this whole school thing but his behavior has been an issue in the past. I'm always worried of more of that type of talk.

This conference brought us facing a new decision. His teacher feels that he is very gifted academically and wants us to consider him for the gifted and talented program.

I'm not sure how I feel about this.

On one hand, he still complains of boredom at times. This would give him an opportunity to explore new things and continue to grow. On the other hand, he's in kindergarten. If we complete the application now, he would be enrolled at the start of first grade.

I'm concerned that it might be too early to start this. Am I being silly? Overprotective?

This is such a hard decision.

Why I am a bad blogger

2011-03-18T13:40:00.000-04:00

I stink at this blogging thing.

STINK!

I write posts in my head all the time. Constantly. The problem I have is actually putting those thoughts and feelings and whatnot out there for the world to read. Maybe I'm a big chicken. Maybe it's because by the time my laptop decides to work, I'm passed out. Maybe it's... I don't know what it is.

I made several claims to "recommit" to blogging. I have really good intentions, but never follow through. I really don't have an explaination for it.

I'm also really bad about reading blogs on my phone, and sometimes that makes it impossible to comment. So people don't know that I love them or their writing or their blogs.

See, I stink at the blogging thing.

I have to get better. I need to get better at this for myself. Hopefully, accepting that I stink at this will spearhead a renewal to my blog. Admitting is the first step, right?

Thankful

2010-11-24T22:46:00.000-05:00

This year I have many things to be thankful for:

My new(ish) job. I know it's not the right fit for me, but after being unemployed for the longest unwanted period of my life, I am thankful to have one in this economy. I also have faith that the right gig is out there, just waiting for me to find it.

My kids. They may drive me batty and act like heathens, but they are mine. For the most part, they are healthy and happy.

My marriage. Last year at this point we were in a very bad place, but we've seemed to make a turn around. I've very thankful for a husband who didn't give up on me when he probably should have.

My family who helps me out even though none of them live near me.

Health insurance. Who isn't thankful for that?

This video (Total blackmail footage starring L):

Boots. Every girl needs a pair of boots. Me? I could use a few more pairs as I am wearing my others out.

To all who might read my blog, Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

Sore losers should be ashamed of themselves

2010-11-18T22:47:00.000-05:00

I listen to ESPN Radio probably more than I should. I'm a sports geek like that. Today I was listening to Colin Cowherd. I'm not really a big fan of his, especially after his moronic statements about former UK star/current Wizards player John Wall, but this story he told got my attention.

This story about an 8 year old and his dad going to a football game, the boy's first, and the treatment he received after leaving the stadium.

See this boy was a fan of the winning team, which happened to be the visitor that day. Because this boy and his dad were fans of the winning team, the visitor, they were treated like crap. Obscenities were yelled, food was thrown and a little boy was hurt.

At his very first NFL game.

Those fans that did those horrible things are an embarrassment to fans everywhere. That is not the kind of person I want to be compared to as a sports fan. I think of myself as pretty passionate. After all, I am a UK fan, we aren't used to losing. I'm not naive in thinking that UK fans are sweet in a loss. I'm sure there are some that drink too much and can become complete a-holes. But causing injury to a little boy is a whole separate class of lowlife.

No one likes a sore loser. Those fans that chose to tackle a little boy? Sorest losers of them all. Be ashamed, Cleveland. Be very ashamed.

Jumping on the bandwagon a bit late....

2010-11-17T22:07:00.000-05:00

... but here goes.

30 days of truth

I don't know if I can get through it all, but I'm willing to try.

So brace yourselves. Tomorrow it begins.

Long time, no blog

2010-11-01T22:33:00.000-04:00

Hi there!

Did you miss me?

I know, I know. I've been a bad blogger. It's been months. In that time I started my job, L started Kindergarten, K potty-trained, and so much more.

I've missed it. Even though I have no idea how many people actually read it, I've missed it. I've gone to blog several times over the last few months and get distracted or start reading other people's blogs instead of writing for my own.

That changes today. Blogging is something I do for me, not for anyone else. I need to blog, to say what I need to say when I need to say it, to get those things off my chest. If someone connects with the words I write here, that's like a big bonus.

Here's to a renewed blogging future.

The End of a Long Journey

2010-04-23T12:36:00.001-04:00

As of Tuesday, I will no longer be a SAHM.

As of Tuesday, I will send my daughter back to the daycare she once attended.

As of Tuesday, I will no longer spend my days searching.

As of Tuesday, I will be working once again!

My SAHM time

2010-04-19T21:27:00.000-04:00

About a month ago we made the decision that we couldn't justify keeping K in daycare any longer. So we gave our two week notice at daycare and I became a stay at home mommy.

Let me just say that this isn't my first go at being a stay at home mom. When L was younger than K is now, I tried it for about six months. I think I made us both horribly miserable. As much as I loved my son, I quickly figured out that my kid was happier and I was happier when I worked. Along with this revelation came waves of guilt. I mean, come on, what kind of mother am I that I would rather put my kiddo in daycare, in the care of strangers, than spend the days at home with him looking into his big brown eyes? This horrible mommy, that's who.

This time, with K, has been much different. I think we've gotten into a pretty good routine. She's loves to play and help me around the house. I think I've finally gotten her to watch a 30 min kids show. I still haven't found that good balance between getting housework done and spending time with her, but it's getting better. She loves to get out and shop and can't wait to get L from school every day. We spend our days with princesses, flash cards, and food. The child snacks all day long, but that's a post for another day.

I still have those moments when I can't wait to get back to work everyday. I don't think those will ever go away. I do know that when I return to work this time, it's going to be much, much harder. I'm getting sad just thinking about it.

Ultimate Blog Party 2010

2010-04-08T22:08:00.001-04:00

It's a party and YOU are invited!

It's funny because as I write this I am also planning a joint birthday party for my two kiddos. See we were in Walt Disney World for my oldest's birthday (he turned the big 5) but family keep asking when or what we are going to do for his birthday. Only they asked like 3 days before we left for Disney. I wasn't planning on a party for L but all these people ~~make~~ made me feel guilty. Since I'm unemployed still, and we were going to have a party for my almost 2 year old, we decided to throw a joint party. So now I'm trying to figure out when to have it and where. BBD rarely has a weekend off, so this complicated things. Living in the Bluegrass State, we have to work around the Kentucky Derby and the festival preceding it. The plan was to have the joint party a little before K turns two, but that might not happen. So I continue to plan and hopefully by tomorrow we will make some decisions. In the meantime, let's party here!

So, the obiligitory introductions...

I am Big Blue Momma.

I am currently unemployed and being a stay at home mom in the meantime.

I love sports, especially college basketball, college football and the NFL. We are also hockey watchers.

I have been married to Big Blue Daddy for 9 years. He works crazy hours and sometimes I feel like a single parent because of it.

I have two children:

Logan (L), 5, who loves video games probably too much. Some day I'll share his story.

Kaelin (K), 22 months, who is into everything and is a princess in every way.

I blog about unemployment, sports, my kids, my struggles with unemployment and my kids. I hope that soon I won't have to blog about my unemployment, because I'm tired of it.

Might I invite you to have some snacks? Cupcake? Party Favor?

Let the party begin!

So the party favors I want include:

A custom blog design from Mary Hess Designs. My blog needs help badly and I would love a new look for it!
Be My Guest Certificate ($250 value) good at any Hilton Garden Inn. I would love a couple of nights to get away somewhere fun this summer with the kiddos and I don't know if that will happen if I don't get a job soon.
$150 gift certificate to A Rocking Horse to Love.

I would also love 71, 16, 33, 83, 20, 50, 35, 26 and anything that a 5 year old boy and an almost 2 year old girl would love!

Our Week at Walt Disney World

2010-03-31T15:21:00.000-04:00

Our trip to Disney was a huge success! L now thinks we will be going every year for his birthday, which won't be happening if I don't get a job, but that's another post.

We arrived very late Saturday night and were quickly checked into our room at Caribbean Beach Resort, where I had booked a pirate themed room for the birthday boy. We were taken by van to our room where we quickly changed into our pjs and hit the sack. Only problem was our luggage still hadn't arrived from the Magical Express service. Apparently there was an issue at baggage claim at the airport which added 3 hours to our delivery time. So BBD had to stay up and wait for it while the rest of us crashed.

Our first day was spent at Epcot. We started the morning with a visit to Norway for the princess breakfast there. It was K's first experience with people in costume other than Santa, so I wasn't sure how it would go. Belle was a bit overwhelming for her, but after awhile she decided that the princesses weren't so bad.

After our breakfast, we headed back to the front of the park to finally ride some rides! L and I went on Soarin' and we got FastPasses for Test Track. L had read in his book Walt Disney World for Kids about the Kim Possible experience, so we went and did several of the missions. Grabbed lunch in the American Experience (no comment). Had great weather and enjoyed the day.

Day two was spent at Animal Kingdom in the morning. We hit Kilimanjaro Safaris and met some more characters. These did not go over as well with K as they were in furry costumes and my kid has some strange fear to anything with fur. No I'm not joking. We then headed to Dinoland USA. We grabbed lunch there, played in the Boneyard for a bit and went back to our room for a bit. K is not a good "nap on the go" kinda gal and she was increasingly cranky. So while BBD and K napped, L and I explored the resort before dinner. We decided to hit Epcot again and ride some rides we didn't get to the day before dinner.

Dinner that night was at Whispering Canyon Cafe at Wilderness Lodge. I was determined to try some new places on this trip. I loved this place! Food was great and they had a stick horse race around the restaurant for the kids (L participated, K did not). It had really yummy BBQ and great dessert. I loved the loudness and the fun.

Day three was at Hollywood Studios, where L had been the most excited to visit. He loves the Wii game Toy Story Mania and was ready to play it there. We started the morning with the Playhouse Disney character breakfast. Our early time allowed us to get this great shot:

I was a bit disappointed the Playhouse Disney characters. Jo-Jo and Goliath from the no longer aired "Jo-Jo's Circus" were there along with June and Leo from "Little Einsteins". You would think that Disney would pay attention to the shows that are currently airing and change the characters here accordingly. L barely remembered Jo-Jo. This meal was torture for K as she now hates all characters. Which means fun times for BBD and I. The redeeming quality: Mickey waffles on the buffet!

As soon as we finished, we ran over to Toy Story Mania to get FastPasses. We met Buzz and Woody and headed to explore the park. We went to Muppetvision 3D, in the Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground, at lunch at Pizza Planet (L was so excited!), used our FP, saw Playhouse Disney Live (which K loved), and then went to get L in line for Jedi Training Academy. If you have a kid 4-12 who likes Star Wars, it's worth the wait to get them in. We waited through the parade and one other session before getting him in and he still talks about it. Basically, 15 kids are chosen to see if they can become padawans. There is a Jedi master who trains the kids with "training lightsabers" and then Darth Vader shows up. Each kid gets the chance to battle Darth Vader before being named padawans and receiving a certificate. Each session is about 20 minutes and times are listed on the "Times and Information Guide" found by the maps at the park entrance. L in action:

Dinner that night was at the Sci-Fi Drive In, which is one of my favs, but I had never eaten there for dinner. One of the best meals by far and L was entertained by the movie previews shown on the big screen. After dinner we headed back to the hotel for some quiet time and much needed rest.

Day four was Magic Kingdom day and L's birthday! We got up and headed straight for the park. We rode the Magic Carpet ride and explored a bit before heading to the Pirates League. When we got there, we were told that they were running about 20 mins. behind so we rode Pirates of the Caribbean and got back just in time to get started. The Pirates League is kind of like the boy version of the ever popular Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, but instead of becoming princes they become pirates. Girls are welcome to become pirate princesses if they so choose. L picked out the face he wanted and then he received his pirate name, was taken to a makeup chair and given the pirate oath. Once he received his sword, we were led into a room where no pictures were allowed as he hunted for treasure located in the room. L the pirate "Bartholomew Keelkidd":

Lunch was at the Diamond Horseshoe, a quiet quick service place with huge sandwiches. Then we hit Fantasyland and all it's fun. We watched the parade and enjoyed a snack while K napped then headed for Tomorrowland and the boys rode some rides while I had K.

Dinner that night was at Chef Mickey's, where we were all excited to see Mickey and pals. I have to say, every other restaurant we had been to had made a big deal about birthdays. Logan was given a pin to wear that day and he was wished "Happy Birthday" by most cast members and other people in the park. Chef Mickey's was a bit disappointing. Yes, he got his birthday cupcake with a candle, but there was no big deal made about it. I was a sad but he didn't care and that's really all that matters, right?

The rest of the week was spent hopping from park to park. I am a huge fan of the park hopper option. I love the flexibility, especially with K still napping. We took full advantage of it.

On Friday, L went on a pirate adventure at the resort. Disney does these at 6 different resorts and each is a little different. They are for kids 4-12 and no parents are allowed. L was a little hesitant to go, but made a friend as soon as we got to the dock and never looked back. K was a bit upset that we were leaving L, but calmed down quickly. He still won't tell us much about it, but I did get a shot of him passing our hotel room:

We ended the week at Downtown Disney, meeting some of BBD's family that live in Tampa for lunch at T-Rex. K hadn't been scared by anything but characters all week, but this place scared the pants off of her. She barely ate from being so scared. We actually couldn't help but laugh because we had been on scarier rides and she hadn't even flinched. L made his own lightsaber at "Once Upon a Toy" and K got her princess shirt.

We left WDW tired but happy. I am ready to go back when K is old enough to enjoy it more. Or next week is someone will sponsor me. A few things I'll do differently next time:

Kids will need a separate room or we will stay in a Disney Vacation Club villa. Before job loss, we had plans to buy into DVC, but that will have to wait. L had the hardest time going to sleep at night with us still awake. Plus, K probably won't be in a portable crib then either.

Fly an airline with more flexibility. I loved the price of the airfare, but it limited out travel times and we lost a day because of it.

I'm sure there are more things, but I can't think of them now.

I already miss the "happiest place on Earth".

Staying Positive

2010-02-24T13:48:00.000-05:00

I am trying to stay positive about my job outlook. It's getting harder and harder every day. I broke down in front of my kids the other day and immediately hated myself for it. Logan has more faith in myself than I do right now and I don't like it, not one little bit.

So I'm working on focusing on other things, like our upcoming trip to Walt Disney World. I'm sure you are thinking, how is an unemployed woman taking her family to Disney. Well, we planned this trip right before I lost my job and made the decision to continue with it afterwards. It may have not been the best decision money wise (which countless people have commented on, thanks for that, I really need to be told it was a bad decision) but what's done is done and we will be leaving in 17 days.

I'm focusing on the fact that Logan will be turning five (OMG, where did the time go?) while we are in Disney. That the focus will be on HIM that week. Kaelin's just along for the ride.

I'm focusing on planning a small gathering to celebrate Logan's birthday once we return.

I'm focusing on being a stay at home mom for a while. We had been keeping Kaelin in daycare in hopes that my job loss would be brief and we wouldn't have to disrupt her world too many times, but as a cost cutting measure, we are pulling her out for a while. Hopefully, it won't be hard to find something when I do get a job.

I'm focusing on myself. I'm working out again since injuring myself doing EA Active for the Wii and then being sick with the never ending cold. I'm not doing this for weight loss, although losing a few pounds would be great, I doing this because I'm tired of sitting and waiting.

So here's to staying positive! Let's hope that it's the start of some very good things to come...

6 months ago

2010-02-09T15:50:00.000-05:00

Six months have passed since I lost my job.

I've applied for over 160 jobs. Been on countless interviews. And yet, here I sit, in my yoga pants, on my couch.

This is getting ridiculous. Really ridiculous. I've said it before, I don't deserve to be here. I deserve to be employed. I deserve a job with a supervisor who appreciates my skills. My family deserves to have the income that I should be earning, instead of my crap unemployment check that arrives later and later every week.

Damn it, someone hire me already. I am a really good employee. Dedicated, loyal, and dependable.

In other news... I've blogged two days in a row. Go me!

I need to be a better blogger

2010-02-08T14:38:00.000-05:00

Blog, I have failed you. I haven't posted a new post in weeks. So I'm recommitting myself to you. I am have a new post at least two times a week, if not more. Not all my posts will be long and lengthy, but I will be paying more attention to you.

I will blog about whatever is on my mind. I won't hold back. People might not want to read you, but I will still post.

I promise.

A proud Big Blue Fan moment

2010-01-20T15:08:00.000-05:00

The header of my blog says that I love sports. I do. ESPN is regularly on my TV even if Big Blue Daddy isn't home. I grew up in a house that "bleeds blue" and can't remember NOT watching college basketball. As I've grown up, I've started to follow more sports. First came college football. That was a natural transition as I was in college at the time and tailgating and football are what you do on football Saturdays in the Bluegrass (if you aren't going to Keeneland, that is). UK has never had the best football team, but games are fun to watch and I began to actually understand the rules behind football. I also watched college hockey as the UK hockey team played at midnights. I would watch and eat chocolate covered coffee beans to stay awake. Big Blue Daddy introduced me to the NFL and through him I became a New Orleans Saints fan. Logan was the one that opened my eyes to hockey. One day last year he came downstairs after nap and asked to turn the TV on. It was on a hockey game and he sat down and asked if he could watch it. I told him he could and he fell in love. He's a huge Pittsburgh Penguins fan and now, so am I.

But that's not the point of this post. I'm proud of the Pens winning the Stanley Cup. I'm proud of UK's football team going to four bowl games in a row. I'm proud of the Saints making it to the NFC Championship game this Sunday. I'm proud of UK's men's basketball team being undefeated so far this season.

But I'm most proud of things happening off the court (or field as the case may be).

Heath Evans (Full Back for the NO Saints) is holding a raffle for 4 tickets to this Sunday's NFC Championship game. All proceeds benefit The Heath Evans Foundation, a foundation dedicated to helping victims and their families of childhood sexual abuse. Tickets start at $2.00 each and the more you buy the price goes down. Click here for more info or to purchase tickets.

Drew Brees is selling "Finish Strong" t-shirt to benefit his foundation. The team is asking people to purchase these in an effort to blackout the dome for this week's game.

Both of these are great causes but something happened this past Sunday here in the Bluegrass that isn't getting the attention it deserves.

On Sunday, Coach John Calipari and the UK men's basketball team held a telethon called "Hoops for Haiti". Coach Cal acted as a host and the team answered the phones and took donations for the first televised segment. It lasted 5 hours. In that 5 hours, over $525,000 dollars was donated. In addition, Coach Cal had a group of people willing to match whatever amount was raised. So all told, over $1 million was raised in a few short hours. That's not including t-shirt sales and wine sales from a local vineyard. Or the online auction that ended Tuesday. Former UK Coach Tubby Smith called in and made a donation. So did Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim, Texas coach Rick Barnes, Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis and ESPN's own Dickie V.

And no one is talking about it.

Now I know this wasn't done to get publicity. It was done to help out a nation dealing with a horrible tragedy. But I can't help but feel that if this had been done by a couple of coaches in North Carolina, it would be all over the news. Sports radio host Dan Patrick even said so on his show this morning. It's not fair that the media picks and chooses who to spotlight based on whether they like them or not. It's no secret that people have very strong opinions about Coach Cal. However you may feel about him, you can't deny what happened in a Lexington TV studio Sunday afternoon.

As a proud member of Big Blue Nation, I am proud of what the team and its fans did for the people of Haiti. Good job guys!

2010 is not being nice to me...

2010-01-05T21:47:00.000-05:00

... and we are only 5 days into the new year.

It started off so well. Big Blue Daddy and I went out for New Year's Eve without kids for the first time in forever with another couple. Drinking was involved and the other couple started a bit earlier than we did. We went to Harry's and ate appetizers and drinks. Yummy stuff! We actually went home before midnight and managed to stay awake until 12:05 before we crashed. After kids, you forget how to stay up late. Even got to sleep in the next day and get the Christmas decorations down before the kids returned, sick.

And that's when things started downhill.

Three rejection letters for jobs, one I thought I had for sure.

Two sick kids. Logan's week to bring snacks means I get up early after a rough night and take them in.

Buying the aforementioned snacks, the battery in my car died. It's colder than cold outside.

Remembering that the tags on one car expired in December. DOH! Can't take sick kids to renew them.

So I'm definitely not starting the year off on the right foot. I'm not ready to give up on you yet, 2010. I'm positive there are good things in my future. I just know it. I know the sickness in my house won't last forever. I know Big Blue Daddy will be promoted or he will find a job where he's appreciated. I'm going to Disney World for Logan's birthday. I will have a job that I love. It's all going to turn around soon.

I just know it!

The Big Blue Family's Christmas

2009-12-28T14:12:00.000-05:00

Christmas around here is never dull and this year was no exception.

Christmas Eve (all the following events take place in Louisville and without Big Blue Daddy unless otherwise noted):
Stop #1: Went to visit a friend and her new baby. Logan managed to get dirty while we were there and still had more stops to make. Didn't bring different clothes for the four year old. Stupid me. Baby was way too cute and almost (I said ALMOST) made me want another.

Stop #2: My Dad and Stepmom's so that we didn't get lost going to the next stop. Dad managed to clean Logan up enough to be presentable. Kaelin screamed around their pets, as usual. (That's a whole other post) Waited for Stepmom to finish cooking soup to take to next stop. Loaded kids back in car and took my younger sister with me.

Stop #3: Dad's family Christmas. We eat and leave. Headache begins to develop. Couldn't stay for presents because we had to move on before the kids melted. Starts to rain as soon as we get in the car. Kaelin spits out paci in the dark, gravel driveway and I drop my keys trying to find paci.

Stop #4: My mother's to pay homage to my aunt who only visits once every 2-3 years and doesn't stay in contact with most of us on a regular basis. Logan and Kaelin have fun playing with my cousin's kids and it's good to see all my cousins who live far away. Reminded that I need to connect with them more often. Only one cousin and her family were missing and she's the one who is always missing. Kaelin again spits out paci in the dark. Maybe it's a sign? Too busy to think much more about that. Headache meds work just before I start to leave.

Stop #5: HOME! Kids see Daddy and have a surge of energy. Give kids their Christmas pajamas and put them to bed. Get French Toast Casserole ready for AM. Begin sorting and wrapping presents. Logan having another night terror, screaming and can't wake him up. Worried Big Blue Daddy(BBD) and I are going to be caught with Santa gifts all around us. Finally calm Logan down, finish the gifts and go to bed about 3am.

Christmas Day (AT HOME!!!)
Kids wake up about 8am. Big deal for both. Logan normally wakes about 7am and Kaelin normally sleeps in until 9am. They must have planned this. we keep kids occupied until 9am when my sister and her fiance show up. Throw casserole into oven. Dad, Stepmom, Grandma, and youngest sister arrive for presents. Kids get way too much and are overwhelmed. Take a break to eat breakfast. Give kids big present from us; the trip to Disney. Didn't quite get the response I was expecting, but thinking they are just overwhelmed with everything.

Put pork in Crock Pot for BBQ later (Yes, I know this isn't traditional, but it's what BBD and I decided. We wanted simple and easy.)

Mom calls and says she's on her way. Dad and crew leave. Sister and Fiance head to birthday party for Jesus with his family.

Mom, Stepdad, and brother arrive. We do presents and brother splits, which is typical. Mom and stepdad hang around and eat with us and then leave.

BBD, kids and I spend the rest of the day unpacking boxes, playing and relaxing. BBD worked all weekend and kids and I unearth the living room floor.

You might think that the celebrating is over but we still have to visit BBD's family as they didn't travel to visit us. Probably more on that later.

All in all it's been a crazy but great Christmas so far. I got a Flip and I love it! BBD got Call of Duty for his XBox 360. Logan got his Fathead for his room and Kaelin has a stroller for her dolls she tries to ride in herself. I'm blessed to have family and friends to share all this craziness with.

Pity Party

2009-12-17T14:34:00.000-05:00

Today I'm feeling sorry for myself.

I can't help it. I've been trying really hard not to, but I've had two bad interviews in a row on top of receiving emails about jobs I didn't get.

I get that life doesn't always go the way you want it. I really do. Believe me. There is so much that's not going the way I planned it right now. One of the biggest is being unemployed.

I was terminated from employment by a supervisor who hadn't liked me from the start. We never meshed and I can't tell you why. I worked well with just about everyone else I've ever worked for, but this supervisor and I never worked well together. It's a question I asked myself many times over the course of our working relationship. But he decided that it was time for me to go and so I'm gone.

Unemployed for the first time in my life against my will.

I have never been unemployed for this long, never had this much trouble finding a job. I have tons of experience in a variety of areas. I'm willing to take a lesser job in order to move up in the world.

Whoever hires me is going to get a dedicated and hard working employee. I loved my last job. Loved it. I was a trainer at a credit union. I want to be a trainer again. I can't even get an interview for a training job. I can't tell you how frustrating that is for me.

So today I'm having a pity party. I came home from my interview, sat down and cried.

I'm still feeling the need to cry.

I know I am very blessed that through all of this we still have the roof over our heads and are planning a vacation for Logan's birthday. I know that I can put food on the table for my kids and not worry about it. But these things can't last forever and I'm really wondering how long I'm going to be out of work.

So my pity party day is today. I'm sure I'll have another cry session before the day is out and then I'll feel better. I'll wake up tomorrow and be more positive. But not today.

Today is a pity party.

Can't we all just get along?

2009-12-15T13:08:00.000-05:00

Today Twitter is all abuzz over the death of a 2 year old little boy. Now, to be fair, I haven't read too many of the negative comments directed at the mother of this boy, but I can imagine what they say. For some reason, us mothers forget that we need to support one another. Now is not the time to discuss what safety measures you think should have been in place to prevent this tragedy. Now is not the time to attack a woman for seeking out comfort from the community of friends she has created on Twitter. Now is not the time to be contacting news agencies to find out if the story is true. Now is the time for support.

I am proud to be a part of a great group of women who came together on a popular baby site and chose to leave and create our own community. We aren't all as active as we were when our babies we little, but we have learned over the last 5+ years is to help through the bad times and cheer for the good ones. We don't seek out information to verify a mommy's pain or grief. We take each at our word. That's not to say we haven't been burned for trusting a mommy who used us. We have. At our old stomping ground, we had stories of babies with cancer, abusive husbands and wives of hockey players which all turned out to be false. Even though I've been burned (and yes, I have) I still choose to support the mother.

And I always will. Because I know that, if I were in the same position, those same mommies would be supporting me.

To all of you mommies out there, I support you. Whether you are struggling or not, I support you. Whether we agree on parenting styles or not, I support you.

I support you!

Momma is sick

2009-12-08T16:09:00.000-05:00

I had been feeling nauseous on and off for about a week when I developed this pressure in my lower abdomen.

All I could think is that I was pregnant. But that's not possible because I spent many dollars on my IUD. It's supposed to keep the babies away for many years or until I decide to have it removed.

Then the sore boobs started. Of course, this is a symptom of the IUD that I have had before. But again, I'm convincing myself that I'm pregnant and about to sue someone's ass.

So I take a test. Negative.

Waited a few days, still feeling bad. Take another test. Negative again.

So yesterday, after much nagging from my husband, I go to the doctor. He thinks I've lost my mind.

So does my doctor, who humors me and orders a blood test. For herself she orders a urine culture.

I begin to feel worse and worse. Like rapidly.

Doctor's office calls. NO BABY! But a raging bladder infection and a cold.

I am not a good patient when hit with multiple aliments. One at a time I can handle. But I had let the infection go for so long, that I was now in severe pain in my abdomen and my body had been so busy fighting one infection it can't fight the cold. I'm whiny and miserable.

My husband is a great caretaker. This stems from when we were dating and I got so sick my Dad ended up taking me to the ER. Big Blue Daddy got a huge lecture from my stepmother about the importance of taking care of me. Now he goes into overdrive and indulges me whenever I am sick. I love it! Logan also pitches in as he got used to helping me out when I was pregnant with Kaelin. The two boys in my life make me feel so loved and cared for, I am truly blessed.

Now if my husband or my kids had been sick, I would have made them go to the doctor much sooner. I'm mean like that. But, for some unknown reason, I have failed to hold the same standards to myself. It's like I think my body can heal itself with my super powers or something. This time I've learned my lesson. My body needs the same care as the other members of my family.

Of course, I'll forget this when I get sick again.

Christmas Lists by Logan

2009-12-04T15:07:00.000-05:00

Logan, my 4 year old, and I sat down the other day to write his Christmas list. His list includes:

Fathead (Saints, UK, Pens, Batman) - This is what he's asked Santa for
Helicopter w/ remote control
Bumblebee Robot
Imaginext Space Ship and guys to go with it
Wii games (Wii Music, Toy Story Mania, Wii Sports Resort)
Bakugan
Imaginext Batcave Accessories
Mickey Mouse Bowling Set

He also decided that he could write a list for Kaelin, his 18 month old sister. Her list includes:

New baby doll
Crib for her dolls
Stroller
Kitchen
Play food
dress up clothes
mixer
shopping cart
iron and ironing board

I have to say that this is a pretty good list for Kaelin, I was impressed.

Then we got to Mommy and Daddy. Again he wanted to make a list for us. Daddy's list looks like this:

Handsome bedroom
new XBox 360 games

My list looks like:

Hugs and kisses
pretty bedroom
new iron

So apparently, Logan has decided that my bedroom (and hubby's) needs some work. He told me while we were working on this that our bedroom was "boring" and Daddy's half could be handsome and my half could be pretty.

Hopefully Santa will bring me an interior decorator, some bedroom furniture, and money to cover it all.

OMG, I'm blogging again!

2009-12-01T10:57:00.000-05:00

I used to blog on MySpace back in the day. Due to things I really am not ready to get into yet, I stopped. I really didn't want to stop, but I did. It left a bad taste in my mouth for blogging.

Now, years later and wiser, I'm blogging again.

Why? I'm not really sure. I feel the need to type, I guess. Being unemployed might be bringing that side of me out. Who knows? I just know that I have once again decided to enter the world of blogging.

Hopefully I won't bore you to tears.