Birthday, Fathers day, Anniversary, and Christmas

Around these parts we aren't very good at gifts. We seem to get something we want and just call it a holiday gift. For example, when we bought our van, it was a week before my birthday. Happy Birthday to me!

Ryan doesn't get much. Part of that is because what he wants is always very expensive. In our current circumstances of trying to get our debt paid off as fast as we can we don't always have money for things. Of course, the Friday before Mothers day I decided I needed a small camera. You know, one I can fit in my pocket and then my totally awesome one that I can get different lenses for. I know, it was a mistake, but I did it anyway. As I was buying myself something we didn't need, I felt guilty. I thought 'what can I get Ryan, he rarely gets anything' Usually, its me or the kids using all the money. I mean those kids just keep outgrowing their clothes, and so do I! I found out he wanted an iPod. I asked him why he wanted an iPod and he came up with a good reason like 'then we can listen to all my songs in the van!' Well, I guess that's a good reason. That night I found a pretty good deal on one and bought it. The dumb thing took a week to get here. If you know me, I am horrible with secrets and surprises. I wanted to tell him so bad!

He walked through the door on Monday and I told him to open the box on the floor for me. I couldn't be too obvious about it and have the camera in my hand, but I kept it close. He opened the box and was shocked to find his iPod in there. I did good. I surprised him. I was able to get some good pictures because he was pretty surprised, even after the initial shock wore off.

So, Happy Birthday, Fathers Day, Anniversary and Merry Christmas!

Mothers day gifts

Owl gave me a book he made at school. It was titled "My mommy book". On the very last page it says "I know she loves me because.......... she hugs me. She kisses me. She tells me." Well, we waited to open it until Mothers day but then forgot. Today I saw it sitting there on the computer and decided I wanted to see what the gift was. Of course, Owl was at school. He came home and realized I had opened it without him and was upset. He actually wanted to re-wrap it so he could see me open it. I talked him into going through it with me and that seemed to work.

Tonight the kids weren't listening very well and Owl got his treat taken away because he wasn't listening and following directions. He came into me crying and informed me that he wasn't sure if he loved me because I wouldn't let him have his treat. Hmmm, I guess it doesn't take much to lose a 6 year olds love. Is it bad I don't feel sad when my kids say this kind of stuff? I think its because I told my mom I hated her a lot and I know I didn't mean it and I know my kids don't mean it when they say it.

Looks

I've learned something as a mom. People like to know who your kids look like. I've actually argued about this with people and have learned to just keep my mouth shut. Honestly I just think they look like themselves and each other. They look a lot like Ryan did at that age. I don't have a picture of Ryan as a baby, but here are my kids. You tell me, do they look like each other?

Physical Therapy

For the past month my left knee has been killing me! It only got worse and would hurt when I squat, sit, walk, stand and sleep. Yes, I know, the only things you can do with your knee. I asked my chiropractor to look at it. She informed me I have chondromalacia patella. Yea, I didn't know what it was either. She said it just means that the cartilage under the knee cap is spur like instead of smooth, it is made worse if the knee isn't tracking properly as well as the additional weight. She said they usually tell people with this to lose weight. I said I would, in 5 months! Then I was informed I shouldn't walk, for exercise. Umm, yea, I can't just stop exercising! Labor is so much better if you're in shape.

I posted on my facebook about it and discovered I have many physical therapist friends. They all informed me I need to see a PT. hmm, maybe they were trying to tell me something. I called my chiropractor and she said she thought that would be a good idea. I also needed to buy some good supportive shoes. If you know me in real life, you know I don't wear shoes. I detest them! I did find out there are some good supportive sandals out there. They are crazy expensive. OK, $75 for one pair of sandals. To me, that's crazy expensive. But, I realized if I buy sandals that will last me forever and hopefully prevent me from getting surgery on my knee, I guess its worth it. I guess. It was hard, but I finally went and bought some today. The store I bought them at was having a great sale and I got 20% off.

I started calling PT's my friends recommended on Wed and because I wasn't going to be home Thursday, I had to get in that day. Basically I went with the one who could get me in the soonest. When I went in to talk to her she informed me that I either have something wrong with my plica, which I still have no idea what that is, or I have osteo arthritis. This isn't the first time I've been told I might have arthritis. After she taped my knee and we realized I could do more with less pain, she said she really thought it was the plica.

I am now going to physical therapy a lot to build up the muscles around my knee. I also went back to good 'ol freeycle and got a stationary bike (because this is suppose to help). I seriously love people and how willing they are to share things with those in need.