Lizards, Aging, Sick Kids and Other Fun Stuff

Jesse turns 5

I'm in a weird mood today...I realized I have not blogged in weeks and that is okay...life is moving along, time is marching by and I have little control over most situations...the few things I (somewhat) feel control of is comforting to me...

Turbo

Several weeks ago I gave Whiplash (Lexi and new her name is Verity) to my friend Kara.  I didn't feel it was fair to my husband to have 3 bearded dragons when he probably doesn't want any.  Lexi could have easily been my favorite, but I felt if any were to go she was the best choice since I had the others longer.  I couldn't imagine parting with Turbo and Hiccup had bonded with me.
Currently I have Kara's little Dragon, Jack.  For some reason he had decided he didn't like eating and had failed to grow.  He is about 8 months old and the size of a 2 month old. Turbo is about 9 months old and his poop is bigger than Jack. I have had him a few weeks now. Force fed Repti-boost and treated him with Repti-aid.  He does eat now but he likes to be hand fed his insects.  Makes me wonder if there is something wrong with his sight. He does, however, eat greens from his bowl.

Jack

My little boy turned 5 on December 31st.  We had a knock out birthday party for him at the Oneida City Recreation Center.  I think that should do him till he is 10.  Wyatt turns 16 on January 19th and all he wants is a sleep over and his learner's permit. I however turn 48 on the 25th.  I have finally embraced my age...I spent most of my mid 40's wishing I didn't have to be in my mid 40's and now it is time to embrace age and enjoy the fact that I am for the most part healthy and majorly blessed and I need to enjoy life....the good and the bad. The birthday gift I bought myself should be in the mail today (and no, I do not have to wait to open it) I order the Anne of Green Gables trilogy as well as the  fourth installment Anne of Green Gables: The New Beginning from eBay..... not sure when it will arrive and I really want to see it although I have read some really bad reviews.  Anne is now middle aged and waiting for her son to return from WW1 and dealing with scars from her early childhood (or so the synapsis says) of course Megan Follows is not staring as Anne.  I wonder if a version of Gill will be in it.
Jesse William has been out of school since Christmas break.  He went on Monday (although I shouldn't have sent him) because of 2 hour delays Tuesday and Wednesday his pre k class was cancelled.  He has a residual cough so I kept him home today.... I need a little breathing room...my little love has such a strong personality...and can be quite demanding.
The leads to my last subject...other fun stuff...If I have not mentioned it before, I have a new job...I work 3 nights a week as a janitor (I know hard for me to believe too) at 2 local businesses.  I get paid for 10.5 hours a week, some weeks I work a little less and some I work over that amount of time.  The last couple of days have been great...I finished right on time...the one preceding were not so good...I was working 30-45 min over my allotted time.  In the North with the snow, ice, rock salt and muddy boots, cleaning a public building can be quite challenging...my supervisor told me I am in fact doing a good job though and both places left me Christmas gifts with a note reflecting my good work.  The harder work, lack of sleep (due to Jesse's congestion) and life stress seems to be wearing me thin.    I have a lot of work I want to do as I don't have to work tonight....

The loves of my life: AJ, Wyatt and Jesse

Wyatt helps me with Jesse...He also has his first job.  He works at the Equine and K-9 Supply store in town.  AJ has moved out with his friends and will be starting at the state college this month.  He also will help with Jesse if there is something Wyatt wants to do on a work night for me.
I guess things are moving along smoothy.  I have been going to Church on the Rock for a few months now. I stared going in around August not long after the floods paralyzed the city of Oneida. It is a good fit and even Jesse is starting to feel a part...I am overwhelmed by the love the church shows each other and the surrounding community...I really like it, people there are welcoming and took me in even with my baggage...I don't know why, but even with their kindness change is hard for me.  Another thing, I suppose I have to let go and let God work out.

Church on the Rock in Oneida NY. Click on image to view news coverage of the relief efforts lead by them in the community.

I want 2014 to be a good year for me and my family.  I have to make a few commitments to myself... One is to not be a bully to those around me...I tend to yell to get my own way (sometimes it seems I am not heard if I am not loud)...I need to take a moment and breath though the stress of homemaking. Another thing is to be kinder to myself.  I have list on top of list of things I feel I need to get done...and then feel like a failure because I cannot accomplish the impossible...less stress on me is a must...I have began to realize that I don't need a list of what to do to clean the bathroom (any room for that matter) that is just one more pressure point I add to my life that is not necessity. Not that  I don't want an immaculately clean house...I do, but it is not gonna happen...If the dishes are done, we can walk through a room and everyone is fed...well some days that is going to have to be enough...especially days I have to work...Prayer and Bible are also among my priorities.  Now that the holidays are behind us, I will also resume the Bible study The bondage Breaker with my friend Brenda Coe. And I will do it with more commitment and enthusiasm.  I am trusting and thanking God for all things...cause good or bad I know He has my back....