New Years Eve

Happy New Years to everyone!  As always, I do not have any exciting plans for tonight.  I don't like to drive at night with all of the drunkos out there.  Austin and I are at mom's house to have a family game night (just like last year).  Krista and her girls decided not to come down.  Anyway, I went to the grocery store twice today.  I hate going on new years eve because it's always so packed.  I got this grand idea to try making pretzel bites from scratch and needed the ingredients.  The pretzel bites turned out pretty good.  Austin was supposed to help, but surprise, surprise he didn't feel like it.  Fortunately, mom pitched in to help.  I'm not sure they were worth all of the trouble.  I wasn't hard, just a lot of steps.

In a few hours, we will start playing games.  I couldn't find my favorite statergories so I guess the other games will have to do.

And, because I still believe in making resolutions, I will make some again.  This year, I will try to find a happy place and not yell as much.  I would like to lose 100 pounds.  I would like to make more financially secure decisions and get my home organized.  These are a lot of heavy hitters so I'm going to need lots of prayers to succeed :)

smokin'

So today was Christmas.  I think everyone who knows me, knows that Christmas is my favorite time of year.  I love the songs, the lights, giving gifts, and the religion of it all (not in that order).  Unfortunately, I am already feeling a little sad that it will be over tomorrow.  Then we have to move into one of my most dreaded times of year - Valentine's Day.  I'm not going to think about that yet though.

Just a while ago, I put some instant macaroni into the microwave.  Unfortunately, I forgot to add the water.  After a couple of minutes I smell smoke so I go into the kitchen to see smoke pouring out of the microwave.  No flames, but still scary.  I open the door and a massive cloud come out.  I sit there stunned for a moment and then the coughing begins.  I quickly open both kitchen windows and turn on the ceiling fan.  I open the door.  This has probably all taken less than a minute.  Then I hear Austin coughing and running into the room.  I tell him to get out and he sits there and argues for a few moments.  Finally, he leaves.  It only took  minutes for the visible smoke to clear, but two hours later the smell is still really bad.  I put a fan in the window to pull in some fresh air from outside (as the internet instructed).  So, I am sitting in thirty some degree weather with the window fan on, freezing my buns off all because I am stupid.  I sure hope this isn't how my whole break will go.  I am a little afraid to go to sleep because I am worried about Austin breathing in the bad air with his congestion already. 

Oh the dumb things we do :(

Peanuts

So, I found out today that there is a new Peanuts movie being released in animated 3D in 2015!  I am super excited.  I love all things Snoopy.  The problem will probably be getting someone to go with me.  Maybe my Brinley will be old enough to try going to the movies by then (although 3 is a little young).  Anyway, this reminded me of Austin as a baby, which always makes me happy.  We decorated his room in baby snoopy.  It was so cute, but I can't find the pictures.  We also had a baby snoopy baby shower.  Did I mention that I love Snoopy.  Anybody who wants to see the movie with me, just give me a shout.

                                                                 cute, right?

The teenager

So as of 7:21 this morning I have a teenager.  My baby turned 13.  We celebrated his birthday with the Ahrens side of the family yesterday.  It was simple.  For weeks he had been asking to go to Texas Road House for steak for his birthday.  Yesterday, he changed his mind and wanted Applebees to go.  I was a little disappointed, but it was what he wanted ;) I made him a peanut butter chew cake because he has been asking for peanut butter chews for a while too.  He loved it, but Paige and Cady didn't seem to thrilled.  I ate too many pieces of course and made myself sick.  It has made me not eat so much today though.  Today we didn't do anything special.  Austin had kind of a nice day for a birthday this year with it being on a Sunday and daylight savings time.  He slept a little late anyway.  He missed a few calls, but finally woke up when grandma bev called.  I was so proud of him though.  I got him the Sims 4 game and told him we would pick out some shoes later.  Instead of griping about only getting that, he thanked me (which is much different than he has been lately).  But, poor Austin, I forgot that my laptop was dropped and the dvd drive does not work so he couldn't load the game on my computer and the desktop is so old that we tried putting it on there but it only made 4% progress over five hours.  We finally decided to give up for now.  So, we didn't make it to the store to get his shoes and he can't use his Sims.  It didn't turn out to be such a great day for him after all.  He did get to go see David for a while which made him happy :)  I just can't believe that he is 13!

volleyball

I went to the parent meeting for the middle school boys volleyball tryouts this week.  There were so many parents there.  I had no idea that so many kids would be interested in playing.  They are only taking 10-12 kids so there will be a lot of cuts.  Austin is so sure he is still going to make the team.  He is going to be devastated if he doesn't make it.  Boy, these preteen parenting years are tough.  I have to let him try things, knowing that he will likely fail.  But having a kid with a mood disorder makes things worse.  I need lots of prayers to get through these next few years (or maybe longer ;))

another day in the life

So another poor parenting moment to report.  I swear I am really not as bad of a mom as I appear to be in this blog. Austin and I were over visiting my mother.  In hindsight, he had not taken his medicine.  When we got back home I found it still laying on the table.  Anyway, he got mad at me because I said he was selfish. In true Austin form, he completely melted down and in his pout managed to wedge his head between the sofa and loveseat.  Don't ask me how this happened.  I, of course, thought he was exaggerating so I did not immediately get up to assist him.  Within a few minutes he was clearly aggitated and was yelling for my dad. When that happened, I realized that he was not kidding.  Well I don't know how heavy those things are but I could not move either one apart from the other.  My poor mother with her broken leg got up to push one side while I pulled from the other.  At this unfortunate point in time it struck me how funny this situation was. "How could an almost 13 year old get his head stuck between two pieces of furniture," you may ask. Still don't know the answer.  I laughed so hard that I started to cry.  This made Austin more upset.  So moments later, I had just regained my composure when my mother says "Jerry bring me the video camera, we can send this in to funniest home videos".  And I lost it again, causing my poor Austin more distress.  Anyway, we finally got the loveseat over far enough that he could get up, but he was none too pleased.  Luckily, my mom was able to calm him down with a back massage and putting athletic tape to his back.  He's still a bit mad at me though, but what's new.

The grocery store

Those of you who know my sweet little Austin well know that he does not enjoy strolling through stores with the exception of Dierbergs (sometimes and rarely Sams).  I would prefer to shop elsewhere because Dierbergs does tend to be a bit more of a cost than the other stores.  Today Austin got wind that I was going grocery shopping so he insisted on going and going to Dierbergs.  So a ton of junk food in the cart later, we were ready to check out.  On the way to the check out aisle, he insisted that he needed to look at the chips.  I said, "ok, I will be in aisle 15 checking out (as I was only 3 steps away from there).  So I am checking out and still no Austin.  I am wondering what could possibly be taking so long when over the loud speaker I hear, "this is a guest page for Monica Ahrens.  Your son is in the ______ department."  Fabulous.  I missed what they said.  The checker did not hear it either so she called all of the different departments until we found that he was in the bakery dept.  So I take all of my purchased items back through the store to the bakery department where I meet an almost enraged little boy.  He said that he looked in aisle 15 but I wasn't there.  As luck would have it, aisle 15 was open and the checker varified that I had been through that line.  Didn't matter to Austin, he knew he had looked there.  Sigh.  I would have thought that going twelve years without losing him in a store, I would be safe.  But no, my almost teenager gets himself lost in a store.  I dread the day that he has his own children.  If he cant see a gigantic woman right where she says she is going to be, it's going to be a problem with a little wiggly three year old.  Goodness gracious.

Austin's misfortune

Earlier this summer I bought Austin a pair of flip flops.  I hope he doesn't read this or we will get to have a half an hour conversation on how they are sandals and not flip flops.  Anyway, we bought a size 9 because his feet were at the very limits of the size 8.  I am second guessing my choice now.  They are a bit big and they slide his feet forward so his toes hang off the front.  So tonight he was walking down the stairs and fell down the first three stairs onto the landing.  I lamely reached my arm out, but was really too stunned to actually move.  He then turned, trying to recover and almost fell down the remaining eight or nine stairs (that would have been bad).  I literally felt like the worst mother ever.  I was frozen and couldn't move to help him.  But, all ended well.  I think he was a little stunned himself and it didn't hurt him at all.

summer summer summer time

So, it's been a semi-uneventful summer so far.  This is a good thing in my book.  Just getting caught up on some doctor's appointments and such.  A couple of weeks ago Austin and I attended the Meade's annual party.  We really lucked out because it was a stunning cool day for July 5th.  I am posting some of the pictures from the event.  Baseball has finally come to a close with the end of the season tournament last weekend.  Austin was super crabby about his position and the games in general so I am glad we don't have to deal with it anymore.  Now, for volleyball practice.  Austin plans on trying out for the middle school team this year.  I am really hopeful that he makes it.  He has already had so many disappointments surrounding school.

Austin enjoyed some swinging time at the party.  I think that was the first time he had been on a swing in years.

 Some of the boys taught Austin how to play washers.  He didn't seem like a natural.

              Austin was a little upset that he weighed to much to ride the pony.  He had to walk beside it :(

 Just a picture of the pond.  Makes me think of being little at the farm.  I never did enjoy going swimming in there though because it was gross and filled with fish.

 Austin playing left field (his position for 95% of the tournament).  He was none to happy and was a bad sport about it too.

                              Playing second base one inning.  He played second base most of the year.

                                                          Austin batting at the tournament

Miscillaneous

No stories for today, just a bunch of miscellaneous items.  First, very excited to report that I have lost 10 pounds now (many more to go and it's coming off very slowly this time, but still a loss). 

Austin's baseball team started out doing pretty well this season, but has lost thee games in a row and two of them resulted in getting clobbered :(.  He has decided not to try out for the school team.  I think he has made a wise decision since his playing skills have taken a hit this year for some reason.  I really hope he makes the volleyball team.  I think his ego needs the break.  He has had a rough summer.  He lost his best friend (who in hindsight wasn't a good friend), and it's been really bothering him.  We are working on getting the house together so he can have some people over here.

So far, nothing really accomplished this summer.  Got to get moving only a month and a half left :o

Small town USA

Yesterday Austin, mom, dad and I went to Highland to see the parade before going to celebrate an early Father's Day.  I really do enjoy living here because there is enough in town to be able to do things while still being close to small towns that still have small town parades.  I am attaching some pictures of the parade.  I was a little disappointed that there were no shriner car shows in the parade.

the kids waiting for the parade to start

who can have a parade without the animals who come out of their cage and terrorize the children.  Actually, these were pretty well behaved.  They gave high fives to Austin and did not approach the smaller kids.  Good idea to pick the oldest one in the group :)

Nothing exciting about this, but that is Paige in the back of the truck.  Not sure why she was in the parade, but she was pretty excited.

Just because I love balloons

The mile of tractors

After the parade we went to Diamond Mineral Springs for dinner.  That was a mess from the beginning.  Jason was a real _____.  Good thing we don't see him that often.

the thirteenth of June

So, I basically went the whole day without realizing that it was Friday the thirteenth.  Normally, it puts me in a weird mood because of all of the creepy people posts and creepy movies on t.v.  Anyway, thanks people on facebook for pointing it out to me.  When I dropped Austin off at grandma Bev's house tonight, he commented on how beautiful the sunset was.  I concurred that it was an amazing color.  On my way back home, I saw a gigantic full moon.  So, add all the creepy people to all of the full moon weirdos and it makes it an interesting combo.  And for those of you who live around here, there are many homecomings tonight so there will be a fair share of drunkos on the road.  Be careful out there.

My preteen boy

So most people who know me, know that I am not a stickler on bedtimes in the summer.  I like to go to bed early, but Austin is at the age where he wants to stay up.  I go to bed and let him stay up.  I usually get up around 12:30 or 1:00 anyway to use the bathroom, so if he is still awake, I tell him to go to bed.  Anyway, last night I did not wake up so I have no idea what time he actually went to bed.  When I got up this morning he was laying on the couch with his ipad in his hand.  So I started talking to him.  It took me a good couple of minutes to realize that he was still sleeping.  I can't believe that he stayed like that all night.

Also, baseball is in full swing.  Austin has not practiced his pitching hardly at all this year.  His main coach was not at the game so the co-coach asked if he wanted to pitch since his team was winning like 27 - 4.  Of course, Austin jumped at the chance.  The first inning he pitched he walked the first couple of people, but only one run scored so he didn't do too bad.  The second inning was BAD.  He just kept walking person after person.  The other team scored quite a few points that inning, but luckily Austin's team was finally able to get three outs.  I felt really bad for him.

Summer is here

My school year is officially over and I sure am happy.  It was exhausting year, but I am getting good feedback on my performance from my schools.  I am looking forward to getting my personal things organized this summer and spending some needed time in the pool.  If my parents ever decide to open it.  I have offered to help twice (sigh). 

On another note...This week mom and I chose to start weight watchers again.  I know I talk often about my weight and it should be simple to lose, but it's not.  It is a simple concept - eat less, move more, and yet I seem to sabotage myself every time.  But, I feel motivated for now.  It sounds like mom has been doing a great job this week.  I hope that we see the progress on the scales.  Sometimes it is disappointing when you think you have done really well and don't see any movement on the scale.  I am posting a picture of myself and Austin at Christmas last year and hopefully, I won't look that way this year.  Wish me luck and self control.

B is 2

So my sweet little Brinley turned 2 yesterday.  Krista and Jason celebrated her birthday today with the podstawa and Ahrens side together.  I went over early to lend a hand, but it was clearly under control.  Got to spend some time with the girls before hand.  Cady conked out while watching a movie until Grandma Bev woke her up.  Here are some pictures.  Please pardon my poor picture taking abilities.  I don't have a steady hand anymore.

My momma

My mom had her third broken leg surgery a couple of weeks ago.  This time they put in a larger rod and did something that wasn't right in the knee.  It was more complicated than the other surgeries because the rod was lodged into her artificial knee.  She also had a screw loose in there too :)  Anyway, they got her mended with a few extra incisions.  Because she wasn't doing well, she was sent to a nursing home for a week so she could get therapy there.  She came home from the nursing home earlier this week and is so happy to be there.  She is, however, cooking and walking about some.  I know that the doctors instruct their patients to do so, but it just looks so painful.  I think she is still in a lot of pain, but is doing well.  She invited Austin over to make cookies today.  They didn't turn out so well, but they did have some interesting ingredients.  I hope she continues to heal and everything goes well from here on out.

And then came the rain

So far this year we have broken the record for snowfall in the months of January and February.  This, of course, has been accompanied by subzero temperatures which makes it difficult to do anything outside.  Because of this, I think just about everyone was knocked on the floor when we had a near record high temperature yesterday of 65 degrees.  The snow finally melted around the area.  Where did it go, you may ask.  At my work, it went nowhere...it sat in the parking lot.  To add to this, we had one to two inches of rain that fell in a short time, compounding the situation.  I am posting a picture of the school.  Because of the extreme wind, the water looks like a lake with waves and everything :)

You can still see the curb on the upper left side of the picture.  That is the sidewalk to get to the superintendent's office.  Three of the four sides of the building look like this.  It looked like an island :) I don't know how the workers got in there without their wading boots.

Going home from work was quite an ordeal.  The wind was blowing my car all over.  The roads were flooded.  I was worried that my brakes would get flooded.  But, thankfully, I arrived home safe and sound.

Today, the water had receeded to the normal ditches.  And life returned to normal. 

My little embarrassment

I am going to admit right now that I am a little embarrassed by what I am going to post, but here it is.  As many of you know, I am a "t.v.holic", but normally I don't get so moved by a show.  I just have to get this out before I go crazy.  I, shamefully, watch Dance Moms, because I think that those girls are wonderful dancers and let's face it, many people in America like a little drama.  Now, I have always had to record it because I can't watch it when my blood pressure is high.  Anyway, I am officially DONE with this show and I think everyone else should be too.  Abby Lee Miller is the biggest jackass that has ever walked the planet and she deserves whatever misfortune should happen upon her.  I have watched her berate her dancers (keeping in the back of my mind, that it was probably partly for ratings - I mean who could really be that mean, right?) since the show came on.  But this season she has crossed the line.  I just can't watch anymore.  It's not entertainment.  I think that she honestly fancies herself a celebrity.  And, as far as the girls are concerned, I have always liked all of them for one reason or another, but Maddie is turning out just like her mother.  And that is a shame that she has finally been taught that lying and cheating is a good thing and a way to advance yourself in the world.  It's unfortunate that this show promotes dropping out of school at a young age so that you can pursue a career when you are over the hill by 30. 

Anyway, I apologize to the people who read this.  I have wasted two minutes of your time today!  Go do something useful to make up for this loss of your time :)

The emerging sense of humor

Anyone who has known Austin for a while knows that he has struggled with pragmatics and in understanding jokes.  This has improved somewhat over the years; and more and more I hear him say things that are funny in his own way.  We don't always share the same sense of humor, but the things are funny in his own circle of friends.  Anyway, tonight we were watching a commercial where one of the men said something like "I just looked at her and knew I would marry her one day".  Austin says, "I think my dad must look at a woman and say, 'oh she looks like she has money...I'm going to marry her someday." I sat there kind of stunned, wondering if he actually did say that and then he just starts laughing hysterically.  I love that he is developing a sense of humor and that he realizes that his dad is not a role model to follow in regards to relationships :)

ISPA

I got to the ISPA convention on Thursday morning without much trouble.  I only got lost once (GPSs are great, sometimes).  I went into the hotel and there were blowers everywhere.  Initially, I assumed that there had been some sort of flooding.  Anyway, my workshops were great, except that I seemed to have the long winded speakers so when it was break time and lunch time the lines for the food and restrooms were huge and it took forever.  But I did learn a lot.  I met up with a couple of my friends from grad school, and met a few new people.  I didn't stay at the hotel where the conference was held because it was a little bit high, so I stayed at the hotel across the street.  I had stayed there before and it was so-so.  I did not remember that they did not have irons and that the garage is so scary.  But other than that it was fine.  On day two, I learned that the blowers were due to the fact that there was a fire in the hotel on Wednesday night.  I went up to a friend's hotel room where they instructed me to look out the window because it felt funny.  As I approached the window, it was true.  I felt dizzy and had to hold onto the wall because I felt like I could just fall through the glass.  It was weird.  The windows must have been on an odd angle or something.  Overall, it was fun.

There was snow/sleet/freezing rain on the way home, but the roads weren't bad.  But, as I turned into the driveway my car slid a little bit.  I pulled into the carport and got out.  As I stepped back out of the carport to get my bag out of the car, I slipped on the ice and fell.  I hurt my knees and initially I couldn't move.  I was trying not to cry, and Austin was there flipping out, wanting to call 9-1-1.  I was finally able to calm him down, and army crawl back to the carport so I could lift myself up.  I just kept slipping in the driveway.  I don't have any scratches, but my knees are still pretty swollen and hurt.  My muscles in my legs, arms and back feel stressed too today.  I am really thankful that I wasn't hurt more.  It was a hard fall and with my weight, it could have been bad.  But I'm fine or I will be in a few days.  For now, I will continue to take my ibuprophen.

2014

So far, not lovin this year.  It has been super cold and snowy.  Austin has had a perpetual attitude and whines every day, almost all night.  I am STRESSED at work.  All these snow days has put me behind and I'm having to work at home a lot.  My evaluation has been cancelled twice due to the inclement weather and I just want to get it out of the way.  I am very nervous about it.  I have been blindsided in the past at a previous job and I just hope it doesn't happen again.  All this has loosened my willpower to not eat.  I have caught myself several times snacking on things without even realizing what I've eaten.  My poor habits are just so engrained in my brain.  I need to get back to it!

Maybe my next blog will not be a complaining one (but I don't know :)

Snow Days

No new pics today, but we did get about 13 inches on Sunday/Monday and then another 1-2 inches today.  This is the most snow I have seen in a while.  I've got to say that shoveling is moving up my list of least favorite chores.  Washing dishes still holds the number one spot after all these years.  Anyway, I have had snow days all week.  Austin's school was called off for tomorrow already as are many other schools in the area.  My schools have not called off yet.  While I really need to be at work to get some serious testing finished.  I'm already pretty screwed because I have lost four days.  I still kind of want another snow day.  I keep checking the internet like a little kid.  While my head knows what I need, my heart really wants to be off.  I am, however, really done with all this snow.  Once Christmas is over, I really have no desire for any more cold weather. 

On a brighter and totally unrelated note, I have been doing pretty well on all of my resolutions so far.  Maybe this will be my year :)

The polar vortex

I saw on the news that there is a polar vortex that is taking over the eastern half of the U.S. today through Tuesday.  The local news reporters have said that there will be record breaking low temperatures on Monday and Tuesday.  I think here the lows may reach into twenty something below zero.  We are expected to get a total of 6-12 inches of snow between last night and today.  I read on MSN that the state of Minnesota has cancelled classes at every school for Monday due to the expected low temperatures.  I took a couple of pictures at 9:00 this morning, but the snow is even higher now.  We are going to stay in and hope that the power doesn't go out and that the heat continues to work.  With the wind expected, it is supposed to be blizzard like conditions.