Surgery

Inmate #4 went in to have his tonsils out today.  He was quite nervous, but he was such a trooper.  The I.V. was no sweat at all.  The nurse kind of chastised me for not praising him more for what a good job he did.  I guess she sees all kinds--kids who scream and carry on and such.  She doesn't know this kid.  He's mellow; to be honest, most of the Hess kids are (they get it from their father).  #4 has a fairly high pain tolerance.

I waited in the waiting room for about 45 minutes and was called back just as he was waking up.  YIKES!  He was thrashing and crying out--tears streaming.  It broke my heart.  Such a contrast to what I'd seen wheeled out of the room.  He had twisted himself right out of his gown and was saying how it "hurt like heck."  He responded to no one, so I couldn't even tell if he could hear me.  They had to remove part of his I.V., so he wouldn't yank it out with all the flailing.  They told me that sometimes this kind of reaction happens with kids.  They all kind of stepped back and let me take care of it.  Wow!  What was I supposed to do?

He eventually calmed down once they got him some pain meds.  As he relaxed, he kept clearing his throat and saying how he couldn't breathe.  He was fine.  It just hurt.

As he got more calm, he turns to me and says, "Mom, did you take pictures?"

"Yah, buddy, I did before you went in."

"Did you take some while I was in surgery?"

"No, buddy, I was in the waiting room.  Do you want me to take one now?"

Please remember this kid is still pretty loopy at this point.  He chimes in with, "Yah, and put it on your blog."

Laughing, I reply, "Okay.  You want to be part of the blog, huh?"

"...And on Facebook."

I clicked this one:

Out of Control?

I received the recordings of What Not to Wear from Netflix a few weeks ago.  They were the "Mom Makeover" episodes.  It was fascinating to me.  I related to those women, most of them, so much.  One thing that was reiterated to almost each woman was "You dress like you're out of control."

I have never been one to worry too much about what I wear.  That's not exactly true.  In high school, I cared a lot.  A number of years back, my sister took me shopping and bought me some very nice clothes.  It was right at the time when the Warden's job changed, and my sister felt it important that I look the part of being wife to such a man.  I did well for a couple years.  Until I got pregnant.  It's hard to dress such a round body and then to dress it afterward when it's not quite down to the size you like to dress, it continues to be a struggle.

After seeing these episodes, I decided that I don't want to look like an "out of control" mom.   As I have changed how I dress, it's amazing how it's effected other areas of my life, but it's also made me look at what other things might be out of control for me.

The Warden read me this article today.  Don't get me started.  Ugh!  What was the teacher supposed to do?  I questioned the Warden about this, and he shared with me just what would happen in this case at his school.  It's sad that things have to get this bad.  Who is helping this kid get some control in his life?  Shouldn't he start learning it from this young age?

It just makes it so clear to me.  Wow!  We, as a nation, are out of control!  Look around you to learn from the mistakes of others, but mostly look at yourself.  We're all out of control in some area of our lives.  Is it your weight?  Is it your house?  Is it your kids?  Is it your job?  Are you addicted to something that you now "can't do without?"  Do you overspend?  What is it for you?  For me, it's a number of these.

So, I have to ask, what can you do to put things back in control in your life?

To not "look out of control," as I learned from What Not to Wear, is just he beginning.  From there, it's a matter of not being out of control.  I must put things in order.  It's up to me.  This world is crazy.  I can join them, or I can beat them.  The words, "Arise from the dust," and "Shake off the chains with which you are bound" keep coming into my mind.  Beating them is what I plan to do. 

Day 7- A Picture of Someone/Something That Has Had the Biggest Impact on Me

This cracks me up.  Ah, just take a sec and write about the most important thing in your life.  C'mon now, it'll only take a moment and then you can get on with life.  HAHAHA!

I thought about blogging about my mom or her death.  I thought maybe I'd blog about the birth of one of my children, but I once heard it said that the most important decision you will ever make in your life is who you will marry, so I've decided to blog about this man. 

I don't blog much about the Warden.  I respect his privacy.  But, I have to say that the person who has impacted my life more than anyone else is this man.  He builds me up.  He gives me freedom.  He is the only reason I was able to endure my mom's death.  His was the hand I held when my children were born.  He's a rock.  There's only one problem he has that I can see....He has to endure me.

Day 6- My Favorite Super Hero and Why

This was a hard one....

But, I have chosen.....

Yes, that's right, Jack Jack!  I mean what' not to love?  He's so innocent-looking but holds so much power.  So much power, in fact, that he hasn't a clue what to do with it.  No one else holds a candle to Jack Jack (pun intended).

I need to add a little unrelated note here...

I'm struggling big time with my statistics class, and although I have six more months in which to finish it, my original goal was to done with it months ago.  I'm at the point where I will do anything I can think of to avoid it.  I flit from stats to facebook to stats to this blog, and it goes on and on.  Just one of the dangers of taking an online course.

This morning, I woke up realizing how much time I'm wasting in my avoidance techniques.  As I lay there pondering, I came up with the perfect scheme.  I asked the Warden to change my passwords, so I have no clue what they are.  I can't sign in.  He will do it for me when I've completed all that I've assigned myself for the day.

So, if you see me here, you will know that I've done a good job and gotten it all done.  If there is no post, please know that I'm struggling and didn't get it done in time.  My hope is that I'll get caught up soon and be on here daily.  Look for me, okay?

Day 5- A Picture of Somewhere I've Been

Punchbowl Falls the Columbia River Gorge

I haven't been to these falls since I was a teenager.  We live about an hour away from the Gorge, but these falls are inland a bit, and I hadn't yet roped my kids into the idea of hiking in that far.  We have settled for those falls on the roadside and those just off the beaten path.  This particular hike took my brother being in town to go do it.  He told me he was taking his family there while we were on the phone trying to figure out a place to meet up before he left town.  I jumped at the chance to meet them there and hike with them.  I think he was a bit surprised that I'd want to.  I've been dying to get back to Punchbowl Falls.  It's so beautiful!  If you're LDS, it should look a bit familiar to you.

The Book List

This is the list of books I get to read for my current class.  For many of them, I had a list to choose from, but there were a few where I was just directed to pick a book from a particular subject.  Let me know if you read any of them.  I'd love to know what you think.
 

The Golden Compass
 
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
 
A Hero Ain’t Nothing But a Sandwich
 
My Darling, My Hamburger
 
Princess Diaries #1
 
A Series of Unfortunate Events #1
 
The Named
 
Maximum Ride
 
Old Magic
 
Catcher in the Rye
 
The Giver
 
The Way Things Never Were:  The Truth About the “Good Old Days”
 
Eleanor Roosevelt:  A Life of Discovery
 
My Life in Tap
 
Just What the Doctor Ordered:  The History of American Medicine

Teen Manners: From Malls to Meals to Messaging and Beyond

Be The Best You Can Be; A Guide to Etiquette and Self-Improvement for Children and Teens

Manners Made Easy for Teens: 10 Steps to a Life of Confidence, Poise, And Respect

A Wizard of Earthsea
 
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
 
I Feel a Little Jumpy Around You
 
What I Did Last Summer – or - A Man for All Seasons

Sixteen: Short Stories by Outstanding Writers for Young Adults

Quest for the Eagle Feather 

With Courage and Cloth: Winning the Fight for a Woman's Right to Vote

Day 4- A Habit I Wish I Didn't Have

Hi.  My name is Julie and I pick my cuticles.

I started doing this back when I was about twelve.  It has been called a "nervous habit," but the funny thing is my mom did it too.  Genetic habits?  At my mom's funeral, my brother, for some reason, looked at my hand.  He saw my thumb and said, "Wow!  That's Mom's thumb."

I have done a little research on it recently and found that it's not all that uncommon. 

What it comes down to is that I really don't like the feeling of the roughness of hangnails, and I usually don't have fingernail clippers on hand, so I pick the skin off.  It's not a matter of me wanting to hurt myself, and I don't believe it has anything to do with stress.  At some of the most stressful times of my life, my hands have looked their best--when I got married and each time I've had a child.

I would love to stop.  I just don't know how because most of the time I don't realize I'm doing it.

There you have it.  Any ideas for me?  Anyone else do this?

Day 3- A Picture of Me and My Friends.

So, I'm not one who walks around with my camera out all the time snapping photos.  This photo is actually two and a half years old.  It's from my birthday, but yes, these people are still my friends.  Phew!

Day 2- The Meaning Behind My Blog Name

"Hesses Madhouse," I have heard, is what the Warden's dad called their home when the Warden was a kid.  I, personally, have only heard it called that by the Warden.  He used to answer our phone with those words as a greeting.  It just stuck from there.  If you have spent any time here, at our home, you'd realize quickly that that's exactly what it is, a madhouse, and we all like it that way.

If you were to call our house, and the Warden were to answer with, "Hesses Madhouse," and if you were to ask for me, he would say, "Yes, the Chief Inmate is here.  I'll get her for you."

The madness doesn't really end with that....A few years ago, at the tail end of our family reunion (my side of the family), we were leaving the last event of the weekend, and as one of my great-nieces got into her car, she yelled, "See you later, Crazy Aunt Julie!"  This caught me a little off-guard.  I'm sure, as I have analyzed this, that the reason for the moniker is that this same little girl has an Aunt Julie as well, and they needed a way to set me apart from her.  The other Julie is calm and mellow.  In comparison, I am not.  I'm the one that's not afraid to take a risk, and I'm the one that grew up with four brothers thus tending to look at the world through very different eyes.

At first, I was sad about this nickname.  I wondered how long I'd been "Crazy Aunt Julie," but then I realized what a great name this was to have.  I can get away with things few others can; it's almost expected that I do the unexpected.  It's an unwritten license to step outside the box.  Yay for being "Crazy Aunt Julie," and yay for living in the Madhouse!  The madness just makes life worth living.

Day 1- A Recent Picture of Me and 15 Interesting Facts About Myself

Just did my own personal photo shoot. Ugh! I look crazed. Yuck! But, here you go...

1.  My mouth is crooked from dental work I had done as a child.  I fear the dentist more than anything, but I still go--sweating and shaking all the way.
2.  I am really good at building fires.
3.  My biggest dream is to learn to fly.
4.  I do all the voices when I read to my kids.
5.  I hate it when cars are parked on the curb (and now we do it--temporarily).
6.  Someday, I'd love to design and build my own home.
7.  I am left-hand dominant, but I write with my right hand.
8.  I think teenagers are the best!
9.  I am an auditory learner.
10.  I have no stretch marks.
11.  I have attended four different colleges/universities.
12.  I am somewhat obsessed with my weight.
13.  I would love to learn sign language.
14.  I loved KFC barbecued chicken (when they made it).
15.  When I was a child, I taught myself how to ride a bike, how to read, and how to play the piano.  Wish I still had that desire and drive (and especially time) for things.

Blog Post 30-day Challenge

I was just visiting an old friend's blog.  I hadn't been there for quite some time.  It was nice to get caught up with her.  She is currently in the middle of this challenge.  It looked like fun, so I'm jumping on board too.  Today, I will do "day 1."  Enjoy!

day 1- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself.
day 2- The meaning behind your blog name.
day 3- A picture of you and your friends.
day 4- A habit that you wish you didn't have.
day 5- A picture of somewhere you've been to.
day 6- Your favorite super hero and why.
day 7- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you.
day 8- Short term goals for this month and why.
day 9- Something you're proud of in the past few days.
day 10- Songs you listen to when you are happy, sad, bored, hyped, mad.
day 11- Another picture of you and your friends.
day 12- How you found out about blogger and why you have a blog.
day 13- A letter to someone who has hurt you recently.
day 14- A picture of you and your family.
day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: first 10 songs that play.
day 16- Another picture of yourself.
day 17- Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why.
day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have.
day 19- Nicknames you have and why you have them.
day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying or being with in the future.
day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy.
day 22- What makes you different from everyone else.
day 23- Something you crave a lot.
day 24- A letter to your parents.
day 25- What I would find in your bag.
day 26- What do you think about your friends.
day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge.
day 28- A picture of you from last year and now, how have you changed since then?
day 29- In this past month, what have you learned.
day 30- Your favorite song.

A Couple Thoughts While I Read

I have a TON of things to do.  I'm behind in my studies with this weekend's fun activities, so I HAVE to get on that.  Monday is also laundry day, and I was left with a sink full of dishes; although, the dishwasher is empty and just waiting to receive.  I have two hours until I go pick up Inmate #6 and Inmate #7 is asleep, so now is my time.

I decided that my greatest chance for success this morning is if I include some prayer and scripture study, so I begged for some help and turned to Alma 53.  Within the first five verses, I'm already impressed with a few ideas....

In verse two, it talks about Lehi.  I love that I have Lehies in my life--those who have been placed in my path to ease my burdens and stress.  Those who have so willingly shared in my tough times and my happy times.  I especially love the idea that God is aware of me and that He blesses my life with His grace.

In verse five, I feel like it's giving me a clue on how to deal with my kids (one in particular).  It's speaking about when the Nephites are preparing for future battles, and they're fortifying their land and using the Lamanite prisoners to get the work done.  I almost started laughing when I read, "It was easy to guard them while at their labor."

One of my little cherubs is very busy all the time.  It would be nice if that busy-ness was constructive and creative, but alas....I need to get this kid working!

I love the little parental secrets and clues given in the scriptures.  YAY!!!

Have a great day!  Look for miracles.

The "Good" Experiment

Last night at the adult session of stake conference, the Stake President shared this scripture:

"Wherefore, all things which are good cometh of God; and that which is evil cometh of the devil; for the devil is an enemy unto God, and fighteth against him continually, and inviteth and enticeth to sin, and to do that which is evil continually.

 "But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God."   (Moroni 7:12-13)

Although it had nothing to do with his talk, my mind started following an interesting course as I heard these words.  I got to pondering on just what this means to me and my family, and I decided to try an experiment.  For one week, I am going to attempt to choose good in EVERYTHING.  I am going to try my hardest to control all of my thoughts, words and actions.  If I start to think something negative, I'm going to change it for something good.  There is good to be found in everything.  Even if "Wow!  What good breathing he's doing," is the best I can come up with, or "Oh how I love you," is all I can say, I'm going to give it my best shot.

There has been too much negative in my life, and I've allowed it and sometimes invited it in.  At this point, I would say any is too much.  I'm curious to see what effect this will have in my home and on my children.

Cake Mix Bar Cookies

Inmate #5 has a soccer party tonight. I think over the years I've become very opinionated about soccer tradition. I think trophies are for the birds--get the kids a sweatshirt or something they can use to commemorate the season. I think snacks after games should end at about the age of 8 or 9.

Team parties, though, simple is SO much better in my book. Tonight's is the best plan I've ever heard of, though. The coach's wife is having the kids over to their house for a potluck. She assigned each family to bring something in a certain category. We're dessert--I'm taking cinnamon rolls and cookies from the following recipe. The coach's family is providing hot dogs with the fixings.

Ahh! I'm so happy not to be spending a million bucks on pizza and going to a crazy place where you're chasing you don't know where your kids are half the time and the other half you're chasing them around just trying to get them with the rest of the team. YAY!!! So happy for tonight's party.

So, I'm sick of hunting this recipe down, so I'm posting it for future reference. It came form this link.

Bar Cookies from Cake Mix
* 1/2 cup butter
* 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons water
* 1 egg
* 1 package yellow or white cake mix (you can use any flavor--our fave: lemon cake mix and pour in white chocolate chips)
* 1 cup chopped walnuts
* 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9"x13" baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in water and egg, then stir in cake mix. Finally, mix in nuts and chocolate chips. Spread mixture into pan.
3. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes in the preheated oven. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

Yes folks, this means the season is almost at an end!  We survived!  We're all still in one piece.

A Song for the Warden

When we were just starting out, I found myself in the mall.  In one of the shops as I stood there buying nothing, this song came on.  I just stood there listening to the lyrics realizing that this song sums up EVERYTHING I feel about the Warden.  The video bugs me BIG TIME, but the message behind it is just so...so....PERFECT!

The Key to Success

I have a rebellious spirit about me; there's no question, but on the other hand, I also am able to exercise a lot of self-control.  I don't tend to follow the pack.  I think it's in my blood.  My dad's side of the family are like that.  If you know the family I was raised in, I think you'd agree that we all got a substantial portion of my dad's genes.  If you know the family I'm currently raising, you might also agree that my kids have inherited a large portion from me.

One thing I do rebel against is going to bed.  I am not a night owl.  I accepted that years ago, but for some reason, I refuse to give in when I get tired.  I have what I call One-More-Thing syndrome.  I know I can get that one more task done before it gets too much later.  I KNOW it!  Every night I know it.  I expect that time is going to stand still for me while I do it too.  Someday....

Last night, I decided that my rebellion does me no good.  It's not beneficial in any way, so I decided to obey what I already know to be good for me and went to bed.  It was 9:30.  Ahhh!  It felt so good!

I woke this morning with more than eight hours of sleep to my credit.  I woke to my alarm and couldn't complain about anything.  I got up and got moving.  I woke the kids in time to get up and get ready so the morning ran oh so smoothly.  It was just heavenly!

Things have really fallen into place today.  I'm realizing that there really is only one person who can take care of me, and that's me.  I'm the only one who can make the decisions that are going to benefit me the most and lead to me being happy.  That happiness seems to work like the gears in a clock.  It touches everyone who lives with me.  They all seemed happier this morning too.

I've also been tracking my Weight Watchers points this morning.  November is my month.  I'm going to get back on track and take care of me the best I can.

I also got two lessons done for school.  The shocker...I actually understood what I was studying!  I know, I can't believe it either.  Maybe it all comes back to having a decent night's rest.

Well, I'm off.  Gotta go get some kids from school.  High school soccer is now over, so my big kids'll be home too.  YAY!!!  This day is just gonna get better and better!