sandy

As we brace for impact, this weekend is no doubt full of prep and battening down of hatches.  Whatever hatches are.  I'm definitely not high-strung when it comes to storms, flooding and power outages, but having a little one around changes things slightly.  And of course, being married to a volunteer fire chief means I could quite possibly be braving the storm solo.

 

So here's my little list of what you need, what needs to be done, basically just an exhaustive list of hurricane prep.  Seriously, if it's not on this list, forget about it.  You don't need it. 

 

• Water.  You've gotta have water for drinking, flushing and bathing.  So stick some bowls and buckets outside (or inside, if you have a leaky roof) and you'll be sure to collect plenty of water for these uses.
• Food.  If you're perchance trapped in the house for any period of time, you gotta eat!  Make sure you have plenty of candy on hand to keep your (and your kids!) energy up.  Chips, cookies and the like will also keep well and supply you with what your body needs.  Once you have all these staples, you could also stock up on fruit, vegetables, bread, peanut butter, canned food and other things...if you want. 
• Batteries.  Can you imagine being trapped in your house and the video games don't work?!  I know.  True nightmare.  Charge up the iPhones, iPads and iEverythings.  Make sure there are extra batteries for the laptop and DS.  It may even be worth it to go out and buy a generator so the PS3 and XBox will still be functioning.  If  you've got a little extra money, it may be a good idea to stock up on batteries for flashlights and radios.  But ya know...whatever.  Use your own judgement there.
• Battening of Hatches.  batten down the / one's hatches:

  a. Nautical . prepare for stormy weather: used as a command.

  b. to prepare to meet an emergency or face a great difficulty: The government must batten down its hatches before the election.  ----okay, there's the official definition of that phrase.  What does this mean to you?  It means you must update your will, make sure your house is spotless from top to bottom and cover any portholes that you may have with, um, battens.

 

And just by following these simple steps, you can be ensured of a grand old hurricane time.  Or you can do like I'm gonna and take the little one and head to your parents house.  They've been battening longer than I have.  I'm sure it's safer there.  :)

 

Stay safe, everyone!

 

 

 

sick

the house is trashed.

Yesterday I went downhill fast.  Faster as the day went on.  Throat hurting, lots of coughing, just generally feeling lousy.  I spent the evening on the couch, and somehow managed to make it in to the bedroom when it was time for bed.

 

Today I ran a couple necessary errands, then spent the rest of the day on the couch.  I'm so grateful for a very good little boy who is happy to just play.  He kept bringing toys over to me and just putting them next to me while I laid on the couch.  Love that kid.

 

John was home for dinner.  He picked up a pizza then had to go out tonight.  Once again, I assumed position on the couch and JJ just played around me.  He did funny stuff, did his cute little giggle and grin...we cuddled and watched Super Why, then he went to bed.

 

and the house is trashed.

 

maybe i'll clean it tomorrow.

 

if i make it off the couch.

 

 

boring days

Sometimes a boring day at home is just what you need.

 

My accomplishments today include washing dishes, vacuuming the living room and taking care of JJ. 

 

I know, I should really take it easy and try not to work so hard.

 

But today was John's day off and it's more fun to just hang out anyway.

And right now JJ is watching Super Why on Netflix. 

 

Sometimes a boring day at home is just what you need.

manners.

Manners are always of utmost importance at our house.  Above all else, you must always conduct yourself in a manner worthy of entertaining the most proper of the proper, even if that means the royal family itself.

 

 

 

Or not.



what I wish for most

You start off with dreams.  Ideas of who your child will be.  And despite what I may have wanted to admit, I'll admit the truth.  All I wanted was a healthy child, one without deformity or disability.  One that could make it easily through life.

 

When I think of my little boy in his school years, I'll be honest.  What I imagined for him was popularity.  Sports.  Smart enough to do well.  Handsome (of course!)  My main desire?  That he would fit in.  That he would have friends.  That he would be 'normal'. 

 

Things have changed since I've spent the past year and a half raising this boy.  I have changed.

 

Now what do I want for JJ? 

 

I want for him to be a friend.  A friend to everyone.  A friend to the friendless, the popular, the different, the outcast, the disabled, the friendly, the new kid, the shy kid, the jock.

 

I want for him to stand up.  To stand up for himself, for what he believes in, for those who can't stand up for themselves.  To speak for those who can't, or won't, even when it's not the popular thing to do.  To stand up to those doing wrong, not caring what they think of him. 

 

I want him to have compassion.  To not judge a person by their circumstances or their choices.  To really see the inner good in everyone.  To care, to love.  To ache over the hurt of others.

 

I want him to try.  Try and succeed, try and fail.  Either way is okay with me.  Just as long as it's not a life of mediocrity, scared to make an attempt.  I want him to take the leap, even if he's scared, even if the next step isn't clear.

 

........

 

I've been mulling over the "Be the change you want to see in the world" quote lately.  It can cross over to so many parts of our lives.  Be the change you want to see in your church.  Be the change you want to see in your family.  I'm well aware that who JJ is yet to become depends largely on what he sees and experiences.  Am I a friend?  Do I stand up for those who don't have a voice?  Do I live my life with compassion?  Am I willing to step out in faith and try, even when the pathway is shadowed and dim?

 

I don't have it all figured out yet.  Obviously.  But my prayers have changed.  I pray for JJ in new ways now.  I can only hope I'm doing what I need to in order to instill in him the things I desire to see.  Time will tell.  And I can't wait to see the boy and man he becomes.