The life and times of Kimber

Team Studer: 25 Rules for Mothers of Sons

2012-01-14T14:56:00.000-06:00

Team Studer: 25 Rules for Mothers of Sons

CHRISTmastime

2010-12-23T20:46:00.001-06:00

Well, as anyone who reads this can tell, I'm obviously NOT a true "blogger." It's been over six months since my last post and a lot has happened. Where to start...

I have so much to be thankful for this year. I have the most amazing kids and husband that a girl could ask for. My cousin survived a car accident that NO ONE said he would survive (Go Matty!!!) I received a gift posthumously from my Grandparent's Gee, buried in a time capsule for the past 25 years. I have an amazing job, which I love, and pray that every day I can go to work and make a difference in some one's life, most of the time it's even mine. My children got to spend a two whole weeks with their Oma and Opa. It was an experience they will never forget and memories they will have for the rest of their lives. They also have three grandparents here close that they get to make memories with on almost a weekly basis. I've lost some weight thanks to a change in my diet. My amazing mom cooks for us every week to ensure I get the kind of food that my body needs to attempt to regain my health. I fought the city and I won!!! I got to see my baby sister complete her first marathon. Steve's brother, David, graduated from the fire academy and got engaged to a girl I adore. My awesome husband wrapped ALL of our Christmas presents (including his own) because I have the flu. Three of my coworkers whom I am honored to call my friends returned from war safe and sound. I have amazing siblings, nieces and a nephew, none of whom could ever understand how much I love them. The same goes for my parents and cousins and other extended family.

I've also learned a lot this year. I've learned what I can do and what I need help with and with much struggle have learned to ask for help. I've learned that my body generally needs at least one full day of rest each weekend. I've learned not to take life for granted because those you hold most dear could be taken from you in an instant. I've learned that my children have much more insight than I thought they did. I've learned what it's like to be misunderstood at times. I've learned what it's like to not be forgiven by someone you love very much. I've learned what it's like to lose. I've learned what it's like to win. I've learned that if you believe in something you should stand up for it, even if you're standing alone. I've learned what it's like to work hard on an election campaign, and WIN! Lastly, I have learned that the only thing we truly have in this life is one another. So, hold on tight to the ones you love, and tell them that you love them. You never know when they will no longer be there to tell.

I hope everyone out there has a Merry CHRISTmas!!! Bring on 2011!!! I think it's going to be my year. :)
I hope all your Christmas dreams come true. As for me, I only want one thing. It's nothing material and there's only one person who can give it. They know who they are. :) No go out there and Defy Gravity and make this world a better place. :) Oh yeah, and don't forget to buy (or bake) Jesus a birthday cake.

WE DID IT!!!

2010-06-21T21:30:00.000-05:00

So, I'm in San Antonio for some work training and I just checked my email. Guess what? I received an email from a person at the "Risk Managment" department at the City informing me that, "The staff that supervises Jaden’s camp will receive additional training on anaphylaxis and the use of an EpiPen on Thursday, June 24, 2010. While we hope that none of the staff will ever need to draw upon this knowledge, we wanted them to have the additional information so that they are confident in their abilities to utilize the EpiPen should the need arise."

He also stated that they are utilizing the "Anaphylaxis Emergency Action Plan" which I submitted to them and requested that I have J's doctor fill it out and sign it along with signing it myself. I am so happy about this. This means that all children in our city can go to camp and not worry that God forbid if they do have an anaphylactic reaction they must handle it themselves. Parents in the city can rest assured that their children will be cared for appropriately, and the staff working these wonderfully fun camps no longer have to worry about losing their jobs should they decide to do the right thing if they see a child in distress. I think this is a big victory for all children and citizens in our city.

Right now they are only focusing on Epi-pens, but it is my hope that the city will soon expand this to allow their employees to care for children who suffer from diabetes and other similar ailments also. It is not often, when well monitored, that the use of devices such as Epi-pens become necessary, but it sure is nice to know that should it become necessary, there will be a responsible adult there to help all children in this predicament.

Taking on City Hall

2010-06-17T21:47:00.000-05:00

Okay, I know I said that I'd publish this yesterday, but I was pretty well wrecked since we were at the city council meeting until after 3:30 a.m. YES, I said 3:30 A.M.!!! That's when it became my turn to speak. I thought about leaving because I had received a call earlier in the day informing me that the city is reviewing it's policy about administer "injections" to kids, and working towards getting their staff who work with children trained to do so. Working in county government, I know that this policy change will likely have to go through the city council, so I waited my 9 hours to have my say. Below is basically what I said:

Address to the Mayor of Denton and City Council

By Kimberly Reynolds

Mr. Mayor and Members of the City Council, I would first like to thank you for this opportunity to bring to light an issue that I believe is important for the children and citizens of this city. My name is Kimberly Reynolds, my husband Steve and I have lived in Denton since 1992. I have served our community as a Juvenile Probation Officer for Denton County since February of 1998. We have been blessed with two wonderful sons, Bailey who is 9, and Jaden who is 6.

It is my understanding that measures are being taken to remedy this concern I am here to bring to your attention, but I feel it is important for you to know nonetheless.

I would like to respectfully ask you to imagine a scenario with me at this time. Imagine that you are stung by a bee, a fire ant, a wasp, or ingested some food item to which you are allergic. Almost immediately, sometimes within seconds, your skin begins to itch, becomes pale or flushed. Your airway begins to constrict, your tongue begins to swell and you can’t breathe. Your pulse starts to race and then weakens. You start to feel nauseous, maybe even start to vomit. You may even begin to feel dizzy, like you’re going to faint as your blood pressure drops. You may lose consciousness. You’re in anaphylactic shock. You are terrified.

Now, imagine you’re six years old. You’re in an unfamiliar place, your parents are not there, and you or your nine year old brother is responsible for administering the only medication that may save your life until an ambulance can get to you to provide further medical treatment. It should be noted that these symptoms can progress to deadly anaphylaxis in one to two minutes, so proper treatment should be administered immediately.

I don’t know if any of you have ever seen anyone in the midst of an anaphylactic reaction, but it is extremely scary, especially if it is a child, your child.

My six year old son, Jaden, is allergic to fire ants. His first and only reaction to date was two years ago, and Jaden only received seven to eight ant stings.

This summer, my husband and I decided to sign Bailey and Jaden up for some of the city’s day camps. When Steve went to sign the boys up he specifically asked if the staff who would be working the with the children were CPR/FA certified and would administer an Epi-pen should it become necessary. He was informed they were, so we proceeded in allowing the boys to go to camp, and have now paid for four camps.

Last Monday, I dropped my boys off for their first day at camp. When I walked in, I had Jaden’s Epi-pen and other medications that he needs should he have an anaphylactic reaction. I was advised at this time that the staff was unable to administer any medication that “breaks the skin.” I was advised that I could leave the Epi-pen in Jaden’s backpack and that if it became necessary, he could administer the shot to himself. I promptly called the office, and spoke to Jane, who was very kind and professional. She admitted that she had been the one who had told my husband that the City employees working the camps could administer Epi-pens.

I made a phone call yesterday to the ADA information line to inquire about Jaden’s rights as a person with an anaphylactic disability, and the differences between what is required from a Title II program such as the city offers through its day camps and privately operated Title III programs. I was informed of a couple of things. First, the ADA does not consider an Epi-pen “medication.” Second, I was advised that Title II programs have even more of an obligation to make such programs accessible to the public. I obtained this information in one phone call that took less than ten minutes.

The Department of Justice, enforcing the Americans with Disabilities Act, under a contract with the Key Bridge Foundation has mediated at least two complaints filed of this nature. I am providing you with a letter from Dr. Susan Torrie M.D. who is a pediatrician explaining the necessity of the immediate administration of an Epi-pen to a child who has anaphylaxis.

It is my opinion as a tax paying citizen of this city and a Certified Red Cross instructor, the benefits of allowing your employees to administer Epi-pens, far outweighs the risk of not administering Epi-pens which save lives. I have since been advise by Jaden’s allergy doctor, Dr. Marie Fitzgerald, M.D., that Jaden should not be left any place where an adult is unable or unwilling to administer his Epi-pen. I think the same could be said for all children with anaphylaxis.

I am asking you to please change this policy immediately. All kids in this city should be able to go to camp, and just be kids. Kids should be able to count on the adults caring for them to handle an emergency situation should it arise. City employees should not have to be put in a situation where their hands are tied, or fear getting fired should they choose to do the right thing if they see a child in distress.

Lastly, the Parks and Recreation Summer 2010 “Play Book” states, “The Denton Parks and Recreation Department welcomes and encourages all inviduals and families to participate in programs regardless of race, gender, color, religion, national origin, or disability.” I am asking for this policy change for all children in this city who suffer from anaphylaxis. There are many children who require the use of an Epi-pen. As for Jaden, he just wants to go to camp.

I will be happy to answer any questions you have regarding this matter and again thank you for your time and consideration.

Below is the video link...WARNING...it's not pretty. My address to council begins at 4:29:07...yes, we had been there nearly 9 hours and it was WAY past my bedtime, BUT I think Jaden just maybe able to go to camp this summer. :)

http://denton-tx.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=3&clip_id=225

Defying Gravity

2010-06-14T20:54:00.003-05:00

I have always loved musicals. Musicals are so diverse. Some of them are pure fantasy, some of them deal with real life issues, but somehow I can always find at least one song that I can apply to my life. I was very privileged as a child, not in a rich, bratty, snotty kind of way, but in a way that my parents believed that it was important for my siblings and me to be exposed to the arts. I clearly remember the first musical/play I saw at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., Quilters. I was probably eight years old at the time, and don't exactly remember what that particular show was about, but I know I enjoyed it. My family continued to go to musicals through my teenage years, some at local dinner theaters where we lived, and others that were actual Broadway productions at the National Theater.

We also had the opportunity to participate in day camps during the summer where we were involved in the production of musicals. We took dance classes, singing classes, acting classes, art classes, and at the end of three weeks we put on a Broadway show for our parents and members of the community.

Tomorrow, I am going to the city council meeting in an attempt to get the city to change their policy on the administration of Epi-pens to children in their summer day camps. I have fond memories of going to day camp during the summer as a child and really want my child to have this experience. At this point, my children are not able to have the experience of going to the city's day camps, making new friends, and experiencing all of the activities that go along with summer due to the city's policy that "The City of Denton staff will not administer any type of injection."

As stated in my previous posts, my son Jaden, suffers from anaphylaxis if stung by fire ants. Jaden has only ever had one reaction, and when I took him to the allergist last Friday, it took the equivalent of four "stings" for his body to "react." His allergy doctor advised us not to leave Jaden with any adult who is unwilling or unable to administer his Epi-pen to him. The administration of an Epi-pen is extremely easy, and once you're familiar with the device and how to notice signs of anaphylaxis it really should be no big deal. That said, if you work with children, as I do, you should be trained to administer such medications such as an Epi-pen for a child with anaphylaxis, or insulin to a diabetic child.

I called the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) information line today just to see exactly what Jaden's rights were as a person with an anaphylactic disability. I received some very interesting information. First, the ADA does not consider an Epi-pen "medication." Second, Title II programs or government run programs, such as the city's day camps or the program I work for have a greater obligation to make such programs accessible to those with disabilities. The person I spoke with also informed me that there were several precedent cases similar to ours. I already knew that, and was prepared to copy them, and place them in binders for the mayor and city council members.

I went to Staples and spent $63.00 to make my copies, buy my folders, tabs and other necessary items to put together my case for why the city employees should not only be allowed to administer life saving medications such as Epi-pens and insulin, but required to if the need arises. I know $63.00 is not a lot of money, but this is an issue that the city has not thoroughly investigated, thereby leaving me to do the investigating for them.

As I was driving home, one of my favorite musical songs came on my Ipod. You just don't get much better than Idina Menzel and Kristen Chenoweth singing "Defying Gravity" from the musical "Wicked." I have not yet seen this musical, but would love to see it some day.

As I listened to the words, "Something has changed within me, something is not the same. I'm through with playing by the rules of someone else's game. Too late for second guessing, too late to go back to sleep. It's time to trust my instincts, close my eyes; and leap! It's time to try defying gravity. I think I'll try defying gravity and you can't pull me down!"

And the words continued, "I'm through accepting limits, 'cause someone says they're so. Somethings I cannot change, but till I try I'll never know. Too long I've been afraid of losing love I guess I've lost. Well if that's love it comes at much too high a cost! I'd sooner buy defying gravity. Kiss me goodbye, I'm defying gravity, and you can't pull me down."

It was almost as if God was reassuring me with the words to this song, "There's no fight we can't win, just you and I defying gravity. With you and I defying gravity...So if you care to find me look to the Western sky! As someone told me lately, everyone deserves a chance to fly. And if I'm flying solo, at least I'm flying free. To those who'd ground me, take a message back from me. Tell them how I'm defying gravity, I'm flying high, defying gravity...."

Tomorrow evening, I plan to do my own version of "defying gravity" at the city council meeting. Someone must advocate for the children of this city. All children should be able to go to camp and rely on the adults caring for them to handle emergency situation should it arise. Tomorrow night I will post my speech to the mayor and city council for anyone who is interested. The idea of being on live T.V. is a bit nerve wracking, but I'm really more concerned about my allotted amount of time. Wish me luck. My challenge to you, what will be your version of "defying gravity?"

You know that little thing...

2010-06-08T19:46:00.000-05:00

So, update from yesterday. I waited until a bit after 1:00 p.m. to call the supervisor of the camps that the boys are attending to see what progress had been made with the "Legal Department." Kathy, who by the way has been very kind and professional in dealing with all of this, explained that the attorney who she usually works with is "leaving town," and will "handle it when he gets back." (This is Jaden's Epi-pen issue I'm talking about here.) I explained to Kathy, that this solution just wasn't acceptable to me, as this was something that was fairly urgent in my mind as my children were in camp THIS week, and that the City's attorneys should be reviewing their policies as we speak. I explained that since said attorney had to go out of town, I would just go ahead and file my complaint with the Department of Justice and we could go from there. I explained that I wasn't seeking any money, or asking the City to pay for anything. Quite the contrary. I only wanted the City to train (I've offered to train the city's employees free of charge) and allow their employees to administer medications such as epinephrine to children should it become necessary (God forbid). Kathy said she'd try and get another attorney to work on it, and stated that the City Council was meeting tonight. With that I told her that I would hold off on filing my complaint with the DOJ. I explained that I am also a tax paying citizen of this city and my fear is that at some point they will have a child (hopefully not mine) who needs an Epi-pen, and is unable to administer it themselves, and then the City will have a lawsuit on their hands. Kathy has been very understanding in all of this...geez...middle management must suck.
I decided then to email on of our city council members since they were meeting tonight. I also called the city secretary and told her what was going on (she also thought this whole thing was ludicrous) and suggested I cc my email to the city attorney, which I did. She also put me on the "Citizen Concerns" list to take my concern before the city council next Tuesday night.
So, if this is not resolved before Tuesday night, Steve and I will be taking our cause to the City Council. Hopefully, they will see how ridiculous this is and just train their people.
As for my children, well they're still loving camp. J said some of the bigger kids bullied him today, but I explained that he's going to have to deal with bullying in his life and we discussed how to handle that. I did call Kathy and ask her to let her staff know that I would be asking them not to separate my children any more. Apparently they get separated in line etc. and if Bailey is going to be responsible for giving Jaden his Epi-pen should he need it, well, then they can't separate my children.
Overall, another great day for the boys!!! Next week...OMA AND OPA'S HOUSE!!! The boys started packing and planning tonight!!!

Excuse me??? You MUST be kidding!!!

2010-06-07T19:41:00.000-05:00

So, our weekend calmed down after Saturday morning, although J was still afraid that his headache was going to come back. He later explained to Steve that his head had hurt so badly on Friday evening that he truly thought he was going to die. He even went so far as to ask Steve to please sleep in the living room with him. That part broke my heart a bit, but Steve reassured him that the doctor had checked him out, that the headache was gone, and that he was just fine. We had a very normal rest of the weekend.
Today, the boy's official first day of summer vacation!!! I must admit that I'm a neurotic mom. Not just a little bit neurotic, but A LOT neurotic. I know this about myself, and I know that at times I drive others crazy, but I am who I am, and if you don't like it well, then just move on. Some of this neuroticism manifests itself in whom I allow to watch my children. I didn't even like to leave them in the church nursery when they were babies. Even if I knew who was working in the church nursery. I have an irrational fear that something horrible might happen to my children outside my presence, and that it will have been my fault for not having been there for them. Thus, they have been allowed very few "babysitters" in their lives. Mostly grandparents, with a handful of trusted friends.
This summer I decided to get brave...and I mean REALLY brave. My step-mom made the suggestion that I look for some day camps for the boys to go to. I was a bit apprehensive at first due to my irrational fear, but soon realized that my boys are now old enough to let me know if someone hurts them. I also realize that they should not be penalized due to my irrational fear, and thought that summer day camp would be some great fun for them mixed in with some weeks with our AWESOME babysitter Annaleesa. So, I asked Steve to go ahead and sign them up and he did. They were FIRED up to go to camp, and I was excited for them.
I walked them into the camp site this morning to sign them in, and took J's necessary medications with me. (Steve had asked when we signed them up if their staff were CPR/FA certified and equipped to handle children with Epi-pens. He was told they were.) I signed both boys in, and was initially asked to sign J's meds in. His Epi-pen, Benadryl, and Xopenex inhaler. All three of these medications are only as needed for anaphalyxis, or an allergic reaction (in J's case it's to fire ants.)
So, I signed the medication sheet, and prepared to go on my way. As I turned to leave, another person, whom I can only assume was a supervisor informed me that they could not administer J's Epi-pen to him if it became necessary. I asked her what the alternative was...for him to die??? She stated that they would call 911, but that their legal department would not allow them to administer any medication that "breaks the skin." I informed her that we were told prior to registering them for camp that all employees were CPR/FA certified. She stated that they were. I then asked her what curriculum they used because I was an instructor for the Red Cross and taught Epi-pen administration in my classes. She stated that they are certified, but do not administer anything that "breaks the skin." She then went on to explain to me that my six year old could administer his Epi-pen to himself if needed. Excuse me??? You MUST BE KIDDING!!! He's SIX!!! Oh, and they can't take the Benadryl either because it doesn't have his name on it. I called Steve and asked him what we should do. He reiterated to me that he was told that they were certified to administer care to our son, but at this point we didn't have much of a choice and to leave the boys there for the day.
I called the main office when I got to work and explained our dilemma. After I finished (through several conversations and emails) explaining that they really could be looking at a little problem with this little law called the Americans with Disabilities Act, their "legal is looking into it." I have already printed out the paperwork for filing a Title II complaint with The Department of Justice if necessary. I know that if I do have to file a complaint, then it won't be resolved for J this summer, but maybe it will be resolved for some other six year old in the future and he/she can go to camp with no worries about whether an ant/bee/peanut allergy is going to affect them and then they're going to have to remember how to use their Epi-pen. A caring adult will be there to take care of it for them.
I came home today and asked my boys how their day went. IT WAS GREAT!!! They had so much fun at camp, and tomorrow they're taking a field trip. There is much excitement in this house tonight. We also had an Epi-pen lesson for both of them. They probably needed to know how to use it anyway...but the thought that the life of my six year old could be on the shoulders of my nine year old just doesn't sit well with me.
So, I will do what I have to do, neurotic or not to fight for what is right.

Holy Headache Batman!!!

2010-06-05T16:48:00.001-05:00

So, it's the last Friday of the school year 2010, and I just got off the phone with CPS and am rifiling through all of the papers on my desk, in my "to be filed" basket, in my filing cabinet, in my files, etc. and my cell phone rings. I looked at it and it was my husband, and I picked up the phone and said "What's up?" I was a bit frustrated and must have sounded like it (not that my husband was calling me, but because it was 5:30 on a Friday night, and I couldn't find the paperwork I was looking for.) In the background, I can hear my six year old screaming, loudly I might add. Steve proceeds to tell me that J came downstairs a few minutes ago and said that he has a "headache," was now screaming, begging to go to the doctor (background noise), and has a bloody nose that won't stop. Hmmmm....I'm thinking. Bloody nose is not all that unusual for J. He gets them A LOT, and pretty bad, but a six year old with a headache that is making them scream and cry and beg to go to the doctor??? That concerned me a bit. I told Steve to go ahead and take J to the ER and that I would meet him there.
I packed up my purse, bag, personal belongings (never did find my stinking paperwork...gonna have to go in tomorrow and find it) and headed out the door. As I'm walking out of my office, Steve calls me back and says that J has now vomited three times. Okay??? A bit more concerning...I go ahead and call the pediatrician's nurses line just to see what they suggest, (and maybe just for some reassurance???) Who knows?
Okay, so, I get to the ER before Steve does with three kiddos...I'm filling out paperwork as he's walking in with a child who is CLEARLY not well. We sit down, and another family walks in with their child who appears to be a bit younger than J. He looks to be well, but I never judge a book by it's cover, but this child certainly wasn't sitting in his own vomit, wasn't shaking like a leaf and wasn't sweating to the point that he looked like he'd been dipped in a swimming pool.
As we sat there, poor J began to vomit again, and the very nice person who worked behind the glass, brought us a vomit bag so he wouldn't have to use the bowl that Steve had brought to use. She also very kindly brought me a couple of wet cool towels for J as well as a dry one. She could see that this poor baby was in agony. I will say that as J began to vomit again, the lady who's son was sitting there not looking particularly ill said, "Oh my God!" as if my six year old could help it. I really wanted to punch her at that moment, but resisted the urge. She and her son were then called back to triage, to which J responded, "Mommy, we were here first, why do they get to go back before we do?" The kind lady behind the glass explained that she had spoken to the triage nurse and told her about how sick J was and that the triage nurse just had to "evaluate the other child's mental health status first." Are you kidding me??? Really??? I deal with suicidal kids...I'll do the suicide watch if someone will please take care of my obviously very ill child. I don't mean to be ugly or mean in any way at all!!! Our mental health system is lacking in many ways especially when it comes to children, but really???
Okay...off my soapbox there. Finally, they get J back to triage and everything is looking okay except his body temp is down to about 95.6 or so. They take us to a room, and the kind lady from behind the desk gets J a gown so he can take off his clothing that he had gotten sick all over. I lay down on the bed with him, and we lay there for a few minutes. The doctor finally decides to show up. When he does, he asks J if his head still hurts. J says "no." Funny, because I had asked him approximately 3 minutes before and he had said it did. J did say his tummy was still upset though. The doc does an exam on J (a very lame one might I ad considering what symptoms Steve and I were describing and the fact that this is a six year old child), and says he's going to give J some Zofran and fluids and watch him. J took the Zofran and ate a popcicle and after about 2hrs the doc came back in and said we were good to go. When I questioned the doctor about what he thought the problem was he said he had no idea. Really??? Are you gonna try to find out??? Because that was some scary stuff back there!!! Nope, he said that because J was acting 'normal' now any cat scan he gave him would show 'normal.' Well, okay buddy, but how about you ask me if my kid has hit his head on anything today (no he didn't but that would have been a good question to ask...and J could have and not remembered), or how about asking me if my child had been out in the heat at all today. Hmmm...there's a thought!!! NOTHING!!! All he said was he was going to go print us some paperwork. So, I thought to myself, I'm being to hard on this guy...it'll be on the paperwork. Ya know what was on the paperwork?!?!?!? NOSEBLEEDS!!! Really? Did that doctor really think I took my child to the emergency room and pay an obscene amount of money for a nosebleed? Oh, my goodness!!!
At any rate, I was in tears, and scared because my baby had just had this really scary episode and all the ER doctor could say was that he "didn't know" and then give me some paperwork on nosebleeds. UGGH!!!
Well, today was J's first indoor soccer game, and he was very concerned about missing it. We told him that unless his pediatrician (or another one in the office) told us he could play, that he was NOT playing soccer today. J, Steve and I all prayed together last night that his headache would stay away and that the doctor would let him play soccer today.
Thankfully, they are open for a couple of hours on Saturday. I called this morning and they got him right in. Dr. Day, (whom I made sure understood that I did not take my child to the ER for a nosebleed...he got it....score for me), did a very thorough, standard, neuro exam on J. You know what the ER doctor should have done (in my humble non-medical opinion). He also said that J looks like a million bucks today and that he could play soccer!!! SCORE FOR J!!! His conclusion??? J ingested something...like maybe somebody had put some chemicals in their yard or something. We have not, but who knows when boys are riding their bikes around the neighborhood and crash into some one's grass. It's quite possible. I am so relieved that this was a one time deal (hopefully). J gets nosebleeds...we can deal with that. NO problem. I'm not taking him to the ER for it though...that's craziness.
AND the BEST PART....Mr. J blocked about 20 shots on goal this morning and scored two goals of his own. Way to go Jaden!!!

Play it again Miss Kim

2010-06-01T22:35:00.000-05:00

And I did...over, and over, and over....What song you ask? "Waterfalls" by TLC. I can't help but reflect on the words of that song..."Don't go chasing waterfalls, please stick to the rivers and the lakes that you're used to. I know that you're gonna have it your way or nothing at all, but I think you're moving too fast." That was about 1996 or so. My "first baby" was about three and a half. We played that song what seemed like a million times because that's all Matt wanted to listen to. Of course he didn't know the true meaning behind the lyrics of that song, but I did, and prayed that he wouldn't grow up too fast...he did.

I met my "first baby," Matt when I was 16 and began working for his mother. She asked me to babysit for Matt and his brothers one evening, and Matt and I had an instant connection. That was 1992, he was about six months old, and yes he was mine. Yes, I'm aware that I'm showing my age. I have many fond memories of Matt and his precious brothers. They were ring bearers at my wedding, all the while Matt throwing the "ring pillow" over the alter rail while singing "Jesus Loves Me" throughout the entire wedding service, me trying not to crack up.
Matt is the only one of "my babies" who actually likes my favorite Disney movie "The Lion King." My biological children hate it. That's okay though, the LOVE "Cars," and it runs a close second. Any time in Matt's life he may have wandered into a bit of mischief, his mother was sure to call me and tell me that "MY BABY" was in trouble.

Next Thursday my first baby will graduate from high school. Where has the time gone? I'm heartbroken because I'm not even sure if I will be able to make it to his graduation ceremony because it is my last day of school also. If I can't though, we will certainly do something special over the summer. He is planning on going into the Air Force. This makes me so proud, yet scares me at the same time.
For all of those out there who think that you can't love a child who is not born to you as much as one who is...it's simply not true. I have three boys...Matt, Bailey and Jaden. They are who God put into my life. I am so blessed.

Brown-eyed Birthday Girl...

2010-05-31T20:17:00.000-05:00

Okay,
So, as long as I can remember I've wanted a brown-eyed child. Now I realize the likelihood of this is very slim, as both Steve and I have blue eyes, and so do both of my children. I can't have any more children, but it this still hasn't kept me from WANTING a brown-eyed child. :) Silly??? Yes, I know. I have two beautiful boys who are totally awesome!!!
My sister and her family came down from Ft. Collins for part of this weekend. It's ALWAYS great to see them, as we only see them about once a year, and our kids are about the same age. My boys absolutely adore their cousins (as do I), so it's always a good time. I had an awesome time hanging out with them (even though Steve and I lost $200...good job Joey!!!!)
I don't know how other people feel about their extended families, sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, in-laws, but I love mine so much it hurts sometimes. I miss them so much, and really wish we lived closer to them. Now, that's not a reality, because I married a "Texas boy," whom I can't get any further north than the town we live in. I'm not complaining, but it doesn't make me wish at times I lived closer to my siblings...especially because ALL of my nieces and nephew are up there. They are all so sweet, and I'd LOVE to say that I, Aunt Kimber is the favorite Aunt to most of them, but I am aware that Aunt Bubby is running a close second. ;) My oldest niece and nephew are teenagers now, and I LOVE that age!!!
This weekend I had a revelation though...God DID give me a brown-eyed child!!! She's my brown-eyed birthday girl. I love ALL of my nieces and nephew the same, and I can't figure out why it took me so long to figure this one out. Maybe, it's been a five year blonde moment. My niece Lucy was born on my 30th birthday AND she has brown eyes. My nephew has brown eyes also. I guess the moral of the story is, that we should look at what's staring us in the face!!! God always gives us what we need, and even sometimes what we want. I'm so glad this weekend He hit me over the head with a baseball bat and made me realize that He's given me everything that I've ever wanted!!!

Memorial Day Weekend 2010

2010-05-31T19:56:00.000-05:00

I must admit, Memorial Day weekend is always a bit of a tough one for me. It's hard for me to say things like "Happy Memorial Day," or the like because let's just face it...what's "happy" about remembering people who made the ultimate sacrifice so that I can say what I want and heck, even write this blog. That said, I do believe that we each need to take at least a moment (or several) to remember those who have made that ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms, and those who have served our country and continue to do so on a daily basis, in countries (and stateside) far away from their families, friends and loved ones.
My family has a long history of military service. My grandfather Striegler was a Colonel in the Airforce, my grandfather Gee was in the Navy (I believe), but was discharged prior to actually serving much due to health problems. My father served during Viet Nam, yes, he signed up...went willingly, NOT through the draft. He earned several awards, including a Purple Heart, and I believe a couple of Bronze Stars. My uncle, (dad's father) served stateside during Viet Nam. I actually have relatives who have served going back to the Revolutionary War. I have an amazing cousin, Ann and her husband who served in the Air Force for three years over in Okinawa. Ann is an M.D. and worked as such over there and her husband, Brian was a fight navigator (I believe). That's just my family.
Then there are those whom I call my friends...Greg who has served six tours between Iraq and Afghanistan...more. Eddie who is currently deployed to Iraq. Marilyn who served in Afghanistan to name a few. I am proud to call them my friends and colleagues, and I don't think they will ever know the gratitude I have for allowing me to be free.

I think my point here is that yes, it's nice to have the extra day off, but please remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice so that you can be out there on the lake, grilling with your family, and just be FREE. Something my father (well, all three of my parents taught me) is that freedom is not free. Sometimes I wonder why God chose me to live in this great nation. There is so much suffering around the world. How did I get so lucky to be born an American? If you are an American, born or naturalize...think about it.

Bailey passed his TAKS tests!!!

2010-05-25T20:18:00.000-05:00

The news came yesterday!!! Bailey's teacher emailed me and said that 100% of her class had passed the math portion of the TAKS test. My response??? And the reading??? She responded with "and 100% of her class had passed the reading portion of the TAKS test." WOO HOO!!!!! This is especially exciting for us at our house as Bailey has fairly recently been diagnosed with dyslexia. There was never a doubt in my mind that he was capable of passing the test. B has never received a grade lower than a "B". You will probably not find a child with a better work ethic than my Mr. B either. Yes, I'm biased, but this is what has made him (in my humble opinion) so successful in the classroom despite the dyslexia.
I won't go on my rant and preach to the teacher choir right now about politicians regulating how and what our children learn. Nor will I rant about how a child who isn't a "standardized learner" should be required to pass a "standardized test." I don't just feel this way because of my own child's unique abilities (yes, I said abilities because I think God made him this way so we must look at his dyslexia as a gift, something for him to overcome...and he will.) I feel this way because I serve many children with other "gifts" that God has given them to overcome and do not believe that any child or teacher with unique gifts should be stifled into teaching to a stupid standardized test that some politician who has NO idea about education dreamed up.
For now though, I am simply going to rejoice that my Bailey passed both parts of the TAKS test...now on to 4th grade!!!