Sunday, August 30, 2009
Good thoughts for my little All Star
I am beyond busy, and this week will not be good for posting, we have a lot going on. Landon starts kindergarten Monday, Tuesday is our appt at CHLA, Wednesday I start back with my bowling league, Thursday starts soccer practice, I have work to well...work on, and the list goes on. I just wanted to ask for some prayers for my little Gavin. He will be under general anesthesia for a few hours on Tuesday morning during the procedure. I know he's in good hands and an All Star and will do great. These things are always scary but I will update as soon as I can with the results.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Nothing like...
making a pit stop in the middle of nowhere to stretch the legs
or soaring through the blazing hot air, somewhere over Utah
or pretending to be asleep
so my brother can get sucked into taking 100 pictures in the middle of nowhere with mom
nothing like the parents busting out the jumper in the middle of the Rocky Mountains rest stop
there's nothing like a picnic with family in the middle of Estes Park
or riding a three wheeler for the first time with dad
or some bluegrass, jazz and classical music and my drink in hand to keep me calm.
There's nothing like family, and getting some quality time in with those I love.
There's nothing like Colorado.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
1, 2, 3 and do it all over again
Is anyone watching me?
I'm gonna be a little stinker just like my shirt says
These bad boys are coming off
Yep, there's my mom. "Hands down, glasses on". How many times in one day is she going to say that?These pics represent a pretty typical day with Gavin. Hands down, glasses on... repeat. We even lost his glasses while walking around Pearl Street in Colorado, luckily someone stepped on them (but didn't break them) and set them out on a planter so we could find them. Luckily we did. He's getting pretty good sensing noone around and ripping them off like nobody's business. It's a very tiring task, and literally in Colorado Troy and I took turns being eyeglass monitor. He has been eye pressing a lot lately, I think the new environment in Colorado had to do with some of that, but in general it's been pretty bad. I'm waiting for them to break, or for them to become lost when we are out, and flushing $500 down the drain.
On an update note, his appointment is next Tuesday! This is for the ERG, and will be done at Children's Hospital in LA. I am relieved and anxious. It's full sedation, under general anesthesia and it takes about 2-4 hours. We will know that day the results of the Dr's findings, which is the day I have been looking forward to for 7 months now. We will also get a better understanding of what we think he can see. My gut, I don't think it's much as I have stated before. He is sensitive to light, so there is some perception, but I don't think he has the accuity to be able to make out objects. That's my take on it, but we will know for sure next Tuesday. Please hold him in your prayers that everything will go as planned, and there are no problems with the anesthesia.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Shameless business plug
Wow... I have not done an entry in quite a while. We took a much needed vacation to Colorado to visit family. It was needed, treasured and certainly missed. I spent many summers as a child in Colorado, and it was great to share my experiences with my kids. It was a bit surreal. It was nice to escape and our biggest worry was "What's for dinner?" I will update more with some pics when I get them downloaded.
On the other hand... I am going to self-promote. Yes, I am. Not for Gavin, or any fundraising, but for my new little business. I have always worked, through college, during the first years of our marriage before kids, and even after. Over a year ago, I quit my job (career) for a software company in Irvine. I LOVED the work, it was challenging, I LOVED my coworkers -- but it was in Irvine and some weeks I put in 70 hours at times. Needless to say, I quit to be home where my heart was. Putting many hours in with over 2.5 hours of commute a day is a daunting task. I told myself I would find something part-time, close to home. I did. I found a new position, working from home, part-time. It was perfect. I am no longer career oriented, like I had been most of my adult life. I always pushed myself with my jobs, to better myself, to excel at what I do... and deciding to refocus on putting that focus and energy on your marriage and your children is something I always battled. To then have found a part-time, work from home position, I felt I had it all down. The second week of my training was the week we were confirmed with Gavin's diagnosis. I remember scheduling his appointment so I could be out of there in time to get home to jump on my conference call with the trainer. We got the diagnosis, I cried my eyes out on the drive home, jumped on the conference call, put it on mute and cried some more. I was out of sorts, and couldn't pull it together for a measley one hour conversation. Troy walked in and said, "What are you doing?" He said "Hang up". I did, and that was the end of that job. I couldn't focus on a new position, without even having a moment to come to grips with the news that was just given to me.
I know this is a battle for all parents out there. For every gain there is a loss. When I was fulfilled with my job, my family time took a hit. When I'm home with the family, on one income, our financial aspects take a hit. It's all about balance, prioritizing, and focus. I can multi-task like no other, and this played in my favor when Landon was born. The company I worked for allowed me to work from home after the birth for about a year. Mind you, at the end of the day, I looked like a dishevelled mess, but Landon was fed and happy, and my work was complete. The company was bought out, and that was that.
Needless to say, I have had some time to come to grips with Gavin's condition. My brain is able to now compartmentalize his condition, my feelings about it, and not allow it to spew into everything else. I hope that makes sense. I felt for some time that I couldn't focus on anything else. I have now become better at that. This leads me up the shameless business plug as the title says.
I have ventured into unknown territory. I have left my comfort zone of the computer/e-commerce industry and have landed in direct sales. Yes, direct sales. I don't like the term "direct sales". It sounds like you're shoving product down customers throats, or discretely trying to manipulate them. This company I have found, is nowhere near that. I am an independent jeweler, and I do home shows. The company was founded by a husband and wife, who are now in their 80's. They pride themselves and the company on integrity. It is one of the best commision plans in the United States, and the company is right here in Texas, where the jewelry is manufactured. The list goes on for why I chose this, but mainly it was because I can bring in some extra money for Gavin's medical/education bills and I can also be able to take him to all of his therapy sessions, dr appointments, etc. I plan my work around Gavin, and when I am available to leave the house for a few hours when the kids are with daddy. There is so much to share about this remarkable company, but I had my first home training show this past weekend, and my friends and family came out to be my guinea pigs. It was a success, and I'm thankful for their support.
So...(shameless business plug)... ahem. SO... if you'd like to invite a few girlfriends over and have me come and show the jewelry, you as the hostess, will receive free jewelry. Up to $100 worth before the shows date, and then 30% of the retail on the show date. No scams, no buying into anything. Nada. Email me if you'd like some more info, or if you would like to see a catalog. That concludes the business plug - thank you for your time. ;)
PS - Here is the company. They are a Christian company based on biblical principles. They're pretty wonderful!
On the other hand... I am going to self-promote. Yes, I am. Not for Gavin, or any fundraising, but for my new little business. I have always worked, through college, during the first years of our marriage before kids, and even after. Over a year ago, I quit my job (career) for a software company in Irvine. I LOVED the work, it was challenging, I LOVED my coworkers -- but it was in Irvine and some weeks I put in 70 hours at times. Needless to say, I quit to be home where my heart was. Putting many hours in with over 2.5 hours of commute a day is a daunting task. I told myself I would find something part-time, close to home. I did. I found a new position, working from home, part-time. It was perfect. I am no longer career oriented, like I had been most of my adult life. I always pushed myself with my jobs, to better myself, to excel at what I do... and deciding to refocus on putting that focus and energy on your marriage and your children is something I always battled. To then have found a part-time, work from home position, I felt I had it all down. The second week of my training was the week we were confirmed with Gavin's diagnosis. I remember scheduling his appointment so I could be out of there in time to get home to jump on my conference call with the trainer. We got the diagnosis, I cried my eyes out on the drive home, jumped on the conference call, put it on mute and cried some more. I was out of sorts, and couldn't pull it together for a measley one hour conversation. Troy walked in and said, "What are you doing?" He said "Hang up". I did, and that was the end of that job. I couldn't focus on a new position, without even having a moment to come to grips with the news that was just given to me.
I know this is a battle for all parents out there. For every gain there is a loss. When I was fulfilled with my job, my family time took a hit. When I'm home with the family, on one income, our financial aspects take a hit. It's all about balance, prioritizing, and focus. I can multi-task like no other, and this played in my favor when Landon was born. The company I worked for allowed me to work from home after the birth for about a year. Mind you, at the end of the day, I looked like a dishevelled mess, but Landon was fed and happy, and my work was complete. The company was bought out, and that was that.
Needless to say, I have had some time to come to grips with Gavin's condition. My brain is able to now compartmentalize his condition, my feelings about it, and not allow it to spew into everything else. I hope that makes sense. I felt for some time that I couldn't focus on anything else. I have now become better at that. This leads me up the shameless business plug as the title says.
I have ventured into unknown territory. I have left my comfort zone of the computer/e-commerce industry and have landed in direct sales. Yes, direct sales. I don't like the term "direct sales". It sounds like you're shoving product down customers throats, or discretely trying to manipulate them. This company I have found, is nowhere near that. I am an independent jeweler, and I do home shows. The company was founded by a husband and wife, who are now in their 80's. They pride themselves and the company on integrity. It is one of the best commision plans in the United States, and the company is right here in Texas, where the jewelry is manufactured. The list goes on for why I chose this, but mainly it was because I can bring in some extra money for Gavin's medical/education bills and I can also be able to take him to all of his therapy sessions, dr appointments, etc. I plan my work around Gavin, and when I am available to leave the house for a few hours when the kids are with daddy. There is so much to share about this remarkable company, but I had my first home training show this past weekend, and my friends and family came out to be my guinea pigs. It was a success, and I'm thankful for their support.
So...(shameless business plug)... ahem. SO... if you'd like to invite a few girlfriends over and have me come and show the jewelry, you as the hostess, will receive free jewelry. Up to $100 worth before the shows date, and then 30% of the retail on the show date. No scams, no buying into anything. Nada. Email me if you'd like some more info, or if you would like to see a catalog. That concludes the business plug - thank you for your time. ;)
PS - Here is the company. They are a Christian company based on biblical principles. They're pretty wonderful!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
CNLL brings you the Gavin Stevens Golf Tournament!
Yes, that's right. Chino National Little League, has kindly offered to do a golf tournament for our little boy. They have been so generous and kind. Thank you board members for you continued support -- you truly are like family to us.
Golf tourney is on September 11th at 8am at El Prado Golf Course. Deadline to register is Sept. 1st. It is a foursome scramble format (but we are also taking individuals).
Please inquire if you would like a flyer and/or more information.
We need golfers, sponsors and raffle prizes!
For all you business owners, especially in the area, this would be a great way to advertise (plus tax-deductible). We will be having the raffle items on a table for display throughout the duration of the day, and will be raffled off during the sit down banquet lunch. A description of the product, as well as the business name will be described by the MC of the event at time of raffle. Great way for some business exposure! There is no minimum dollar amount for raffle items.
If you're not a golfer, but would like to just purchase lunch and be a part of the raffle, we are selling lunch tickets as well. You do not need to golf to be a part of the fun!
Golf tourney is on September 11th at 8am at El Prado Golf Course. Deadline to register is Sept. 1st. It is a foursome scramble format (but we are also taking individuals).
Please inquire if you would like a flyer and/or more information.
We need golfers, sponsors and raffle prizes!
For all you business owners, especially in the area, this would be a great way to advertise (plus tax-deductible). We will be having the raffle items on a table for display throughout the duration of the day, and will be raffled off during the sit down banquet lunch. A description of the product, as well as the business name will be described by the MC of the event at time of raffle. Great way for some business exposure! There is no minimum dollar amount for raffle items.
If you're not a golfer, but would like to just purchase lunch and be a part of the raffle, we are selling lunch tickets as well. You do not need to golf to be a part of the fun!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Tooth Fairy - SOS!
Ok, so where in the world can I find a tooth fairy that brings teeth? Can someone create a fairy to take out the terrible process of teeth coming in, and just makes them magically appear? Gavin is in agony, he has his two bottom teeth. His two top teeth are making their way in, and it's been agonizing (mind you, they're enormous looking - or maybe the area is just so swollen). Motrin has been helping, but after I gave him a dosage yesterday - he puked it up. Therefore leaving the everlasting question of "What, if any, of the medication did he absorb?" By the events of last night, I can very well say, none of it. I finally dozed off at about 3:45 am, and woke up at 6:30. I feel so badly for him.
What timing, we leave middle of the night Saturday for our 16 hour road trip to Colorado. Someone remind me why I wanted to do this instead of flying? Right, because it's cheaper and I wanted some 'road trip family time'. Didn't know this would include some old fashioned, high-pitch screaming, chewing on anything he can get his hands on, drooling everywhere, in pain, 10 month old! All part of memories to look back on, I'm sure.
That's all I have. I've been in a non-writing mood funk.
By the way, we have a golf tournament coming up September 11th in Chino for Gavin. We need golfers AND business owners to sponsor or to donate raffle prizes. Promote your business! Tax-deductible. ;) More on that later... my little beaver still has not had his nap and has already gnawed off half the table. I will post with details on the tourney later this evening.
What timing, we leave middle of the night Saturday for our 16 hour road trip to Colorado. Someone remind me why I wanted to do this instead of flying? Right, because it's cheaper and I wanted some 'road trip family time'. Didn't know this would include some old fashioned, high-pitch screaming, chewing on anything he can get his hands on, drooling everywhere, in pain, 10 month old! All part of memories to look back on, I'm sure.
That's all I have. I've been in a non-writing mood funk.
By the way, we have a golf tournament coming up September 11th in Chino for Gavin. We need golfers AND business owners to sponsor or to donate raffle prizes. Promote your business! Tax-deductible. ;) More on that later... my little beaver still has not had his nap and has already gnawed off half the table. I will post with details on the tourney later this evening.
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