Happy Independence Day: What's Up?

 Good Morning Family,

Today, we in the U.S.A. celebrate our Independence from Great Britain.  It's a day of festivities, food, and fireworks for most of us.  This year, that includes me.  I'm heading to Colleen's in-laws for a picnic.  Then, most of us are heading to a nearby town for some sort of festival and fireworks.  The in-laws have a pool, and the weather just might be right for me to brave the water.  My grandchildren love the pool, and word has it that Izzy is a good swimmer for a six year old.

Sorry I've been AWOL from the board for a few days.  I was getting up early, not getting much sleep, and had to be out the door right away those mornings.  I've been fighting a funk, and in a world of pain with my foot.

Saw the orthopedist yesterday to follow up on that foot.  In addition to the pain from the screws put in during surgery, I now have calcification tendonitis above my heel, on the outside.  Doc recommends rest, wear the boot.  If I'm still having trouble when I go back in three weeks, he'll order an MRI.  I noticed it trying to stand up while holding Frankie.

Speaking of Frankie, did I mention he took his first steps a few days ago?  Colleen videotaped it, and posted it on Facebook.  I wish I could Share it, but Colleen doesn't let me post pics of the kids on the Internet.

Had a fight with Mom a couple nights ago.  Colleen stresses out terribly whenever she travels back to PA to visit family.  Bad enough to drive 12 hours, in two days, with the three kids, without Trent.  Then, she stresses trying to visit with all her friends and family, while also maintaining some sort of routine for the kids.  So, she's trying to schedule the days with each person before she goes out there.  I see nothing wrong with that.  Add to that, she's staying with her Dad, who lives 30 minutes from the rest of the family and friends.  So, she's called everyone back home, and left tried to set up dates, so she doesn't stress out while out there.  She couldn't reach Mom, my sissy, or sister-in-law, so she left voicemails.  Mom got her nose out of joint, because she resents having to make an appointment to see her granddaughter.  As a result, she's being passive aggressive, and refusing to return Colleen's calls.  I went berserk.  My poor daughter really gets stressed out trying to make sure she sees everyone, especially given she's only gonna be there for a week.  But, Mom has an entitlement attitude, and feels insulted by my daughter's request.  She's only ever cared about four people's feelings, and been totally insensitive to the rest of the family, my older brother, my sister, my nephew, Neil, and primarily hers.  I made the mistake of trying to reason with her, and then flipped out and told her she always has to be a ***** and hurt people.  I'll really flip if she says anything to Colleen that upsets her.  Since I was a teenager, I hated the reality that she's the most self-centered, self-absorbed, insensitive person I've ever met.  What I hated most is that, I took after her for too long, and thank God that He changed me, with the help of therapy, prayer, and good meds.

Sorry for the rant.  I guess you can see why the funk.

Love and prayers,

Trish

Good Morning, Trish.  Happy 4th!

I'm sorry about your mom.  My family of origin was messed up too.  My father was toxic.  In the end, I had no relationship with him.  I have always wanted a loving dad but never experienced that kind of relationship.  Even though I knew what kind of person he was, it still cut like a knife when I read his will and saw the words that I had been disinherited.  Even in death, he hurt me.  It is what it is, though.  I have had lots of therapy as well.  I admire you for your strength and will to change your own life.  I know it takes a lot of really hard work to make changes in oneself.  Congrats to you for carving out a different kind of relationship between you and your kids and family than the kind you had/have with your mom.  Standing up for yourself against the kind of negativity and hatefulness your mother projects takes a great deal of fortitude.  The old demons are hard to slay. Be proud of yourself. 

Happy 4th to everyone.  Be safe and enjoy the holiday.

Cindy P.

Morning all!

Hope everyone has a Happy 4th of July! Be safe and stay hydrated. 

Thoughts and prayers for all, 

Debbie

Good morning Trish and everyone.....

Trisha...nice to see you back. I understand this kind of family turmoil when going to visit. I used to stress about making time for everyone. I learned the hard way that it only made it worse for me. I let everyone know I was going to be in town on such and such days. First to make plans with us got it. I usually had one day that everyone could meet up at a park or such. That worked well. I almost drove myself crazy with making all the plans. I finally let it fall where it may. Worked great for us. It sounds like you will have a great day today!! Enjoy the pool with the little ones. There are several of us caught up in that funk right now. Sorry about the fight with your mom....it will blow over. You have handled it well.

I need to go now....I am going to my daughter's until Monday. Monday is my birthday and she wants be to come down for the weekend.

Prayers for many in need.

Have a Happy 4th of July!!! Keep safe traveling and have fun!!

Love and hugs to all....connie d

Happy 4th of July sistas!

Hope you all have a fun day celebrating today!  We are having a rather low-key day.  Chris and I are going to take Benny to the Y to go swimming.  No****er aerobics, just swimming for fun today.  That will give Butch some much needed time alone here at the house.  He's in the middle of a bunch of projects, but babysitting really slows him down.  (Don't I know it!)

Trish, hon, I'm so sorry about your mom.  I feel your pain.  Family relationships, especially mother/daughter relationships, are so hard to navigate sometimes.  Just let it go.  You can't change your mom, but you DID change yourself.  Enjoy your fun day with your kids and forget about your mom.  I'm sorry that sounds harsh, but you have to let it go.  Let go . . . go on . . .!

Cindi P, Debbie and Connie--have a great 4th of July!  Connie, I'm so happy you are getting out of town again for the weekend.  And in case I miss it, HAPPY BIRTHDAY in advance!

Yesterday we went to Wal Mart to get some more things for the RV.  We bought Benny an inflatable twin mattress.  I let him pick out his own sheets and he picked Spiderman.  Then we bought him a collapsible camp chair.  He picked Spiderman.  (See a theme here?)  LOL!  He's very excited about "vacation", although he doesn't have any real idea of what it is yet.  He just knows it's something special.

Oh hurray!  Benny is going poop on the potty again this morning!  (Sorry--it's just such a big deal around here!)  We

We're going to watch the fireworks around the lake from our front deck tonight.  Chris bought Benny some sparklers and small things for him to try this year on the driveway.  No firecrackers though.  Papaw wanted some, but Mimi said "no!"  Besides the sound scares the dogs.

Well, I need to go.  I know we are all battling the blue funk right now, but it's going to get better.  Let's just all hold each other up in prayer and send kind and loving messages to one another here on OFF.  That's what sistas do!

Love you all!

Hi Trish and my OFF family:

I'm working today. Saw some fireworks through my bedroom window last night. Neighbors have been shooting off firecrackers and various other fireworks since Monday. Surprisingly, Juliette is calm. Her ears perk up when she hears the sounds, then she relaxes. Maybe because she is in bed with me and she knows I'm OK (although I'm not; I don't like them so close to me). 

I've been off for three days and am well rested. My back is feeling better. The steroids have taken down the swelling. I'm so happy I went to the docs. Only another week before my back procedure and that will make a big difference.

Connie, happy birthday early in case we don't see you on your birthday. Vickie, enjoy your time in your RV.

Well, not much else happening. Watched a movie last night: "We Bought A Zoo." Very good. I recommend it.

Have a good day.

HAPPY 4TH OFF family!!!!

Well today we had the BBQ for the tenants here even though the mean old Mother Nature once again gave us RAIN!!!!!!!!!!!! GRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!! We had I think 28-30 people once again come to enjoy our BBQ!!!! WOOOHOOO!!!!!!! They asked if we could have one EVERY month!!!!!!!! HELL YES!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE parties!!!!!!!! I know its ALOT of work but maybe one of these parties that mean mother nature just MIGHT give us a nice day so we can have the DJ play some jams!!!!!!!!!! LOL

Under a flood alert for tonight into tomorrow late afternoon again! Will Mother Nature EVER give up????? Also I see we have MORE storms for yet another week!!!!!!!!!! WTH?????!!!!!!!!

Am tired beyond tired so going to say bye for now...just wanted to stop in and say hello...

Thoughts and Prayers for ALL that need them!!!

HUGSSSSSSSSSSSSSS