Head Checked - now it's time for a GUT CHECK!

When will I learn to listen to my "GUT?"

Two years ago I started reading articles on cOnCUSsiOnS in preparation for all the sports that my son enjoys playing. The hits were getting harder, balls and pucks were coming faster, and kids were getting bigger. I read everything I came across - Good, Bad, Ugly and even ... Scary. I wanted to be prepared if, God forbid, we were ever in that situation. Last year, our beautiful, strong, athletic niece had a serious concussion in a high school basketball game. She has recovered completely, but I saw what that recovery looked like. It wasn't pretty. But the symptoms and the recovery seemed to be in-line with what I had read and learned about this very serious condition.  Again, I was naive and felt reassured that surely I would be prepared and know what it would look like if, again, God forbid it would happen to B.

All this preparation went out the window on Saturday night.

Playing one of the nastiest teams in our league, I should have known something was going to happen.  B went out for his shift and was going after the puck when he was struck by a nasty elbow to his head and flew into the boards. He laid on the ice for what felt like hours, but was only about 2-3 minutes. Braden has taken many hits and many falls - some for dramatic purposes for, what I can only assume was to try to win a Hockey Oscar. But this time was definitely different. Just the way he laid there wasn't right. While the other player was being ejected from the game, Brady opened the door to the ice and went to check on our son, along with our friend, and nurse extraordinaire, Stephanie.

After going through, and passing, a very thorough series of tests he was encouraged to take it easy, but said he felt okay. Just scared that something had happened. He wanted to get back on the bench and be with his teammates. There were only about 5 minutes left in the third period. My GUT told me to take him to the locker room and get him home to rest. My GUT told me to pick him up and carry him out - smelly hockey equipment and all. The fear of embarrassing him in front of his friends and my fear that I was potentially making more out of it than it really was (this is also known as DENIAL ... it really isn't just a river in Egypt! Who knew?), and what would all the hockey parents think, kept me from doing just that. Furthermore, this denial also allowed me and his dad to believe that it was okay for him to sit on the bench and play a shift if he felt like it. Really? This is one of my biggest pet peeves of OTHER people - Who are the parents here? Anyone want to take a guess at what happened next? Well, of course I went to the bathroom, that's a given ... cuz that's what I do. But while I was gone, he got hit again. Not as bad, but still scary for him. This time he came off the bench for the rest of the game. However, still not showing any signs of anything serious, except for the usual tiredness after a hard-fought hockey game.

The team wanted to go eat dinner together. My GUT told me to politely decline and go home to rest. After all, it had been a long evening for all of us. He said he felt fine and really wanted to be with his friends. We went to dinner. Then on Sunday he said he felt fine and seemed fine and wanted to play with friends and go to batting practice. My GUT was getting quieter, but still a little nagging that he should just stay in and rest.

Today I got a call from the school. My GUT SCREAMED AT ME - "I was right. You were wrong!"  His vision was blurred, he was blinking uncontrollably when trying to read and his headache had returned. When will I learn to listen to my GUT??!! He has a mild concussion. Bed rest, lots of carbohydrates and protein (that sounds like PIZZA, right?), sleeping and NO VIDEO GAMES or phones. (i.e. he's bored out of his gourd). He's out of school until at least Wednesday.

This weekend I learned a few things about myself concerning my most prized possession-my son:

1) Listen to my GUT.
2) Why the HELL do I care what anyone else thinks about how I raise
     my kid (this is a work in progress - leftover from 
     when he was born!).
3) Be strong when my kid has appeared to be injured but says he
     wants to keep playing and, when in doubt, refer to #1.
4) As hard as you may try, you can never be prepared enough for
     parenthood. Never.
5) Do not waiver from #1.

If he doesn't have any more headaches he may be able to play hockey this weekend. I'm not sure how I feel about that yet. But I guarantee that his dad and I will listen to our GUTS this time.

The True Meaning of Mother's Day

As a girl with two brothers, I always wanted a sister. Always. My brothers were usually pretty good at playing Barbies, dolls and school, as long as GI Joe got to come along.

Luckily my brothers married well, and by “well,” I mean they each married smart, sensitive, thoughtful women, and I picked a husband with a great sister. I am truly blessed to have three PHENOMENAL sister-in-laws that I think of as the sisters I never had. I love them all.

On this Mother's Day weekend, I want to say an extra special shout-out to my sister-in-law, Mindy. This week she and Jason received some fantastic news about their beautiful twins, Maddie and Mason. These two kiddos have fought so hard since the day they were born. They were born teeny, tiny at 27 weeks. Maddie was 1 1b 4 oz and Mason was 2 lb 4 oz. They have endured many hours of therapy and too many doctor visits to count. This week the kids tested to be in a general education kindergarten next year!! Most parents will never had to worry about such things. But to others, like my brother and sister-in-law, it

was a HUGE milestone that seemed unreachable at times. But they never gave up. NEVER. Through faith and prayer, love, hard work, and trust in each other, God’s grace can provide.

As much as prayers and faith have to do with this, I really, truly, believe that this has just as much to do with Mindy's tenacity from the very beginning to make sure that they found the best doctors, they never settled with just one doctor’s opinion, she asked questions – hard questions. She was always searching for the right foods, the right climate, the right preschools, the right everything for Maddie and Mason, and their little brother Jackson, too! She has done all the (even) tougher stuff too. She made sure Maddie wore the helmet when she did NOT want to wear it. She made sure the kids wore their glasses when they did NOT want to wear them. She made sure they got the nutrients they needed when the textures were tough for their little bodies to figure out. Getting (and keeping) them on a very strict schedule, feeding them the right foods, reading to them, ANNNND always making sure they had FUN whenever possible!!! I can't even imagine how hard these first five years have been for her and Jason. But I can tell you she would say it was all worth it just to see these two thriving and growing and learning and dancing and singing and loving everyone and everything around them. They are two of the MOST beautiful, sweet, sensitive, smart, polite kids I have ever met. I'm not just saying this because I'm their aunt either - they really, really are super kiddos.

I love you Maddie and Mason – and I love you Mindy for being a FANTASTIC mother to my niece and nephews.

Happy Mother's Day Sis!

Happy Rickiversary To Me

One year ago today, April 23, 2011 – I officially met Rick Springfield. Apparently the one time my friend Kim and I (actually, truth-be-told, my husband was driving and her husband was in the passenger seat) followed his limo all the way from a little concert in Osage City, Kansas, to the inside lobby of the Ramada Inn in Topeka, Kansas, and totally chickened out without saying anything, doesn't really count as "meeting him." Seriously, what ARE you supposed to say when you "happen" upon a celebrity? "Hello Mr. Springfield" or "Hey Rick!" or, what we were really thinking, "OHMYGAWD." None of those seemed right at the time, and our husbands were no help, so we missed our chance. He was three steps in front of us and we let the moment get away from us. BUT, it does make for a great memory, right Kimmy??

Thanks to the lanyard that has hung from my rearview mirror since the moment I left the concert at Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Oklahoma,(well, there was that brief moment when I worried that the guy servicing my car would draw a handlebar mustache on Rick's face *GASP* so I tucked it away safely in my glovebox - but only for a couple of hours) hardly a day has gone by that I don’t get butterflies in my tummy thinking about that day.

I know some of you think I'm off my rocker, but to say that day was a moment in my life that I will never forget, is NOT an understatement. It's really hard to explain. I also know full-well that it sounds outrageous for a 40-year old woman to think this way, but it's true. Is it too much to say it was life-changing? Probably not. I think I became a little more grateful and thankful for the people in my life. A little more thankful for ... my mother's gambling habits.  But seriously, I think it made me appreciate and celebrate my youth in a whole new way. It brought back wonderful memories of growing up that were long forgotten. I think, maybe most importantly, it allowed me, once-again, to believe that dreams REALLY can come true. *insert glitter, rainbows and twinkling wind chimes here*

Since then some of my highlights include meeting Snoop Dog, tweeting with Martha Quinn (and a quick shout-out from Michael McKean), meeting a couple of KC Royals players and hall-of-famers, and seeing a couple other concerts, but (and, I really do love you Martha) none of it has compared to fulfilling the life-long dream of meeting Rick, or is it Mr. Springfield? I’m still waiting to meet him again to get a good picture (hopefully without the tears). I admit that I do check the tour schedule weekly to see if a date is popping up near me. I also, only occasionaly, re-arrange the household budget to afford tickets, gasoline and tour trinkets, then I proceed to Mapquest to research how far a Rick concert may be from my house (for instance, May 17-19, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a mere 9 hours, 52 minutes, or 629.76 miles). I also have dreams of getting to one of the film festivals to see the wonderful documentary about Rick and his fans, An Affair of the Heart. I only checked plane tickets to Orlando and Toronto. Twice. :)

A girl CAN dream, CAN'T she?!


Happy Rickiversary to me.


UPDATE: AHHHHH!!! I just looked on the schedule - he's going to be in Wichita on June 2!!! Who's going to get me backstage at the River Festival????

Dreams Really Do Come True

ON APRIL 23, 2011,
I.MET.RICK.SPRINGFIELD!

When I was a little girl I dreamed of this day. Literally. Not even joking. I dreamt I would meet RICK SPRINGFIELD.

So, it wasn't *exactly* as I had imagined it. When I was little, I had sort of pictured him coming to my home, his tour bus was lost, he asked my dad for directions and then he would meet me and we would become fast friends. I'd go to all his concerts and meet his family. Just so we are clear, this did NOT happen on April 23.

Some of you may know that my mom is a "regular" at the local casino where she lives. Well, not that she *lives* at the casino...well, not technically. It's not like she has her nightgown and slippers hanging on the back of one of the bathroom stalls or anything like that. Let's just say they know her there.

Anywhoo, thanks to this relationship she has with the casino she can get some KICK ASS concert tickets! I have been fortunate enough to have almost-front row seats to see the likes of Eddie Money, Jason Aldean, Bret Michaels, Little Big Town, oh, don't forget the Village People (yes, within the last year!) and KC and the Sunshine Band, and RICK freakin' SPRINGFIELD!! I'm telling you - dreams really do come true.

I went with my mom and my husband. It was a FANTASTIC concert. The man is 61 years old and still rocks as hard as the 20-somethings. He was entertaining, funny, super cute, a guitar genius, and most of all - engaging with his fans! I was doing okay and having so much fun, and then he performed "Human Touch." I thought I was going to come unglued! He came right up next to me. Quick hug and then off to give my MOM a HUGE BEAR HUG!!! She was loving every minute of it. I couldn't get there quick enough to snap a photo. From that moment on, I could barely keep it together. I just couldn't believe I'd been that close to him and that I was going to meet him after the show.

So, afterward, we lined up to meet him. Found out we couldn't ask him to sign anything. As I was putting away 5 or 6 CD covers that we had brought for him to sign and my camera, I kind of started to tear up and kept trying to tell myself, "DO NOT CRY - do NOT cry - WHO DOES THAT!?!" The more I told myself not to, the fuller my eyes got with tears. I looked up to see him helping this lovely lady out of her wheelchair to give her a hug. I lost it. Just started crying. Couldn't stop. Mom and Brady were in front of me in line and both turned around to see what that sound was. Mom said, (in that MOM voice) "What's wrong? Are you okay?" She clearly thought something had happened to me and I was hurt or sad. Brady on the other hand, said, "You're not REALLLLLY crying, are you?" And then just smiled like it was the craziest thing ever. The support was overwhelming. Of course then everyone else in line was pointing and gawking at the 39-year old crying during the meet-and-greet. Ok, so they weren't "pointing and gawking" but it sure felt like it.

Before I show you the picture that the hotel took of my encounter, let me just warn you... I am NOT a pretty crier. Some people can bawl their eyes out, blow their nose and look the same as they did five minutes before they started crying. Not this girl. See..

I warned you it was bad.

When Rick saw that I was crying, he gave me an extra big squeeze and said, "Awwwwww." Brady tried to smooth the waters by saying him, "You're like her Beatles." He chuckled. All I could think was, here I am with the chance of a lifetime and my dork of a husband just said, "You're like her Beatles." Seriously. That's the best you could come up with. Not, "Isn't she adorable?" or "She is so embarrassed. She just loves your music." Nope. On the other hand, I got an extra hug at the end of our encounter, probably just a pity hug - but I'll take it!

I wish I could have said so much more. I wish I could have said SOMETHING. I was such a bumbling idiot. I can't believe I did that. Rick, if you are reading this I would appreciate a do-over. Maybe next time I can keep my emotions in check a little better and form WORDS to let you know how much your music and your stories have entertained and inspired me. Ah, who am I kidding, if I met him again, I'm sure I'd still be a wreck!!!!!

The first thing I almost always hear when someone finds out I'm a Rick fan, is, oh, he was so cute on General Hospital. They assume that I was a fan of his when he was on the soap. Nothing could be further from the truth. I didn't really watch him on the show. I really only knew/know him as a musician. I really, really love his music. Of course he's adorably cute too - especially in those cute glasses he wears. But, honestly I love his music.

Recently I discovered his book, "Late, Late at Night." Some of you know that I have struggled with some anxiety and a bit of depression over the years. After reading this book I felt a special tug at my heart over some of Rick's darkest times and his constant struggle to be happy in his life. It is a very open and honest book. I think it's a must-read for those of us that grew up with his music. Sometimes you find out that these celebrities that we adore, are really much, much more human than we ever gave them credit.

Some have eluded to the fact that since this awesome encounter with RICK SPRINGFIELD, I may have become a teeny bit obsessed. I say that I am just "awaking the passion I've always had for Rick and his music."

I still pinch myself that I actually got to meet Rick. Maybe someday I can make this a dream come true...again.

A girl can dream, can't she???


P.S. As a little girl, I also dreamt of meeting John Schneider, a.k.a. Bo Duke, if anyone is listening....

The Vows We Made

My Aunt Jackie's funeral was today.

My Aunt Jackie and Uncle Leon were married for
49 1/2 years!!

Today, I found myself reflecting on the vows that Brady & I made 15 years ago tomorrow. I thought of all that my aunt and uncle had been through recently and how, in those final weeks, my uncle NEVER questioned doing anything and did everything for his bride of nearly 50 years.

That is what love and marriage is about.

It's not about fancy dinners and gifts on your anniversary. It's about how you love and support each other. In sickness and in health. In the good times and the bad. For better or worse.

I'm so proud to say that I am married to someone who gets that.


I love you Brady!

It's true! I can walk and take pictures at the same time!!

Can you believe it?? Who knew?

I went on the Scott Kelby 3rd Annual Worldwide PhotoWalk on July 24. I surprised myself and really had a fun time. I sort of went a little bit out of my comfort zone. I didnt' know anyone and I wasn't sure what to expect and almost chickened-out the morning of the walk. I figured everyone would have 10 different kinds of lenses and talk in photographer lingo the entire time. I couldn't have been more wrong! My little Nikon P80 fit right in and I held my own. Saw a couple people I knew, and lots of different kinds of cameras. I still think I should have bought a disposable camera and brought it out when everyone opened their camera bags. THAT would have been a fun thing to capture on camera. HA!

I took over 250 pictures in less than 2 hours. How fun is that??!!! Of course not all of them were worth keeping, but several of them I am really proud of and am actually thinking of framing. It has inspired me to do more walking and picture taking. I think my next venture will be Gage Park. Kind of fun to see these places where we live, and see every day, in a different light and at different angles.

Here's just a sampling of my work in Downtown Topeka, Kansas, on that hot, sultry July morning: (let me know what you think - there's more on my facebook page!)

ONE OF MY FAVES:

Back Pain Sucks!

Ok, It was the Friday of my garage sale a couple weeks ago. I woke up to ABSOLUTELY no feeling in my right foot. It just kind of flopped around. "I don't have time for this," I thought. It's bad enough my back had been killing me for weeks, now this??!

I had an MRI done to find out what was going on. I found out I have a bulging disc in my lower back and it's pushing on a nerve that goes STRAIGHT DOWN MY RIGHT LEG to the tip of my big toe. PAIN and numbness at the same time! Who would have thought that was possible? The MRI showed the bulging disc at around L5 for you chiropractic types. I was sent to an anastesiologist this week for a cortisone shot. They feel as if the dropped foot-thing is temporary and should come back to life once the nerve has time to heal. Meanwhile, I continue to walk around very unstable! (Even more so than normal)

I had significant relief for the first two days of the shot. However, the pain seems to be creeping back. I'm pretty discouraged by this information. I am supposed to call in the next week to let them know how I am feeling. We may be looking at a second shot. I hope not. My 39th birthday is this week, and I feel like my body is letting me down. This is partly my fault for treating it so terribly for so long. But dangit! I'm not ready for all these doctor appointments!!

On a happier note, Brady went to Dallas for the last week for driver training for his work. While he was there he got to see the Texas kiddos and took a few pictures for me. I sure miss them. Hopefully I'll get to see them soon. THEY ARE SOOO CUTE! Here...look...

MASON

MADDIE

JACKSON

Mother's Day weekend

Mother's Day is Sunday. It's the first year that I don't have a grandmother to buy a card for - it's a little bit of a revelation I had today while strolling the card aisle at the Wal-Mart. (Yes, Barb, I know...I could make my own cards....blah, blah, blah) It's kind of wierd. I wonder how my dad is doing with that?

My mom and dad are coming to visit tomorrow. I'm excited to have my mom here on Mother's Day. I'm so excited that I can't clean the house, do the sheets for her bed, or shop for a gift for her. That's what I'm telling people. :)

I've told the boys that I don't want anything this year - except a clean house.

But they just insisted on buying me me these beautiful roses today....well, okay, I got them for myself while I was out getting something pretty for my mother-in-law, but I told the hubby he could take all the credit for them. All I want is a clean toilet - that I didn't have to clean. He swears that he'll take care of all of it. However, I'm the one home from work today and my parents will be here in the morning. Do the math people. I'm not holding out much hope.

This extra time on my hands has me reflecting on previous year's Mother's Days.

Mother's Day 2000 - I was pregnant with Braden and everyone made such a big fuss over me. Telling me there were going to be so many wonderful Mother's Days ahead of me now that I was going to be a card-carrying member of "the club."

Mother's Day 2001 - What a great moment. I will never forget the FEELING of that first Mother's Day - for the first time ever I had a child to share with the world. Braden was dressed in his most-handsome outfit and I got to experience the wonder of Mother's Day with a beautiful baby boy all my own.

Mother's Day 2004 - Hubby went and had a great picture taken with my son and presented the framed photo to me.

However, I believe it was Mother's Day 2005 that put some things into perspective for me....Brady had to work that day and I thought it would be a good day for mother-son bonding. Notsomuch. We were in Target and the devil took over my child. Right there. Right by the carts. Barely in the door. He was screaming within an inch of his life that he was not going to get in the cart and wanted to go home. (How embarassing!!) Instead of fighting with him. I grabbed him and took him to the car without so much as a word. All the while, his arms are flailing, and he's screaming at the top of his lungs how much he hates me and I'm the worst mom ever - in only the way a 4-year old can. "Happy freakin' mother's day," I remember thinking to myself. REALLY?! THIS is what I signed up for? I'm pretty sure I joined the wrong club. However, once we got home and he had time to cool off, and dad got home to a sulking wife and child, the sulking child came up to me and said, still sniffling and trying to catch his breath from throwing a three-hour fit, "I'm sowwwy mommy. I yub you. I didn't mean to huwt your feewings." We cried again, this time together, and he's never again said that he hates me. NEVER. I wonder if he remembers that day?

As bad as the "Freakish Fours" were, I love that little guy more than my own life. He's growing up to be such a great little boy. He even held the net for the girls on his volleyball team this year. Before too long he's going to be in Middle School, High School and college. The other night he wanted to crawl up on my lap. At first I said no, you are getting too big for that. Then I immediately took it back and decided that as long as he still wants to snuggle with his mom, he can never be too big for my lap. Truth-be-told, there have been a few times that I'd probably still slide onto my mom's lap if I wasn't so afraid I would crush her like a cheap bag of potato chips.

It's April...

And here I am finally blogging again! So much for my New Years Resolution. A picture a day? Who was I kidding??

It's been a busy year so far. Let me just tell you, not all of it's been great. So much going on, so much to update. Let's start at the beginning.

My grandmother, 101 years young, passed away suddenly on January 10, 2010. Is it possible to pass away suddenly after 101 years? It kind of felt that way. As my dad said, "I guess we couldn't keep her forever." I just happened to be visiting my parents when it happened. I never imagined being there when the call came in, but I was. They asked my dad to come to the nursing home to be with her. The end was near. Mom and I followed close behind him.

I tried to be strong so my dad didn't worry about me, but towards the end it was very difficult to keep my emotions in check.

>>Hard to see my dad lose his only living parent

>>Hard to watch my mom be strong for my dad

>>Hard to call my brother and his wife in Ft Worth who wanted to be with his grandma one more time, more than anything at that moment, but with a baby on the way and being 7 hours away, realistically knew that was not an option

>>Hard to email my other brother in Japan and tell him the news via email. Can't even imagine how that would be to get the news via email.

But the worst, was coming home to to tell my 9-year old son that he would not be able to see her again, or sit next to her on great-grandma's chair again and have her tell him how much he's grown since she last saw him. She loved him very much and he thought it was pretty cool having a great-grandma. An honor I never had as a child. She loved all of her grandchildren very much. She just lit up talking about all of us and our kids, and our kids' kids!

I thought it would be appropriate to list a few of the things my grandma, Mildred Seckman, taught me:

1. You always send a thank you note. Always. And use pretty stationary to do it.

2. You should always present yourself as a lady and keep your house tidy. Do your hair. You never know who may show up to say hello today. (Still working on this one....I don't think Grandma would understand Jammie Day or the dishes that are still in my sink from last night's dinner)

3. Be a good hostess. Offer something to drink when you have visitors. Her and grandpa always had a pot of coffee on. They loved a good cup of coffee. Anytime I walk in to someone's house and smell coffee I think of them.

4. Special dishes are used on special occasions - but even the kids get to use the good stuff. They better not try to wash them, or scrape their knife across them while cutting their meat, but they can use them at the table. Kind of hard to relax and enjoy Thanksgiving dinner with my mom staring a hole in me, waiting for me, or one of my brothers, to scratch the good china. Grandma ALWAYS washed the plates after the meal. I tried to help her ONCE, only once. I was quickly ushered out of the kitchen and handed the crumb brush to clean the table. Not the same grandma, not the same.

5. Write the dates and information on the back of your pictures. "Your mom has always done that for me," I remember her saying. (Ok, so, I'll have to use an archive-safe pencil so my scrapbook friends don't retaliate, but I'll try to document my pictures better. Especially those I give away.)

6. Know the history of your family. Grandma always loved to share stories of her life with anyone who would listen. I was always perched, ready to hear another story about her (in my mind) very colorful and vibrant life. Especially the story of her and my grandpa, John. I loved those stories. I still love those stories.

7. Love your family. Love your spouse. Take care of each other. She did all of that and then some. I am better for having her as my grandmother.

I could go on and on, but I won't. I'm too teary-eyed now. I don't want to make her out as the next candidate for sainthood, but she was my grandma and I love and miss her terribly. Time has passed, but it's still emotional thinking about her being gone. I'm thrilled to have a couple pieces of her artwork, several pictures of her, some great memories of summers at the farm, and a box full of letters and cards from her, to remember her by. Some of my most treasured possessions are the memories I have of all of my grandparents. I wish this for Braden.


Not even a month later, on February 4, Brady's Aunt Terry passed away. She had been sick for awhile, but not sick enough to leave us. She took a turn and was gone within hours. She was always so quiet, but so much fun to be around. Not to mention, loved so much for her thoughtful ways. I learned so much more about her after she passed. I wish I had known what a great seamstress she was. I would have like to have talked to her about that. I'm sure she could have taught me a few hundred things.

I have Aunt Terry's sewing boxes and feel close to her when I go through them. You know, I think you can learn a lot about a woman by seeing what's in her sewing box. Now that I think about it, I was always interested in what was in my Grandma Siebenmorgan's sewing box, and my mom's too. All of these ladies had wonderfully full boxes with thread, buttons, thimbles, fabric swatches and pattern paper, and scissors .... only to be used for sewing. Me? I have one of those free travel sewing kits that you get in the fancy hotel rooms. My scissors? I usually find them in the garage next to something sticky, or in my kid's room....next to something sticky.

In the middle of this, on January 19, 2010, we were so very blessed to welcome the newest member of our family, my nephew, Jackson Dean Seckman. Jason and Mindy are fantastic parents to three kids now, twins Maddie and Mason, and little Jackson. Jackson is just a doll! Of course, I haven't been able to visit yet, but I can't wait to get there to hold him. Hopefully he won't be in highschool by then! Might be kind of embarassing....for everyone.

In March, just when things might be slowing down a bit, my dad found out he has prostate cancer. He's being very positive about it. I know in my heart that he'll be fine. It's just one more thing for my parents to deal with. Can't they just be retired, and enjoy life?

Not near enough energy to rehash the rest of the last couple of months, so maybe I'll just add some pictures and a couple of captions...

Went to Orlando for work at the end of January, and took the boys with me to have a little bit of a vacation.

Braden's hockey team was seeded 6th in the end-of-the-season tournament and ended up winning the whole darned thing!

Braden started volleyball this season. Loves it! He's a natural - just like his cousins Dani and Jordyn.

My niece, Dani, went to prom this year and asked me to help her with her hair and make up. That was fun to do something girlie. Thanks Dani, for inviting me to help!

Is it April already?

It must be April Fool's Day - with this sunshine, you'd never know the wind chill is -13 (that's NEGATIVE THIRTEEN DEGREES!!!).




Look at this - our neighbor has been using his snowblower and doing all of our block's sidewalks. I love neighbors like this!




This is just a pretty picture I took (changed to black and white, kinda cool)...









C'mon SPRING!!!

Happy Birthday Frank

A tip of the birthday hat to the best father-in-law ever!!

A great night of take-out from our favorite local Mexican restaurant (Taco Villa) and laughing and telling stories with the family. Oh, and Frank's birthday cake - Spice Cake. Yummy!

Happy Happy Birthday Grandpa!

(Grandpa and Braden)

(Grandpa and Jordyn)

(Grandpa and Dani)

Day 2 of 2010

Day of shopping for some new hockey equipment for Braden in KC this morning. This afternoon: I had a very important appointment with my K-State Snuggie! We spent most of the afternoon and evening together. It was nice to get re-acquainted.

Day 1 of 2010

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!
2010, can you believe it?

I am going to try to take (at least) one picture a day for a year! Here's my first picture.

Braden and I made these little yummies today. Bake round pretzels with a Hershey's Hug in the middle at 275 degrees for 3 minutes on parchment paper. When they come out of the oven, push M&M on top. Cool and remove from parchment after they have set.

ENJOY!!!

Did I miss anything?

Hi all. What's been going on? I don't think I have much to write about - just checking in really. Let's see what all HAS been going on????

My grandma had her 101st birthday earlier this month. I can't believe it. She looks fantastic! She's having trouble with her vision and she doesn't get around very well, but she can be pretty feisty! Good for her! She celebrated the day with her kids and I was able to come for cake and ice cream at the senior center. I got a few pictures. It was a nice day for her.

Braden is knee-deep in hockey right now, and I'm loving it. It's so fun to watch these "little kids" learning the game - really learning it. We have been so lucky in the teams that he has been put on. Always the best coaches. Sensitive, yet competitive. I think he's enjoying this sport. He enjoys almost all sports, but I really think he is excited about all aspects of this one...even the referee's calls.

Should be a fun weekend for us. Friday night Braden is the Junior Roadrunner of the Game at the RoadRunner's home game. I'm charging the battery for my camera now. He gets to put on his gear and skate out with the team during introductions. He's pretty excited about that! Did I mention I'm charging the battery for my camera now? Saturday night is the game in Kansas City that is on the outdoor sheet of ice. Always a funtime - can't wait to take pictures. I think last year I took more pictures of the sunset than the game! Another game on Sunday afternoon in Topeka.

When will we have time to rake all the leaves in our yard???? What about the dust bunnies and cobwebs in my house? It's not Halloween anymore - I can't claim that it's part of the decor...can I? No, no, I can't. Maybe Saturday morning that can be my goal.

I had my 20-year class reunion last month. That was fun to see everyone. It was kind of nostalgic to bring out my "Class of '89" button and class ring. It was interesting though as I got ready for the reunion, my "adult" friends would ask me what I was like in high school. I'm still trying to figure out which "click" I belonged to in high school. I wasn't the nerd, I wasn't dedicated enough to study any more than I needed too. I wasn't the athlete .... obviously. I wasn't a metal head - even though I enjoyed the music, but I also enjoyed country music. I didn't go out partying, or skip school, etc. Mom wouldn't let me go hang out where she didn't know where I was and I would have been too worried what would have happened to me when Dad found out. I wasn't artsy...can't even draw a stick figure. I had friends in all those groups and I think they all accepted me. However, when I look back, I never really belonged in any of those groups. The reunion felt like all of this all over again. I was still self-conscious, etc. But I felt good about being there and seeing those friends of mine that I never thought I'd see again, and those that I thought I'd never go without seeing, but hadn't seen since graduation. We laughed, we danced, we caught up on the last 20 years. We are thinking about doing something in a couple of years to celebrate our 40th birthdays.

So much to be thankful for this year, yet so much to look forward to also. Maybe my next post I'll start making my New Year's Resolutions. That should be interesting, right?

It’s not the house that makes the home…

Here’s hoping June is a better month than May. What a crazy, topsy-turvy month we have had.

We started the month with me at the doctor’s office over the hot-mess that has been going on with my girl parts. After a little medical attention, it seems to have calmed down and we may be well on our way to having less pain and cramping, and more importantly, fewer mood swings. Fingers crossed.

Then Brady went to the doctor’s office about some “spider bites” that kept returning. Turns out they were ingrown hairs and they became infected. By the time he actually went to the doctor because these "bites" were not leaving, and actually kept popping up in other areas of his body (therefore, creating his very own hot-mess), he was suffering from a pretty serious staff infection (Mrsa). More on this later…

May 15, 2009. Not a date I will soon forget. Brady was on the road all day for work and wouldn’t be home by 5 p.m., so I picked up Braden at daycare. We pulled up in our driveway and I noticed the front door wide open. Braden said, hey daddy must be home. I said no, he’s in Manhattan. I looked over to a light on in my crafty room window. I knew I had not been in there for a couple of days. Something didn’t feel right and I thought I might throw up. We backed out and “went to see what grandpa was doing.” Gma and Gpa live just 9 houses away from us. I immediately called 9-1-1. Long story short, we had a break-in while we were both at work. We both usually come home at lunch and this day we didn’t. Maybe that would have saved us from this very invasive, violating event in our lives. On the other hand, we may have come home to strangers in our house. Still not sure which is worse. I never want to have to explain this kind of thing to an 8-year old again.

You know, we don’t have expensive tastes. My friends will tell you, we live very simply – we don’t have a fancy house, or drive fancy cars. We own hand-me-downs, furniture we purchased on sale, or was given to us, etc. However, the very, very few nice things we had are all gone, including a couple of sentimental jewelry pieces. Of course, most of what was stolen was my son’s video games, movies, etc. He was so traumatized by all of it. Very sad to watch. He’s better now, but still misses his “things.” I miss my 42” TV, and, strangely enough, my Metallic Pink Nintendo DS that I had just received for Mother’s Day. Of course the lazy butts couldn’t have taken the 90 pound, 15-year old TV in the living room – noooo – that would have been too much work for them! Great – I get the finicky burglar (in other words, my crap isn’t good enough for them). What a waste. (Bitter, party of one!)

With all the issues with the insurance company, I have learned that you need to take pictures of EVERYTHING you own. Some even say to take a picture of each wall in your house so you can show what was on that wall in case of fire, theft, or some other disaster that you need to replace things. As soon as we start replacing things, that is EXACTLY what we intend to do! There will be better documentation. It's too difficult to try and figure this stuff out after-the-fact. We are still working with the insurance company and hope to have some resolution to this sometime this week.

Pardon me, but you know what pisses me off the most? We worked HARD to have the few nice things we have. Some deadbeat, who probably doesn't have to "work" to get these things, busts into OUR house and takes OUR kids’ things, OUR electronics, MY jewelry, and completely DESTROYS OUR bedroom and stomps all over OUR clothes. What gives these people the right to do this? Who does this???? How do they live with this? I have gone through various stages of shock, sadness and anger. I’m starting to get more angry about the added expenses we have had to incur because of this – alarm system for the house, increased homeowner’s insurance, and replacement of these “things.”

Then there's the emotional toll it has taken on me and my family. Just today I let myself be comfortable with leaving the house (of course with the alarm on) and coming home to an empty house. I actually kept the front door open for 15 or 20 minutes (with the screen locked) and enjoyed the sunshine today. I have slept in the recliner in my family room many nights just because I was too scared to walk thru the house by myself. All along, trying to be strong for my son so he doesn’t worry too much. I honestly think this has made us a stronger family, but it doesn’t mean that I can move past what happened. Not yet.

Speaking of the emotional toll - Brady has had quite the month too. He has been a rock for us. I'm not sure how he's kept it together as long and as well as he has. He had his 25th class reunion last weekend. That was fun to finally meet some of these people that he's talked about for 13 years. They were such a great group of people. I'm glad he had such a great experience growing up in a small town. I mentioned earlier his staph infection. Well 10 days into the medication (the Monday after the break-in), he decides to have a severe, allergic reaction to the antibiotic. He has hives from head-to-toe and went to the doctor. He had to have his blood taken because he had a funky rash on his calves and thighs. Yep, his platelets were low. One of his aunts is in the hospital with a liver condition that is not going well. Looks like she will need a liver transplant. He’s absolutely swamped at work and, yeah, he’s still reeling from the break-in.

Braden made it through 2nd grade with flying colors. He’s a genius, I’m sure of it. He did really well and We are very proud of him. We have been so fortunate with fantastic teachers since pre-school. I don’t have any idea about any of the 3rd grade teachers at our school. I hope we continue to have fun, fresh, forward-thinking, teachers for him. What a gift that would be! We are officially on Summer Vacation. Camp has started and we are knee-deep in baseball. It’s a fun time. I can't believe my baby is 8 1/2 and is going to be a third-grader.

As we finish out May 2009, I look back and think of that saying that it’s not the house that makes the home; it’s the people that live there…sooooo true. I believe I have experienced one of those “ah-ha” moments that Oprah talks about. I love my family and my friends. Without that, life would be very boring and uninspiring. The generosity is, at times, overwhelming. What a feeling!

Hello, Inspiration, where did you go??

Is it the weather? The moon alignment? Lack of money? My dry skin? Lack of fabric softener in my sweater? Shiny objects? Most likely, a combination of all of these and then some.

Whatsupwithat? Maybe my meds need to be bumped up. Or, it would help if I took them on a regular basis.

I have ZERO inspiration to do much of anything, let alone keep up this blog. I'm trying - really.

Tonight is the first game of the hockey play-offs which means I have the house to myself for a little while. I am going to make an honest effort to clean my house. I think that will make me feel better. If I really get on a roll, I am cleaning my crafty room so I can try to be more crafty this weekend.

I am off to make my "to-do" list for tonight. Wish me luck!

Cindy Seckman Chaffin's Profile Create Your Badge

Happy St Patty's Day!

So I've spent this morning reflecting on how things have changed. It's a weee bit different for me on St Patty's Day today than they were a few years ago. It wasn't that long ago that I would spend this wonderful day swilling back green beers (or any other green alcoholic beverage) at my favorite pub in Aggieville (shout out to Fast Eddy's!) and trying not to sound too much like a pirate - and more like a true Irishman.

Let's see...today, I will be taking my son and two of our friends' kids to the St Patty's parade in downtown Topeka, followed by a trip to McDonald's for happy meals and shamrock shakes. I'll end the day with Braden's last hockey practice for the season and have dinner at Cici's with 20 other hockey families.

No beer, no funny irish phrases. Just good ole family fun! :)

My, how times have changed. I'm not complaining - there is absolutely no fear of a hangover tomorrow. :)

Have a green beer for me - Happy St Patty's Day everyone,

Cindy O'Chaffin

Mommy, do you think I can choose my own songs?

Okay, now I know it … I am a total control freak!





My darling son came to me the other day and asked me if we could load some songs onto his new iPod Shuffle that he got from his Aunt for Christmas.

“Sure honey,” I said with that motherly voice of mine.

“Can I choose my own songs for it?” he asked in that cute little boy voice.

“Of course you can,” I said, still in my motherly voice.

THEN...WOWIE ZOWIE! It hits me…why would he even have to ask??? It’s HIS iPod, not mine. If my 8-year old knows that I am a control freak, who else knows??

Next thing you know, he’s going to tell me he can play his own Webkinz™ games online and decorate the Webkinz world himself. How ever will he build and save his Webkinz money??


P.S. Apparently my husband knows about my disorder. He just asked me if “we” could get the Rhianna CD? “It could be both of ours,” he said. Surely a grown, 40-something, man can go out to buy a CD without asking his wife, right? (Do I really want to wrap my brain around the fact that he wants the Rhianna CD??) I can't really worry about that right now. I may have to go see Dr. Phil.

Grandma's b-day

Just a quick post with pics from Grandma's party earlier this month. She had so much fun and really enjoyed seeing everyone. Almost all the kiddos were there (see picture to left). And, I recognized almost everyone! Some I hadn't seen in over 20 years.


I think she was pretty tired afterwards, but has since recovered and is enjoying looking at pictures from the wonderful day. I still can't believe that she's 100 years old. It seems like just yesterday she was sitting at the Thanksgiving table making sure everyone, especially my grandpa, had enough to eat and already asking if they wanted "seconds" before they had taken their first bite. And if you even looked like you needed something from the kitchen she was up and looking for whatever was needed. I swear, I don't know if she had a hot meal until she was in her 80's. :) Anywhoo - here's a couple of pics. Enjoy!

The birthday girl was escorted by her "baby" - my dad.

Great-Grandma and Braden. He was very proud to share her day with her! He loves a good birthday party!

Mom and Dad before the big party.

After the party we had to head back to Topeka for school and work the next day. I took these pictures while we (Brady) were driving on the highway. I thought the beautiful sunset was a perfect ending to a perfect day.