A Week Controled by Family?
By byfaithonly
@byfaithonly (10698)
United States
February 23, 2008 11:57am CST
Well, as many of you know I again have not been very active here on myLot. The reason for this is I feel I've had no control over my life all this week - and I don't like that.
2 round trips a day to 2 different schools,
2 round trips 3 days to the opposite side of town for youngest son to do community service,
meals, cleaning, and keeping 2 and 5 year olds occupied,
Add in baths, snacks, and bedtime for those same 2 grandchildren 3 nights.
Letting Shilo (the dog) in and out, fed & watered, and protected from the other 3 in this picture - all of them move too fast and are too loud for Shilo's liking.
If you haven't figured out yet I'm been kinda busy, am exhausted, but had some wonderful times which will be repeated all over again this coming week.
Pictured here are my youngest son - Shane (16), grandson - Andrew (5), granddaughter - Colleen (2.5), and beagle - Shilo (age unknown but around 2-3).
So, how was your week? Was it hectic, crazy, filled with family, controled by others?
11 people like this
23 responses
@stephcjh (38473)
• United States
23 Feb 08
It sounds like you were very busy. Same here. I haven't felt good all week and still don't. I didn't do any Mylot yesterday at all because I just could not sit here and read and type. My head, neck and ear hurt and no medicine has helped it so far. I hope to feel better soon. I hope you can find some time for yourself and come back with us at Mylot soon also.
2 people like this
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
23 Feb 08
Oh I'm sorry to hear you haven't been feeling well and hope you feel better soon. I thought I might be coming down with something the other day but doubled up on my vitamines and that seems to have caught it before it got worse.
My problem has been with the grandkids here every day I told myself after they went to bed I would catch up with myLot friends but by the time that happened I was so tired I found myself reading discussions 10 times and still not being able to find the words to respond. This week I'm going to try something different and do myLot before the kids get up - hopefully :)
1 person likes this
@stephcjh (38473)
• United States
23 Feb 08
byfaithonly
Thanks. I need to buy me some vitamins also when I get to the store to get some. I think as I have grown older, I could really use some. I know you meant well to come to Mylot and I totally understand how tired you must have been. I have been forcing myself to work daily online but yesterday I just could not do it. I hope to feel better soon because I never get sick and when I do, I am sick. the thing of it is though, I have no clue why my head, neck and ear hurts. The back of my head burns sometimes. I hope you can find time this week to come and join us. Good luck with it.
1 person likes this
@stephcjh (38473)
• United States
23 Feb 08
keymandan
I'm not sure either. I never get sick and I have never felt like this before. My neck hurts, head aches and "burns" and I get an ear ache with it at times. It also blurs my vision after a while. I took some pain medication for it and that does not help at all and today I thought I would try some sinus medication and that didn't help either. I put sweet oil drops in my ear too. I exercised me neck and got more rest but nothing helps it. I really appreciate your kind words. I had to lay down last night instead of working. I sent a text to my husband and told him I know I should work but I just could not do it. That just isn't like me at all. I am always doing my best every day. I hope your head feels better. Do you get a burning sensation with yours? My headache moves around from the bottom of the back of my head to a burning sensation at the top and moves around to the front of my head and messes with my eyes.
1 person likes this
@lightningd (1039)
• United States
23 Feb 08
I've been kind of busy too, but just in getting things organized for this summer. I've spent most of the week cleaning in the barn, and also getting the garage straightened back out.
I have a feeling it's only going to get busier from here one, as the weather improves.
2 people like this
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
23 Feb 08
Oh lucky you - it's still too cold here to get out and even work in the barn or shop. Another month or so though and I'll be doing that too. Nice thing is as it gets warmer the kids all love being outside too so will occupy themselves with swing set, bikes, wagons and such - plus will sleep better with fresh air :)
1 person likes this
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
23 Feb 08
Oh sounds like a great day. And yes, I would call 40s a heat wave - I'm jealous, we're still looking at the 20s next week :( I so look forward to spring about this time of year :)
@lightningd (1039)
• United States
23 Feb 08
Well, it hasn't exactly been warm, but if I'm out of the wind I can work in the barn if the outter temp is above 30 degrees. We're actually at 40 at the moment!! WHOOO HOOO!!! Heat wave!!!! HA HA HA! We're supposed to have temps in the 40's next week, so maybe I'll get started on the shop!! I know I've been feeling a bit clostrophobic lately, too much time in the house.
Well, time to hit the shower!!! Got to leave at 4:00 pm to go watch my son at the college rodeo at Kansas State University and it's 3:30 now. (He rides for Colby Community College). He's out in the calf roping and team roping tonight, looking forward to seeing him compete. I've only gone to one of his college rodeos so far, that was in Colby, about 4 hours away. The rest have been way south, incuding Oklahoma...
Most likely I won't be back on tonight.. so I'll catch you all tomorrow.. hopefully with good news!!
1 person likes this
@cjsmom (1423)
• United States
23 Feb 08
My week was fairly normal except for the fact that CJ has been home sick from school since last Thursday and I turned 50 on Friday. Hubby got me a nice ipod station; now all I have to do is get an ipod..!
I'm glad that even though hectic for you you were able to spend time with family. Hope next week is a bit less crazy for you.
1 person likes this
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
23 Feb 08
I do so enjoy the kids but so much more in the summer when we can all get outside, they sleep soooo much better after being out in the fresh air. It's just been too cold for the little one particularly. Also I am the one who is perfectly content just staying home, except for church I could gladly go weeks and weeks without leaving the house, never get bored and still not get every thing accomplished I want to. I think the running really got me the worst.
1 person likes this
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
23 Feb 08
oh I forgot to add "HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY" - I would sing but it's just not the same online :)
1 person likes this
@lordwarwizard (35747)
• Singapore
24 Feb 08
It actually doesn't sound half bad, Faith.
It means you have a life and people value you enough to "exploit" you.:P
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
24 Feb 08
Hey wiz it's been forever since I've been honored with your presence on one of my discussions. LOL 'people value you enough to exploit you' you do have a way with words in other words 'use her'....
1 person likes this
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
24 Feb 08
That is very true dear - I would often like to find a spot in between however. :)
@lordwarwizard (35747)
• Singapore
24 Feb 08
Well Faith, don't you think being usable is better than useless?
@whittby (3072)
• United States
23 Feb 08
Oh, look at those darling faces, how could you not want to do all that seven days a week! A few years back when I did foster care my weeks were filled to the max similar to yours. Now we have only one kid at home and he seems to fill up the week as well. I sometimes wonder what I would be doing if I didn't have all his activities and errands filling up the time. I love it and wish for more me time all the same.
2 people like this
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
23 Feb 08
LOL - I know what I would be doing, spending more time on myLot, earning some money online, working on a couple different writing projects. But yes and thank you they are darling but afraid the 2 grandchildren are learning from Uncle Shane and using those darling faces against Grandma :)
1 person likes this
@p1kef1sh (45681)
•
23 Feb 08
You've been very busy. My week was very tame by comparison. I did the shopping, cooking and cleaning. Went to the rubbish tip. Fought the rat that lives in the compost heap and lost again. Did some market research work and spent too long on myLot. Next week will start with me doing some driving for my wife, followed by a few days away doing some research for a book that I am co-Authoring, followed by a weekend party that my daughter is having to celebrate her 19th birthday (that I'm not too keen on. The party not the birthday). I shall probably spend too on on myLot again.
2 people like this
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
23 Feb 08
OH I can relate to not being so keen on the 'party' - so far I've gone through this age with 2 boys and the oldest one was the 'wild one' second one was more along the lines of all the guys bringing their computers over and networking them together - in my livingroom :)
1 person likes this
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
24 Feb 08
After this last week I so look forward to a day I could devote to doing only what I want to do rather than doing for everyone else. It sounds selfish when I put it that way but it's the truth. Better yet would be for others to do for me although I'm not the type to just set and do nothing.
@linda345 (2661)
• Canada
23 Feb 08
My week has been controlled by family. Myself and my husband are moving to a 2 bedroom townhouse in less than a week because all the kids finally moved out. The kids are still putting so many demands on me. Granddaugter overnight once or twice a week. Yougest daughter come get me and drive me here or there. I went to bingo last night to relax. She works at the hall. They have 2 sessions, one after the ohter. She only worked the first and got mad because I said I wouldn't drive her home inbetween. They always got their hands out for money or need me to do something. Tomorrow she wants me to take her horse back riding. The take her to her old foster home (complated story) to sort through her stuff, bring her back to her new home. Then go bring her to work. Don't know when I am going to cook dinner for hubby and me or get some of the stuff done for the move that I need his help to do.
1 person likes this
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
23 Feb 08
I hear ya - I don't think my kids would talk to me if they didn't need something, rides, money, baby-sitter are the most common ones these days but all of the time - I really get tired of it and to be honest sometimes it just down right hurts. What happened to 'hey Mom how are you feeling, do you need some help, is there something I could do for YOU." Think I'm dreaming!
@slickcut (8141)
• United States
25 Feb 08
Oh yes i can tell you have been very busy,no wonder you are worn out...My week was not to bad, but a little stressful...I had some things to do that was pressing..I had to go to a wedding on Saturday, my young grandaughter was married...It was a rather long trip there and back all in one day..I was totally worn out when i got home last night..I went right to bed and slept soundly,only waking up one time,and did not get up today until 10:30,so i know i was so tired....Your grandchildren are so cute! and the dog!!
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
25 Feb 08
Thank you, we had great fun taking those photos - we actually did that the day before Christmas, I thought the kids should give their Papa something for Christmas plus I knew he had gotten me something and I had no money so we took pictures of the kids, printed out a couple different ones than what I posted here and put them in some used frames I had. Their on the wall in his living room now and greatly appreciated them.
As tired as I am/was I still didn't sleep last night, a couple hours then woke up and was up until 5:30 this morning when I actually slept a couple more hours.
@mssnow (9484)
• United States
24 Feb 08
Hi sis, long time no see. Sounds like you have been a busy lady. I haven't been here in a long time either. I have been busy working and keeping myself out and about in the nice sunny weather. I absolutely LOVE Arizona!!! Nice to see you again. Keep in touch. Hugs
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
24 Feb 08
We went 3 almost 4 weeks where we didn't see the sun (or the moon) that gets so depressing after awhile. Sunny today and I am indeed although enjoying from the inside am thankful for the sun we're getting.
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
24 Feb 08
I've noticed I haven't seen you around - sunny weather, hey we had sun the other day but it was along with sub-zero tempertures so didn't get out to enjoy the sun.
It's nice to know you love Arizona, I've never lived there but have known some who have including my ex-husband and he loved it also.
1 person likes this
@joyce959 (1559)
• Philippines
24 Feb 08
Hi Faith. You are indeed very busy with your family. But I think it is worth your time coz you have cute son and grandchildren there.
My week was also a busy one. Reporting for work and in between had to go and accompanied my sons to renew their passport which takes too long. Also I accompanied my 14 year old nephew to undergo a medical test as requirement for his visa application. Then I accompanied my young son applying for university/ college entrance exams. It is really tiresome going from one place to another.
Anyway, have good days ahead for you and your love ones.
1 person likes this
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
24 Feb 08
Hi Joyce wow sounds like your week was almost as hectic as mine. I do love the time with my family and on the other end are the 2 sons and 3 grandchildren that I don't get to see because they live too far away - I would give about anything to be able to be 'doing for' them also.
@terri0824 (4991)
• United States
24 Feb 08
I know how you feel Faith. My life seems busy doing things for others as well. I work about 50 hours a week. I attend church twice a week unless I have to work. My oldest daughter lives about 25 miles away now with her 5 month old baby. I go there 2 -3 times a week. I spent the night with them last night, and will be watching the baby while she works tomorrow. I will then spend the night, and my youngest daughter and I will go to my brothers where she had been living for a few months and get her things. Not sure if she will be moving back in with me or not, but if she does, there will be rules she will have to follow. So yes, I know what it's like to be very busy! Some days I'm only home long enough to take a shower, others only long enough to take a shower and sleep. My house is showing it, I haven't had time to do a lot of cleaning in a good while.
1 person likes this
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
24 Feb 08
Oh I don't even want to talk about the house but this morning, well, yesterday morning now I did manage to get the living room so you can actually walk through it = and I'm the one that hates clutter. At least one room is clean from top to bottom now, taking pleasure in the small accomplishments.
At least this week should be a little better, son has finished his community service so only need to take him to school and court on Tuesday.
@sid556 (30959)
• United States
24 Feb 08
I know exactly how you feel. I love my family so much but between 4 daughters & grandchildren it does seem that they eat up all of my time. And then I have friends who want to claim up any time that my girls, grandchildren aren't. Sometimes I feel as if I am just being pulled . I love them all so much but ya, I do sometimes just crave for a bit of alone time. As I write it is 2am. I am tired but I am alone and no one is pestering me for something so it is worth the lost sleep.
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
24 Feb 08
Oh I do know how you feel but it's after 3 a.m. here now and son along with friend spending the night just went to sleep. I slept earlier but woke up and decided to get a few things done for myself. I think part of why I've always been a morning person is because it seems that's the only time of the day that I have quiet time. Problem is when others keep me up too late then I still wake early and never seem to get enough sleep.
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
24 Feb 08
You have a beautiful family faith and Shilo is so cute, reminds me of when I was a kid..:) Well, my husband had last week and this next week on vacation, so when I am online, I am trying to do everything at once, before he wants to get online..lol So I too have not been as active..lol
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
24 Feb 08
Thank you dear even though that's only half - I have 3 boys and a daughter along with 3 other grandchildren - and they are all beautiful in my book. As for Shilo - he's mad at me right now, I kicked him out of my chair because he was crowding me too much so he got up on my bed and turned his back side to me :( little stinker but I love him dearly :)
1 person likes this
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
24 Feb 08
When my ex and I decided to get Shilo we thought beagle would be a good breed - big enough that the grandkids would sit on him and smach him but small enough not to knock them over. I was wrong there - he may be small but is very strong and I have a hard time holding him on the leach. He hasn't been any trouble at all with the grandkids but he's terrified of most everyone :( He can set in my chair with me but when I'm typing as now (on laptop) he crowds me just enough that it starts to bother both me and my arm trying to keep things where they belong. I do love him dearly though and would recommend a beagle to most anyone.
1 person likes this
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
24 Feb 08
Aww, as much as I love my dog, she is would be way too big to sit in the same chair as I..
But Shilo wouldn't, I would love to have a beagle to cuddle with..:)
@Thoroughrob (11742)
• United States
24 Feb 08
My week was hectic, but nothing like yours!! Mine consist of Dr. and therapy appointments for my son. It is alot of sitting and waiting, but not getting much done.
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
24 Feb 08
The week before last when I didn't have the grandkids I was still taking my son to community service 4 days a week. It's on the other side of town from where we live so to save on gas I was taking him then setting in the parking lot for 2-3 hours while he worked - I accomplished alot then though, I took my crochetting with me and although a bit cold at times I finished 2 baby afghans a lady ordered from me.
@carolbee (16230)
• United States
26 Feb 08
What a nice looking family. I bet you are so proud. Your schedule is more than I could handle. I admire your patience and stamina..lol
My work hours are shorter in the winter so I have loads of time to spend at home the next few weeks. Have plenty to do here also, since we have two rooms torn up from water damage but that will have to wait. Need to find out why the washer is leaking. The downstairs area isn't floating but needs work.
Am in the process also of working on coasters for one daughter and other items for craft fairs in the Spring. But my time is my own so I don't have to rush which is nice.
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
29 Feb 08
All that would definitely keep you busy...but it keeps you out of mischief as well. My time passes the same mostly. 8 to 12 hours online to earn 20 cents or less and play and a few chores added in, mainly dishes , laundry and vacuuming . I also do a few other little chores like gardening and tidying, looking after the dogs, cat and goats, you know, ordinary day to day necessary things.
@terilee79720 (3621)
• United States
24 Feb 08
Hi faith,
Not having control over your life is sometimes a time to reflect on who or what is in control. You being who you are, I know you know this, but maybe you need someone to remind you who IS in control. When things seem to be out of control, remember, there is only one set of footprints in the sand.
Sometimes, (I think) we are kept busy to keep us from thinking about the blessings we live with. I like to think, rather, instead of being kept busy, He keeps us occupied, in service, preparing us to receive another blessing.
When I have those days, or weeks, which are considered hectic and so on, I try to stop to remember the blessings someone is receiving through my service, to Him, and to others...
Stay Blessed.
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
24 Feb 08
Very true I know inside that there is a reason for all of this and am sure that God will/is totally in control as long as we allow Him and He will use me in some way.
@squaretile (3778)
• Singapore
27 Feb 08
i guess once one becomes a mother, one's life is never one's own. wholly or partially we morph into an other entity. of course we still have our personalities, our loves and wants, likes and dislikes, but ultimately, there is another being dependent on us and thus life can never be the same.
I guess some people abdicate this responsiblity. by getting foreign help, like maids from other countries to be their domestic help. or they become weekend parents by leaving their kids with the grandparents for the entire week and only taking them back for the weekend. but that isn't really being a parent i guess.
my week so far has been quite alright! hubby and i have been able to do what we want, since we still don't have a brood!
@quiltedblessings (1066)
• United States
24 Feb 08
LOL, you've just described my everyday life!!!
Every weekday, 2 round trips to 2 different schools to drop off and pick up 4 of the kids. 3 days to my daughter's dance class. Cleaning, laundry, keeping the 2 yr old busy, cooking for all 10 people in the house. Keeping the 2 beagles from trouble all day long... It is a never ending cycle. I'm exhausted all of the time. I am beginning to hate to drive. Doesn't help that I'm in Los Angeles, and driving is not optional...
So hang in there. There are many of us that can feel your pain. LOL
Yesterday my husband took the 4 boys to get hair cuts, so I had a quiet hour or so, because my daughter and niece were at a sleep over... :O)
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
24 Feb 08
Oh my dear I would say you win the prize for having the most hectic week, my hat is off to you for managing all of this in LA - I've both lived and visited there many times and know what it's like. You are nearing Sainthood for doing all this and certainly do deserve more than an hour to yourself.
