Thursday, February 26, 2009

Stay on the Sunny side. . .

This week has been very trying. I could divert your attention to something funny or witty, but I feel that would be a dishonest representation of my week. I'm finally coming to the conclusion that I'm living with a child going through the terrible twos. He has every symptom of this dreaded illness that makes grown people cry. His favorite word is "no," even though he can't say it very well. He just shakes his head no to anything you ask him. He is argumentative, in so far as a non-verbal child can be. He is disagreeable just to be so, and he melts down at the slightest dip in blood sugar. And because he is bigger and stronger than most children his age, somebody normally gets hurt in his outbursts. And that somebody is me.

I accidentally got in the way of a flailing sippy cup, and took it in the mouth. It hurt. And then I was on the receiving end of a head butt when he threw himself on the floor when his favorite toy stopped working. In those instances I've just been at the wrong place at the wrong time. This week he has clogged toilets, thrown a brand new soccer ball down an irrigation drain, and made a mess all over the entire house with a sippy cup on carpet. And that's just off the top of my very sleepy head. Why didn't the pediatrician or any of the other so called "child experts" that I've dealt with in the past two weeks make this diagnosis? Makes me wonder.

I think I'm also dealing with a case of the winter blues. Too much winter, too much inside. I'm bored, cranky, and edgy (although understandably so as I don't know when I'll have to dodge the next blow from my toddler). I took J and went to Michael's yesterday, just to get out, to see something new and different. Only, they didn't have anything new and different from the last time I went, about a month and 1/2 ago. This is the case with most stores I've been to, so it's really easy not to shop or spend money if they don't get any new merchandise in. You know? Kind of a bummer.

I did take some of my very smart blog readers advice, and decided to really do some homework on the jumbo loan thing. Which I found out that in my area, the term jumbo loan refers to a loan greater than $625,000. (holy crap!) But, good news for me! However, I am in the process of contacting 2 different mortgage specialists to discuss terms and conditions, which unfortunately are subject to change at a moments notice in this economy, but it is at least somewhere to start. I did make an inquiry with a real estate agent, which I had not wanted to do. I hate to get any one's hopes up that we might buy something and then not do so. But I really needed the information, so I have someone I'm talking to to get accurate and correct local information should I need it. So, we are just getting some info and trying to figure out what, if anything is possible.

I've been kind of unmotivated and uninspired this week. I think it is hard to scrap about the terrible twos, or speech issues or the mortgage meltdown, or even the winter blues. So I choose instead to focus on what I am grateful for, and believe me I had to dig. :)

You are Layout
Supplies: Cosmo Cricket Everafter Patterened paper: Something old, Something new; Cosmo Cricket Everafter Ready, set, chipboard; Cosmo Cricket Everafter Rub-ons "Remember", plus white Bazzil cardstock, Pilot black pen.
Instructions: Make a square from grey patterned paper. Cut other patterned paper as seen, adhere, and add photo and embellishment. Using a ruler, draw square stitched border around patterned paper on white cardstock. Remove patterned paper square and run cardstock through printer to add journaling. Adhere square in the middle of stitched border.

Hope your week is going well. Grey's is on tonight!

17 comments:

Sweet Peripety said...

I pray for you Danielle....I am sorry things are rough. It breaks my heart when a friend is hurting. There is a girl I grew up with, her name is Karin, and I have her link on my blog. She has some issues with her kids similar, I think, to what you deal with. Her blog is special- she has a way with words and encouraging others. If you have a minute and feel like it, you could look at her blog. It helps me refocus at times. Anyways...

I love your page, and hope you feel inspired soon. And, have an uplifted spirit.

Kimberly said...

Hang in there...I can tell you with my 4 boys that the time will heal his antics as he ages. Patience is hard sometimes. But one day you will look back with memories of this time and see how far he has come! Blessings.

Kristii said...

Thinking of you today my friend!!! Sending you a smile!! I totally love your page! You rock the cosmo!

Anonymous said...

but the point is, you dug AND FOUND SOMETHING. And made a beautiful page, to boot. Hang in there, girly!

Stacey Michaud said...

Sorry about the terrible twos--it really is tough. And, I hate to tell you this, but the threes are even worse. I didn't like my son very much that year (LOL!) and my daughter is just starting! But you stay consistent and it will be okay. They move out of it. He is so loved and that will matter! Great page too!

Allison said...

Ummm... thanks for reminding me why I have dogs instead! Ha! Yikes. I hope your weekend is reenergizing and doesn't involve toddler-induced injuries. :) Great LO!

Houston said...

Oh girl I have been there... keep walking through it, there will be another side. BTW great layout, it's beautiful in the softness of the colors and paper choices!

Unknown said...

That is lovely! Nice journaling! My DD never had the terrible twos, it hit at three. And three has been interesting and occasionally a little bit ugly. Hang in there. Take care of yourself!

Lauren said...

Oh hugs... I don't have children yet so I don't have the best words to offer other then hang in there, this will get better. Hugs and I am thinking and praying for ya!

Susan Beth said...

You really might be on to something with the outside thing. I recall when my J was a bit younger than yours I discovered that a half an hour outdoors, even in the snowy or muddy conditions, was a miricle cure for cranky ornary frustrating child. It totally improved his disposition and took his frustration level way down. The other thing that ALWAYS worked was water - bath, hot tub or swimming pool. It was 100% worth the effort to make these things available to him whenever possible. I think sometimes it is physically uncomfortable to be growing so fast physcially and mentally, and somehow exerciseing in a demanding way really helped. Especially with a boy. My two cents.

Good for youfor researching. One step at a time.

I'll join Amy in praying for you!

Linda said...

Hang in there...hope things look up soon for you! Your page is beautiful and inspiring. :)

Anne aka Anniescraps said...

Danielle, I have a very similar two year old. I just wanted to reach out with prayers and hugs. Getting out certainly helps. Speech Therapy is helping Joey get out some very useful words. Mind you he still tantrums when he doesn't get his way, but if it is a request I can honor I do, which reinforces the language. I've also noticed he slows down tantruming when I just say you are okay and go on to something else. Granted it has taken a bit and we still go through shaken sippies, throwing (I too have received a sippy to the face, but not lately. Tough too, given two year olds really aren't in control of their emotions. I always say to Joey "it is tough to be two" and it truly is. I also know how it can feel to be judged. I am pretty direct with people about that. I tell them welcome to the terrible twos and continue on. I would try to find a doctor for him that at least understands that. It can be difficult. I shush now, feel free to vent to me. Take care!

mborrero said...

Are you Okay sounds like wrestle mania over there

Elisa said...

Sorry to hear about the terrible two. DS is a delayed "terrible", and is having it at 3 1/2 - he was an angel at 2, and I don't know if I cry or laugh.

Maybe the winter blues are affecting your son too? In the Christmas break, my kids were cranky and bickering the whole day, everyday. Then I took them to some of these indoor play area (climbing frames, ball pool, slides, etc) and another day to the botanic gardens and they were transformed.

Jacquie said...

I hope things get better for you soon. Spring is right around the corner and you can get the little guy out in the fresh air and wear him out!

Kelly said...

Oh Danielle...I feel you with the terrible twos....although my daughters hasn't ended and we are currently experiencing the terrible tens!!

Lisa Dorsey said...

Oh Danielle, I wish I could be there to give you a hug. Hang in there and know the terrible twos will get better. I think getting you and J out is a fabulous idea. Does he like reading? I used to take the girls to Barnes & Noble all the time when they were little to get them out of the house. They have a pretty good story hour too if you think J would sit for that. I know ours always had a Thomas the Train set and a few other things for little ones to do too. What about Chick-fil-a or another restaurant with a play area? Open gym at a local gymnastics place is always a good idea too. I know I just needed to get out a lot. Can you tell? LOL

You are definitely in our prayers. All will work out, I am sure of it.

Hugs,
Lisa