Peace At Last

As much as I enjoy the holidays, I also like getting back into the routine afterward. Brendan started back to school on Thursday but he stayed home on Friday. He gave us a little scare.

Friday morning, as he was dressing, Brendan got a nose bleed. While he and Bill were in the bathroom stopping the bleeding, Brendan said, "I think I'm going to go to sleep," and fainted in Bill's arms. Thankfully, we were both there to reassure him when he woke up a few seconds later.

At ten years old, I wouldn't think I'd have to monitor what he ate and drank so much, but Brendan has complained of an upset stomach off and on for over a year now. He doesn't like to eat much for breakfast, and obviously didn't drink enough on the flight home. I'm not sure if it was the sight of blood or low blood sugar that caused him to pass out, but I'm watching him much closer now. He told me that he lost weight while we were in San Antonio, which seems impossible to me, since we ate so much wonderful food.

Now, he doesn't want to go to bed, because he doesn't want to wake up and faint. He doesn't want to eat because his tummy hurts, but he could pass out if he runs out of fuel. How did I raise such a worrier? More concerning, is there really something to this? I've put him on multi-vitamins, push fluids whenever he's at home, and stocked up on his favorite healthy snacks. If it happens again, we'll go see the GP.

So at least for today, I'm enjoying the solidute and a chance to have some time in front of the computer. Ask me tomorrow; I may be bored stiff.

Happy New Year

Since we were staying at our parents's houses and there were many people vying for computer time, I didn't get to blog while we were away for Christmas and New Years. So, I'll have to catch you up in chunks, as I remember them, with the aid of some photos.

We had an amazing time laughing, playing and eating with our families. Every year we are overwhelmed with hospitality and food! And we try to see and do and eat as much as we can in the amount of time we have.

Most importantly, everyone is healthy and happy. However, Dad is having another tumor removed from his bladder, plus some repair work, on Thursday. The doctor doesn't seem concerned, or a least Dad's playing it down. Please pray for him.

Bill and I came home with colds. I'm sure mine started with my moutain cedar allergy, and can't decide between settling in my sinuses or chest. Bill is running a fever with his, and stayed home from work to try to recover quickly.

We're beginning to feel almost normal again after the jet lag. I went to Tescos yesterday after showering and changing clothes, but I felt like a zombie. I ran into a friend who wanted to chat. I was so non-responsive. My body was there, but my mind was asleep. Sorry.

It's always a little disappointing to come home and have to take the tree down by myself. Brendan will be back to school tomorrow. At least the three suitcases of laundry is washed, folded and ironed, and we have food in the fridge. I'll put on some Christmas music and make it as festive a take-down as it was a put-up.

BTW - go out and find the January issue of Crafts 'n Things before it leaves the shelves! My Rustic Angel Ornament design is on page 25. So the first article wasn't a fluke. I just have to get moving faster to get published more. After receiving a handful of rejection letters, I got a bite from Philomel Books. They want to read my Dillon and Blue manuscript. Keep your fingers crossed.

(I'm not sure about copyright laws, so you have to buy the mag to see the instructions.)

Rollin' to Stardom

Two entries in one day. But I couldn't let this pass. Life is not all about me. I needed to brag on my son.

Last night, Bill and I went to see Brendan perform in his school play. He was the title character called Roll, in Sheik, Rattle and Roll. He's a wise man who does a lot of sleeping through the scenes and provides comic relief. I never thought Brendan was the drama type. He's pretty shy and doesn't enjoy performing in front of people. But, he tried out and was assigned this part. Ben, his best mate, plays Sheik. I went to the day performance, too, which was less crowded and more laid-back, to videotape the play for our families. So, between the two, I got to see him at his best. Ben had more lines, and sang a solo, but Brendan was right in there, pulling the gags and delivering the lines with confidence - and singing.

His school is so small that all the students in years 3 through 6 participated. Some were sheep. Some were stars. There were lots of angels. But there was only one Roll. He was unique and special. I was so proud! He's way too cool to be my kid.