The Period

Yep. We are there. The time a mom thinks will come wayyyy down the road. Nope! Since 3rd grade the discussion began. At that time we went over what it was, what happens, how often, just the basics. I knew there would come a day that she would be ready for more information. The day came. Thankfully, I think I was a bit prepared with my "props." I had a sample of a panti-liner, regular pad with wings, super tampon, and a regular tampon. I had requested a sample from a freebie sight and it came with one of each. I stashed it and knew it would come in handy one day.
I had her bring a pair of her panties and we went over how to correctly place each one and what the "wings" are for, and when to use a pad vs a panti-liner....
Then the fun part began. She had been asking lots of questions, because apparently a classmate of her's walked through the rite of passage over the weekend. The poor thing started while swimming. My poor daughter was so worried that she would start one day while we were swimming. We swim about 3 times a week during the summer. She asked me if they have to drain the entire pool when that happens. I felt sooo bad that she had been so worried. Thank goodness, she only went through a few hours of agony and had the courage to come talk to me after school!!
Well, because of her friends incident she wanted to know about tampons. She heard you are suppose to use those when you go swimming. I opened one up and showed her how to insert it, just using my hands while explaining where it went. I then put it under running water and showed her how it expands and can possibly leak and why you need some protection even while wearing a tampon. I did tell her, for a few hours in the pool it would be ok, however be sure to tuck the string in so it is not noticeable. I also showed her how to position herself to make it easier if she wanted to try to use them. I don't keep any in the house, so I have no worries of her hurting herself or anything. She would have to ask me to buy some or of course, could get one from a friend at school.
Finally, I went over steps to take should it happen while she was at school. I gave her a pad and a pantiliner to keep in her locker. Even though there are only a few days of school left, I could tell it gave her tons of peace of mind. Me on the other hand is now freaking out that my just turned 10 baby girl is growing up faster than I am ready for!!

Good Gathering

I've been on facebook (fb) for awhile now. I recently got reconnected to a fried from elementary school. She led to a cascade effect of friends from High School, Jr High and Elementary. It has been fun seeing where people live now and who has how many kids and what career paths some ended up walking down.
Back in February, I spontaneously met up with Victor, and we went to Dick's Last Resort for a super fun night of ELVIS impersonators! What a blast that was. So last night, he held a small intimate gathering at his house for some super yummy "Chico's Tacos!"
Now, if you are not from EL Paso, you most likely do not understand the hype about these tacos. You can only find them in El Paso. They are super cheap! When we were growing up we would go out and party like rock stars and take the last few dollars you could scrape up and get a full tummy on a double order with extra cheese! My mouth is watering just typing this...
Victor went to ELP over Mother's Day weekend and brought back some tacos for us!
What a sweetheart! He apparently showed great restraint not eating them all up during the week. Just between us, I don't believe him. HeHeHe
I think he just bought extra. I know I would have!!
When we arrived at his house, he opens the door and had on a actual "Chico's Tacos" t-shirt! It was too funny. He actually brought back the paper bowls and everything to make it as authentic as possible. My husband didn't really understand what the hype was all about. I told him, I guess maybe we are tasting the memories. Not sure, but they are yummy. Don't get me wrong. It's not like gourmet yummy. It's like, that funky, craving you get over something that only you understand.
I'm glad we went. It was a beautiful evening outside on his patio. We came back home and found that Carson had frosted her cake, but didn't cut it, cuz she wanted us to see it. It was so cute, but she was wiped out and asleep when we got home.
She got to cut her cake with her Bff Nicole today, so all was well!

And the Angels Sang.....

I'm referring to what happened when I walked into the gym for the first time in several months! Yes, I said months. Obviously running into my water instructor at Costco was not enough to get my butt back in gear. What did it? I have been having swelling in my left lower leg. It has been going on for literally years!! It gets better and then gets worse. I literally can have it an inch bigger than the other leg. Yes, I'm a nurse. We measure things like this. : )
I went to the Dr and had a doppler study done. I've had one done years ago and they were not concerned. Well, this time he tells me that there is "back pooling" in both my legs, but it is worse on the left. JOY! Then he says... I think it looks blue. WHAT? NO, it doesn't! I admit when it gets really swollen it does look horrible. The day I went to see him was not so bad. Oh well, there ya have it. The thought of losing my leg, or legs finally got me moving again.
I'm still pretty depressed. I thought I was doing better and today, as I was walking out of the locker room I see my water instructor. (Racheal) She is the same one I ran into at Costco... She only teaches on Mondays, so she had just worked out herself. I said, HI and she was happy to see me at the gym. She said something towards me not having been in such a long time and I finally told her that I had lost my brother. She polietly said, she was sorry about that... and then it happens... I start tearing up!!! I couldn't believe it! I thought I was coming to a point where I could talk about it and not cry... Maybe I'm just PMS'ing?
In the meantime, I have desperately been trying to keep myself busy with easy mindless work. Carson's teacher asked me to help decorate their classroom for "college week." She picked UT, so it was longhorn city! The great thing is, that we worked so hard, WE WON! I say, "we" cuz when you go for 5 hours on a Saturday and spend 2 more days during school hours.. that is a "we" project!
She took pics of the Principal and VP's and put their faces on cheerleaders.
It was so funny and cute!

Award Time!!

I had been saving this news for a rainy day. After the weekend I had, I most definitely need some cheering up! A dear friend MaBunny gave me my first award!
Just want to say "Muchas Gracias conejita!" I think I am suppose to pass to 10 other bloggers? I am not much of a follower.... I'll figure something out.
It's a sisterhood award, which is great, cuz I need more sisters in my life.