sarahinthesuburbs

This guy..

2009-11-12T08:18:00.001-08:00

got up this morning by himself, got totally ready for school, fed Sherman/cleaned litter box and made his own breakfast so that sick mommy could sleep as long as possible before taking him to school. He said he even considered walking to school" but hadn't done that yet, it's a little far and needed permission." Love his heart.

I'm Back.. So, here goes..

2009-11-09T19:19:00.000-08:00

Can you guess which summer present was my favorite from Jake's travels? Can you guess which one made me gag? Exhibit A: Biz's gift package extraordinaire!
Exhibit B: Jake's gift.. sigh. I know moms are supposed to love all their gifts, but I have no problem saying this one was bad. Who paid money for this? (PAPA) And do you know that from time to time I still reach into my purse and grab the bear poop that hangs from his bottom? No, it's not on my keys, but I did agree to keep in my purse.

So, I lost my camera cable and that has greatly affected my blogging ability. So, I got a new one.. let the blogging begin again..

First thru Fifth.

2009-11-09T09:20:00.001-08:00

Is it me or can you start to picture what the mancub will look like as a teenager?

Supastar! Almost.

2009-08-22T17:05:00.000-07:00

We went to the Galleria today to buy school clothes for Jake. We were checking out at the Gap when a tall, pretty lady approached us with a microphone and camera man. She asked if she could talk to Jake about 'back to school shopping on tax free weekend' for CW33 News. He agreed. He was a little shy at first, but then he eased right into the interview. I don't think she had any experience with pre-tween boys. The questions she asked were ridiculous! Here's the jest of it..

Journalist: "What do you like best about shopping?"

Jake: "I don't like shopping. It's boring but ya gotta do it sometimes."

Journalist: "So, what do you think about it being tax free weekend? You get to shop til you drop?"

Jake: "Well, I guess. I don't know much about finances. My Papa and my mom buy the stuff."

Journalist: "Why did you pick The Gap to shop today?"

Jake: "Well, I don't like Old Navy that much. (looks directly into the camera)..No offense, Old Navy. So, I came over here."

We were all cracking up.. he was funny. We were done shopping, but Jake insisted we just stroll around the mall a bit longer for the heck of it. About 10 minutes or so later, a woman stopped us. She was a talent agent who works with one of the actors on "The Suite Life of Zach and Cody" on Disney. He was casting a show in Dallas. She thought Jake had a real quality about him and gave us her card for something she wanted him to audition for this show. He was all pumped and decided he wanted to do it. We all know this is out of character for him, but I went with it.

She said we could do it today or tomorrow. Pretty spontaneous for me, but we decided to just go get it done today. We drove to the studio, signed in and they handed Jake a sheet of lines. He had to pick one or two lines to recite. We filled out paperwork and handed over the most recent pic I had on me.. his 4th grade school photo. A few of the other kids there had these ginormous head shots. He had been pretty stoked to do it coming off the TV interview, but his stamina fell flat when he realized it was something he would have to do in front of his peers. A few grown ups would have been fine, but hey, he's almost 11.. and it was too much of a risk for him.

So, that was it. They did want to keep his stuff in case another project came up. But he said he just wants to stick to being a military history professor. He didn't "feel any compassion for any of the lines he had to choose from" and would like to act only if he could write his own dialogue. It wasn't meaningful enough for him. He said, "why can't someone come up and ask me to be a host on the History or Miltary channel? Something good!"

So, Jake's no sell out, that's for sure. Which is good because I already had myself retired, drinking umbrella drinks on the beach.

Shag-a-doo.

2009-08-20T11:13:00.000-07:00

I love my long haired shag-a-doo. Leif Garrett, eat your heart out. (however, we are getting a trim, I am not Celine Dion.)

Plunger, anyone?

2009-08-18T20:16:00.001-07:00

Stopped up my toilet. Why am I telling you this story? I don't know, maybe in an effort to 'get over myself.' Keep reading.

So, I recently moved and lost my plunger in the process. I don't know, threw it away, kind of gross to transfer an old plunger to a new home maybe. Anyhow, new home.. no plunger.. stopped up toilet. Enters Walmart. As I am heading up to Walmart, I am thinking about what else I needed from there in order to not make it so obvious I was just up there for a plunger. I get there, pick up a basket.. and all I could come up with was facial cleanser, a box of 'feminine products' and a bag of twizzlers. (ok, didn't actually NEED the twizzlers.)

4 items.. 10pm at Walmart.. did I really think I would get by with this being a nonchalant, every day purchase? I did. So, when the old guy (elderly, really) checked me out in the express lane tonight, looked at my plunger and said, "whoa, looks like you got a real problem at home!" I did what any self-respecting, prideful woman would do.. I lied. I said, with an "oh-please" laugh and a hand wave, "Oh no. I just don't have one and don't really want to wait until I have problem and need one." Yah, I am SO sure he bought that one.

I can't even be annoyed with the old man's observation.. I mean, who is the kookoo muffin? Him or the chic telling LIES about plunger ownership?

Oy vey. Too funny.

Jake's Michigan Trip/Family Reunion.

2009-08-05T07:29:00.000-07:00

Wow, Michigan is even more beautiful than I remember. Thanks to Papa for another great adventure!

umm...whuuu?

2009-07-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

Juss sayin'...

Without Jake.

2009-07-12T11:14:00.000-07:00

So, Jake is gone... again. This time he is hangin' out on the Jersey shore and in NY with his 'Costello' family. It's a blessing that he gets to know that part of who he is.. and I am grateful they have stepped up in the absence of his dad. With that said, mommy MISSES her boy.

So, in an effort to make myself feel better, here's a list to remind me of what I can enjoy while Jake is away...

1. I haven't tripped over a light saber, sword or rifle in about 48 hours.

2. I don't have to watch the history and miltary history channels for an entire week.

3. Time to 'wing it' all week.. food, workouts, friend time, etc. I don't have to plan much.

4. Thoughts in my brain do not have to compete constantly with shooting noises and bombs blowing up.

5. No limits to the amount of crap TV I watch.

6. I can say 'crap or shit' if I drop something on my foot or break something.

Basically, without Jake here, I have little structure and few limits to bad behavior. That didn't end as well as I thought it would. ha.

Prayer for today: praising God for the rest and time I had with Jake last week.. and asking God to remind me of the fullness I have in HIM and not in being Jake's mom.

Her favorites.

2009-06-29T20:01:00.000-07:00

As I unpacked some boxes tonight, I found a book my sister gave to our mother in 1998. It's an "All About Me" book where the person fills in information about herself. I loved reading her favorites. Here's some of our mother's favorites..

Color you like to wear: Blue
A flower to grow in your garden: Daisies
Lucky number: 7

A smell that makes you pause: Roses
A taste that makes you melt: Cinnamon
Hobby: Listening to audio books
A city you like to visit: San Diego
A country you like to explore: Mexico
Favorite meal: Steak and Lobster
A drink you often order: Iced Tea
Dessert: Cheesecake
A book you strongly recommend: The New Testament
Magazine: Family Circle
The music you like when you're alone: Jazz
Film you could watch over and over: Ghost
TV Show: The X Files
Time of day: Early morning
Favorite place you sit at home: on my bed
What you most like to do on Sundays: craft projects

Here's some other random stuff she shared..
Your Motto: Life is a series of moments, make every moment count.
Thing you love to buy: art supplies
On your wall hangs: my artwork
People should not marry before this age: 25
People should not have children before this age: 25
My most recent lie: my weight
A lie you tell yourself: 'I can do anything'
I'm addicted to: sweets
Do you believe in God? Yes.

I love surprises like today. I found so many little things of hers that I brought along with me after she passed away. That time was such a blur, and I had completely forgotten what I took with me. As I head into this new season with a new home, I feel like the Lord gave me a little housewarming gift. Praise Him for the details. Praise Him for knowing just what I needed to really make my new place feel like a home.

Parenting Alone?

2009-06-05T11:55:00.000-07:00

Parenting Alone is an organization that supports our local single parents. It offers tremendous resources and support for families in our area. They are hosting a community outreach event on June 13, 2009 from 10am-12pm at their Carrollton facility. It will be an opportunity to offer and inform single parents in the area different support systems and resources that are available to them and their children. I will be representing my church, Bent Tree Bible Fellowship, at a booth at the event. There will also be a few other local churches represented as well. If you have any single parents in your life who aren't connected or are looking for a deeper connection, please send them my way! It's a family friendly event.. there will be music, games and fun for the kids! Here is their website if you'd like more information about the organization: www.parentingalone.org ....I am really excited about this opportunity.. community changed my life as a single parent. We were never meant to do it alone.

Please pray for this event!

To 911 or To Not 911.

2009-06-03T07:54:00.000-07:00

So, last night before I left work, I had one of our 'crazies' call on the private line at work. 'Crazies' are our regulars that call for nothing and everything, usually very dramatic and they don't have a real diagnosis.. they just keep paying to come back in. This particular patient is a late 40-something self proclaimed former beauty queen. She insists on being brought into her appointments in a wheel chair either by us or her husband. She's always 'out of breath', always needs a refill on xanax or valium, and always calls the doctor by his first name. The doc won't even give her in an office breathing test because the last time he attempted it, she freaked out so bad that he had to get EMS over here. Her husband gives one of those 'yes, it's me again.. please just give her what she asks for or I will pay for it personally' heavy sighs every time he calls or comes here on her behalf.

So, back to the call. She calls.. and immediately starts yelling at me to get the doctor (calling him by his first name) on the phone. Well, usually they (the docs) aren't in the office, but he happened to be in clinic yesterday afternoon. He was doing a consult on the phone. I told her that I could take a message and have him call her right back. She screamed no (the blood curdling kind).. she kept insisting.. I kept saying no.. and I told her that if it was an emergency, she should hang up and call 911. Heck, I will call 911! She kept arguing, she was 'out of breath' and really angry that I wouldn't get him on the phone immediately. I asked for her number.. I offered 911 a few more times.. and she argued with me for about 5 minutes total. I finally told her I was going to hang up the phone. She said if he didn't call her back in a minute 'whatever happens to me is on YOU!' And I politely answered, feeling like I was in the twilight zone, "No, it's not." I told her he would call her back, to consider 911 AGAIN.. and ended the phone call.

I get her chart.. tell him after he finishes his consult (which was about 2 minutes later).. and he rolls his eyes. He calls her.. says 'okay' and hangs up.. he then strolls down the hallway, hands me her chart and says very nonchalantly, 'hey, call 911 and have them go out to her house, would ya?' ...umm okay. So, I did. I call 911 and 911 gives me a direct number to McKinney where the patient lives. Is that weird? Did anyone know that you can't just call 911 for someone in another city? Even a close city? So, after a minute or so.. he gets the number. Seriously, it was like a minute. I call this number and it's McKinney's non-emergency line. Did 911 just not only pass the buck but give me the wrong number?! So, I call this number and explain to the operator what I need for this patient. She puts me ON HOLD. ON HOLD, people. She gets back on.. and I tell her I was told this was 911 for McKinney (still confused). I said, "This isn't a small grass fire, I don't have some stranger digging in my trash.. I need an AMBULANCE for someone!" Slooooooowly... she gets all the information and says she will take care of it. Ummm okay.

One, I am disturbed that someone would be allowed to abuse the system so badly in our office that she feels like she can pull a stunt like that. Who really NEEDS 911 so badly that they have time to call me, argue with me and wait for the doctor to call 911? I'm appalled. I heard later that once SHE called 911 and refused to come to the door so they had to axe her door down to get her. I guess I feel a little mad that I was forced to buy a ticket for the crazy ride... and then have to emotionally invest in the crazy ride to the point where I was fighting for an ambulance. Secondly, I am a little peeved at 911. I must say my confidence in calling 911 has been dramatically altered by these events. I have only had to call 911 once, I think...years ago for my mom.. and it went okay. But maybe times have changed..? Maybe it's like calling information now.. is it 411? 1411? who knows?

By the way, she's fine.

Fond of the Brave.

2009-05-20T07:03:00.000-07:00

Jake: "Mom, do you think I have to be in the military to be a good military history professor?"

Mom: "No, of course not. I don't really want you to go into the the military, but that's just my selfish wants as your mom. Ultimately, I know I can't decide your path. But if I had to pick, I'd rather you stick to teaching about war and not being in one!"

Jake: "Well, listen, I am not interested in being in the military. But if I did join, and I went to war and died, I die.. so what. I'm okay with that, I am not afraid to die, mom. It's surviving a war that's scary. The psychological effects on the men that serve and come home are UNIMAGINABLE. Most people have no idea what vets go through when they get home and have to live their lives after those experiences."

Jake has a special heart for veterens, as many of you know. Memorial Day is coming up this weekend. He and Grandma Tague have 75 small flags to put down at the graves of veterens at a local cemetary. He says, 'Memorial Day and Veterens Day are my two favorite holidays after any holiday that has to do with God.'

On another note..what will a 10 year old boy who already goes deeper than most grown ups look like as a grown man himself? A boy who is already more compassionate and intuitive than even me on most days?

Today's prayer: I pray that we all take time to remember the men and women that not only died for our country, but to also remember and pray for those who have survived and live among us.

General Sherman.

2009-04-10T09:21:00.000-07:00

Introducing Jake's new pal, General William T. Sherman. We call him "Sherman."

Praying today that this is just a bad cold and not an allergy to General Sherman.

Spring Break in Branson!

2009-03-29T18:22:00.000-07:00

Thanks papa! We had a great time!

Thirty, Flirty and Fabulous!

2009-03-15T11:53:00.000-07:00

You have a part of our hearts that words just don't cover. We are so blessed to share our lives with you. We more than love you... Happy Birthday, Biz. My prayer for your 30th year is that you relish in the abundance that only God provides. You are beautiful.

Love, Sarah & Jake

5 things I'm happy to leave in 2008...

2009-01-02T12:27:00.000-08:00

1. The draw to watch One Tree Hill.

2. Men who don't love women well.

3. Jake's mullet.

4. George W. Bush.

5. My black pants (yep, gone.. all 3 pairs..trash, today. Biz, are you reading?! It's a new day, oh yes ma'am it is.)

5 things to embrace in 2009:

1. More books, less TV (and facebook).

2. Moderation on every level except loving God and people well.

3. Planning my first mission trip.. CAMBODIA, June '09!

4. Skinny jeans.

5. Singleness.. I'm kind of diggin' it.

Today, I am grateful for: New mercies, every morning.. even if it's not the new year!

Normal 9 year old boy or future serial killer?

2008-12-18T17:40:00.000-08:00

Bleeeep.

2008-12-03T19:42:00.000-08:00

So, tonight, Jake was telling me about this boy at school who is mean and says a lot of sarcastic things to him. As he was describing this boy's actions, he said, " He's a..." and he paused. I could tell he was searching for just the right word. And then Jake says, "He's a... well, can I say it?" I said, "Say what? I don't know what you are asking to say?" And he says, "Well, mom, he's an asshole." And I said, "No, you can't say that! That's a terrible thing to say." He got silent. I asked, "Do you use that kind of language with your friends?" And Jake said, "No, I never do. But I couldn't think of a strong enough word for how mean this kid is! I'm sorry!" And I told him (as I was thankfully in the dark driving so he couldn't see me chuckling) NOT to say that word again. He very softly said, "please don't tell anyone."

Jake is such a tender hearted, rule following chap that I'm not really worried about his mouth getting out of control. It was a new side, though.. bolder. Which for Jake may be a good thing. But I'm sure we can find more constructive ways to channel this boldness than calling people as*holes.

Today, I am thankful for: God's grace.

Jake's Baptism.

2008-12-01T07:35:00.000-08:00

Thankful for: An awesome day filled with God's love and community.

What I love about Thanksgiving...

2008-11-26T06:25:00.001-08:00

Family time.. especially Jake time.

The Turkey Trot. I've done it every year for as long as I can remember. I love it! Jake has come with me the last couple of years.

Pumpkin Pie WITH homemade whipped cream. All things pumpkin rock.

It's the one day of the year that 'grown up' naps are not only acceptable but also encouraged!

My Thanksgiving wish this year: Off early on Friday (yes, I have to work!) to hang with my boy.

Thirty-wahOo-Five.

2008-11-21T08:43:00.000-08:00

Took Jake to baptism class Thursday night. They were going to videotape his testimony for a video, and so we talked a little bit about it beforehand. We prayed about it, and I told him to just say what's in his heart. He sits down in front of the camera and says, "I'm Jake Costello. I am getting baptized because I know it's my time." That's it! That's all he said! It was quiet.. calm.. and certain.

He told me he wanted me in the water with him.. and my dad. He said. "you both are the two people who have helped me most in my walk with the Lord." I love that boy. The truth is, being that boy's mom has strengthened MY relationship with the Lord beyond words.

Turning 35 today. Weird, even though I have been a 'grown up' for years, 35 feels like a number that just makes me officially a 'grown up.' And some days I feel like a strong, single mom balancing the world on my fingertips by the grace of God, and then some days I feel like a needy, scared little girl who can't seem to get it together. I wonder if that ever changes? Either way, I have much to be thankful for, even in the deep missing of my mom. God has certainly rescued me.. redeemed me in so many ways. This last year has been quite a ride. I barely recognize the woman who was turning 34 last year. It's absolutely amazing what God can do in just a year... I can't wait to see what's next.

I don't really have a catchy theme for today's post.. but, after writing, it looks like the thread is that God is good. He is perfectly faithful.. and my 35 years here on Earth is definately a picture of that.

Today, I am thankful for: You.

P.S. Go read Psalm 139 today. Own it.

Poor Single Sarah.

2008-11-16T16:15:00.000-08:00

So, I have this older lady patient (well, I have a lot of those) who is a real 'boundary invader.' She knows a little about my life because she comes in EVERY couple of weeks for an office visit. And when she does, she asks a lot of questions. So last week, she commented on my hair (I've been wearing it curly more).. my makeup (asked me if I was goin' out that night).. and how she thought I was a very beautiful girl. She then proceeded to say to me that she couldn't believe I was "still on the market." I just kind of smiled.. and stayed quiet. I mean, I'm not even sure how to respond to that. Then she looks at me square in the eye and says in an accusatory manner, "You must be really choosey." I think this must be an example of the term "damning with faint praise."

Well, I really wasn't sure how to respond to that.. I mean, yeah, choosey does come to mind as I will be spending the REST OF MY LIFE with this person..but, more than that, I felt like there was something more implied. Like I must be just asking to be single because I haven't settled yet. First of all, I don't think "marriage" is the goal.. second, I personally would rather be single than be trapped in crappy marriage like a lot of people. Frankly, I'm tired of people thinking being single means I haven't yet arrived or something. And, honestly, with the divorce rate.. statistics on extramarital affairs and rising cost of marriage counseling, people might actually applaud a girl being a little "choosey." I've been down the "non-choosey" path.. and I'd like to think I've learned a little something. And maybe she touched a nerve because this week I turn 35.. and I live in the south.. in the 'burbs.. and some people here still think being single is a fate worse than death. It's an uphill mental battle some days.

Well, I'm not buying into that lie anymore, folks. And for all my single friends out there, I hope you don't either. I believe in a SOVEREIGN Father.. who is CHOOSEY... and that's where it begins and ends. The truth is.. I've chosen..I had one choice to make.. and I picked Him. And now, he does the choosing. The Lord is my only match maker.. so, if you think He is too choosey and withholding something from you.. or from me.. maybe you should take that up with Him. I'm over 'singleness' being substandard to being married. It's hogwash. I'm not sure 'hogwash' is biblical, but I feel just fine saying it.

Today, I am thankful for: Being rescued from some really bad relationships.. for allowing God's best in as the standard and not what I think is best.

No Title Worthy.

2008-11-02T12:51:00.000-08:00

So, Jake and I are riding in the car... wow, seems our best conversations happen there.. ANYWAY, he starts asking me about hormones. For him, it has been a hormonal weekend. His mood swings have been tough, but honestly, I think they are harder on him than me. I have always had extraordinarily bad PMS, so knowing what he is going through does give me some compassion for the little guy. But I told him, it doesn't give you a license to be disrespectful (BIG issue this weekend).. he still has to maintain some self control even though he is feeling so many different things. So, back to the story..

He wanted to know what kinds of feelings come from hormones besides romantic feelings. So, we talked about that, mood swings and what all of it means for his body. He said, "Man, how many years do I have to go through this?" I said, "Well, it goes up and down until you are a man..so years. But, hey, at least you don't have to go through this every month like women do for most of their lives." He said, "Mom, you sound a little defensive. Guys have stuff too. They have to check their penises like every 15 years for tumors 'n' stuff. Don't you think we have things we'd rather be doing than checking our penises? You guys have your periods and we have that."

Okay, after I stopped rolling, I did tell him he needs to check his penis more often than every 15 years. I did agree that guys and girls both have different issues to be concerned about. AND, I did reassure him that that he is still loved even when he gets in a bad mood, and that I am happy about puberty because it means he is becoming a man.

Today, I am thankful for: the hilarious moments brought about through parenting.

Halloween Schmalloween.

2008-10-31T19:59:00.000-07:00

Jake was a bandit.. he decided last minute he didn't want to trick or treat. Well, he says he had been thinking about it for a week, but who knew. I thought he was hungry. I thought he was frustrated from some wardrobe malfunctions. I told him he had to go, and that he would regret not doing it. I was wrong. I dragged him out.. he didn't want to participate and the night ended VERY early. Sometimes kids get the "dont want to's" and need a little push to get them outside of their comfort zone. At least that's what we think we are supposed to do... or when it comes to something like this, do we just respect the fact that they don't want do it and let the consequences fall where they may? Once we got out, I let him wrap up quickly and Halloween was over in an instant. He went to only one door.. didn't take his bag, instead he grumpily stuffed a few candy bars into his pockets. That's it.. that's all the candy he got. He said Halloween is a 'humiliation.' Wow, strong words. It may just be him getting older and not liking the attention. Anyway, he has already decided he is NEVER trick or treating again. Sad. I mean, who knows what next year will bring, but wow.. it makes you think, you just never know when their 'last' is.. sigh.

Today, I am thankful for: weekends. I'm exhausted.