Family and Togetherness and Menses

I loaded up my six kids, kissed my husbanded and patted my dog good-bye, then I headed out to I-5 North (going to my gramma's house) the day after Christmas. My family usually spends Christmas with my grandparents, my siblings, and my mother. This year was different. This year we spent Christmas at home, just me, my husband, our kids, and our dog. It was nice, but I really missed being with my extended family in Washington.

Now that I'm at Gramma's house, I am suffering from the effects of my menses. I have endometriosis and migraine headaches. To say the least, I am miserable. My cramps feel like labor pains. My head feels like it's going to explode. Meanwhile, I have six kids to look after and family to visit with... I wasn't very productive today. I got up with my kids and made them breakfast. I had to wash all of my bedding and clothes. As soon as another adult got up I headed to the shower. I bleed quite heavily during my menses so when I awoke this morning blood was everywhere... so NOT fun. I was especially stressed out because I am not at my home.

At some point I fell asleep on the couch. When I woke up I checked my laundry and checked on my kids. My sister-in-law is amazing! She had been tending to the kids while I was resting. She took care of my kids all day today, she even tucked them into bed this evening. I feel very fortunate to have her in our family.

I miss my husband and my dog. I wish they had been able to travel with us. I am glad that I was able to come up to Gramma's, but I don't think I will travel again during my menses... It's just too much for me.

We've had a good visit and good food. I'm a little sad to be heading home tomorrow. I'm a little apprehensive about driving six hours while I'm in so much pain. I'm excited to be reunited with my husband and dog. The geek in me is excited to get home so I can play EverQuest... I haven't played since before Christmas!

Conversations with my six year old...

Aunna, "Mamma, what does this middle finger mean?"

Me, "You know what it means."

Aunna, "Can I say it?"

Me, "No. You cannot say it."

Aunna, "Does it mean the 'F' word?"

Me, "Yes, it means the 'F' word."

Aunna, "Can I say it?"

Me, "No."

/Fail!

I cringe a little bit as I write this. I had avoided writing a blog, I thought quite successfully, until an assignment in my Introduction to Marketing class required me to start one. So, here I am, forlorn with defeat. The word "FAIL" (yes all in caps) continues to pound in the background of my thoughts. I can almost hear my 15 year old saying, teasingly, "Epic Fail!" (If he weren't in bed, I'm sure he'd be saying it repeatedly as I try to muster the will to write this.)

I suppose I should get on with the assignment...

The theme for this blog is everyday life in my household of eight. That's right, there's eight of us. I have six kids, a husband, and a dog... I suppose our dog, Scarlet, makes it nine.

Let me give you a little background on my family. My husband and I got married in June of 2003. I gave birth to our son in July of 2005. I gave birth to our twin girls in January of 2007. In December of 2007, we took in three foster kids (related to me by blood). We are now working with the state of Oregon to adopt our foster kids.

Maybe my next post will go into more detail on my family history, but for now, this should do.