Hi Everyone!

[paula1961]

My goodness Lynsey! That's alot of nose bleeding. Is it from sinus problems or allergies maybe? Hope you get over that soon honey.

I'm sure you and Scott will get everything done for your company. Hope you enjoy having everyone there.

[judy]

I hope you feel better Linds!

The kids are back at school, and they have been very busy lately. They were very busy with the play rehearsals,the girls went to the city to see Wicked on Wednesday, and tonight they are going to see Sally Mayes, a singer.

I love it! I hate to say it, but I need more free time than Jessie gives me. I love them all dearly, but I am very used to feeling a lot of freedom. Since I moved up here, I have not had that feeling. Even if I haven't had plans with them, she or the kids can call at anytime and want to come over sleep over, have me visit, etc.

I sometimes dread when the phone rings because my nice easy going day is about to be devoted to them. I wish that she could just cut back a drop. Oh well, having said that, I better go enjoy my day before she calls me to come meet them tonight! The show is in my town. I called her this morning, but had to leave a message.

[Janet]

Do you have caller ID Judy? Maybe you can just say you were out walking or something and didn't hear it ring...

[judy]

I did that today Janet! I was about to leave, and just didn't answer it. This evening though, I wanted to say Hi, and see what they were up to. I felt guilty about ducking them too.

Well, wouldn't you know it? Mackenzie got on and asked if she could sleep over. I had to say yes, because she gets so hurt if I say no. Jessie said in the background she didn't know if she could. It depended on what their plans for tomorrow are. She said she would call me back.

How many of you think she called me back? None...good! You're all right! So here I sit at 8:49, having no idea if the bell is going to ring or not, with Mackenzie being dropped off to sleep here, and maybe Kassidy too.

THIS IS NOT RELAXING!!!

[gja1000]

Judy, I do know how you feel. When Abigail was 4-12, she spent every weekend at my house. I loved having her, but I work and it really was a chore to have her here and get everything done I needed to do. It was a relief when she started athletics that required her to play/practice almost every Saturday (so she didn't stay over - maybe Saturday night only). Then, she developed so many friends about age 11-12, and they all visit each other over the weekend. So now, she hardly ever stays over and I really miss her sometimes. But I see her a lot, go to her volleyball games, and stay as involved as my time will allow.

However, I just don't think I'll be able to take Emma every weekend like I did Abigail - although Emma may not want to stay with us - who knows. I have so much more to do with Gary now, and he needs a lot of my attention. After his best friend died, he doesn't go out much, and his health is much more tenuous now anyway, if he was running around, I'd just be a nervous wreck! Yet, I don't want Emma to not be able to stay with us some of the time - however, I just don't think I can keep her every weekend. Now, that may be a moot point if the kids have to move to Houston - which is looking more imminent. Of course, then I will be so sad that they are 3 hours away, and I can't run over to see them any time I want. Although in some ways, that will be better. But I will still be really sad!

Anyway, I do understand your feeling like you are at their beck and call all the time and I know that doesn't feel very good. I need my space and alone time and the older I get the crankier I get when I don't get it. I have fallen into the trap of picking up my mom from church and taking her home every Sunday at noon (she rides to church with a friend, but can't ride home with her and the church is near my house). She called tonight, and I just thought, "I don't know what I'm doing tomorrow and I need a break from picking you up!" So, I told her I didn't know what we'd be doing and to call me tomorrow. I'll probably pick her up, but grrrrrrr........

Maybe that is even more reason to get away to FL for part of the winter! Maybe I'll join you! LOL!!!

[Janet]

I'm really understanding out you both feel, but not with grandchildren.....my mother. I'm exhausted and tired of it. But then again ...I love my Mom and I really do want to help her and be with her....just not all the time.

I think I want to go to Florida with you two....just don't say anything to my Mom...she'll want to go.

[gja1000]

Originally Posted by Janet

I'm really understanding out you both feel, but not with grandchildren.....my mother. I'm exhausted and tired of it. But then again ...I love my Mom and I really do want to help her and be with her....just not all the time.

I think I want to go to Florida with you two....just don't say anything to my Mom...she'll want to go.

Yes Janet, it is quite a chore to be at someone's beck and call, especially when you have responsibilities of your own. So many people do it though, that I feel guilty about complaining - especially about complaining about my grandchildren - and ESPECIALLY when Betsi doens't ever get to see her grandchildren anymore. Yet, I get so tired and stressed sometimes and just need a break!!!