Low Blow

Geoff asked for a status today. He is #6 in Fort Worth and #9 in Dallas. Don't ask me how this happened....I have no idea.

Obviously, there are much sicker people out there. It's gut-wrenching to say the least. Geoff and I have yet to figure out how to deal with the waiting. You would think we would have the hang of it by now. Geoff's suggestion is to "take me out back and just shoot me". Very original.

Welcome to Harvard, kids

Yeah, so we go to " parent orientation" last night for Ava's new school that she will be starting next week. Let me just start out by saying that it isn't really "school" it's an MDO program (Mother's Day Out). BUT we would never call it that here in McKinney because of course they are going to SCHOOL at age 3. Whatever.

So we walk in the building and the first thing we see are the "packets" and the name tags. Wow. A little more formal than I expected. At this point, I don't really say anything to Geoff . We put our name tags on and find our seats (there are rows of seats positioned in front of a podium). Still a little perplexed. Geoff looks over at me as says "Whoa, I didn't know this was going to be like a seminar. Do you think we get a bathroom break"? I start laughing because at least he and I are on the same page (at the moment).

And then we start...we go through the handbook, the rules, the dresscode, the discipline policy, the snacks, etc. Whatever. I look over and of course typical Geoff is getting all into this. He turns to me and says "so Ava is going like 4 days a week, right"? No Geoff, she is going two days a week like we have talked about for the last 6 months. He's floored. He can't believe she is only going two days a week. He's never been so impressed. Whatever.

The orientation ended. Her two teachers were introduced (Ms. Sandra and Ms. Sheryl). They both seemed very sweet. This is the way I look at it: as long as they throw a little Jesus in there, sing some songs, make some stuff, and she comes home happy than the tuition was well spent.

A Public Apology

Dear Public,

I am sorry for my poor, poor attitude yesterday. I know that everyone is just trying to be helpful and supportive to our family during this time.

Some days my moods just aren't "up to par" , but I promise to work on it. Next time I will direct my anger towards the children.

Sincerely,

Erin

We are not asking this week

No point in asking the status this week. It's not going to make a difference either way. What does that means to you? Don't ask us either.

Photo Friday

Circa 2006 (6 months pregnant at Brad's wedding)

Ava's 1st birthday

Drama for your mama

This is NOTHING liver related, so I'm giving you an out right now. Some will appreciate this post and others will shake their heads in shame.

I've talked about the mom's group in my neighborhood a few times now with great excitement. Well, yesterday there was a lot of drama for the mamas in the group. And of course, I was at the center of it (who's suprised)? I know it's hard for some of you to believe that I have a big mouth (shocker) and even harder to believe that I don't shut it once it starts moving.

No need to go into the details of "incident" because that would be way too catty and the explanation would be way too biased, but I know that I was right and anyone else that doesn't agree with me, is totally wrong.

Have you ever met a group of 67 stay-at-home-moms that are stressed out at least once a week, drink a minumum of 4 nights a week, and have an average of 2.7 kids that got along ALL THE TIME? If your answer is yes, then let me know because I'm moving there. Nah, forget it. I would miss the mama drama way too much.

I love living in Seattle

I'm pretty sure that's where we live right now. For four days straight it has been rainy and cloudy skies. I'm loving it, but I'm not sure how you Seattle-Portland-top two states-people deal with this for months at a time.

First off, I know I would be a much larger woman because all I have wanted to do is cook stuff in the crockpot because it's so "cold" outside. Casseroles anyone? Oh yes, that's on the list tonight. If this keeps up I may start having a hot tottie with every meal (and serving them at the playdates).

No longer dialated to an 8...maybe a 6?

Geoff is #3 in Fort Worth and #7 in Dallas.

Not discouraged, not discouraged. It will only be a matter of time before he moves up again.

Hey Y'all

Geoff had a tube check on Friday. It went very smoothly. We both packed bags so we'll be ready when the call comes.

Toothpaste. Check
Toothbrush. Check
Ipod. Check
Extra underwear. Check
1 outfit. Check.
Valium. Check.
14 travel size bottles of Jim Beam. Check.

Momma is movin in

My mom is moving in with us today. I'm sure she is just thrilled with me writing about her on my blog. If there is one thing my moms HATES is people talking about her. She is probably starting to sweat just readng this. So, no need to go into details, but it's a win-win situation for all of us. Her house officially closes escrow tomorrow! That was a very loooong 90 days, but she was patient and now things have fallen into place for her.

So hurry up, roomie! Were all waiting!

Patience

I found this today on my girlfriend's blog. Thanks Lisa.

One simple word, one wise word. Patience. I will be patient. I will take this one step at a time. Everything will happen in it's own due time. Patiently I will wait....

Were not the only ones waiting. There is always another story.

Useless information

Totally useless, but still interesting (at least to me).

There are a total of 6 people at Fort Worth Baylor waiting for a liver with Geoff's blood type (A). Five of them are male and 1 of them is female.

Waiting.

Okay, okay, okay

I can think of a few more choice words like: hallelujah, praise Jesus, thank-you, and holy crap!

I know I need to take it down a notch because a lot of things can happen (I know our good friend, Tim, is saying "pull yourself together woman")!!! Just because he is #2 doesn't mean it will happen today, BUT it does mean that he is closer. Closer is definitely a step in the right direction.

Now let's go back to doing what we were all doing before I got hysterical about the #2 call.

HOLY SHIT!

Those are the only two words I can think of at the moment.....Geoff is #2 on the list in Fort Worth. It's like being told "you are 8 centimeters dialated"!!!!! Except this time instead of giving birth you get your life saved!!!!

Takin one for the team

Yes, that's right folks I took one for Team Dunkle. I went to the Paul Mitchell Beauty College to have my hair cut and highlighted. The new Dunkle budget is in full effect and there were some items that needed to be adjusted (i.e. Erin's hair, shopping, Geoff's lunches out everyday at work, etc.). Now that I'm home things are changing. Anyhow, back to me and my hair. This was HUGE for me. This was a risk, people. This could have been disastrous. I mean, I don't see why Geoff couldn't take one for the team and give up a medication or two? Is Rapamune really anti-rejection medication? It seems a little inconsiderate, don't you think?

What?!?!?!

I have been watching Hopkins, I've told you all this. The show is morbid and it seems as if every week there is a death yet I still watch it.

Anyhow there is always a story about someone and their transplant (if you saw it last week you know where I am going). Moving on...I watched it till 9:56PM on Thursday. I was upbeat about the show. It featured a guy and his liver transplant. Guy waits for liver, guy gets liver, guy is happy (so I think when I close my eyes and go to bed that night).

Fast forward to Saturday night. I'm out to dinner with my mom, Geoff, and the kids.

Me: Hey mom did you see Hopkins (in a really upbeat guy-got-a-new-liver way)?

Mom: Yeaaaahhh (in a really bummer type of way).

Geoff: Hey Betty, I didn't tell Erin what happened. She went to bed (in a very hey lady shut-the-heck-up kind of way).

Me: Confused.

Mom: Sorry!! I thought she finished watching it! I thought she knew he died!

Me: WHAT??!?!?!?!

Randomness

I know you want to know

I stole this idea from a friend. I'm dying to see if I can really come up with 100 things about me, my life, and my family. Here goes.....

1. I'm so tired
2. I've left Ava in the other room with her brother, alone.
3. Geoff made the coffee way too strong this morning.
4. I really want to get my hair done.
5. I've been going to the gym 6 days a weeks
6. It's not working.
7. The last five pounds will not go away.
8. I think about getting a boob job at least once a week.
9. I like to shop.
10. I like to shop a lot.
11. I rarely buy things that are not on sale.
12. I love to cook.
13. I think I'm a good cook.
14. Geoff hates taking leftovers to work.
15. I don't like them either.
16. My mom is moving in with us in two weeks.
17. Holy shit!
18. I'm looking forward to it.
19. I've decided to call her my live-in nanny.
20. She will not be my live-in-nanny.
21. But I want her to be my live-in-nanny.
22. The Noggin channel is a big deal in our house.
23. Geoff loves it as much as Ava.
24. We think about livers at least 50 times a week.
25. We go over the "plan" at least 10 times a week.
26. We talk about where we will be when the "call" comes at least 5 times a week.
27. Geoff is very strong.
28. He takes each waiting day very well.
29. I would have killed somebody already if it was me.
30. He tube has become a family pet.
31. Ava talks about the tube a lot.
32. I don't really talk about it too much.
33. I think were both scared.
34. I think were both afraid on what could happen.
35. We feel confident most of the time.
36. We probably joke about it a little too much.
37. We have great friends.
38. We have great family.
39. We have great kids.
40. Ava talks a lot.
41. Ava repeats things she probably shouldn't say.
42. Ava is constantly wanting to carry a purse these days.
43. She talks about her "gym pass".
44. She is loving swimming lessons this week.
45. This morning she told me how beautiful she is.
46. Conner smiles all of the time.
47. There are times when he probably wants to escape.
48. He doesn't spit up as much as he use to.
49. Poor child gets generic Target brand formula.
50. Why pay for the name brand? It's the same thing.
51. I'm sure some would disagree.
52. He gets Costco diapers too.
53. He could care less.
54. He's looking more and more like an old man every day.
55. He "talks" to me.
56. He poops for his dad.
57. He cries at night.
58. I let him cry it out.
59. He's getting better with it.
60. He's so innocent.
61. I think Payton would run away sometimes if he could.
62. He's sick of Ava thinking that he's a horse.
63. He really hates this heat.
64. We all hate this heat.
65. We love Texas.
66. I doubt we will ever leave.
67. I love my neighborhood.
68. I have a good life.
69. I should never complain, but there are days I do.
70. I miss working.
71. I am still adjusting to staying at home.
72. I constantly think of things I can do "from home".
73. Still nothing.
74. I would like to go back to work part-time at some point.
75. Right now isn't a good time.
76. I keep saying "once we get through everything"....
77. It's frustrating.
78. Geoff is probably sick of hearing it.
79. He is a great husband.
80. A great father.
81. A great provider.
82. We should go to Church.
83. We don't.
84. I still think that is why we are being punished.
85. I want to go.
86. I'm looking forward to seeing some girlfriends tonight.
87. I'm sure alcohol will be involved.
88. I am not an alcoholic.
89. My girlfriends always make me laugh.
90. We love to bitch.
91. It's therapy for all of us.
92. We love to gossip.
93. Everybody likes to gossip, at least a little.
94. The grass is ALWAYS greener on the other side.
95. I'm trying to get motivated today.
96. I miss my family.
97. I miss Geoff's family.
98. I hope to see family soon.
99. I pray at night, but fall asleep in the middle at least 50 % of the time.
100. I am thankful.

I could probably keep going...

Deja Vu

I think that's how you spell it.

Fort Worth # 5
Dallas # 7

Bitter, bitter, bitter.

Nothin wrong with a little Jesus

Ava went to Vacation Bible School this week and had a GREAT time. Sadly, this is really one of her first experiences at church. We totally suck as parents when it comes to the religion thing. Every Sunday we talk about doing a better job (I promise Pastor Don), but somehow we continue to eat breakfast and read the paper.

See if you can find Ava in the pics below.