What? I can pretend. Shut up.
Ten Things I'm Thankful For Since We Have A Little Less Autism in the House:
10. I can leave everything unlocked!!!!!! Food,the fridge,cabinets,trash,cleaning products--the list is endless!!!!
9. We can eat when we're hungry & not on a scheduled plan. Not to mention the bonus of getting to leave dishes out or on the stove if I want & no one will play in it.
8. We can eat OUT as a family!!
7. My water bill is considerably lower & there's A LOT less laundry-towels/sheets. I need new towels though--after so much washing they look like someone tried to gnaw their way out of 'em.
6. I can have decorations out around the house & candles lit--for the first time EVER!
5. I have time to myself in my own house!! My thoughts get finished (most of the time) and I don't feel like a Tasmanian devil.
4. One less school to keep up with. Papers, meetings, special days & occasions, backpacks & snacks.
3.I can soap out in my bathroom & kitchen without the fear of someone eating it.
2.I can have my front door open to watch for the bus in the mornings & afternoons or just to watch for the mail.
1. And the number one reason I am thankful to have a little less Autism in my house is--Hiney wiping. It has been almost a month since I've wiped someone else's hiney. It makes me wanna cry.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Sunday, October 09, 2011
Visiting Hours Are Over
We got to go up to the City & see son#2 last night!! I was like a kid waiting for Santa. The brothers were excited but they were at opposite ends of the spectrum on it. #3 was excited to see his brother & play with his toys. #1 was NOT excited about having to travel & leave the house (a.k.a computer) at all. I packed stuff for the kids since 2 hrs in the car each way is very new to them. Charged all our electronic devices & the portable dvd player and through in their favorite movies. I got some snacks, to go visit we leave so early, yet it falls right in the middle of dinnertime & to wait until after visitation is too late for the kids. And me.
Son#3 and I also worked on making cards for #2
to hang up on his wall of family pictures & such.
We need rain here so badly, and about half way there it started pouring. And it didn't stop until about the same point on the way home. Dry as a bone here at the house. Go figure.
We met son#2 in the cafeteria--we got there right at 6pm when visitation starts. We waited awhile because he was finishing up a shower after dinner.
But as soon as I saw him outside, I ran to him & the first thing he did was kiss me right on the mouth!!! My baby missed me!!!!!
He smiled and we went in to see everyone, who was already staring out the window because I'd been squealing like a school girl.
He was a little confused meeting in the cafeteria. Their days are so scheduled, he knew he'd already been there, eaten dinner & was supposed to be in his room. So like the son we know and love, he started his hunt for food.
But once he settled down & started chasing his little brother around & ignoring son#1, he was fine. He watched one of his favorite videos with son#3 and I could tell he had missed his Sesame Street peeps. He stared at that screen forever. I couldn't stop touching him. Hugging & leaning, loving & just snuggling him.
Son#2's personal assistant--"PA" (24/7 staff person that rotates out in shifts/days) is the same girl we met the first day-LaToya. So it was nice we could chat with her again & really get an idea of what's been going on. We've had phone calls of bruises & scratches--some explained, some not. As a mom, that's difficult being so far away. He's a boy,I get that bruises & scratches will happen--especially with this kid. But getting a call that your kid has a bruise on his cheek and you're so far away & no one can tell you HOW it happened...sucks rotten eggs. You feel helpless & a tiny bit like you failed because you didn't keep him safe. I'm still trying to understand with a personal assistant with you 24/7, how you have an unexplainable bruise. But when I saw him, saw it was all okay, he looked great, I could move on. The nightly phone calls are nice--when they remember.But, nothing beats seeing him in person!!
Leaving wasn't as difficult as I thought it'd be. For me or him. He was ready for meds & bed and I was just content to see him & know he's okay. There's something heart warming about knowing that he had fish nuggets, green beans,and macaroni & cheese for dinner and that he might get to go to the park today. Son#3 was the crier. He bawled & bawled that he didn't want to leave his brother. And he didn't get to go to see his room & play with his toys. It was cute.
It was a little bit of a stressful drive home with all the rain and the kids being tired & cranky in the backseat. However, to this mama, it was ALLLLLLLLLLLLL worth it. Totally.
Thursday, October 06, 2011
Seasons Change
Hello again.
So much has changed since my last blog that I hardly know where to start.
After a very long & challenging summer with son#2, we were able to have prayers answered recently for his care.
He has struggled with some manic issues this summer and after trying FIVE different medicines, we ended up pretty bad violent outbursts for the whole month of August. It took the bad med two weeks to leave his system, but once we found the med that was "just right", it was smooth sailing.
However, it became glaringly obvious that son#2 needed some help with new habits. And his medicines dealt with in a controlled environment where we weren't left with six holes in the walls to repair & he didn't end up with two big black eyes. It was much more than we were sadly able to provide him with.
After much frustration at turning to people with supposed expert advise & resources, we met a brick wall. (When the local Autism Resource Center doesn't know where to point you, someone's not doing their job (RESOURCE center?)OR we have a truly unique individual that God has entrusted us with.
We believe God opens doors. And ours came in the form of a place ironically called Camelot.
At Camelot they didn't blink when I mentioned son#2's meds, his violent outbursts, his non-toileting issues, naked time or sensory affinity for poo. That's right, I said it. If that rankles your tail feathers you might as well stop reading now.
Camelot welcomed us, knew what to do with son#2, and had a plan of attack on all the above mentioned issues & more. Camelot even had an opening September 8th. That could only be God people!!!
So many questions. Camelot is a live in, residential treatment facility & so son#2 will have to live there 24/7 for anywhere from a few months, to a year or more.
I don't know that I could have been more scared & relieved all at the same time.
We went for an interview and then they got to know about son#2 and his issues.
They finally approved him and to boot, he gets one on one staff. That means wherever he goes he has one person that is his personal staff attendant.
Which it IS a full-time job keeping son#2's hands out of his pants. I'm sure he's not the only male with that problem...
I didn't have warm fuzzies about the place, but after checking around they seem to know their stuff & to be honest, the next closest place that takes non-verbal Autistic kids is Kansas.
Two hours to Oklahoma City doesn't look too bad.
Checking in took hours & hours. And we even had to inventory his stuff & put his name on all his clothes. Sounds like checking your parent into a nursing home doesn't it? You know they need the service & care they can provide. You know you've done all you can do, but still, to leave them there in someone else's care...
it's the hardest thing you've ever done. It is for me.
Son#2 is easily adjusting. He does love the Build-A-Bear bunny we got & recorded my voice on. He's sleeping with it & loves to push the mommy button over & over. His brothers helped "build" it. When it came to making a special wish for son#2, and kissing the heart, I found it so endearing son#1 was over to the side really talking to the little red heart. I hugged him & asked what he wished for his brother.
"To never come home so I can have my own room." *sigh!* That's a teenager for ya!
The brothers know he's away for a long time. To not let them think he was being sent away for bad behavior, we told them it was camp. And so they wouldn't want to go themselves, we said it was to learn potty training & how to keep his clothes on. The first day after he was gone, son#3 asked me as soon as he got off the bus, "Did you go get him yet?"
His workers & staff are literally arguing over who gets to be his one on one.
That's comforting. I pray daily no one abuses him, hurts him or looses their patience. That they keep him safe & healthy. And that he shows him on smart he is & learns some new habits.
He's taking lots of walks and keeps a tight schedule. The good news is they call almost every night. We get to be on speaker phone & hear him laugh and he looks intently at the phone when we talk. And sometimes hangs up on us or puts us on hold.
It's quite an adjustment. There's relief of the tension with which we're used to carrying in ourselves and there's also grief for me. Hubbo has a better time with the big picture. While MY head knows that & I'm a smart girl, my heart feels much differently about the situation.
I'm amazed by the workmanship God created in the human form! We can feel so many emotions that usually cancel one another out, yet all at the same time---andd my heart doesn't explode. At least not yet. Check back in with me next week.
In the meantime, if you pray, please say a little prayer for son#2 when you think of us. This is a challenge & while it is going to be a good thing for him & our family, they WILL be asking things of him he won't want to do---otherwise we would be doing them here.
So much has changed since my last blog that I hardly know where to start.
After a very long & challenging summer with son#2, we were able to have prayers answered recently for his care.
He has struggled with some manic issues this summer and after trying FIVE different medicines, we ended up pretty bad violent outbursts for the whole month of August. It took the bad med two weeks to leave his system, but once we found the med that was "just right", it was smooth sailing.
However, it became glaringly obvious that son#2 needed some help with new habits. And his medicines dealt with in a controlled environment where we weren't left with six holes in the walls to repair & he didn't end up with two big black eyes. It was much more than we were sadly able to provide him with.
After much frustration at turning to people with supposed expert advise & resources, we met a brick wall. (When the local Autism Resource Center doesn't know where to point you, someone's not doing their job (RESOURCE center?)OR we have a truly unique individual that God has entrusted us with.
We believe God opens doors. And ours came in the form of a place ironically called Camelot.
At Camelot they didn't blink when I mentioned son#2's meds, his violent outbursts, his non-toileting issues, naked time or sensory affinity for poo. That's right, I said it. If that rankles your tail feathers you might as well stop reading now.
Camelot welcomed us, knew what to do with son#2, and had a plan of attack on all the above mentioned issues & more. Camelot even had an opening September 8th. That could only be God people!!!
So many questions. Camelot is a live in, residential treatment facility & so son#2 will have to live there 24/7 for anywhere from a few months, to a year or more.
I don't know that I could have been more scared & relieved all at the same time.
We went for an interview and then they got to know about son#2 and his issues.
They finally approved him and to boot, he gets one on one staff. That means wherever he goes he has one person that is his personal staff attendant.
Which it IS a full-time job keeping son#2's hands out of his pants. I'm sure he's not the only male with that problem...
I didn't have warm fuzzies about the place, but after checking around they seem to know their stuff & to be honest, the next closest place that takes non-verbal Autistic kids is Kansas.
Two hours to Oklahoma City doesn't look too bad.
Checking in took hours & hours. And we even had to inventory his stuff & put his name on all his clothes. Sounds like checking your parent into a nursing home doesn't it? You know they need the service & care they can provide. You know you've done all you can do, but still, to leave them there in someone else's care...
it's the hardest thing you've ever done. It is for me.
Son#2 is easily adjusting. He does love the Build-A-Bear bunny we got & recorded my voice on. He's sleeping with it & loves to push the mommy button over & over. His brothers helped "build" it. When it came to making a special wish for son#2, and kissing the heart, I found it so endearing son#1 was over to the side really talking to the little red heart. I hugged him & asked what he wished for his brother.
"To never come home so I can have my own room." *sigh!* That's a teenager for ya!
The brothers know he's away for a long time. To not let them think he was being sent away for bad behavior, we told them it was camp. And so they wouldn't want to go themselves, we said it was to learn potty training & how to keep his clothes on. The first day after he was gone, son#3 asked me as soon as he got off the bus, "Did you go get him yet?"
His workers & staff are literally arguing over who gets to be his one on one.
That's comforting. I pray daily no one abuses him, hurts him or looses their patience. That they keep him safe & healthy. And that he shows him on smart he is & learns some new habits.
He's taking lots of walks and keeps a tight schedule. The good news is they call almost every night. We get to be on speaker phone & hear him laugh and he looks intently at the phone when we talk. And sometimes hangs up on us or puts us on hold.
It's quite an adjustment. There's relief of the tension with which we're used to carrying in ourselves and there's also grief for me. Hubbo has a better time with the big picture. While MY head knows that & I'm a smart girl, my heart feels much differently about the situation.
I'm amazed by the workmanship God created in the human form! We can feel so many emotions that usually cancel one another out, yet all at the same time---andd my heart doesn't explode. At least not yet. Check back in with me next week.
In the meantime, if you pray, please say a little prayer for son#2 when you think of us. This is a challenge & while it is going to be a good thing for him & our family, they WILL be asking things of him he won't want to do---otherwise we would be doing them here.
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Ten Things Tuesday
Ten Things Tuesday
1. Sugar-Free Vanilla Carmel coffee creamer. To me it tastes like maple flavored oatmeal. Yum!! And more importantly it gets me up & around in the mornings.
2. I'm thankful that even though I overslept this morning, I STILL got my son's lunch made & breakfast in time to catch the bus. All that in ten minutes.
3. Son#3 is soooo excited this year about presents & Christmas, so it's fun to see his eyes light up at every thing he sees a commercial for. When you have son#2 that has never been able to tell us or Santa a Christmas list...you'd be thankful too.
4. I'm very appreciative to get to know a new fellow mother in the trenches battling Autism. She has other things on her plate as we all do, but she's a strong mom and that makes her an ally. I am always thankful for another one of those.
5. Our Christmas party at book club was last night and I was in charge of the craft. I was very pleased it went well. But I'm praying for one of our regulars who missed for the first time in I can't remember how long. Ms. Evelyn is 90 years old. I know the holidays will be a little less joyous for her family with her in a nursing facility, but she's a strong woman and I know she can get better. It wouldn't be the first Christmas miracle.
6. My house is getting more organized--closets & rooms--feels GOOD. Clutter BE GONE!!!!!!
7. Even with teacher gifts, I only have a couple more gifts to get. Hallelujah!!
8. I'm thankful for Dr F that sees my kids and that she listens to ME. She is available to us. I can email, call her office or home. And I even have her cell number. She and nurse Gina are our biggest blessings with our kids Autism. They've been with us since 2000.
9. By some wild miracle, my husband made it into his Fantasy Football playoffs. He had a great season, but by some weird rules that don't make sense to girls, he almost didn't make it in. But he did. I'm thankful that I don't have to hear about that anymore. Don't tell him I said that. He thinks I'm just happy for him.
10. Pot roast is in the crockpot. Roasted potatoes on a cold winters night...I'm thankful my family has the choice of the food they want & a warm house to enjoy it in. And that we aren't too busy to eat dinner together tonight.
And a bonus 11. I am SO thankful that a dear, dear friend of mine was proposed to by a man that sees her for the wonderful, giving person she is. And will honor her all the days of their lives!! YAY!!!!
1. Sugar-Free Vanilla Carmel coffee creamer. To me it tastes like maple flavored oatmeal. Yum!! And more importantly it gets me up & around in the mornings.
2. I'm thankful that even though I overslept this morning, I STILL got my son's lunch made & breakfast in time to catch the bus. All that in ten minutes.
3. Son#3 is soooo excited this year about presents & Christmas, so it's fun to see his eyes light up at every thing he sees a commercial for. When you have son#2 that has never been able to tell us or Santa a Christmas list...you'd be thankful too.
4. I'm very appreciative to get to know a new fellow mother in the trenches battling Autism. She has other things on her plate as we all do, but she's a strong mom and that makes her an ally. I am always thankful for another one of those.
5. Our Christmas party at book club was last night and I was in charge of the craft. I was very pleased it went well. But I'm praying for one of our regulars who missed for the first time in I can't remember how long. Ms. Evelyn is 90 years old. I know the holidays will be a little less joyous for her family with her in a nursing facility, but she's a strong woman and I know she can get better. It wouldn't be the first Christmas miracle.
6. My house is getting more organized--closets & rooms--feels GOOD. Clutter BE GONE!!!!!!
7. Even with teacher gifts, I only have a couple more gifts to get. Hallelujah!!
8. I'm thankful for Dr F that sees my kids and that she listens to ME. She is available to us. I can email, call her office or home. And I even have her cell number. She and nurse Gina are our biggest blessings with our kids Autism. They've been with us since 2000.
9. By some wild miracle, my husband made it into his Fantasy Football playoffs. He had a great season, but by some weird rules that don't make sense to girls, he almost didn't make it in. But he did. I'm thankful that I don't have to hear about that anymore. Don't tell him I said that. He thinks I'm just happy for him.
10. Pot roast is in the crockpot. Roasted potatoes on a cold winters night...I'm thankful my family has the choice of the food they want & a warm house to enjoy it in. And that we aren't too busy to eat dinner together tonight.
And a bonus 11. I am SO thankful that a dear, dear friend of mine was proposed to by a man that sees her for the wonderful, giving person she is. And will honor her all the days of their lives!! YAY!!!!
Thursday, December 02, 2010
Hurry, Hurry, Rush, Rush, Rush!
December took off like a one horse open sleigh so I'm late and will be quick with my praise & thankfulness this week.
1. December is FINALLY here! I love the holidays and the coziness of the dark nights and fun, warm times at home. We've been doing puzzles, board games & baking like there's no tomorrow.
2. Decorating is DONE as of today. WHEW! Took longer than I thought. I usually do it during Thanksgiving break but I was too busy/tired to do it this year. And I wanted to wait until I was in the spirit. Son#3 had a TON O FUN this year helping hang things all around the house.
3. Son#2 is almost totally healed up after the pulling of the front tooth completely out incident. But he is ticking now. Already been several days now, hoping it subsides. So that whole door closes & another opens, isn't always a fun door to go through. But he's been a trooper with changing his room and bed around. So the flexibility has been appreciated since I know he's not 100%.
4. I have been getting an insane amount of honey-do's off my list around the house. YIPPEE!!! The garage is still in turmoil, so much so we're not parking in there right now. But I've assured Hubbo that to get organized you have to make a bigger mess. RIGHT?
5. I've made some very nice purchases lately & gotten some great deals---there ARE some positive things to us all being in the same boat with the economy.
6. Our insurance was the same for years. Then about a month ago, it switched with hardly any warning. In that month we had that, I didn't need to use it. But now, we've switched AGAIN & thankfully this company had it's ducks in a row, and everything I have needed, hasn't had a hiccup. Whew!!!
7. We have a new tv in the living room. It was time, since the old beast was one Hubbo had before we got married. It's seen a lot, including son#2 pulling it off & breaking his leg with it at 2 yrs old.
It was losing sound & people were starting to look like Oompah Loompahs. Or maybe that was just all the spray tans on my shows. Either way, I can hear it in the kitchen now which is a nice perk.
8. To add to this new TV I have the added perk of my cable company putting people's names & numbers on my tv screen when my phone rings to tell me who it is. Fancy Smancy! But more useful than I thought.
9. I ate chips & salsa yesterday till I almost puked. I loved every minute of it.
10. Son#1 has a picture in an art show today at one of the local colleges. Since his daddy was an art major, much rejoicing will be had tonight.
1. December is FINALLY here! I love the holidays and the coziness of the dark nights and fun, warm times at home. We've been doing puzzles, board games & baking like there's no tomorrow.
2. Decorating is DONE as of today. WHEW! Took longer than I thought. I usually do it during Thanksgiving break but I was too busy/tired to do it this year. And I wanted to wait until I was in the spirit. Son#3 had a TON O FUN this year helping hang things all around the house.
3. Son#2 is almost totally healed up after the pulling of the front tooth completely out incident. But he is ticking now. Already been several days now, hoping it subsides. So that whole door closes & another opens, isn't always a fun door to go through. But he's been a trooper with changing his room and bed around. So the flexibility has been appreciated since I know he's not 100%.
4. I have been getting an insane amount of honey-do's off my list around the house. YIPPEE!!! The garage is still in turmoil, so much so we're not parking in there right now. But I've assured Hubbo that to get organized you have to make a bigger mess. RIGHT?
5. I've made some very nice purchases lately & gotten some great deals---there ARE some positive things to us all being in the same boat with the economy.
6. Our insurance was the same for years. Then about a month ago, it switched with hardly any warning. In that month we had that, I didn't need to use it. But now, we've switched AGAIN & thankfully this company had it's ducks in a row, and everything I have needed, hasn't had a hiccup. Whew!!!
7. We have a new tv in the living room. It was time, since the old beast was one Hubbo had before we got married. It's seen a lot, including son#2 pulling it off & breaking his leg with it at 2 yrs old.
It was losing sound & people were starting to look like Oompah Loompahs. Or maybe that was just all the spray tans on my shows. Either way, I can hear it in the kitchen now which is a nice perk.
8. To add to this new TV I have the added perk of my cable company putting people's names & numbers on my tv screen when my phone rings to tell me who it is. Fancy Smancy! But more useful than I thought.
9. I ate chips & salsa yesterday till I almost puked. I loved every minute of it.
10. Son#1 has a picture in an art show today at one of the local colleges. Since his daddy was an art major, much rejoicing will be had tonight.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Gobble, Gobble!!
Thankful days. But today especially. When we went around the table to say what we were thankful for, this is the awesomeness I heard.
Hubbo said he was thankful for his wife & three wonderful sons.
Son#1 said he was thankful for Nana, Julie when she's not singing & Mrs. Moses. (I swear I can carry a tune.)
Son#3 was thankful for many, many things he couldn't shut up during our dinner. The main ones I heard repeated were, "My Jedi, choo-choo train & my green, green tractor."
I was talking about how I was thankful we had food, the money for the food & family to share it with, if we'd wanted to do that. And how so very thankful I was for three children from Ethiopia that have a new family to live with here in the States this Thanksgiving. That family is truly thankful this year. All four of my boys are healthy & love me--when I don't sing---so how could I ask for anything else?
Son#2, could he talk, I feel confident that he'd say he was thankful for---deviled eggs, mashed potatoes, dressing, turkey, rolls, green bean casserole & pie.
Trust me on this.
Gobble, gobble from our home to yours!
Hubbo said he was thankful for his wife & three wonderful sons.
Son#1 said he was thankful for Nana, Julie when she's not singing & Mrs. Moses. (I swear I can carry a tune.)
Son#3 was thankful for many, many things he couldn't shut up during our dinner. The main ones I heard repeated were, "My Jedi, choo-choo train & my green, green tractor."
I was talking about how I was thankful we had food, the money for the food & family to share it with, if we'd wanted to do that. And how so very thankful I was for three children from Ethiopia that have a new family to live with here in the States this Thanksgiving. That family is truly thankful this year. All four of my boys are healthy & love me--when I don't sing---so how could I ask for anything else?
Son#2, could he talk, I feel confident that he'd say he was thankful for---deviled eggs, mashed potatoes, dressing, turkey, rolls, green bean casserole & pie.
Trust me on this.
Gobble, gobble from our home to yours!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Ten Thanksgiving Thankful Things
Gobble, gobble!
Happy Thanksgiving week!!
Here we go...some serious, some fun, but all real & true.
1. I'm truly thankful for FALL. It's my favorite season, the clothes, I LOVE LOVE the clothes. And jackets. I'm a bit of a jacket hoarder. Just ask my husband who sadly owns 3. I take up many closets with my collection. They're like sad puppies I can't pass up, I have to give them homes.
I wish fall was 8 months out of the year, 2 month of winter & 2 months of spring. I'd be a happy woman.
In Oklahoma, fall is like a relative you love but only see a few times a year. Makes it extra special & I'm more likely to savor every single fall day.
2. Scarves & jewelry. Love my accessories. They make me happy & proud to be a girl.
3. Vitamins--love my vitamin that gets me going in the mornings. I take it at night, the next morning I pop outta bed. Except when it's really cold. Then I hobble to the thermostat & then get back & bed to snuggle till I'm warmed to a good temp.
4. What would fall be without all the MANY, MANY blankets & throws around my house. Some of you may think, but she has those out all the time. True, so think just how many there are out now!
5. Crafts--this is the time of year I go to craft shows, make crafty things & especially make some Christmas presents. SO fun to actually give something you made.
6. Sunday I got to see a cousin I hardly see anymore and she is so extra special to me. Her husband served us all in Iraq and we're thrilled he's home, and safe. She is currently pregnant with a girl, and I was so very happy to see the whole family and enjoy their company.
Her pregnancy is having some bumps, but she is one strong woman & I know God will be watching out for that precious baby Bethany that's still cookin in the oven.
7. Sunday morning son#1 was looking forward to class and sharing his high/low of the week. But it turned out hsi teacher was gone. Change! Oh no!! Son#1 had a meltdown, and one of my sweetest friends, sat in the hallway with him & talked him down off his ledge. Really worked him through it. I had no idea until after the fact. I was SO relieved to know I had backup, even when I didn't know I needed it. What a blessing she was--she knows who she was--a true friend I'm so thankful for her sacrifice of her own class to sit there & help son#1.
8. Son#2 got into a rage yesterday & pulled out his other (remember the other one is gone as of last May) front tooth. Whole permanent tooth. Root and all.
Poor kid. Due to his Autism there isn't much to do for him until he's an adult or at some much higher level of development that will let us do implants or a bridge. So until then, all he wants for Christmas is his two front teeth.
I'm thankful for all of the cool heads that prevailed yesterday from the teacher, Hubbo, friends that prayed for me/him & the dentist who called from home before he left on his trip. We're surrounded by angels sometimes.
9. Some friends have had car accidents this week and I'm SO thankful that no one was hurt in either accident. People are starting to get crazy, cranky & distracted---be careful!
10. This year I decided we'd stay home & have our own Thanksgiving with just the five of us. It's so terrific because we don't have lug the kids out anywhere or be on alert with them. We get to stay home in our kid proof home and eat at a leisurely pace. Not to mention we won't need the rest of the break to catch back on energy.
I'm so thankful for this decision and I'm looking forward to it a lot.
Happy Thanksgiving week!!
Here we go...some serious, some fun, but all real & true.
1. I'm truly thankful for FALL. It's my favorite season, the clothes, I LOVE LOVE the clothes. And jackets. I'm a bit of a jacket hoarder. Just ask my husband who sadly owns 3. I take up many closets with my collection. They're like sad puppies I can't pass up, I have to give them homes.
I wish fall was 8 months out of the year, 2 month of winter & 2 months of spring. I'd be a happy woman.
In Oklahoma, fall is like a relative you love but only see a few times a year. Makes it extra special & I'm more likely to savor every single fall day.
2. Scarves & jewelry. Love my accessories. They make me happy & proud to be a girl.
3. Vitamins--love my vitamin that gets me going in the mornings. I take it at night, the next morning I pop outta bed. Except when it's really cold. Then I hobble to the thermostat & then get back & bed to snuggle till I'm warmed to a good temp.
4. What would fall be without all the MANY, MANY blankets & throws around my house. Some of you may think, but she has those out all the time. True, so think just how many there are out now!
5. Crafts--this is the time of year I go to craft shows, make crafty things & especially make some Christmas presents. SO fun to actually give something you made.
6. Sunday I got to see a cousin I hardly see anymore and she is so extra special to me. Her husband served us all in Iraq and we're thrilled he's home, and safe. She is currently pregnant with a girl, and I was so very happy to see the whole family and enjoy their company.
Her pregnancy is having some bumps, but she is one strong woman & I know God will be watching out for that precious baby Bethany that's still cookin in the oven.
7. Sunday morning son#1 was looking forward to class and sharing his high/low of the week. But it turned out hsi teacher was gone. Change! Oh no!! Son#1 had a meltdown, and one of my sweetest friends, sat in the hallway with him & talked him down off his ledge. Really worked him through it. I had no idea until after the fact. I was SO relieved to know I had backup, even when I didn't know I needed it. What a blessing she was--she knows who she was--a true friend I'm so thankful for her sacrifice of her own class to sit there & help son#1.
8. Son#2 got into a rage yesterday & pulled out his other (remember the other one is gone as of last May) front tooth. Whole permanent tooth. Root and all.
Poor kid. Due to his Autism there isn't much to do for him until he's an adult or at some much higher level of development that will let us do implants or a bridge. So until then, all he wants for Christmas is his two front teeth.
I'm thankful for all of the cool heads that prevailed yesterday from the teacher, Hubbo, friends that prayed for me/him & the dentist who called from home before he left on his trip. We're surrounded by angels sometimes.
9. Some friends have had car accidents this week and I'm SO thankful that no one was hurt in either accident. People are starting to get crazy, cranky & distracted---be careful!
10. This year I decided we'd stay home & have our own Thanksgiving with just the five of us. It's so terrific because we don't have lug the kids out anywhere or be on alert with them. We get to stay home in our kid proof home and eat at a leisurely pace. Not to mention we won't need the rest of the break to catch back on energy.
I'm so thankful for this decision and I'm looking forward to it a lot.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Ten Things Tuesday
1. What beautiful weather! Here it's rainy, cold and just brisk. I love that! And our ground around here really needed the rain so I'm especially thankful for that. (If only we got to stay in bed hibernating right?)
2. Son#3 toe walks to compensate for a hip that was turned in when he came out of the womb. Now it's just habit we try to correct with that Pants on the Ground song...Heels on the Ground, Heels on the Ground.
I'm very thankful that Physical Therapy for son#3 is decreasing after just a year! Instead of twice a week, we're going to twice a month!
3. On that same note I'm thrilled that son#1 that didn't speak till he was 4 years old, and is now 12, will not need any speech therapy anymore! It hasn't been a chore, but it does make us feel excited with a reminder that son#1 has come such a long way. Go God!!
4. November is Adoption Awareness month. I'm thankful that a friend is heading with her husband to Africa today to pick up her newest children. These people are salt of the earth, (I call them Salties.) have three children already and are opening their home & hearts to three more. Two are brothers, what a blessing to them that they get to stay together right?
And this little girl---what a brave child and an exciting time she has ahead of her as a member of that family.
I'm so pleased for them & proud to know them.
5. I'm looking forward to Friday when I go to a yearly event a local church called The Christmas Gathering. They liken it to HGTV meets Oprah's Favorite Things show. We see lots of decorating tips, gifts to give and holiday recipes. We eat, laugh and get lots of fun, free things.:) This year I'm not only going with my usual girls, but several of my bunko chicks. FUN TIMES! Don't wait up!
6. Lately I've been realizing that my rushed schedule with the kids school times this year is really a blessing in disguise. It means son#3 and I get to have lunch together every day. At first it was just rushed & chaotic. Now I'm making time to try and eat with him, and chit chat about our morning & what fun he'll have at school. He goes to all day kindergarten next year. And this school year is half gone. I'm savoring every lunch because pretty soon I'll be eating alone. Be careful what you pray for, you may just get it.
7. Well, yesterday son#1 had "the talk" at school. They showed the video to the 7th graders. We agreed to let him see it figuring he's a visual learner, this may help & we can expand on any questions he has.
Yesterday when he came home I was nervous. I could hear him asking me if I knew I had a vagina.
But nope. Na-da.
"How was your day? Anything exciting happen?"
"Good. Nothing exciting."
" /exhale"
But don't worry, I'm not lulled into a false sense of peace. It's coming, some scary inappropriate question at an even more inappropriate time. Like when I asked my mom at 5 yrs old, what a maxi pad was for. And she told me.
8. On a different note, son#1 has all A's for this 9 weeks at school!! YAY! *Snoopy dance!*
9. This Sunday we have a family baby shower for one of the first girl babies amongst my cousins. Girly stuff is a fun thing for me since I don't get to see much pink, umm EVER.
10. And my final thing today is my hair appointment tonight. You'd be thankful too if you could see my roots.:)
2. Son#3 toe walks to compensate for a hip that was turned in when he came out of the womb. Now it's just habit we try to correct with that Pants on the Ground song...Heels on the Ground, Heels on the Ground.
I'm very thankful that Physical Therapy for son#3 is decreasing after just a year! Instead of twice a week, we're going to twice a month!
3. On that same note I'm thrilled that son#1 that didn't speak till he was 4 years old, and is now 12, will not need any speech therapy anymore! It hasn't been a chore, but it does make us feel excited with a reminder that son#1 has come such a long way. Go God!!
4. November is Adoption Awareness month. I'm thankful that a friend is heading with her husband to Africa today to pick up her newest children. These people are salt of the earth, (I call them Salties.) have three children already and are opening their home & hearts to three more. Two are brothers, what a blessing to them that they get to stay together right?
And this little girl---what a brave child and an exciting time she has ahead of her as a member of that family.
I'm so pleased for them & proud to know them.
5. I'm looking forward to Friday when I go to a yearly event a local church called The Christmas Gathering. They liken it to HGTV meets Oprah's Favorite Things show. We see lots of decorating tips, gifts to give and holiday recipes. We eat, laugh and get lots of fun, free things.:) This year I'm not only going with my usual girls, but several of my bunko chicks. FUN TIMES! Don't wait up!
6. Lately I've been realizing that my rushed schedule with the kids school times this year is really a blessing in disguise. It means son#3 and I get to have lunch together every day. At first it was just rushed & chaotic. Now I'm making time to try and eat with him, and chit chat about our morning & what fun he'll have at school. He goes to all day kindergarten next year. And this school year is half gone. I'm savoring every lunch because pretty soon I'll be eating alone. Be careful what you pray for, you may just get it.
7. Well, yesterday son#1 had "the talk" at school. They showed the video to the 7th graders. We agreed to let him see it figuring he's a visual learner, this may help & we can expand on any questions he has.
Yesterday when he came home I was nervous. I could hear him asking me if I knew I had a vagina.
But nope. Na-da.
"How was your day? Anything exciting happen?"
"Good. Nothing exciting."
" /exhale"
But don't worry, I'm not lulled into a false sense of peace. It's coming, some scary inappropriate question at an even more inappropriate time. Like when I asked my mom at 5 yrs old, what a maxi pad was for. And she told me.
8. On a different note, son#1 has all A's for this 9 weeks at school!! YAY! *Snoopy dance!*
9. This Sunday we have a family baby shower for one of the first girl babies amongst my cousins. Girly stuff is a fun thing for me since I don't get to see much pink, umm EVER.
10. And my final thing today is my hair appointment tonight. You'd be thankful too if you could see my roots.:)
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
Ten Things Tuesday
Missed me?
What better way to update you on what's been going on the past 6 months AND kick off Thanksgivings than a Ten Things Tuesday!!
1. I am thankful to have had the best summer I've had with the kids in years. And by best I mean least stressful & drama filled. Mommy had energy to do things with them & we enjoyed the downtime too.
2. Son#1 is enjoying middle school/7th grade better this year. And we're so thankful for all of our teachers. What a blessing from God. We try never to take any of them for granted---past OR present.
Son#2 is big man on campus in his class and really maturing with his progress. The "baby", who's in pre-K is not teh shy kid anymore. He is vivacious and the life of the party now.
3. With this new school year, my schedule has changed as well. That afternoon pre-K class has killed my time alone. I have one leaving at 7am, one at 8:30am, then son#3 at 12:45ish.
But then they start coming home at 3pm &4pm. That means mommy only gets 2 hrs alone. That seems like a lot until you have to workout, shower, catch up on housework, fold some laundry or all the other things we do that don't include sitting on the couch eating bon bons. But I'm thankful for those 2 hrs alone like you wouldn't believe!
4. After VBS in July son#1 & son#3 have been going to church with me on Sunday mornings. We've waited almost 5 years for this. And I'm SO pleased with how much they love it. And how well son#1 has adjusted to the changes. #3 is loving class & sings his songs all the time. He's even memorized memory verses. They beg me daily to go. And I'm pleased we've added in Wednesday night too. Hubbo & son#2 are still at home holding down the fort, but with baby steps I think we'll all be back eventually. It's a good feeling & I'm so thankful to several friends for making it possible.
5. Halloween went SO well this year. I'm so thankful it's the best we've ever had. We did the church carnival and son#1 just chased some kid dressed like a ninja, while son#3 enjoyed all the games & discovered he loves chocolate. Son#2 had fun pacing around enjoying the acquostics in the gym & the playground. Then #1 and #3 went Trick-or-Treating with Daddy while son#2 and I handed out candy at the door.
We did a Darth Vader pumpkin and a local pumpkin patch. The kids really had a good time & that means we had a good time.
6. Well, son#2 started having some facial swelling recently and turns out he had an infection with a baby tooth and a permanent one that was erupting through his gums. OUCHIE WA-WA! Poor kiddo. We did some serious antibiotics and then thankfully we got into the dental surgery in 2 weeks. A long two weeks but the list was so long, we were thankful it wasn't any longer. Son#2 is much happier. And trust me, you WANT son#2 to be happy.
At 5'2 and 160lbs now, it's like making The Hulk mad.
7. I am taking over our book club in January. I'm so thankful for all those ladies, that I I'm pleased to undertake it.
I have big shoes to fill, but hopefully Obi-Wan...er, I mean Marilyn has taught me well.
8. I've been a knitting fool lately. And I'm thankful to have a hobby that allows me to get out some angst, stress, boredom & nervous energy. Plus, it keeps my hands too busy to eat. Most of the time.
9. My Christmas shopping is almost done. I'm through with mom, son#3 & Hubbo. I'm sure I'll pick up some more stocking stuffers but in general I'd say I'm 90% done. It's been easy to just see something, think that'd be good for Christmas & just get it. That's a good feeling. And you know what's even better? Knowing where they're all hidden and knowing it's not in a trash bag in the garage. heh
10. I'm very pleased that this year for Thanksgiving, it was my idea to stay home. Just our family of five to enjoy the time off & together--no stress. No traveling 1 hr to hurry around keeping kids in check/fed. And then driving 1 hr back. And then taking the rest of the weekend to rest up. Usually the holiday traveling is for the kids or family--not what's easiest on us. Hubbo really takes the brunt of the stress too because he gets to hold onto son#2. Always exhausting. So this Thanksgiving I'm planning on being extremely thankful for the time to focus on my family & enjoy just them.
What better way to update you on what's been going on the past 6 months AND kick off Thanksgivings than a Ten Things Tuesday!!
1. I am thankful to have had the best summer I've had with the kids in years. And by best I mean least stressful & drama filled. Mommy had energy to do things with them & we enjoyed the downtime too.
2. Son#1 is enjoying middle school/7th grade better this year. And we're so thankful for all of our teachers. What a blessing from God. We try never to take any of them for granted---past OR present.
Son#2 is big man on campus in his class and really maturing with his progress. The "baby", who's in pre-K is not teh shy kid anymore. He is vivacious and the life of the party now.
3. With this new school year, my schedule has changed as well. That afternoon pre-K class has killed my time alone. I have one leaving at 7am, one at 8:30am, then son#3 at 12:45ish.
But then they start coming home at 3pm &4pm. That means mommy only gets 2 hrs alone. That seems like a lot until you have to workout, shower, catch up on housework, fold some laundry or all the other things we do that don't include sitting on the couch eating bon bons. But I'm thankful for those 2 hrs alone like you wouldn't believe!
4. After VBS in July son#1 & son#3 have been going to church with me on Sunday mornings. We've waited almost 5 years for this. And I'm SO pleased with how much they love it. And how well son#1 has adjusted to the changes. #3 is loving class & sings his songs all the time. He's even memorized memory verses. They beg me daily to go. And I'm pleased we've added in Wednesday night too. Hubbo & son#2 are still at home holding down the fort, but with baby steps I think we'll all be back eventually. It's a good feeling & I'm so thankful to several friends for making it possible.
5. Halloween went SO well this year. I'm so thankful it's the best we've ever had. We did the church carnival and son#1 just chased some kid dressed like a ninja, while son#3 enjoyed all the games & discovered he loves chocolate. Son#2 had fun pacing around enjoying the acquostics in the gym & the playground. Then #1 and #3 went Trick-or-Treating with Daddy while son#2 and I handed out candy at the door.
We did a Darth Vader pumpkin and a local pumpkin patch. The kids really had a good time & that means we had a good time.
6. Well, son#2 started having some facial swelling recently and turns out he had an infection with a baby tooth and a permanent one that was erupting through his gums. OUCHIE WA-WA! Poor kiddo. We did some serious antibiotics and then thankfully we got into the dental surgery in 2 weeks. A long two weeks but the list was so long, we were thankful it wasn't any longer. Son#2 is much happier. And trust me, you WANT son#2 to be happy.
At 5'2 and 160lbs now, it's like making The Hulk mad.
7. I am taking over our book club in January. I'm so thankful for all those ladies, that I I'm pleased to undertake it.
I have big shoes to fill, but hopefully Obi-Wan...er, I mean Marilyn has taught me well.
8. I've been a knitting fool lately. And I'm thankful to have a hobby that allows me to get out some angst, stress, boredom & nervous energy. Plus, it keeps my hands too busy to eat. Most of the time.
9. My Christmas shopping is almost done. I'm through with mom, son#3 & Hubbo. I'm sure I'll pick up some more stocking stuffers but in general I'd say I'm 90% done. It's been easy to just see something, think that'd be good for Christmas & just get it. That's a good feeling. And you know what's even better? Knowing where they're all hidden and knowing it's not in a trash bag in the garage. heh
10. I'm very pleased that this year for Thanksgiving, it was my idea to stay home. Just our family of five to enjoy the time off & together--no stress. No traveling 1 hr to hurry around keeping kids in check/fed. And then driving 1 hr back. And then taking the rest of the weekend to rest up. Usually the holiday traveling is for the kids or family--not what's easiest on us. Hubbo really takes the brunt of the stress too because he gets to hold onto son#2. Always exhausting. So this Thanksgiving I'm planning on being extremely thankful for the time to focus on my family & enjoy just them.
Thursday, July 08, 2010
BOYS!
Five minutes ago, my third son (4 yrs old) came up as I was trying to work on the computer. Chatter is all I hear. He's giving me commentary on the cartoons he's watching at the time, so I'm mumbling "yeah, uh huh, okay" in response to everything. Then I realize in my parental 3 second delay, he just said something about "spraying you". HUH?!
Here's the conversation:
Son#3: "I spray you and make you all wet."
(giggle)
me: "Fine..............wait, WHAT?"
I glance over to my left, he has his wee-wee out of the top of his pull-up aiming it at my face with a big smile on his face.
me: "WHOA WHOA WHOA--NO! You never spray anyone with that. It only sprays in the toilet."
Son#3: "It's rude?
me: "YES--it's VERY VERY rude."
BOYS!
Here's the conversation:
Son#3: "I spray you and make you all wet."
(giggle)
me: "Fine..............wait, WHAT?"
I glance over to my left, he has his wee-wee out of the top of his pull-up aiming it at my face with a big smile on his face.
me: "WHOA WHOA WHOA--NO! You never spray anyone with that. It only sprays in the toilet."
Son#3: "It's rude?
me: "YES--it's VERY VERY rude."
BOYS!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
The Fort Knox of Kitchens
No school this week so it's been a crazy few days. Son#2 is getting bored and finding things to occupy his time which reminds me to give you a quick six things I had to remove from the kitchen and lock up because of son#2.
1. Knives in the knife block have been fine since forever. This summer, he figured out what they were, and pulled them all out one day and lined them up on the counter. They are banished to the garage. Not fun in the middle of cooking to go unlock the garage and find yourself a knife.
2. No more dishtowels out in the kitchen. I can't hang one on the cabinet door handle. He's decided they are great to soak in water and lay all around the counters. Even paper towels are ify some days.
3. The fridge. Yes it already had a lock, but son#2 discovered early this summer that if he uses his Samson strength and pulls hard enough, he can pop that lock. So now we have a double lock on the fridge.
4. I also have to double knot my seat cushions on the kitchen chairs because if I don't, he comes around and unties them all and throws them around the house or hides them.
5. Cooking oil in a pretty bottle on the counter top. Son#2 discovered it. I don't remember this particular tip from Rachel Ray about EVOO, but apparently it makes great moisturizer for dry skin. Banished to the garage.
6. And lastly, Son#2 has discovered the alarm on one particular kitchen cabinet is out of batteries and it contains our spices & baking supplies. I've caught him I don't know how many times sniffing the Cumin and had to remove the vanilla altogether because it was dwindling in ounces. The vanilla had to be banished to the cabinet with the cooking spray and oil before DHS came to take away my Mexican vanilla drinking wino son who is about to turn 10 years old.
1. Knives in the knife block have been fine since forever. This summer, he figured out what they were, and pulled them all out one day and lined them up on the counter. They are banished to the garage. Not fun in the middle of cooking to go unlock the garage and find yourself a knife.
2. No more dishtowels out in the kitchen. I can't hang one on the cabinet door handle. He's decided they are great to soak in water and lay all around the counters. Even paper towels are ify some days.
3. The fridge. Yes it already had a lock, but son#2 discovered early this summer that if he uses his Samson strength and pulls hard enough, he can pop that lock. So now we have a double lock on the fridge.
4. I also have to double knot my seat cushions on the kitchen chairs because if I don't, he comes around and unties them all and throws them around the house or hides them.
5. Cooking oil in a pretty bottle on the counter top. Son#2 discovered it. I don't remember this particular tip from Rachel Ray about EVOO, but apparently it makes great moisturizer for dry skin. Banished to the garage.
6. And lastly, Son#2 has discovered the alarm on one particular kitchen cabinet is out of batteries and it contains our spices & baking supplies. I've caught him I don't know how many times sniffing the Cumin and had to remove the vanilla altogether because it was dwindling in ounces. The vanilla had to be banished to the cabinet with the cooking spray and oil before DHS came to take away my Mexican vanilla drinking wino son who is about to turn 10 years old.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Ten Things Tuesday
As suggested by a friend, I give you ten tips that help ME survive the summer.
1. Going out at least once every 7 days with some other adult female for fun. (movies, scrapbooking, dinner, shopping, mani/pedi)
Going out at least every 3 days by myself for errands, book store, library or for reading by myself while enjoying some beverage.
2. My iTouch (iPod). It's instrumental in drowning out kids arguing, yelling, playing or their cartoons. I use it when cooking dinner, doing chores or folding laundry. It's an extra bonus to use for audio books. Really lets you escape the chaos that is summer--at least at my house.
3. I get my chores or To Do list for the day, done by noon or it doesn't get done. This is true throughout the year not just summer. But it's instrumental as I age that I know where my energy lies and how to tap into and use it.
4. If I have to do something seriously unpleasant, say a sink full of dishes that I've let go and I'm out of spoons, well I call a friend and catch up, WHILE I do my dishes. It's a reward for myself. Time flies by on the phone right?
5. I have two nightgowns that are my favorites. They look like sundresses and I find them SO comfy & cool (the main key to not loosing my temper in the summer) on Fridays when the kids aren't in summer school, I stay in them till late in the day. And I race to put them on after dinner.
6. Books. I love a good Harlequin or just something extremely fun. I am able to read a few pages and put it down off/on throughout the day when the kids need refills, snacks or help with something. It keeps my mind out fo the kid zone of cartoons & Star Wars which means I don't loose brain cells quite as quickly. I'm sure that's been medically proven somewhere.
7. I take the kids every 10 days to the library. Ours has summer reading programs with prize motivators for the kids in reading books. They love picking books/dvds and I love getting them to read and relish books & the escape. It's also a nice way to get them to be quiet during at least part of the day. (our library even has big people movies) And with being able to request them online, and emailed when they get in, it's the perfect system.
8. I'm trying a new system of marbles in a jar at home this summer by suggestion of a friend. It's better than my chore chart I started out with--less rigid which fits my kids better and me too, because then I can make it up as I go along instead of trying to remember all of what I said days ago.
So you put a jar out & they get a marble for doing good things, chores or being nice to each other, listening the first time etc. When the jar is full, they get to pick: go somewhere special, play date or buy a toy.
The genius is you can take the marbles OUT as well. So with a pre-teen sassy McSasser or whining by a 4 yr old---we get some taken away. Motivation!!
9. I'm also trying to do at least something fun/new every two days. Yesterday we made caterpillars out of egg cartons. Something new to play with, make, take up time. You get the idea. I think tomorrow we're making play dough.
And number 10---well I figured out two summers ago that with three kids home, doing breakfast, lunch & dinner + snacks, that I had a buttload (that's the technical term for it) of dishes to do. SO, I switched to paper plates & my life is A LOT easier. I love it. For $3.12 I get 45 paper plates (WM brand) and go through them in 10 days to 2 weeks. SO worth it. Sometimes if they were used for something like a Poptart, I rinse and reuse. *gasp!! I still have to use a lot of spoons/knives but paper cups/plates can make or break a mom.
There you have it! Some of my secrets to surviving summer home with the kiddos. Questions are always welcome!
8.
1. Going out at least once every 7 days with some other adult female for fun. (movies, scrapbooking, dinner, shopping, mani/pedi)
Going out at least every 3 days by myself for errands, book store, library or for reading by myself while enjoying some beverage.
2. My iTouch (iPod). It's instrumental in drowning out kids arguing, yelling, playing or their cartoons. I use it when cooking dinner, doing chores or folding laundry. It's an extra bonus to use for audio books. Really lets you escape the chaos that is summer--at least at my house.
3. I get my chores or To Do list for the day, done by noon or it doesn't get done. This is true throughout the year not just summer. But it's instrumental as I age that I know where my energy lies and how to tap into and use it.
4. If I have to do something seriously unpleasant, say a sink full of dishes that I've let go and I'm out of spoons, well I call a friend and catch up, WHILE I do my dishes. It's a reward for myself. Time flies by on the phone right?
5. I have two nightgowns that are my favorites. They look like sundresses and I find them SO comfy & cool (the main key to not loosing my temper in the summer) on Fridays when the kids aren't in summer school, I stay in them till late in the day. And I race to put them on after dinner.
6. Books. I love a good Harlequin or just something extremely fun. I am able to read a few pages and put it down off/on throughout the day when the kids need refills, snacks or help with something. It keeps my mind out fo the kid zone of cartoons & Star Wars which means I don't loose brain cells quite as quickly. I'm sure that's been medically proven somewhere.
7. I take the kids every 10 days to the library. Ours has summer reading programs with prize motivators for the kids in reading books. They love picking books/dvds and I love getting them to read and relish books & the escape. It's also a nice way to get them to be quiet during at least part of the day. (our library even has big people movies) And with being able to request them online, and emailed when they get in, it's the perfect system.
8. I'm trying a new system of marbles in a jar at home this summer by suggestion of a friend. It's better than my chore chart I started out with--less rigid which fits my kids better and me too, because then I can make it up as I go along instead of trying to remember all of what I said days ago.
So you put a jar out & they get a marble for doing good things, chores or being nice to each other, listening the first time etc. When the jar is full, they get to pick: go somewhere special, play date or buy a toy.
The genius is you can take the marbles OUT as well. So with a pre-teen sassy McSasser or whining by a 4 yr old---we get some taken away. Motivation!!
9. I'm also trying to do at least something fun/new every two days. Yesterday we made caterpillars out of egg cartons. Something new to play with, make, take up time. You get the idea. I think tomorrow we're making play dough.
And number 10---well I figured out two summers ago that with three kids home, doing breakfast, lunch & dinner + snacks, that I had a buttload (that's the technical term for it) of dishes to do. SO, I switched to paper plates & my life is A LOT easier. I love it. For $3.12 I get 45 paper plates (WM brand) and go through them in 10 days to 2 weeks. SO worth it. Sometimes if they were used for something like a Poptart, I rinse and reuse. *gasp!! I still have to use a lot of spoons/knives but paper cups/plates can make or break a mom.
There you have it! Some of my secrets to surviving summer home with the kiddos. Questions are always welcome!
8.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Ten Things Thursday
Wow what a reprieve I've been on huh? Last bit of school took way more attention than I thought. And then after a week off, summer school started up. Luckily the busy frenzy has been a good thing--just enough without being too much.
1. Thank you dear Jesus that summer is going well without too many upsets so far! (knock on wood)
2. The library has a great selection of dvd's and books for the kids. And the summer reading program with their "prizes" has son#3 occupied at least once a week.
3. We've done some experiements already--submarine filled with baking powder that dives & dives. We are also set to let a Mentos/2 liter Coke rocket go soon.
4. I've been to my bookstore about 3 times so far, accumulating all kinds of new authors and finding books a great distraction from all the noise. With son#3 not napping this year, he is chattering ALL. THE. TIME.
5. I have a new crafting table in my bedroom thanks to Hubbo. And it is providing tons of escape for me. I'll post some pictures of my latest creations soon.
6. Son#2 is finding his way through summer school without his main, favorite teacher. It's taken some adjustment time but there is hope it's working out and he's at least staying clothed. Always a plus.
7. The newest puppy is growing like a weed and very much a positive influence on puppy#1. She is coming out of her shell, active all the time and really seems happy. She now explores the house, plays with puppy#2 and is eating/drinking more than just at night. The boys seem to enjoy the interaction with them both now too. Yay!
8. I'm thankful the weather hasn't been too bad so far (again, knock on wood). It's hot, and even somewhat humid, but we've had many bouts of rain and the cloud cover is ALWAYS welcome by me. I'm still nervous about withering away in July/August, but trying to stay in the moment of June being tolerable. Summer isn't my strongest time.
9. We're finally all caught up on NCIS. Since episode 1 of season 1 to the finale earlier this month. We're DONE! Now on to NCIS LA!
10. I'm also very thankful for absolute quiet. When I see it again, I will recognize it and embrace it with a much missed hug.
1. Thank you dear Jesus that summer is going well without too many upsets so far! (knock on wood)
2. The library has a great selection of dvd's and books for the kids. And the summer reading program with their "prizes" has son#3 occupied at least once a week.
3. We've done some experiements already--submarine filled with baking powder that dives & dives. We are also set to let a Mentos/2 liter Coke rocket go soon.
4. I've been to my bookstore about 3 times so far, accumulating all kinds of new authors and finding books a great distraction from all the noise. With son#3 not napping this year, he is chattering ALL. THE. TIME.
5. I have a new crafting table in my bedroom thanks to Hubbo. And it is providing tons of escape for me. I'll post some pictures of my latest creations soon.
6. Son#2 is finding his way through summer school without his main, favorite teacher. It's taken some adjustment time but there is hope it's working out and he's at least staying clothed. Always a plus.
7. The newest puppy is growing like a weed and very much a positive influence on puppy#1. She is coming out of her shell, active all the time and really seems happy. She now explores the house, plays with puppy#2 and is eating/drinking more than just at night. The boys seem to enjoy the interaction with them both now too. Yay!
8. I'm thankful the weather hasn't been too bad so far (again, knock on wood). It's hot, and even somewhat humid, but we've had many bouts of rain and the cloud cover is ALWAYS welcome by me. I'm still nervous about withering away in July/August, but trying to stay in the moment of June being tolerable. Summer isn't my strongest time.
9. We're finally all caught up on NCIS. Since episode 1 of season 1 to the finale earlier this month. We're DONE! Now on to NCIS LA!
10. I'm also very thankful for absolute quiet. When I see it again, I will recognize it and embrace it with a much missed hug.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Several Things Friday
What a crazy, fast week it's been. It started last Friday when son#2 needed to be picked up early from having meltdowns which we later found was due to allergy issues. He has since been home every day at some early stage having to be picked up from school or never having gone at all. It's all snowballed and it seems with the moon phases the past few weeks the kids decided to pounce on us all at once. But today the clouds have parted so I'll share some of the stuff that's been going on.
** Son#1 has been able to stay up later than "the brothers" since he IS older. But because it's sporadic and the days aren't set, he's using different ploys every night to try and get his way with staying up late most nights now. Partly because of his age, throw in some of the Autism and then all the sudden it's a fight every single night to stay up late. His reasoning and argument is he was able to the night before so every night should be the same. I think we're on our way to setting up a schedule of which nights a week that includes. I'm just getting over the shock that we're arguing about *this*. Will there ever be a time we aren't arguing about every little thing?
** Son#1 got in trouble sort of, the other night when we heard squealing to come out in the living room and see he was chasing the brothers and I could smell an air freshner EVERYWHERE.
After watching Shrek the Third, son#1 had read on the bottle (after getting it out of the hall closet) that it said Love Potion and so he thought he'd make the brothers fall in love if he sprayed them with it. There were quite a few showers that night. I don't know if I can even stomach using the rest of the bottle. Did I mention he ALSO sprayed it in his mouth & son#3's? Luckly there was no poisonous stuff in it. They didn't like it--which may have taught them a lesson all by itself.
** This weather is killing us with the confusion. It's a tad too humid and warm lately to use just fans at night, but then the A/C means we're too cool and runny noses by the end of the night. What gives Mother Nature!? Crap or get off the pot lady! It's either spring or summer....make up your muddled mind & let me know ASAP.
** Son #2 has been home so much he's bored, and therefore exploring a tad more than normal. I'm fighting frustration and wanting to watch those nature video's where the mother's eat their young, and he's having a grand time. This week it's been trash bags from out of the box....they make great parachutes to snap around. And knives all out of the knife block we've had since before he was born, all laid out in a line on the counter top. Oh and scissors. I half expect to walk into his bedroom one day and he'll have found my pocketknife I keep in my purse, cleaning his nails. That kid. If there's danger, he seeks it, finds it, shakes it's hand and invites it home for a meal.
** Having son#2 home is a little taste of summer for me. It's rather scary since this year has brought so many changes that summer is bound to be even more difficult than normal.
Son#3 doesn't take naps anymore so I get to listen to his chatter or fights with son#1 on a constant basis. And without him in summer school, he'll be sure to get bored & cranky much quicker during the daytime.
Son#2 still being in the naked phase makes it difficult for much outside play. Either I would have to lock him out or us out. Whichever way makes it complicated to know what's going on inside, my spidey sense doesn't tingle through brick walls very well. One month of school left, I just hope son#2 can stay at school most days so I can get the preparation done/ready for summer before it gets here.
** Son#3 has quite a mind of his own lately about long pants and short pants, as he calls them. Apparently at school his teacher is asking them to line up according to different things each day---like those with white on can come up to the head of the line etc. He has wanted to wear pants & cried every day this week and each day has been 80 degrees. Today he's home & outside...in jeans. But he was thrilled to be the line leader.
** Son#1 has decided he need a birthday recorder for his present today. Took awhile to figure out, he's wanting a cassette recorder to talk into and then rewind and listen to himself. Apparently he saw one of these ancient relics at school from one of his teachers. He has a little baby recording toy he carries around the house and loves to use when his brothers cry or I yell someone. LOVES to play that back. Fun. Where on earth I'll get one of these is beyond me. I don't have time to order. He has a funny thing about if he didn't pick the present, he doesn't want it. Like he received a birthday card *and five dollars* this week from Mr. Johnny his janitor from his elementary school. He and Mr. Johnny were close & he's been so sweet over the years and kept in touch well this year. But because it didn't come ON his birthday, son#1 asked me to write Mr. Johnny back and tell him it wasn't his birthday yet. It's a control thing. We're working on how impolite it is to tell someone who gives you a birthday gift or any OTHER gift that you didn't ask for it so you don't want it. Work in progress.
** Son#1 also has all A's and one B at the 12 week mark. I'm very pleased he brought up his B in math to an A because I personally haven't seen an A in math since I think I was his age.
His B is still in PE, and I plan to motivate him to participate more to get his grade up. Maybe Lego Indiana Jones for his DS will spur him on.
** One of things that you may not realize or think about with Autism is everyday small things. One of the reasons son#2 having to come home is because he can't/doesn't know how to blow his nose. If he could get some of the congestion OUT, he'd be better off, would be able to breathe and eat at the same time and would not be as frustrated I think. Son#1 sort of gets the idea but there's just something about the actual act they can not master. In turn, they sneeze a lot. And it ain't pretty. But something simple we all take for granted makes our lives complicated sometimes. And son#2 is WAY past the size and age of holding him down like a baby to suction the boogies out. It just makes it interesting. If nothing else, it's ALWAYS interesting here.
** Son#1 has been able to stay up later than "the brothers" since he IS older. But because it's sporadic and the days aren't set, he's using different ploys every night to try and get his way with staying up late most nights now. Partly because of his age, throw in some of the Autism and then all the sudden it's a fight every single night to stay up late. His reasoning and argument is he was able to the night before so every night should be the same. I think we're on our way to setting up a schedule of which nights a week that includes. I'm just getting over the shock that we're arguing about *this*. Will there ever be a time we aren't arguing about every little thing?
** Son#1 got in trouble sort of, the other night when we heard squealing to come out in the living room and see he was chasing the brothers and I could smell an air freshner EVERYWHERE.
After watching Shrek the Third, son#1 had read on the bottle (after getting it out of the hall closet) that it said Love Potion and so he thought he'd make the brothers fall in love if he sprayed them with it. There were quite a few showers that night. I don't know if I can even stomach using the rest of the bottle. Did I mention he ALSO sprayed it in his mouth & son#3's? Luckly there was no poisonous stuff in it. They didn't like it--which may have taught them a lesson all by itself.
** This weather is killing us with the confusion. It's a tad too humid and warm lately to use just fans at night, but then the A/C means we're too cool and runny noses by the end of the night. What gives Mother Nature!? Crap or get off the pot lady! It's either spring or summer....make up your muddled mind & let me know ASAP.
** Son #2 has been home so much he's bored, and therefore exploring a tad more than normal. I'm fighting frustration and wanting to watch those nature video's where the mother's eat their young, and he's having a grand time. This week it's been trash bags from out of the box....they make great parachutes to snap around. And knives all out of the knife block we've had since before he was born, all laid out in a line on the counter top. Oh and scissors. I half expect to walk into his bedroom one day and he'll have found my pocketknife I keep in my purse, cleaning his nails. That kid. If there's danger, he seeks it, finds it, shakes it's hand and invites it home for a meal.
** Having son#2 home is a little taste of summer for me. It's rather scary since this year has brought so many changes that summer is bound to be even more difficult than normal.
Son#3 doesn't take naps anymore so I get to listen to his chatter or fights with son#1 on a constant basis. And without him in summer school, he'll be sure to get bored & cranky much quicker during the daytime.
Son#2 still being in the naked phase makes it difficult for much outside play. Either I would have to lock him out or us out. Whichever way makes it complicated to know what's going on inside, my spidey sense doesn't tingle through brick walls very well. One month of school left, I just hope son#2 can stay at school most days so I can get the preparation done/ready for summer before it gets here.
** Son#3 has quite a mind of his own lately about long pants and short pants, as he calls them. Apparently at school his teacher is asking them to line up according to different things each day---like those with white on can come up to the head of the line etc. He has wanted to wear pants & cried every day this week and each day has been 80 degrees. Today he's home & outside...in jeans. But he was thrilled to be the line leader.
** Son#1 has decided he need a birthday recorder for his present today. Took awhile to figure out, he's wanting a cassette recorder to talk into and then rewind and listen to himself. Apparently he saw one of these ancient relics at school from one of his teachers. He has a little baby recording toy he carries around the house and loves to use when his brothers cry or I yell someone. LOVES to play that back. Fun. Where on earth I'll get one of these is beyond me. I don't have time to order. He has a funny thing about if he didn't pick the present, he doesn't want it. Like he received a birthday card *and five dollars* this week from Mr. Johnny his janitor from his elementary school. He and Mr. Johnny were close & he's been so sweet over the years and kept in touch well this year. But because it didn't come ON his birthday, son#1 asked me to write Mr. Johnny back and tell him it wasn't his birthday yet. It's a control thing. We're working on how impolite it is to tell someone who gives you a birthday gift or any OTHER gift that you didn't ask for it so you don't want it. Work in progress.
** Son#1 also has all A's and one B at the 12 week mark. I'm very pleased he brought up his B in math to an A because I personally haven't seen an A in math since I think I was his age.
His B is still in PE, and I plan to motivate him to participate more to get his grade up. Maybe Lego Indiana Jones for his DS will spur him on.
** One of things that you may not realize or think about with Autism is everyday small things. One of the reasons son#2 having to come home is because he can't/doesn't know how to blow his nose. If he could get some of the congestion OUT, he'd be better off, would be able to breathe and eat at the same time and would not be as frustrated I think. Son#1 sort of gets the idea but there's just something about the actual act they can not master. In turn, they sneeze a lot. And it ain't pretty. But something simple we all take for granted makes our lives complicated sometimes. And son#2 is WAY past the size and age of holding him down like a baby to suction the boogies out. It just makes it interesting. If nothing else, it's ALWAYS interesting here.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Ten Tuesday
I lost internet early Tuesday morning and so last week's post went by the wayside.
So this week in honor of our 70+ degree spring temps this week, I thought I'd do an adjusted Ten Things list.
Ten Household Tasks I've Been Avoiding:
1. Washing curtains. Kitchen, living room and the shower curtain. So much effort with the arms above the head. Lazy much?
2. Digging out shorts & seeing if everyone has some that fit for the warm months ahead. Luckily with our boys, they are hot natured so t-shirts are used 9 out of 12 months of the year and out already.
3. Dusting---I have a lot of things higher up at my house so dust isn't as readily seen. Out of sight out of mind right??
4. The garage. Need I say more?
5. Do the flower pots/beds count?
6. Little repairs---door hinges, fence holes, kitchen cabinet locks.
7. Clean the carpets/rugs. *sigh* This has been put WAAAAYYY off.
8. Some space issues with where things need to be moved to be more convenient since we STILL haven't found a house. Being that it's 2 yrs this May we've been looking, I might as well get a move on this.
9. I bought some dishes at a store that was going out of business & I *was* waiting until we moved to get them out. New house, new dishes and all that. But I felt spring was a good excuse. We had Fiestaware when we got married and I just can't take how heavy they are anymore. I'm over it.
10. Cleaning out the hall closet with all the games, sheets & diapers. Eclectic assortment no?
So this week in honor of our 70+ degree spring temps this week, I thought I'd do an adjusted Ten Things list.
Ten Household Tasks I've Been Avoiding:
1. Washing curtains. Kitchen, living room and the shower curtain. So much effort with the arms above the head. Lazy much?
2. Digging out shorts & seeing if everyone has some that fit for the warm months ahead. Luckily with our boys, they are hot natured so t-shirts are used 9 out of 12 months of the year and out already.
3. Dusting---I have a lot of things higher up at my house so dust isn't as readily seen. Out of sight out of mind right??
4. The garage. Need I say more?
5. Do the flower pots/beds count?
6. Little repairs---door hinges, fence holes, kitchen cabinet locks.
7. Clean the carpets/rugs. *sigh* This has been put WAAAAYYY off.
8. Some space issues with where things need to be moved to be more convenient since we STILL haven't found a house. Being that it's 2 yrs this May we've been looking, I might as well get a move on this.
9. I bought some dishes at a store that was going out of business & I *was* waiting until we moved to get them out. New house, new dishes and all that. But I felt spring was a good excuse. We had Fiestaware when we got married and I just can't take how heavy they are anymore. I'm over it.
10. Cleaning out the hall closet with all the games, sheets & diapers. Eclectic assortment no?
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Spring Break 4-5-6
Whew!! I made it! We all survived, everyone is alive and no worse for wear. Just a few meltdowns by son#2 and none he didn't come out of in an hour or less.
Wednesday night I went to see Alice in Wonderland as a reward for making it halfway through Spring Break. It was 3D. While it may be the last movie I see 3D, it was fantastic! I was never into Alice as a child, I was too busy reading Nancy Drew, The Bobbsie Twins and Trixie Belding. But I loved the movie---it had a wonderful cast and just great graphics. For me it was Charlie and the Chocolate Factory meets Lord of the Rings. But I wouldn't take small children--little too much anger in parts, or at least I heard some kids cry.
Thursday my mom and aunt came to pick up son#1. He was going on his first away from home sleep-over to her house an hour away for three days. He was very excited and had been making lists of stuff to take with him. He got ten minutes down the road and came back to beg me to go with him. I explained over and over that I couldn't go since I had the brothers to take care of. He came up with everyone under the sun that could spend their Spring Break doing that. He tried going again. Thirty minutes later he was back crying. I made him take his bags inside and unpack them after apologizing to Nana and my aunt for driving an hour over here to get him. Maybe this summer or Fall Break he'll be mature enough. He's just not quite there yet.
Spring Break=no bra for most of the week. Bonus!
Now let's pray all these 8 inches of snow we got yesterday and today, doesn't keep us from heading back to school tomorrow.
Wednesday night I went to see Alice in Wonderland as a reward for making it halfway through Spring Break. It was 3D. While it may be the last movie I see 3D, it was fantastic! I was never into Alice as a child, I was too busy reading Nancy Drew, The Bobbsie Twins and Trixie Belding. But I loved the movie---it had a wonderful cast and just great graphics. For me it was Charlie and the Chocolate Factory meets Lord of the Rings. But I wouldn't take small children--little too much anger in parts, or at least I heard some kids cry.
Thursday my mom and aunt came to pick up son#1. He was going on his first away from home sleep-over to her house an hour away for three days. He was very excited and had been making lists of stuff to take with him. He got ten minutes down the road and came back to beg me to go with him. I explained over and over that I couldn't go since I had the brothers to take care of. He came up with everyone under the sun that could spend their Spring Break doing that. He tried going again. Thirty minutes later he was back crying. I made him take his bags inside and unpack them after apologizing to Nana and my aunt for driving an hour over here to get him. Maybe this summer or Fall Break he'll be mature enough. He's just not quite there yet.
Spring Break=no bra for most of the week. Bonus!
Now let's pray all these 8 inches of snow we got yesterday and today, doesn't keep us from heading back to school tomorrow.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Spring Break--Days 1-2-3
Dear Diary ~
After a gloriously indulgent weekend of good food, good girly things like mani/pedis and family stuff totally has made the transition into Spring Break a breeze so far. (knock on wood)**I shouldn't have ever said this "outloud"--after typing it, son#2 had a meltdown because lunch was an hour late due to an important phone call. Now today is very unpredictable with son#2.**
Yesterday's weather was fantastic, not too cold, not too hot & not so sunny as to give me a migraine. We were out for 2 hrs, a record for me I think. Then we topped it off with ice cream--could Spring Break start off any better I ask you?
And my head cold is almost gone and completely manageable. Hallelujah!!
My sanity saver for the win is my iTouch and podcasts/library books to listen to. The radio stations without commercials alone make this such a treasure. Any type you can imagine! I just finished the book "Kabul Beauty School" by Deborah Rodriguiz which is based on a true story. It was fascinating read by the narrator. I think that always helps. But it's so fun to listen while doing chores I hate or cooking dinner to drone out the kid shows and arguments. I like the feeling of accomplishing two things at once too, but maybe that's just me.
My next book is "Pieces of My Heart by Robert Wagner--his autobiography. It's good so far and he reads it.
More later, gotta go take some heartburn meds & run to the library when Hubbo gets home to rescue/save/tag in for me.
After a gloriously indulgent weekend of good food, good girly things like mani/pedis and family stuff totally has made the transition into Spring Break a breeze so far. (knock on wood)**I shouldn't have ever said this "outloud"--after typing it, son#2 had a meltdown because lunch was an hour late due to an important phone call. Now today is very unpredictable with son#2.**
Yesterday's weather was fantastic, not too cold, not too hot & not so sunny as to give me a migraine. We were out for 2 hrs, a record for me I think. Then we topped it off with ice cream--could Spring Break start off any better I ask you?
And my head cold is almost gone and completely manageable. Hallelujah!!
My sanity saver for the win is my iTouch and podcasts/library books to listen to. The radio stations without commercials alone make this such a treasure. Any type you can imagine! I just finished the book "Kabul Beauty School" by Deborah Rodriguiz which is based on a true story. It was fascinating read by the narrator. I think that always helps. But it's so fun to listen while doing chores I hate or cooking dinner to drone out the kid shows and arguments. I like the feeling of accomplishing two things at once too, but maybe that's just me.
My next book is "Pieces of My Heart by Robert Wagner--his autobiography. It's good so far and he reads it.
More later, gotta go take some heartburn meds & run to the library when Hubbo gets home to rescue/save/tag in for me.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Mentally Retarded
This is a ongoing debate across the country, state-by-state as well.
A friend asked me recently how I felt about it since at least one of my sons has this label in his school records. And I've found government agencies love to use this as an umbrella term for many different illness or diseases. I had to take some time and think about it, but this is my take on the whole thing--today.
To be honest, I hadn't heard about this until my friend pointed out the stories. And truth be told, I will use the word on occasion without thinking in a sentence like this: "I can't believe that person just pulled out in front of all those cars--that's retarded." I can't think of the last time I called someone retarded. Even when they ARE, I usually say "slow".
If I find myself having said the word, I immediately feel guilty now. My kids have to have certain labels in their files for some assistance we get through school and the first day I saw son#2's as MR, it staggered me. I NEVER thought of him as mentally retarded. He knows what I am saying, he is aware of so much---retarded? But I realize now it's an IQ level standing. If your IQ falls below a certain number, they label you MR. Sad but true that it's not based on skills. /shrug
I don't find too much offense in the word itself just in the way it might be used, as in if you're calling my kid a retard or retarded, I might find we don't agree and I want to punch you in the nose.
But there is obviously still a level of retardation out there in the world. To be frank, my dad grew using the N word and not in the way it's used today. More in the way of identifying someone's work ethic/color of their skin.
He had to learn it wasn't acceptable now a days and meant something different to different generations.
I think the same can be said of the word retarded. We've grown, evolved as a nation...let's hope we can all find a more precise word to label someone or describe them in this day and age.
A friend asked me recently how I felt about it since at least one of my sons has this label in his school records. And I've found government agencies love to use this as an umbrella term for many different illness or diseases. I had to take some time and think about it, but this is my take on the whole thing--today.
To be honest, I hadn't heard about this until my friend pointed out the stories. And truth be told, I will use the word on occasion without thinking in a sentence like this: "I can't believe that person just pulled out in front of all those cars--that's retarded." I can't think of the last time I called someone retarded. Even when they ARE, I usually say "slow".
If I find myself having said the word, I immediately feel guilty now. My kids have to have certain labels in their files for some assistance we get through school and the first day I saw son#2's as MR, it staggered me. I NEVER thought of him as mentally retarded. He knows what I am saying, he is aware of so much---retarded? But I realize now it's an IQ level standing. If your IQ falls below a certain number, they label you MR. Sad but true that it's not based on skills. /shrug
I don't find too much offense in the word itself just in the way it might be used, as in if you're calling my kid a retard or retarded, I might find we don't agree and I want to punch you in the nose.
But there is obviously still a level of retardation out there in the world. To be frank, my dad grew using the N word and not in the way it's used today. More in the way of identifying someone's work ethic/color of their skin.
He had to learn it wasn't acceptable now a days and meant something different to different generations.
I think the same can be said of the word retarded. We've grown, evolved as a nation...let's hope we can all find a more precise word to label someone or describe them in this day and age.
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Ten Things Tuesday
1. Tomorrow my "baby" turns four years old! How is this possible when I still look like I just had him?
2. Son#1 is growing up and I'm thankful that he still likes me. Today. He wants to go spend Spring Break with Nana. We'll see. I don't know who would get bored to death first, him with no internet access or her with all his Star Wars and YouTube playlists ramblings.
3. I got to meet a friend from college at the airport Sunday. We haven't seen each other in 14 years!! We crammed more hen clucking in that 2 hours than should be humanly possible. The people around us were so distracting to me. Rather interesting sorts at the Starbucks airport. I almost threw up on the way back to my car. I took the shuttle and some insane tan skinned man made so many twists and turns at an ungodly speed my equilibrium could not keep up. But it was worth it Lisa!!!!
4. Son#2 is having a good few weeks of school. We'll see what Spring Break holds--what's that they say? Don't borrow worry? One minute/hour/day at a time.
5. I have a new humidifier and with my recent head cold, I'm in love with it. It's small, ultra-quiet and no filters to clean. It uses a water bottle!!
6. I'm thankful that this is the final season of LOST. I think the first rule of LOST fan club should be, don't talk about LOST. Just let it unfold and be surprised like the rest of us.
7. The weather this week and weekend were temps in the high 60's. Thank ya Jesus! But what's up with the birds waking up so early now? Do they possibly know it's Daylight Savings Time?
8. I'm thankful that someone is starting his trial tomorrow that ripped off $35,000 from my uncle who may die in the next three days. I'm hoping for the guilty verdict.
9. Thank you to whoever invented the Vicks nose inhaler. My kids call it my nose chapstick.
10. And lastly, I'm very happy my family made a trip with all of us to Wal-Mart this weekend. Rare thing for all of us. Son#2 pushed the cart, son#3 got to walk not ride, and son#1 tried not to walk into people while playing with my iTouch. It did remind me why I go to the grocery store by myself.
2. Son#1 is growing up and I'm thankful that he still likes me. Today. He wants to go spend Spring Break with Nana. We'll see. I don't know who would get bored to death first, him with no internet access or her with all his Star Wars and YouTube playlists ramblings.
3. I got to meet a friend from college at the airport Sunday. We haven't seen each other in 14 years!! We crammed more hen clucking in that 2 hours than should be humanly possible. The people around us were so distracting to me. Rather interesting sorts at the Starbucks airport. I almost threw up on the way back to my car. I took the shuttle and some insane tan skinned man made so many twists and turns at an ungodly speed my equilibrium could not keep up. But it was worth it Lisa!!!!
4. Son#2 is having a good few weeks of school. We'll see what Spring Break holds--what's that they say? Don't borrow worry? One minute/hour/day at a time.
5. I have a new humidifier and with my recent head cold, I'm in love with it. It's small, ultra-quiet and no filters to clean. It uses a water bottle!!
6. I'm thankful that this is the final season of LOST. I think the first rule of LOST fan club should be, don't talk about LOST. Just let it unfold and be surprised like the rest of us.
7. The weather this week and weekend were temps in the high 60's. Thank ya Jesus! But what's up with the birds waking up so early now? Do they possibly know it's Daylight Savings Time?
8. I'm thankful that someone is starting his trial tomorrow that ripped off $35,000 from my uncle who may die in the next three days. I'm hoping for the guilty verdict.
9. Thank you to whoever invented the Vicks nose inhaler. My kids call it my nose chapstick.
10. And lastly, I'm very happy my family made a trip with all of us to Wal-Mart this weekend. Rare thing for all of us. Son#2 pushed the cart, son#3 got to walk not ride, and son#1 tried not to walk into people while playing with my iTouch. It did remind me why I go to the grocery store by myself.
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Ten Things Tuesday
1. I just took son#3 to the doctor and it's just a virus. I have pneumonia phobia. He has a runny nose, wet cough, tearing eyes and small fever at night. His appetite isn't normal and he fell asleep in the floor this afternoon after lunch. Not the usual energy dynamite he usually is. I'm happy he's not contagious and that it'll run it's course with some Mucinex to push it on it's way.
2. I love Bugles!! They are a blast from the past, have quite the crunch and a unique taste. Almost like a tall, skinny Corn Nut. What's not to like? Unless you're my college roomate who HATED my Corn Nut fetish. She said they smelled like dog food. Just means more for me!
3. I went to see the movie Valentines Day this weekend and LOVED LOVED LOVED it!! In case you missed it, it was good--go see it.
4.Time for mushy stuff. Isn't it great when you find a very fun, cool friend God places in your life? And even cooler when she turns out to have so much in common with you? You can jump right into the meaty talks about life, love and family. God seems to know what he's doing---imagine that.
5. My mom just left from a 2 day visit and the kids and I really enjoyed her time here. I'm VERY thankful the kids have at least one grandparent that is close-by and loves to play with them.
6. It's been fun introducing son#1 to the old school arcade games. He's pretty good, to be expected from this generation I guess. Brings back lots of memories of my Atari and hours of playing Pac Man with my dad.
7. I'm thankful for a husband that worked his cute little tushy off Sunday doing ALL the laundry, ALL the dishes and picked up the house. What a man, what a man, what a mighty good man! I'm also thankful he's figured out his place. Ooops did I say that out loud?! What I meant was that his place is beside me. (Holding the vacuum.)
8. I've broken an addiction this year, it's best I've fessed up to it. I love the time I've gained for Mon-Wed nights. Please refrain from throwing anything that stains. I'm off the show American Idol. For some reason, I had no desire to watch AI this season. I could care less about the horrendous try-outs, the sob story pieces, criminal backgrounds and the not quite good-enough singers. As I heard somewhere else, this isn't Make-A-Wish. Every person has a sob story somewhere in their life. All I can figure is my patience is shot for our society complex that makes people feel they are owed something or entitled anything, especially to this thing called fame. No you are not. So you can sing or have a talent. Got news for ya, we all have talent somewhere in us. But I don't think if some guy in Wisconsin is good with carpentry tools that we owe him 15 minutes of TV time and a contract with This Old House just because he stood in a long line all day or because his buddies told him he's got skills.
Wow, did you see that? Someone threw some box out there for me to fall onto. It says SOAP on it. Hmmmm I'll have to watch out for those from now on.
9. Mr. Coffee came to live at our house the day we got home from our honeymoon. He hadn't failed me in 12 and half years, until Sunday. I was SO sad. I went to Wal-Mart thinking a new coffee maker can't be hard to find and ended up having a meltdown probably needing one of my sons pills if truth be told. I finally made it through the process which seemed to take as long as those rose ceremonies on TV. I still feel old because I don't think those things are made as well as they used to be. They just seem flimsy and clumsy. Why can't they just have my same one I had? Is that too much to ask?! I kept Mr. Original Coffee just in case it was a one off. I'm not sure he's realized that he's not top dog anymore. *sniff
10. And I'm thankful for catalogs/magazines. I love them. I get an extra jolt when I get the mail and it's not all junk and bills---a catalog can make that all better. It maybe an unhealthy obsession if you look around my house at how many containers are hiding them, but I can't help it-- I luuuuv them. How then I ask you could I throw them away!?
2. I love Bugles!! They are a blast from the past, have quite the crunch and a unique taste. Almost like a tall, skinny Corn Nut. What's not to like? Unless you're my college roomate who HATED my Corn Nut fetish. She said they smelled like dog food. Just means more for me!
3. I went to see the movie Valentines Day this weekend and LOVED LOVED LOVED it!! In case you missed it, it was good--go see it.
4.Time for mushy stuff. Isn't it great when you find a very fun, cool friend God places in your life? And even cooler when she turns out to have so much in common with you? You can jump right into the meaty talks about life, love and family. God seems to know what he's doing---imagine that.
5. My mom just left from a 2 day visit and the kids and I really enjoyed her time here. I'm VERY thankful the kids have at least one grandparent that is close-by and loves to play with them.
6. It's been fun introducing son#1 to the old school arcade games. He's pretty good, to be expected from this generation I guess. Brings back lots of memories of my Atari and hours of playing Pac Man with my dad.
7. I'm thankful for a husband that worked his cute little tushy off Sunday doing ALL the laundry, ALL the dishes and picked up the house. What a man, what a man, what a mighty good man! I'm also thankful he's figured out his place. Ooops did I say that out loud?! What I meant was that his place is beside me. (Holding the vacuum.)
8. I've broken an addiction this year, it's best I've fessed up to it. I love the time I've gained for Mon-Wed nights. Please refrain from throwing anything that stains. I'm off the show American Idol. For some reason, I had no desire to watch AI this season. I could care less about the horrendous try-outs, the sob story pieces, criminal backgrounds and the not quite good-enough singers. As I heard somewhere else, this isn't Make-A-Wish. Every person has a sob story somewhere in their life. All I can figure is my patience is shot for our society complex that makes people feel they are owed something or entitled anything, especially to this thing called fame. No you are not. So you can sing or have a talent. Got news for ya, we all have talent somewhere in us. But I don't think if some guy in Wisconsin is good with carpentry tools that we owe him 15 minutes of TV time and a contract with This Old House just because he stood in a long line all day or because his buddies told him he's got skills.
Wow, did you see that? Someone threw some box out there for me to fall onto. It says SOAP on it. Hmmmm I'll have to watch out for those from now on.
9. Mr. Coffee came to live at our house the day we got home from our honeymoon. He hadn't failed me in 12 and half years, until Sunday. I was SO sad. I went to Wal-Mart thinking a new coffee maker can't be hard to find and ended up having a meltdown probably needing one of my sons pills if truth be told. I finally made it through the process which seemed to take as long as those rose ceremonies on TV. I still feel old because I don't think those things are made as well as they used to be. They just seem flimsy and clumsy. Why can't they just have my same one I had? Is that too much to ask?! I kept Mr. Original Coffee just in case it was a one off. I'm not sure he's realized that he's not top dog anymore. *sniff
10. And I'm thankful for catalogs/magazines. I love them. I get an extra jolt when I get the mail and it's not all junk and bills---a catalog can make that all better. It maybe an unhealthy obsession if you look around my house at how many containers are hiding them, but I can't help it-- I luuuuv them. How then I ask you could I throw them away!?
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