Ten Things I'm Thankful For After Breaking My Ankle Saturday
1. A husband that doesn't mind picking up the house & doing laundry & knows how to get the kids ready for school.
2. My kids have been good--even poor #2 that's had medicine issues.
3. Hubbo's boss who let him off work for two days and lent us a "walking helper device" which
I refuse to call a walker. The kids refer to it as a stroller.
4. Friends that have called and checked on me through emails & Facebook. So sweet!
5. That danged deadly snow is gone.
6. New toenail polish. Purple to match my ankle.
7. Marathon tv shows on Bravo and A&E.
8. Magazines/books
9. KNITTING!!!
10. The treadmill. Without it, it's one long jump to the bathroom with nothing to hold on to.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Ten Things Tuesday
1. Company (in-laws) finally got to come visit this weekend!! We've been trying since Valentines weekend. All family members finally well on both sides.
2. Clean comedy. Brian Regan--- http://www.brianregan.com/
3. Spring Break is OVER!!!!!!!!
4. Son#2 is off his old meds & the tics have stopped. The new meds seem to be working although we're still working on doses which means there are times that aren't so fun. We're winning though!
5. Because Facebook has changed their format & style, it's not as user friendly. Wondering what I'm thankful for then? It's less addictive which means more time for other things.
6. My mom & aunts come tomorrow for a visit. We're going for Chinese & I think it's safe to say I won't have to entertain the baby much.
7. I'm in love with Philadelphia Cream Cheese Spreadable in the Spinach/Artichoke flavor. Coupled with a Ritz cracker, I'm in heaven!
8. One of the pluses from company coming to visit, your house gets cleaned.
9. Today was trash day so last night we cleaned out the fridge as a family by eating all leftovers for dinner. I love to kill two birds with one stone. Well, not really.
And #10--- I was able to be a part of something really fantastically fun, benefiting Autism. More on that later if you're NOT one of the millions I've already told.
2. Clean comedy. Brian Regan--- http://www.brianregan.com/
3. Spring Break is OVER!!!!!!!!
4. Son#2 is off his old meds & the tics have stopped. The new meds seem to be working although we're still working on doses which means there are times that aren't so fun. We're winning though!
5. Because Facebook has changed their format & style, it's not as user friendly. Wondering what I'm thankful for then? It's less addictive which means more time for other things.
6. My mom & aunts come tomorrow for a visit. We're going for Chinese & I think it's safe to say I won't have to entertain the baby much.
7. I'm in love with Philadelphia Cream Cheese Spreadable in the Spinach/Artichoke flavor. Coupled with a Ritz cracker, I'm in heaven!
8. One of the pluses from company coming to visit, your house gets cleaned.
9. Today was trash day so last night we cleaned out the fridge as a family by eating all leftovers for dinner. I love to kill two birds with one stone. Well, not really.
And #10--- I was able to be a part of something really fantastically fun, benefiting Autism. More on that later if you're NOT one of the millions I've already told.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Son#1 Journal
This is a throw back to February folks---enjoy the literal mind of son#1. Remember it's fill in the blank
When the groundhog sees it's shadow,it means 20 more weeks of winter. (when you think about it, this seems more true than the usual 6).
I want to have a party for, Christopher Council. We can play the Wii.
I wish I could build, a house that has computers in it. I use 2 computers.
If animals could talk, it would say: thank you. It would play with me. Animals always talk.
I was mean to someone when, I hit someone with a baseball bat. I told someone I am sorry. I was kind. (I really hope it was a Nerf bat. Surely the school would have called me right? I'm pretty sure they have a no tolerance policy for bullies.)
If there was no television, I would read a book. Then I would buy the TV. TV is fun.
I'll never eat, Cool Ranch Doritos. I like Nacho Cheese better. Nacho Cheese is cool.
Abraham Lincoln was, the 16th President. He freed the slaves. He was the 1st President to get shot down by John Wilkes Booth. (his teacher made sure we saw this one)
We celebrate George Washington's birthday because, he was the 1st President. He was the "father of our country". He was good.
I like to help my parents, get the van fixed. We took it to the car hospital. We took it home.
I'd love to learn how to play, the Wii. On the Wii I play Lego Star Wars 3.
This one is ALL him--even the parenthesis.
A movie I like to watch over & over is, Star Wars. I have 6 dvd's for 6 episodes. Star Wars is awesome. (includes disc 2 for 1,2 and 3 and IV, V and VI. Includes bonus discs.)
My favorite smell is, Germ-X. It is blueberry. It's good on my hands. (I had Sharpies, he has hand sanitizer. I wonder if that's considered "huffing"?)
If I could live in space, I would live on the moon. I would put a flag on there. I would see earth.
The snow is, good. I would play on the snow. I would build a snowman.
When the groundhog sees it's shadow,it means 20 more weeks of winter. (when you think about it, this seems more true than the usual 6).
I want to have a party for, Christopher Council. We can play the Wii.
I wish I could build, a house that has computers in it. I use 2 computers.
If animals could talk, it would say: thank you. It would play with me. Animals always talk.
I was mean to someone when, I hit someone with a baseball bat. I told someone I am sorry. I was kind. (I really hope it was a Nerf bat. Surely the school would have called me right? I'm pretty sure they have a no tolerance policy for bullies.)
If there was no television, I would read a book. Then I would buy the TV. TV is fun.
I'll never eat, Cool Ranch Doritos. I like Nacho Cheese better. Nacho Cheese is cool.
Abraham Lincoln was, the 16th President. He freed the slaves. He was the 1st President to get shot down by John Wilkes Booth. (his teacher made sure we saw this one)
We celebrate George Washington's birthday because, he was the 1st President. He was the "father of our country". He was good.
I like to help my parents, get the van fixed. We took it to the car hospital. We took it home.
I'd love to learn how to play, the Wii. On the Wii I play Lego Star Wars 3.
This one is ALL him--even the parenthesis.
A movie I like to watch over & over is, Star Wars. I have 6 dvd's for 6 episodes. Star Wars is awesome. (includes disc 2 for 1,2 and 3 and IV, V and VI. Includes bonus discs.)
My favorite smell is, Germ-X. It is blueberry. It's good on my hands. (I had Sharpies, he has hand sanitizer. I wonder if that's considered "huffing"?)
If I could live in space, I would live on the moon. I would put a flag on there. I would see earth.
The snow is, good. I would play on the snow. I would build a snowman.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Spring Break-Day Five
11am
Son#2 crying, wants to go somewhere, brings me clothes. Trying to get three kids half dressed to go to the bank. Fun--NOT. Van battery dead. Son#2 was in the garage the other day with the door open. Hubbo came home, shut the door thinking it hadn't been open long. Guess it was open longer than we thought.
11:40am
Do you hear that? It's glee in my "voice" as I type.
Nothing can get me down...(knock on wood) because in approximately 5 and a half hours, I have back up until school starts. There is nothing so lonely for me as Spring Break & Christmas break. Sometime I'll tell you about the frantic, tense pace that exists all day with the three boys all home & how utterly exhausting it is. But right now, I'm gonna go "celebrate the moments of my life" with a little Cafe Vienna.
1pm
Son#2 didn't eat his mac & cheese, he wanted MY lunch. Figures. And the remote is missing...it was here just a few minutes ago.
2pm
Son#3 has outgrown naps. Is there any justice in this world!?
Son#2 crying, wants to go somewhere, brings me clothes. Trying to get three kids half dressed to go to the bank. Fun--NOT. Van battery dead. Son#2 was in the garage the other day with the door open. Hubbo came home, shut the door thinking it hadn't been open long. Guess it was open longer than we thought.
11:40am
Do you hear that? It's glee in my "voice" as I type.
Nothing can get me down...(knock on wood) because in approximately 5 and a half hours, I have back up until school starts. There is nothing so lonely for me as Spring Break & Christmas break. Sometime I'll tell you about the frantic, tense pace that exists all day with the three boys all home & how utterly exhausting it is. But right now, I'm gonna go "celebrate the moments of my life" with a little Cafe Vienna.
1pm
Son#2 didn't eat his mac & cheese, he wanted MY lunch. Figures. And the remote is missing...it was here just a few minutes ago.
2pm
Son#3 has outgrown naps. Is there any justice in this world!?
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Spring Break-Day Four
8:30am
Two out of three up. Son#1 bugging me to get up. For some reason he needs me
To get out of bed so he can start his day.
9:30am
Baby gets up happy and with no fever and no cough. Yay!
I'm choosing not to give son#2 any mess today to see if the
Tics stop. Although I reserve the right to change my mind at any time
today. The thought of no meds needed--wow. But like the house
I won't get my hopes up just yet.
10:30am
Do you hear that? Angels singing. I've heard an angel gets his wings
when a mommy gets a shower.
Son#2 has a thing with long hair lately and if it's wet, well
That's even better. He keeps coming up behind as I type
and smelling my hair.
11:30am
Son#2 needs pill. That didn't last long. At least one pill seems to be doing it for the whole day & we're not using anything for bedtime.
7pm
The realtor has another client with a daugther with Autism. She is thinking of moving to our town. She asked for permission to give her my info so I could fill her in on our school system & Autism programs here. She called--I talked for an hour & a half about the pros. She said a developmental Peds dr had once told her if she was considering our school system, she might as well keep her kids home. Boy did I refute THAT! Keith Olberman here I come!!!!!!!!
Two out of three up. Son#1 bugging me to get up. For some reason he needs me
To get out of bed so he can start his day.
9:30am
Baby gets up happy and with no fever and no cough. Yay!
I'm choosing not to give son#2 any mess today to see if the
Tics stop. Although I reserve the right to change my mind at any time
today. The thought of no meds needed--wow. But like the house
I won't get my hopes up just yet.
10:30am
Do you hear that? Angels singing. I've heard an angel gets his wings
when a mommy gets a shower.
Son#2 has a thing with long hair lately and if it's wet, well
That's even better. He keeps coming up behind as I type
and smelling my hair.
11:30am
Son#2 needs pill. That didn't last long. At least one pill seems to be doing it for the whole day & we're not using anything for bedtime.
7pm
The realtor has another client with a daugther with Autism. She is thinking of moving to our town. She asked for permission to give her my info so I could fill her in on our school system & Autism programs here. She called--I talked for an hour & a half about the pros. She said a developmental Peds dr had once told her if she was considering our school system, she might as well keep her kids home. Boy did I refute THAT! Keith Olberman here I come!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Spring Break-Day Three
Day Three--HUMP DAY!----
8:30am
Hubbo on his way home from the store & getting a new tire for the car.
9:30am
Wake baby, poor guy has a runny nose like a faucet & a cough to boot. Medicine for the whole room on the house!
11am
Baths for #2 & #3. Not much space left in the tub for toys, so they got creative bringing in the bathmat with them.
11:30am
Realtor calls, house decision still up in the air. Wheee!
Noon
Lunch---why is it all the kids only what I'm eating? Even when I feed them first? I'm getting sick of food. 4 breakfasts--if I get one. Four lunches & 2 different dinners. Son#1 has chosen now to go on a growing spurt & eat us out of house & home. Right when son#2 goes off the meds that make him want seconds & thirds. Our grocery bill may never be the same.
2:12pm
Part of what is trying my patience is I can't open the fridge or unlock the pantry without one of them being behind me sneaking things out. Drives me insane! That and son#2's meds make him a tad manic at times. This means constant turning off of the light switches in rooms, shutting doors, handing you everything you never wanted or asked for as well emptying drawers & throwing clothes around the house. Specifically in corners & behind tv cabinets.
I might need TWO blood pressure pills today.
After yesterday's poop incident & the baby's cold or whatever, we're not venturing outside. It's 80 degrees already & it's a playdough, marker/coloring day instead.
8:30am
Hubbo on his way home from the store & getting a new tire for the car.
9:30am
Wake baby, poor guy has a runny nose like a faucet & a cough to boot. Medicine for the whole room on the house!
11am
Baths for #2 & #3. Not much space left in the tub for toys, so they got creative bringing in the bathmat with them.
11:30am
Realtor calls, house decision still up in the air. Wheee!
Noon
Lunch---why is it all the kids only what I'm eating? Even when I feed them first? I'm getting sick of food. 4 breakfasts--if I get one. Four lunches & 2 different dinners. Son#1 has chosen now to go on a growing spurt & eat us out of house & home. Right when son#2 goes off the meds that make him want seconds & thirds. Our grocery bill may never be the same.
2:12pm
Part of what is trying my patience is I can't open the fridge or unlock the pantry without one of them being behind me sneaking things out. Drives me insane! That and son#2's meds make him a tad manic at times. This means constant turning off of the light switches in rooms, shutting doors, handing you everything you never wanted or asked for as well emptying drawers & throwing clothes around the house. Specifically in corners & behind tv cabinets.
I might need TWO blood pressure pills today.
After yesterday's poop incident & the baby's cold or whatever, we're not venturing outside. It's 80 degrees already & it's a playdough, marker/coloring day instead.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Spring Break-Day Two
Day Two:
8:45am
I'm up & doing dishes before any of the younger ones are up to "help". Son #1 is in the living room loudly playing Wii. Of course he left the bedroom door open. Can't believe son#2 didn't wake up.
Son#3 slept till 9:30am--slight fever last night, runny nose & phlemy cough. Off to vacuum...
10:30am
Med time. Son#2's new med, slipped into a spoonful of blueberry applesauce. You have to strategically place it so that he doesn't scrape it off the spoon with his teeth or the jigs up.
Son#1's you have to crush, crush again, melt in a tablespoon of water, then down the hatch with 7-Up. Although today he had to settle for diet Sierra Mist & he wasn't too happy. But it's one of those days he's complaining about EVERYTHING. Son#3 usually gets his in a syringe but decided today he was just too big for that now that he's three years old. He wanted his medicine on a spoon like big brother. I guess he really is growing up.
3:15pm
Corned beef, cabbage, potatoes in the oven for dinner. Son#3 in crib still yelling "Mom" since 1:30pm. Son#2 got in the fridge & ate the rest of the birthday cake with his hands.
Countdown to reinforcements--2 hrs.
4:03pm
Are you kidding me? Son#3 still yelling at me from his bed. Which I really don't understand because he had children's Tylenol 5 hours ago.
And apparently, one day without a poo incident goes against every Murphy's law there is for me in life.
Son #2 running around outside in the 80 degree day, eventually stripped down & the few minutes I wasn't watching him, pooped outside my bedroom window. Without a pull-up on. I thought little boys just liked to pee on things outside. Sigh. I don't care how warm it is the rest of this week, we may never go outside again.
8:45am
I'm up & doing dishes before any of the younger ones are up to "help". Son #1 is in the living room loudly playing Wii. Of course he left the bedroom door open. Can't believe son#2 didn't wake up.
Son#3 slept till 9:30am--slight fever last night, runny nose & phlemy cough. Off to vacuum...
10:30am
Med time. Son#2's new med, slipped into a spoonful of blueberry applesauce. You have to strategically place it so that he doesn't scrape it off the spoon with his teeth or the jigs up.
Son#1's you have to crush, crush again, melt in a tablespoon of water, then down the hatch with 7-Up. Although today he had to settle for diet Sierra Mist & he wasn't too happy. But it's one of those days he's complaining about EVERYTHING. Son#3 usually gets his in a syringe but decided today he was just too big for that now that he's three years old. He wanted his medicine on a spoon like big brother. I guess he really is growing up.
3:15pm
Corned beef, cabbage, potatoes in the oven for dinner. Son#3 in crib still yelling "Mom" since 1:30pm. Son#2 got in the fridge & ate the rest of the birthday cake with his hands.
Countdown to reinforcements--2 hrs.
4:03pm
Are you kidding me? Son#3 still yelling at me from his bed. Which I really don't understand because he had children's Tylenol 5 hours ago.
And apparently, one day without a poo incident goes against every Murphy's law there is for me in life.
Son #2 running around outside in the 80 degree day, eventually stripped down & the few minutes I wasn't watching him, pooped outside my bedroom window. Without a pull-up on. I thought little boys just liked to pee on things outside. Sigh. I don't care how warm it is the rest of this week, we may never go outside again.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Spring Break--Day One
Day One--11am
Well, we already have poo people. Within 30 minutes of getting up I had not only a poopy diaper, but I got it all over my arm. I take a shower, feel all clean, ready to start my day--pretend that poopy diaper never happened. But I kept smelling poo. Check kitchen, not only is the floor an array of cow patties, somehow, some way, there is poo on my oven door! How in the heck are the physics of that possible?
10:50am
We leave in the van to go meet Hubbo at work to sign some papers on the house. This involves snacks in ziplocks, cups for everyone, a Nintendo DS, a koosh ball and some Lego guys. Oh and did I mention son#2 won't stay in his seatbelt? Since we got the van he's discovered how to let himself out of his seatbelt. We acquired these bad boys.
Hopefully this will dissuade him, although on the way back, he unbuckled his brothers seatbelt to the carseat. Good thing these came in twos.
4:30pm
Playing outside, let's hope son#2 keeps his clothes on. All of them.
All in all, today wasn't that bad. No major meltdowns & mommy's still sane. Score one for the hometeam!
Well, we already have poo people. Within 30 minutes of getting up I had not only a poopy diaper, but I got it all over my arm. I take a shower, feel all clean, ready to start my day--pretend that poopy diaper never happened. But I kept smelling poo. Check kitchen, not only is the floor an array of cow patties, somehow, some way, there is poo on my oven door! How in the heck are the physics of that possible?
10:50am
We leave in the van to go meet Hubbo at work to sign some papers on the house. This involves snacks in ziplocks, cups for everyone, a Nintendo DS, a koosh ball and some Lego guys. Oh and did I mention son#2 won't stay in his seatbelt? Since we got the van he's discovered how to let himself out of his seatbelt. We acquired these bad boys.
Hopefully this will dissuade him, although on the way back, he unbuckled his brothers seatbelt to the carseat. Good thing these came in twos.
4:30pm
Playing outside, let's hope son#2 keeps his clothes on. All of them.
All in all, today wasn't that bad. No major meltdowns & mommy's still sane. Score one for the hometeam!
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Ten Things Tuesday
1. The baby has been really ill with a high fever since Saturday evening. I'm thankful today he seems a little more like himself. Less glassy eyed. He's more like a colt trying to learn to walk but at least he has more pep today & NO fever.
2. I'm thankful that as of today, my husband has a job. I know that in this economy that's precious and hopefully even though his company is slow with business lately, he'll keep it.
3. Dr. Pepper has finally made a CHERRY DR. PEPPER! (and diet) without vanilla! They sure
took long enough but I'm just happy it's finally here!
4. Vicks nose inhalers. The weather here has been cold, then 80 degrees, then 17. The rest of this week it's picking back up to the 70's & such. My sinuses don't know whether to believe me that winters really over.
5. I'm very thankful I found the missing DVD-R remote yesterday!! It's been missing several months and I've missed recording things as easily. Oh who am I kidding, I make Hubbo do all that.
6. And I'm thankful that my sister-in-law and her family, can STILL try on our fifth weekend of trying, to come down & see us. Hopefully. Knock on wood.
7. Magazines. I love a good thumb-through. Has kept me sane with all the fever watching around here lately.
8. Federal tax returns on e-file.
9. A quick lunch out with a friend Saturday since I missed mine with the family.
10. Prayers that are answered.
2. I'm thankful that as of today, my husband has a job. I know that in this economy that's precious and hopefully even though his company is slow with business lately, he'll keep it.
3. Dr. Pepper has finally made a CHERRY DR. PEPPER! (and diet) without vanilla! They sure
took long enough but I'm just happy it's finally here!
4. Vicks nose inhalers. The weather here has been cold, then 80 degrees, then 17. The rest of this week it's picking back up to the 70's & such. My sinuses don't know whether to believe me that winters really over.
5. I'm very thankful I found the missing DVD-R remote yesterday!! It's been missing several months and I've missed recording things as easily. Oh who am I kidding, I make Hubbo do all that.
6. And I'm thankful that my sister-in-law and her family, can STILL try on our fifth weekend of trying, to come down & see us. Hopefully. Knock on wood.
7. Magazines. I love a good thumb-through. Has kept me sane with all the fever watching around here lately.
8. Federal tax returns on e-file.
9. A quick lunch out with a friend Saturday since I missed mine with the family.
10. Prayers that are answered.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Have You Ever Had One of THOSE Days?
Have you ever had one of those days, not even necessarily bad, where you're so busy that at the end of the day you want to burn your clothes? Where it feels like you lived a week in them all in one day? You never want to see them again. Not even the socks.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Ten Things Tuesday
It's been awhile since I've done this, but someone reminded me of that today. And when things are hectic or crazy stressful and I don't feel in the mood to write what I'm thankful for, I just want to complain, and that's the time to truly take count of one's blessings right? So here ya go Sarah!
1. I'll lead off with the obvious, this week has contained MANY less diapers containing bio hazards. For that, I am TRULY, TRULY thankful.
2. I had a wonderful time this weekend spending a great deal of Fri night & Saturday with friends. I hadn't had much of that this month & boy did I miss it. I think my soul has come to count on it. We laughed, ate and scrap booked. But we also really got to talk and get into each others issues that were weighing on our hearts. Somehow even when your husband is your best friend, it always feels so good to say the same things out loud to a girlfriend. Being of the same sex, you really believe them when they say they understand or have been there. It validates your feelings & somehow takes away that feeling that occasionally creeps in that you're living with an alien.
3. I'm thankful for finding www.verseoftheday.com where God guides me and my problems daily. It's like a horoscope for your soul.
4. I have much more "things" than I've ever had in a home. Today I'm going to choose to be thankful I have all these blessings instead of complain for the millionth time about where all this stuff came from.
5. Sonic's Raspberry Tea---my newest addiction. I believe God sent it to me to get me through the rough patches like he sent Elijah mana.
6. My "Mama Mia" soundtrack. It is such a pick-me up! It really gets me happy and I love each & every song. Even the song Pierce Broson sings is growing on me.
7. Green bean casserole. I made this tonight because son#2 loves it. We really only have it on holidays & this year I don't think we had it at all. We're trying to keep him on a non-dairy diet & non-spicy foods until his intestines pick back up to normal. Not only did he love it, I think it was a little comfort food for the soul for me too. Isn't it funny how sometimes tasting a certain food can almost bring you back to a different place in time? My Grandma Bible used to have THE best Thanksgiving spread.
8. I got a mani/pedi last week the day before Valentines day & the virus started. It felt great to sit there & zone out and let the massage chair just work it's magic. All by myself.
9. Sour Cream & Onion Lays--green chips as son#1 calls them. I have never really been excited by sour cream & onion chips. But now, I am truly wanting to suck the coating off these and could eat a family sized bag myself. Not that I WOULD mind you...
10. My roommate is pretty darn good at laundry & diapers, not to mention cleaning up the bio hazard materials. I was thankful he & I stayed well this past week and that he stayed home to help out three days. I wouldn't trade him for anything.
Well....unless you happen to have a Sonic raspberry tea and green Lays.;)
1. I'll lead off with the obvious, this week has contained MANY less diapers containing bio hazards. For that, I am TRULY, TRULY thankful.
2. I had a wonderful time this weekend spending a great deal of Fri night & Saturday with friends. I hadn't had much of that this month & boy did I miss it. I think my soul has come to count on it. We laughed, ate and scrap booked. But we also really got to talk and get into each others issues that were weighing on our hearts. Somehow even when your husband is your best friend, it always feels so good to say the same things out loud to a girlfriend. Being of the same sex, you really believe them when they say they understand or have been there. It validates your feelings & somehow takes away that feeling that occasionally creeps in that you're living with an alien.
3. I'm thankful for finding www.verseoftheday.com where God guides me and my problems daily. It's like a horoscope for your soul.
4. I have much more "things" than I've ever had in a home. Today I'm going to choose to be thankful I have all these blessings instead of complain for the millionth time about where all this stuff came from.
5. Sonic's Raspberry Tea---my newest addiction. I believe God sent it to me to get me through the rough patches like he sent Elijah mana.
6. My "Mama Mia" soundtrack. It is such a pick-me up! It really gets me happy and I love each & every song. Even the song Pierce Broson sings is growing on me.
7. Green bean casserole. I made this tonight because son#2 loves it. We really only have it on holidays & this year I don't think we had it at all. We're trying to keep him on a non-dairy diet & non-spicy foods until his intestines pick back up to normal. Not only did he love it, I think it was a little comfort food for the soul for me too. Isn't it funny how sometimes tasting a certain food can almost bring you back to a different place in time? My Grandma Bible used to have THE best Thanksgiving spread.
8. I got a mani/pedi last week the day before Valentines day & the virus started. It felt great to sit there & zone out and let the massage chair just work it's magic. All by myself.
9. Sour Cream & Onion Lays--green chips as son#1 calls them. I have never really been excited by sour cream & onion chips. But now, I am truly wanting to suck the coating off these and could eat a family sized bag myself. Not that I WOULD mind you...
10. My roommate is pretty darn good at laundry & diapers, not to mention cleaning up the bio hazard materials. I was thankful he & I stayed well this past week and that he stayed home to help out three days. I wouldn't trade him for anything.
Well....unless you happen to have a Sonic raspberry tea and green Lays.;)
Monday, February 23, 2009
Dear Diary
Dear Diary,
Things here have been rather crazy the past few weeks. The kids woke up sick on Valentines day and the baby & son#2 still are showing signs of it in the rear end area. Son#2 hasn't been to school since Feburary 13th. Luckily Hubbo was home 3 out of 5 days last week helping take care of kids & save my sanity. Also, son#1 keeps running a low-grade mystery fever at night. No symptoms, then it's gone by morning.
I called the doctor today after trying to send son#2 to school and then picking him up ill, nurse said there is something called Florastor Kids that you can get at the drug store for sprinkling on their foods. It is a pro-biotic & restores the good bacteria that this virus has caused the intestines to sweep away with the bad. Hopefully, the stench will find it's way to a different house soon too. I never knew we could run out of Wal-Mart sacks but last time I went to the store Hubbo told me to bag everything seperately.
In other news, son#3 shocked himself Saturday night. When we heard him scream and son#1 start screaming "Don't let me brother burn to death!" we came running. Always a dead give-away something is wrong I think. Son#3 had a black mark on his hand where his thumb meets his palm and some black marks on the ends of his fingers. I checked him over really good, and washed the black mark off--no burn luckily. After a call to Nana, we deemed him okay. I think he got over it faster than son#1 did. We assumed this is what happened: Son#2 likes to chew cords but we have NEVER caught him chewing the lamp in the living room before. Apparently he had, and when son#3 went to plug it in, it zapped him. Son#1 said he heard a loud pop & the baby started crying & holding his hand. The next day we found through an open window near the lamp, son#2 had thrown the plug part of the lamp outside. It had come off with the pop. I don't think son#3 will be plugging anything in for awhile.
Today I thought it was too quiet, went to check son#2 and son#3 today, nowhere to be found in the house. I finally saw the key in the backdoor. Son#2 has gotten tall enough & smart enough to find the key on the top shelf, get it down & put it in the back door. The little hoodlums were out there running around half naked! Son#3 was in a t-shirt & pull-up, barefoot and son#2 was just in a pull-up jumping in the trampoline. FORTY degrees outside!
We did get our van back & all the tags, titles and papers are in order. Now I'm waiting for the cleaning fairies to come to my garage in the middle of the night so we can move around the van in there better. Although, today while on the way to the bank, son#2 discovered how to unbuckle himself in the van. Little easier than the car I guess. He was out & out again. I kept pulling over & re-buckling him. Then at the bank I just let him up front so I could moniter the buckle situation. But that posed new issues. He could obviously reach the door handle, locks & windows if he wanted. While I was worrying about all that, he figured that gear shift sticking out was different than the car & looked like it'd make a good thing to yank on. I had to get pretty stern with him because obviously we don't want the NEW transmission just falling out down the road while we're driving along. Then he found it hilarious to reach over & play with the steering wheel, pick at me and slap at the gear shift some more. I barely got home. Front seat, NOT working, not even in an emergency. SO, we're about to order some seatbelt locks that are designed to guard the vehicle seat belt release button from the fingers of special needs children or adults with cognitive disabilities such as ADD, Angelman Syndrome, Alzheimers, Autism, etc. www.buckleboss.com
I really have to say I'm looking forward to the end of this month, shhh we must not even utter it's name. Bad juju. March is looking really good right now. Bring on the tornados & snow!!
Things here have been rather crazy the past few weeks. The kids woke up sick on Valentines day and the baby & son#2 still are showing signs of it in the rear end area. Son#2 hasn't been to school since Feburary 13th. Luckily Hubbo was home 3 out of 5 days last week helping take care of kids & save my sanity. Also, son#1 keeps running a low-grade mystery fever at night. No symptoms, then it's gone by morning.
I called the doctor today after trying to send son#2 to school and then picking him up ill, nurse said there is something called Florastor Kids that you can get at the drug store for sprinkling on their foods. It is a pro-biotic & restores the good bacteria that this virus has caused the intestines to sweep away with the bad. Hopefully, the stench will find it's way to a different house soon too. I never knew we could run out of Wal-Mart sacks but last time I went to the store Hubbo told me to bag everything seperately.
In other news, son#3 shocked himself Saturday night. When we heard him scream and son#1 start screaming "Don't let me brother burn to death!" we came running. Always a dead give-away something is wrong I think. Son#3 had a black mark on his hand where his thumb meets his palm and some black marks on the ends of his fingers. I checked him over really good, and washed the black mark off--no burn luckily. After a call to Nana, we deemed him okay. I think he got over it faster than son#1 did. We assumed this is what happened: Son#2 likes to chew cords but we have NEVER caught him chewing the lamp in the living room before. Apparently he had, and when son#3 went to plug it in, it zapped him. Son#1 said he heard a loud pop & the baby started crying & holding his hand. The next day we found through an open window near the lamp, son#2 had thrown the plug part of the lamp outside. It had come off with the pop. I don't think son#3 will be plugging anything in for awhile.
Today I thought it was too quiet, went to check son#2 and son#3 today, nowhere to be found in the house. I finally saw the key in the backdoor. Son#2 has gotten tall enough & smart enough to find the key on the top shelf, get it down & put it in the back door. The little hoodlums were out there running around half naked! Son#3 was in a t-shirt & pull-up, barefoot and son#2 was just in a pull-up jumping in the trampoline. FORTY degrees outside!
We did get our van back & all the tags, titles and papers are in order. Now I'm waiting for the cleaning fairies to come to my garage in the middle of the night so we can move around the van in there better. Although, today while on the way to the bank, son#2 discovered how to unbuckle himself in the van. Little easier than the car I guess. He was out & out again. I kept pulling over & re-buckling him. Then at the bank I just let him up front so I could moniter the buckle situation. But that posed new issues. He could obviously reach the door handle, locks & windows if he wanted. While I was worrying about all that, he figured that gear shift sticking out was different than the car & looked like it'd make a good thing to yank on. I had to get pretty stern with him because obviously we don't want the NEW transmission just falling out down the road while we're driving along. Then he found it hilarious to reach over & play with the steering wheel, pick at me and slap at the gear shift some more. I barely got home. Front seat, NOT working, not even in an emergency. SO, we're about to order some seatbelt locks that are designed to guard the vehicle seat belt release button from the fingers of special needs children or adults with cognitive disabilities such as ADD, Angelman Syndrome, Alzheimers, Autism, etc. www.buckleboss.com
I really have to say I'm looking forward to the end of this month, shhh we must not even utter it's name. Bad juju. March is looking really good right now. Bring on the tornados & snow!!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Fun, Cool & Cute-Adjectives of a 10 year old
This is son#1's January Journal for school. They are fill in the blanks--his answers are in bold.
Before winter is over I want to play in the snow. I like to build a snow man. It was good.
If I saw a mouse in my house I would be it's friend. I will feed him food and drink. He is cool.
My favorite gift of all time is Lego Star Wars 3, the Complete Saga. Matt got that for me. It was fun.
An animal I'm afraid of is nothing. I like animals. They are cute.
If I had a magic wand I would make a bunny appear. I will also make Lego Darth Vader appear. The hat is cool.
I wish my school had a playground. I would swing. School is cool. (his school does have swings)
When someone is crying I say what is it? I would give her a toy. She likes it.
On my birthday I blow out candles. I open my presents. My birthday is fun.
Martin Luther King Jr is special because he had a dream. He had an idea. He made a new way.
If you could ask the new President to do something, what would it be? Keep the earth clean.
If I had a hundred dollars I would buy Lego guys. It will go with all Legos. I'd take them home.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Valentines Thoughts
For the boys I bought two types of valentines---3D dog/cats and then some from the movie Cars--those came with pencils. Of course I thought it was perfect that the Cars valentines came with pencils with RED erasers (son#1's fav color) and since son#2's class likes tactile, the 3D zippy ones for him. Son#1 hates addressing them so I always end up writing everything but his name. And what does he tell me, that he doesn't WANT the Cars valentines, he wants the dogs & cats. Sigh!
But here's my real beef---why do manufacturers make packets of Valentines in different numbered packs??
Does that make sense to you? My kids classes are a tad smaller than the norm & I realize that. But why do I end up with a pack of 24 and a pack of 16?? I ended up just using the dog/cat ones & had enough for BOTH boys classes and teachers with some leftover. Now I have 4 leftover valentines in that pack. What am I supposed to DO with them??? FOUR? Why not just make ALL valentine packs in the same number? If you need 25....you have to buy one whole other pack just to get enough and then you have a lot of leftovers you can't recycle next year. Talk about major faux pas! So you throw them away?
I propose we have grab bag type Valentines. Sort of like those little $.25 bags of chips? Shoot valentines are cheap already--35 for $2! They could be like cold medicine--put them behind the counter . That way you can get what you want. And then you can also get exactly the number you need. And you have to show your drivers license to get to the good ones. Maybe even someone to evaluate whether THAT'S the card your wife would like. Might save men some trouble.
All I know is by the time my kids are out of valentine giving age, I'll have enough hodge podge valentines to give one to everyone in their college classes!
But here's my real beef---why do manufacturers make packets of Valentines in different numbered packs??
Does that make sense to you? My kids classes are a tad smaller than the norm & I realize that. But why do I end up with a pack of 24 and a pack of 16?? I ended up just using the dog/cat ones & had enough for BOTH boys classes and teachers with some leftover. Now I have 4 leftover valentines in that pack. What am I supposed to DO with them??? FOUR? Why not just make ALL valentine packs in the same number? If you need 25....you have to buy one whole other pack just to get enough and then you have a lot of leftovers you can't recycle next year. Talk about major faux pas! So you throw them away?
I propose we have grab bag type Valentines. Sort of like those little $.25 bags of chips? Shoot valentines are cheap already--35 for $2! They could be like cold medicine--put them behind the counter . That way you can get what you want. And then you can also get exactly the number you need. And you have to show your drivers license to get to the good ones. Maybe even someone to evaluate whether THAT'S the card your wife would like. Might save men some trouble.
All I know is by the time my kids are out of valentine giving age, I'll have enough hodge podge valentines to give one to everyone in their college classes!
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Ten Things Tuesday
1. The ice came & although it stuck around for 4 days or so, and I'm thankful to say we kept power. Which is more than I can say for some of my friends in Arkansas. We even got some temps this weekend up in the 60's, however we still have ice in the shade that's still thick & not melting.
2. I'm thankful that the kids FINALLY went back to school this week. They only went last Monday & Friday. We were all getting cabin fever.
3. Saturday my mom slipped on the ice getting up on the curb, but thankfully she's alright. Nothing broken. She softened the fall with her face though.
4. January 2009 is OVER. I would ask for a do-over for such a crappy month, but I really don't wish to repeat much of anything that happened last month. Seriously, 90% of people I know had not so great January 2009's also. I think we should all be thankful the month is over & we're moving on. Onward & upward!
5. I've probably said this before, but I'm thankful for Facebook. This past week I've found several girls I went to church with growing up, and it's been a welcome surprise. Last night at bookclub the older ladies were discussing how as years go on, more people die that knew you when you were younger--knew your history. Remembered you as child. They tried to tell me and another "youngun" that we didn't understand. But I think because of Facebook, I do! It has been an uplifting thing for me to find not only my first Sunday school teacher, but also people who knew me growing up and in grade school, high school, and college. I think it comforts me, cheers me and makes me a tad happier. Maybe that's because as a mother or just someone that recently turned 34 years old, I myself, even forget who I was before this life I lead now. I used to take gymnastics, I sang in many choirs, and I loved playing dolls. I could swim forever, and I could climb a tree pretty well. Finding these people who knew me then, sort of makes me feel like that part of me ISN'T forgotten. It's a good feeling.
6. The van is getting a new transmission that we aren't paying for. And we'll hopefully have it this week. Thank you Lord!
7. I've had some friends (as I mentioned, January wasn't kind) with children that have had some issues lately. I'm thankful, so thankful that they are getting answers & healing. I hate seeing or hearing about children suffering. Not to mention the parental end of that worry. Boy can that stress out the ol' ticker.
8. I'm thankful for our trip to Wal-Mart Friday night as a whole family went well & was uneventful. Son#2 wanted to push the cart the whole time, son#3 rode in the cart & son#1 skipped through the whole store. Yep--good cure for cabin fever. They got to spend some Christmas gift cards and had new things to occupy them till Monday.
9. Son#1 has a school play tonight. They also peformed today for the whole school. I mistakenly told him this morning to break a leg. Sometimes even I forget how literal he is. Luckily he let me explain that I just meant good luck. Whew! Don't worry, I'm sure the dvd of tonights performance will provide lots of blog fodder.
10. Friday is Hubbo's birthday. We won't say which one, but it's about four years ahead of mine. So tonight since Nana is here to babysit, after the kids go to bed, we're heading out on our first movie alone together in, well.....years. I'm VERY thankful we get to go see the same movie at the same time. A date you could say! (Usually we go see a movie the same day, different times-- taking turns watching the kids.)
2. I'm thankful that the kids FINALLY went back to school this week. They only went last Monday & Friday. We were all getting cabin fever.
3. Saturday my mom slipped on the ice getting up on the curb, but thankfully she's alright. Nothing broken. She softened the fall with her face though.
4. January 2009 is OVER. I would ask for a do-over for such a crappy month, but I really don't wish to repeat much of anything that happened last month. Seriously, 90% of people I know had not so great January 2009's also. I think we should all be thankful the month is over & we're moving on. Onward & upward!
5. I've probably said this before, but I'm thankful for Facebook. This past week I've found several girls I went to church with growing up, and it's been a welcome surprise. Last night at bookclub the older ladies were discussing how as years go on, more people die that knew you when you were younger--knew your history. Remembered you as child. They tried to tell me and another "youngun" that we didn't understand. But I think because of Facebook, I do! It has been an uplifting thing for me to find not only my first Sunday school teacher, but also people who knew me growing up and in grade school, high school, and college. I think it comforts me, cheers me and makes me a tad happier. Maybe that's because as a mother or just someone that recently turned 34 years old, I myself, even forget who I was before this life I lead now. I used to take gymnastics, I sang in many choirs, and I loved playing dolls. I could swim forever, and I could climb a tree pretty well. Finding these people who knew me then, sort of makes me feel like that part of me ISN'T forgotten. It's a good feeling.
6. The van is getting a new transmission that we aren't paying for. And we'll hopefully have it this week. Thank you Lord!
7. I've had some friends (as I mentioned, January wasn't kind) with children that have had some issues lately. I'm thankful, so thankful that they are getting answers & healing. I hate seeing or hearing about children suffering. Not to mention the parental end of that worry. Boy can that stress out the ol' ticker.
8. I'm thankful for our trip to Wal-Mart Friday night as a whole family went well & was uneventful. Son#2 wanted to push the cart the whole time, son#3 rode in the cart & son#1 skipped through the whole store. Yep--good cure for cabin fever. They got to spend some Christmas gift cards and had new things to occupy them till Monday.
9. Son#1 has a school play tonight. They also peformed today for the whole school. I mistakenly told him this morning to break a leg. Sometimes even I forget how literal he is. Luckily he let me explain that I just meant good luck. Whew! Don't worry, I'm sure the dvd of tonights performance will provide lots of blog fodder.
10. Friday is Hubbo's birthday. We won't say which one, but it's about four years ahead of mine. So tonight since Nana is here to babysit, after the kids go to bed, we're heading out on our first movie alone together in, well.....years. I'm VERY thankful we get to go see the same movie at the same time. A date you could say! (Usually we go see a movie the same day, different times-- taking turns watching the kids.)
Monday, January 19, 2009
Martin Luther King Jr Day
The kids are out of school today to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. #1 son has only been excited because it means he doesn't have to go to school. This morning he woke up & he was confirming there was indeed no school today. Here's the conversation:
son#1: "No school today. It's Martin Lubber King Jr day."
me: "That's right."
son#1: "We love Martin Lubber King Jr."
me: "Yes we do. You do know he's dead though right?"
son#1: "He is?"
me: " Yeah he lived quite awhile ago. What DO you know about Martin Luther King Jr?"
son#1: "He was a President?"
me: "Nope--a preacher."
son#1: "Well, Martin Lubber King Jr wasn't allowed to do things other people were. He wasn't allowed to eat Doritos like the other kids. He couldn't even eat any Classic Lays. He had to eat the black* and green* ones. They were very mean to him. And now, because of Martin Lubber King Jr, I can eat the yellow Lays or any other color if I want. But I don't like the sour cream and onion. And I'd be sad if I had to eat them and not the Classic Lays."
me: "Yeah he wasn't allowed to do a lot of the same things other people were because of the color of his skin. Martin Luther King Jr was someone who fought for civil rights."
son#1: "I know. I said I don't have to eat the sour cream & onion if I don't want to."
me: *sigh*
*black Lays--BBQ
*green Lays--Sour Cream & Onion
son#1: "No school today. It's Martin Lubber King Jr day."
me: "That's right."
son#1: "We love Martin Lubber King Jr."
me: "Yes we do. You do know he's dead though right?"
son#1: "He is?"
me: " Yeah he lived quite awhile ago. What DO you know about Martin Luther King Jr?"
son#1: "He was a President?"
me: "Nope--a preacher."
son#1: "Well, Martin Lubber King Jr wasn't allowed to do things other people were. He wasn't allowed to eat Doritos like the other kids. He couldn't even eat any Classic Lays. He had to eat the black* and green* ones. They were very mean to him. And now, because of Martin Lubber King Jr, I can eat the yellow Lays or any other color if I want. But I don't like the sour cream and onion. And I'd be sad if I had to eat them and not the Classic Lays."
me: "Yeah he wasn't allowed to do a lot of the same things other people were because of the color of his skin. Martin Luther King Jr was someone who fought for civil rights."
son#1: "I know. I said I don't have to eat the sour cream & onion if I don't want to."
me: *sigh*
*black Lays--BBQ
*green Lays--Sour Cream & Onion
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
So Are the Days of Our Lives
I have plenty to be thankful for today, but instead I'll just give you the drama we had around here last week.
What you need to know beforehand is Hubbo was in a car accident March of 08. One rainy night turning into our subdivision, someone rear ended him. He was fine, we took pictures but unfortunately I had to spend a lot of time hounding Progressive (the lady that hit him's insurance) that we wanted to get our car fixed, not total it out. And we did accept a settlement from them, got our car fixed & moved on--after much hassle.
After Christmas we realized we never got our card in the mail saying we needed to get our car tag for 09 on the car. Hubbo comes home worried one night thinking it has to do with his car accident. I start to worry. I called tag agency in our town thenext morning and they said just bring in insurance card. Then I start to worry that maybe the non-English speaking lady didn't understand the issues. It IS complicated. So I wait & call back after lunch. SAME LADY. She runs my license plate # & says it's junked, can't drive it, can't sell it, can't get tags. "Park it, you no drive anymore."
I called our State Farm agent because I knew she spoke English & I could explain everything to her. She checks with someone, comes back & says get Progressive to give us a letter saying it's repaired/salvaged, take it to OK Tax Commision & get new tag.
I call Progressive girl Amber we worked with before, she says she doesn't know. Calls a tag agency they work with, says it IS junked. Can't get title, drive it, tag etc. Say I COULD call Tax Comm & explain & see what they say the options are. But offers if we have to get rid of it b/c we can't drive it, they'd pay us $479 for salvage & come get it. Said we can't even trade it in when we go get a new car/mini-van. Lovely. The car looks brand new. No dents, no cracked glass anywhere. We've BEEN driving it since March of 08!
So I just called Tax Commision they say IF, Progressive made a mistake on the percentage of totaled (60-79% is salvage, over 80% of the value of the car is junked--ours 81% ) car, then send a letter saying that to us. We could then take letter & car to tag agency, they inspect car, give new tag. Otherwise, if Progressive says it's STILL 81% then it's junked & we can't drive it when tag expires at end of Jan. Even though it runs, no duct tape, has heat/air and looks fine.
We've been waiting to get a second car until after we find a house. We've been searching for the house since May. We knew if we got a second car beforehand, it'd be on our credit and with our student loans (thanks Harding!) on there, we don't need ANY help weighing on our credit to get home loan. So now it looked like barring a miracle, we'll HAVE to get a new car before the end of January. Again, barring a miracle or $10-15,000 somewhere dropping out of the sky...I was thinking 2009 was off to a rocky start for us.
Okay---so the next day I spent the entire day on the phone AGAIN. This time I got some higher up people and made some progress.
I got ahold of The OK Insurance Comm. who sent me back to the OK Tax Comm. There I got ahold of a nice woman that told me that this all didn't sound right, and she asked to call in a higher up. I said BE MY GUEST! I'm not sure how high up she went.
I was on hold a good 5 minutes. Kent (the higher up) comes on the phone and already knows the story. Which I thought was nice of her not to make re-tell it for the millionth time in two days.
He says he understands completely because in Nov of 2008 a law was passed being more specific about what "junked" means in our state. So NOW, he at the Tax Comm had big problems because in two months he had accumulated two huge stacks of cases from Progressive Insurance. He said they were cases like ours where the cars were not totaled & if repaired, were driveable but couldn't get tags because they were labeled junked. That those should be given a letter to get a "Salvage for Title". With that we can't sell the car, but we can get a tag & drive it. Which is all we wanted!
Kent hadn't been able to get ahold of this Rebecca from Progressive that signs off on them all in two months. No one at Progressive wanted to give out her extension number. Apparently she gives a 1-888 number but no extension which he says is the polite way of saying, "Just TRY & get ahold of me." Kent said if I could get ahold of Rebecca at Progressive, we could all talk & he thought he could make her see the error of the way they were doing things. He was anxious to work with me since it meant clearing off stacks of cases off his desk. And he'd been trying to catch her for two months.
Thanks to my sister-in-law, I got what I thought was Rebecca's number but turned out to be Amber's at Progressive--the agent we'd been working with for a year now. Amber DID however, call Rebecca & she and Kent did a three-way conference call.
Kent explained he had all these cases with Rebecca's name on it and he wasn't able to get ahold of her for two months now. She said, of course, I sign off on all claims from OK. (Did I mention she's in OHIO?) Kent said they were very defensive at first, not wanting to accept any blame. He explained the law, explained the piles of cases on his desk. How, if it was their teenagers car that was not TOTALED, but repairable and then driveable, then you can't label it junked. People need to get back on the roads!
Rebecca had a light-bulb moment and gasped, "I have to send out an emergency memo to ALL agents in OK correcting how we do things!" Then Kent nicely pointed out she could write US a letter of correction telling the tag agency to give us a Title for Salvage so we could get a tag, OR, he Kent, could send a memo out to HIS whole state of Oklahoma saying that Progressive won't cooperate with them, so we won't issue tags or titles to their customers.
*Someone pointed out to me they had already seen a sign like that at a tag agency in OK recently.*
Guess what? Rebecca decided that it was more benefical to start with our case to declare a correction. Amber called me shortly after apologizing & stating the letter will be mailed out directly to our house & confirmed our address. Kent mentioned to them he didn't need it sent to him, to save time, send it directly to us. And Amber said if I didn't get it by the 19th to let her know. Kent also said, he was giving me his personal number so when I got the letter, take it to a tag agency and show them the letter & have them call him directly. He would log on to the computer & make sure they issued me a tag and title for salvage NOT JUNKED. WHEW! God answered the prayers!
I feel vindicated, and validated that it was common sense that this wasn't right. And to be honest, I'm thrilled that that it worked out for us, but think about the other people who's cases have been sitting on Kent's desk for two months? I just had to worry for 2 days, I'm hoping it helps them out too. I'm just thrilled it's over since I think it took some years off my life & I'm pretty sure gave me some gray hairs.
What you need to know beforehand is Hubbo was in a car accident March of 08. One rainy night turning into our subdivision, someone rear ended him. He was fine, we took pictures but unfortunately I had to spend a lot of time hounding Progressive (the lady that hit him's insurance) that we wanted to get our car fixed, not total it out. And we did accept a settlement from them, got our car fixed & moved on--after much hassle.
After Christmas we realized we never got our card in the mail saying we needed to get our car tag for 09 on the car. Hubbo comes home worried one night thinking it has to do with his car accident. I start to worry. I called tag agency in our town thenext morning and they said just bring in insurance card. Then I start to worry that maybe the non-English speaking lady didn't understand the issues. It IS complicated. So I wait & call back after lunch. SAME LADY. She runs my license plate # & says it's junked, can't drive it, can't sell it, can't get tags. "Park it, you no drive anymore."
I called our State Farm agent because I knew she spoke English & I could explain everything to her. She checks with someone, comes back & says get Progressive to give us a letter saying it's repaired/salvaged, take it to OK Tax Commision & get new tag.
I call Progressive girl Amber we worked with before, she says she doesn't know. Calls a tag agency they work with, says it IS junked. Can't get title, drive it, tag etc. Say I COULD call Tax Comm & explain & see what they say the options are. But offers if we have to get rid of it b/c we can't drive it, they'd pay us $479 for salvage & come get it. Said we can't even trade it in when we go get a new car/mini-van. Lovely. The car looks brand new. No dents, no cracked glass anywhere. We've BEEN driving it since March of 08!
So I just called Tax Commision they say IF, Progressive made a mistake on the percentage of totaled (60-79% is salvage, over 80% of the value of the car is junked--ours 81% ) car, then send a letter saying that to us. We could then take letter & car to tag agency, they inspect car, give new tag. Otherwise, if Progressive says it's STILL 81% then it's junked & we can't drive it when tag expires at end of Jan. Even though it runs, no duct tape, has heat/air and looks fine.
We've been waiting to get a second car until after we find a house. We've been searching for the house since May. We knew if we got a second car beforehand, it'd be on our credit and with our student loans (thanks Harding!) on there, we don't need ANY help weighing on our credit to get home loan. So now it looked like barring a miracle, we'll HAVE to get a new car before the end of January. Again, barring a miracle or $10-15,000 somewhere dropping out of the sky...I was thinking 2009 was off to a rocky start for us.
Okay---so the next day I spent the entire day on the phone AGAIN. This time I got some higher up people and made some progress.
I got ahold of The OK Insurance Comm. who sent me back to the OK Tax Comm. There I got ahold of a nice woman that told me that this all didn't sound right, and she asked to call in a higher up. I said BE MY GUEST! I'm not sure how high up she went.
I was on hold a good 5 minutes. Kent (the higher up) comes on the phone and already knows the story. Which I thought was nice of her not to make re-tell it for the millionth time in two days.
He says he understands completely because in Nov of 2008 a law was passed being more specific about what "junked" means in our state. So NOW, he at the Tax Comm had big problems because in two months he had accumulated two huge stacks of cases from Progressive Insurance. He said they were cases like ours where the cars were not totaled & if repaired, were driveable but couldn't get tags because they were labeled junked. That those should be given a letter to get a "Salvage for Title". With that we can't sell the car, but we can get a tag & drive it. Which is all we wanted!
Kent hadn't been able to get ahold of this Rebecca from Progressive that signs off on them all in two months. No one at Progressive wanted to give out her extension number. Apparently she gives a 1-888 number but no extension which he says is the polite way of saying, "Just TRY & get ahold of me." Kent said if I could get ahold of Rebecca at Progressive, we could all talk & he thought he could make her see the error of the way they were doing things. He was anxious to work with me since it meant clearing off stacks of cases off his desk. And he'd been trying to catch her for two months.
Thanks to my sister-in-law, I got what I thought was Rebecca's number but turned out to be Amber's at Progressive--the agent we'd been working with for a year now. Amber DID however, call Rebecca & she and Kent did a three-way conference call.
Kent explained he had all these cases with Rebecca's name on it and he wasn't able to get ahold of her for two months now. She said, of course, I sign off on all claims from OK. (Did I mention she's in OHIO?) Kent said they were very defensive at first, not wanting to accept any blame. He explained the law, explained the piles of cases on his desk. How, if it was their teenagers car that was not TOTALED, but repairable and then driveable, then you can't label it junked. People need to get back on the roads!
Rebecca had a light-bulb moment and gasped, "I have to send out an emergency memo to ALL agents in OK correcting how we do things!" Then Kent nicely pointed out she could write US a letter of correction telling the tag agency to give us a Title for Salvage so we could get a tag, OR, he Kent, could send a memo out to HIS whole state of Oklahoma saying that Progressive won't cooperate with them, so we won't issue tags or titles to their customers.
*Someone pointed out to me they had already seen a sign like that at a tag agency in OK recently.*
Guess what? Rebecca decided that it was more benefical to start with our case to declare a correction. Amber called me shortly after apologizing & stating the letter will be mailed out directly to our house & confirmed our address. Kent mentioned to them he didn't need it sent to him, to save time, send it directly to us. And Amber said if I didn't get it by the 19th to let her know. Kent also said, he was giving me his personal number so when I got the letter, take it to a tag agency and show them the letter & have them call him directly. He would log on to the computer & make sure they issued me a tag and title for salvage NOT JUNKED. WHEW! God answered the prayers!
I feel vindicated, and validated that it was common sense that this wasn't right. And to be honest, I'm thrilled that that it worked out for us, but think about the other people who's cases have been sitting on Kent's desk for two months? I just had to worry for 2 days, I'm hoping it helps them out too. I'm just thrilled it's over since I think it took some years off my life & I'm pretty sure gave me some gray hairs.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Ten Things Tuesday
2. My house is clean, dishes all done, dinner in the crockpot and laundry in the washer.
3. Three-fourths of the Christmas decorations are put away. The tree may not make it back to the garage. It's on it's last legs. Getting rid of it, sounds so much more appealing than restoring it at this point.
4. The weather is still cold. I know, I'm in the minority but I'm happy with winter as long as no power is lost & roads are safe.
5. Book club was wonderful last night. I needed that. Apparently Ms. Evelyn that I sat next to last night, let us in on the fact that the man who calls to tell you your books are in, has a sexy voice and great diction. (Evelyn is 84 years old and I think her memory is better than mine.)
6. I'm loving my birthday present. It's been a sanity saver the last couple of weeks. And to be honest, it's all mine, no one elses. Not many things fall into that category when you're a mommy.(Hubbo got me an iPod Touch)
7. I'm thankful for Facebook so I can keep up with family members & friends that don't live close by.
8. I finally got pretty close on a recipe that Hubbo wanted recreated from his youth. Tasted pretty good too. If you know Taco Time restuarants, I think I have a pretty good Crisp Meat burrito recipe. Although I'm still fooling around with which cheese is best.
9. Sounds weird but I'm so pleased son#1 isn't obessed with his Nintendo DS he got for Christmas. I was hoping he wouldn't turn into that kid that runs into you in the store because they aren't watching where they are going.
10. One of my resolutions this New Years is that my knitting projects this year, will be only be what I want to knit. and the majority will be for ME! I'm thankful for that--truly!:)
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Ten Things Tuesday, er...Wednesday
1. My kids were all three thrilled with their presents. It's hard to please a non-verbal 8 yr old, but I think we did pretty good this year. Except the fish we got died already...we won't speak of this anymore.
2. I was indulged for my birthday & it lasted over several days off and on. Maybe there are good points to having a birthday on Monday after all.
3. There was no stress for food prep during Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. I planned and stuck to the plan. Who knew that actually worked? And an extra shout out to Ore Ida frozen russet potatos. Those things are worth their weight in gold to not have to peel and boil them. Steam in the bag ten minutes, then mash. Easiest real mashed potatos ever!
4. Much pie was consumed. Birthday, pumpkin and chocolate. I love pie.
5. My gifts to my neices and nephews were a huge hit! From real tiara's to a remote controlled monster Jeep.
6. My ears don't ache which is grand! Now if they'll just pop I'd be on cloud nine. Hmm Cloud Nine pie still in the fridge....
7. Two days of Christmas break the kids were able to get outside for a whole afternoon. They jumped, swung (is that right?) and son#2 even found some mud to befriend all over his body.
8. I got a Christmas card from one of the only people I haven't found from high school. She and I were so close, I can't wait now to really reconnect!
9. I got out to the mall this past weekend (yes on purpose) with a friend for girl time. We banded together since we each go maybe once a year. Sadly we spent a good deal of time in Sears because we're both old. But we had a blast and I enjoyed the time away from my kids.
10. The baby still naps. It's my saving grace for 5 more days till school starts again.
2. I was indulged for my birthday & it lasted over several days off and on. Maybe there are good points to having a birthday on Monday after all.
3. There was no stress for food prep during Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. I planned and stuck to the plan. Who knew that actually worked? And an extra shout out to Ore Ida frozen russet potatos. Those things are worth their weight in gold to not have to peel and boil them. Steam in the bag ten minutes, then mash. Easiest real mashed potatos ever!
4. Much pie was consumed. Birthday, pumpkin and chocolate. I love pie.
5. My gifts to my neices and nephews were a huge hit! From real tiara's to a remote controlled monster Jeep.
6. My ears don't ache which is grand! Now if they'll just pop I'd be on cloud nine. Hmm Cloud Nine pie still in the fridge....
7. Two days of Christmas break the kids were able to get outside for a whole afternoon. They jumped, swung (is that right?) and son#2 even found some mud to befriend all over his body.
8. I got a Christmas card from one of the only people I haven't found from high school. She and I were so close, I can't wait now to really reconnect!
9. I got out to the mall this past weekend (yes on purpose) with a friend for girl time. We banded together since we each go maybe once a year. Sadly we spent a good deal of time in Sears because we're both old. But we had a blast and I enjoyed the time away from my kids.
10. The baby still naps. It's my saving grace for 5 more days till school starts again.
Monday, December 22, 2008
From My Husband
For my birthday today, my husband hid presents around the house for me to liven up the day since I would be home with all the kids on a regular ol' Monday. This is the card he picked and I think it's my favorite present because it pretty sums us up.
For My Wife
You know the story.
Two people meet and fall in love,
they move all their belongings
into the same small place
and begin to make a life together.
They discover that they have three toasters,
two blenders, and not even one coffeemaker.
They don't fold their shirts the same way,
and they can't always agre on
whose turn it is to clean house.
But these are the little things,
and because these two people love each other
they find a way to work them out.
As time passes, there are other things--
money worries, illnesses, family crises.
These are the big things.
But because the two people love each other,
they find a way to work them out, too.
And on special days like birthdays,
they think about each other
and about all the fun stuff they share
and about how their love has
got them through the not-so-fun stuff.
And he says to her...
"Thanks for everything. I still love you very much."
For My Wife
You know the story.
Two people meet and fall in love,
they move all their belongings
into the same small place
and begin to make a life together.
They discover that they have three toasters,
two blenders, and not even one coffeemaker.
They don't fold their shirts the same way,
and they can't always agre on
whose turn it is to clean house.
But these are the little things,
and because these two people love each other
they find a way to work them out.
As time passes, there are other things--
money worries, illnesses, family crises.
These are the big things.
But because the two people love each other,
they find a way to work them out, too.
And on special days like birthdays,
they think about each other
and about all the fun stuff they share
and about how their love has
got them through the not-so-fun stuff.
And he says to her...
"Thanks for everything. I still love you very much."
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