Little Family Out of Control

Sunday Six~Father's Day!

2007-06-17T09:25:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Sunday Six, brought to us by the wonderful Kelly! Answers provided by Matthew, age 6yrs 5 mo.

1. How do men become Dads?

~~Well, um, they just, um everytime they have a birthday they just grow bigger and bigger until they are a grown up.

2. Is your dad special?

~~Yeah, because today is Father's Day and only if I clean my room I can spend time with him and go to the movie theatre and stuff!

3. What does your daddy do?

~~Um, my Dad always works

4. What did you do for Father's Day?

~~I didn't do anything, I just have to clean my room!

5. What makes a good Dad?

~~If he always spends time with you and always buys you stuff that's called good parenting.

6. Who's your daddy?

~~Um, well, my Dad's still sleeping and his name is Henry.

I'mmmmm Baaaaccckkkkkk....

2007-06-10T22:07:00.000-04:00

OK, I took a break from blogging. I had gotten to a point where I felt I had nothing left to say and that this blog had no purpose. But, I continue to get emails from friends and family asking when I am going to update again. I shall try to keep up better, I will, I will, oy, I'll try. I really have nothing too new too add, but I thought these pics were hilarious. Matthew can fall asleep anywhere, anytime. Such as these odd ball sites:Legoes tuckered him out!

Seriously, who falls asleep in the shower?

OK, well that is all I have for tonight. I will try to keep up better! Hope all of you are enjoying your summer so far. Matthew has almost 2 weeks of school left, and then camp starts. Busy summer on the way!

Sunday Six~Easter!

2007-04-01T19:39:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Sunday Six! Brought to us every week by Kelly, it's fun for the whole family! Answers provided by Matthew (6yrs 2mo). Didya play?

1. Why do we color Easter Eggs?

~~Because for Easter, because we need 'em for Easter so we can get an Easter egg on Easter. (What???)

2. Where does the Easter bunny live when it's not Easter?

~~He lives in a little hole with moles and his Grandpa mole.

3. What is Passover?

~~Uh, uh, it means it passes over something, like you pass over a rock, which is hard as rock which is hard as stone. (If you haven't said it already...let me: Sounds like this kid is smokin' crack this week!)

4. Why is Passover special?

~~Because it's special because if you pass something, like if it's a rock you pass it.

5. What is your favorite Easter (or Passover) food?

~~I don't know, chicken and fries and sprite, it should be America's best food.

6. What comes after Easter (or Passover)?

~~It is, maybe it is Christmas, what really comes next Mom? (Me: Memorial Day?) What the heck is that? Is that Memorial Day's birthday? How old is she? Or maybe it is the firecracker's birthday...how old is he?

Kid. Smokin'. Crack. I tell ya.

Wild Card Wednesday

2007-03-28T01:21:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Wild Card Wednesday brought to us by the flip-flop queen herself, TKW. See her site for directions, but basically anything goes as long as it is a picture. If you work a "W" word into you get bonus points. So, if you play let her (and me) know. Here ya go:

I call this one: "Who turned out the lights?" My parents have passed on a ton of this kind of photo. It seems when you are less than a year old it is knee-slappin' funny to do shit like this to your kid. No, seriously. I could pull out several pictures like this, ones with my dad's huge football jersey on, one in my dad's cowboy boots that were clear up to my thigh. Sigh...guess it was fun to put me in their clothes. Mom swears I loved it, and I am so strange I probably did.

Didya play?

Sunday Six~Spring has sprung!

2007-03-25T01:00:00.000-04:00

It is once again time for Sunday Six, brought to us by Kelly over at Missing JT Snow! In honor of Spring arriving, we will enjoy questions all about that lovely season. Answers provided by Matthew, age 6.2 years. Let Kelly (and me!) know if you played.

1. How old is Spring?

~~Oh, maybe it is 1000 years old. Is that right? No, today it is 1000 1000 years old. When are we going to have our Easter Party?

2. What happens in the spring?

~~Flowers come up.

3. What comes after spring?

~~Uh, maybe it's winter, no, oh, it's summer, I forgot. That's a silly question.

4. What do people wear in the spring?

~~They wear spring clothes, like short sleeves and short pants, except sometimes they wear long pants like my Babcia.

5. What is spring break?

~~Spring break is when you take a break from spring.

6. How will you celebrate spring?

~~I could find some Easter eggs with Jazzy and Lexi cuz Lexi is only two and Jazzy is three and a half.

SPF: TWO

2007-03-22T22:32:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Stuff Portrait Fridays, brought to us by she who gave up smoking: Kristine. This weeks theme is TWO. In honor of her daughter, Kara's birthday. Two of course being the age that she enjoyed the most. Well, sticking to that theme, I am posting one of my fav pics of Matthew when he was TWO. I could just eat him up. Let Kristine (and me) know if you played. And Happy Birthday Kara!

Wild Card Wednesday!

2007-03-21T20:29:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the first Wild Card Wednesday, brought to us by The Kept Woman, creator of Way Back Wednesday. TKW felt WBW had run its course, and is now giving us the exciting challenge of WCW. See her site for all "rules" but basically you can post any picture and try to tie it in with a "W" word. My picture ties in with: WHAT? As in What? What in the HELL were they thinking??? See evidence:This is me. Eating chili. On my FIRST birthday. WHO (ah, another W) in the hell gives a 1 year old chili? Everyone knows you don't give a child that unless they are potty trained! Am I right? You know I am right! They don't make a Pamper's or Huggies that can hold up to a toddler after chili. NO ONE should have to clean up after that either! My mom said I was orange for 2 days. "But you loved it! Look how clean that bowl is....you ate it up!" is basically what my mom's defense is. All I can say is: Glad it was her and not me who dealt with the aftermath! Now, did you play? If you did, let TKW (and me) know.

Sorry this is so late....as you can see by the post below, I have been trying since before 8am, but we all know what a bitch blogger can be!

Wild Card Wednesday!

2007-03-21T08:50:00.000-04:00

Waste Of Space Monday

2007-03-18T23:39:00.001-04:00

I decided since it's another week until I can return to work, I would try to participate in the weekly games! Today's Waste of Space Monday, needs a short prep article about this wonderful, innocent young woman. These asshats pulled a stunt a lot of college students do. They were drinking underage. Fine, but don't drive. These asshats (two 18 year old girls, and one 18 year old boy) decided to drive drunk after drinking underage. Then they hit a college-mate and took off. Didn't come forward for a long time....TOTAL WASTE OF SPACE. The young woman they killed was by all appearances a wonderful, loving young lady....gone forever. Thanks to those asshats. So, since WOSM is Tammy's, love, errr...hate fest...let her know (and me) if you played.

Sunday Six~Green, green, green

2007-03-18T00:20:00.000-04:00

Once again it is Sunday Six, brought to us by the talented Kelly, so if you played let her (and me!) know that you played. The kids had so much fun with St. Patrick's Day questions last week that we are continuing the fun today! Questions were answered by Matthew, age 6yrs and 2 mo.

1. What colors make the color green?

~Blue and Yellow...am I right?

2. Are you Irish?

~(Looks at me and laughs) No. (Me: Are you sure?) Yes. (As I am typing this:) I mean yes, I'm sure, No, Yes...you know what I mean!! (He is part Irish, and no, I have no clue what he means!)

3. Do you eat green M&M's?

~UH-Huh! Yes, I LOVE the blue and green M&M's. B.L.U.E. and G.E.E.N. (spells them for me...doesn't believe me that he spelled green wrong and gets rather huffy!)

4. Name some things that are the color green!

~Uh, leaves, shirts, leprechaun hats and clothes, shamrocks, grass.

5. Did your parents celebrate St. Patrick's Day?

~Yes, but I didn't see anything!

6. Did St. Patrick have a wife? If so, what was her name?

~Yes, but I forgot her name!!

So, there you have it. And for the record, we didn't celebrate. An outing to the grocery store was the most I can handle at this point....did I mention I hate surgery and recovery?

Matthew's Latest Artwork!

2007-03-15T14:53:00.000-04:00

Matthew drew this for Daddy the other day. He used a Crayola Stencil from his airbrush machine to draw the dragon. Then he drew by hand the knight with shield and sword, the castle wall, and water in the moat below. He would be happy if he could draw all day. He brings home a half dozen drawings everyday from kindergarten. They have a little free time everyday...they can choose to draw, play with clay, puzzles, etc, but he always chooses to draw. Love him to pieces, but I had to hide the tape as he has been busy taping artwork over every square inch at home that he can find!

Sweet Co-workers!

2007-03-13T04:14:00.000-04:00

Look at what my fab co-workers sent me to cheer me up after surgery! Aren't they the sweetest. I can honestly say that I work with the nicest group of doctors and staff that I have ever met. They each called and wished me luck Friday....and I have received several cards in the mail too. How nice...my last employer didn't care if you had surgery...you should be at work anyway! This group is encouraging me to rest, eat well and fully heal before I come back! I should add they are the ones who "forced" me to leave work last week and call my doc to speed up things....they ultrasound wasn't scheduled until 3/12, but because they prodded me so much I had the u/s and pre-op physical and was done with surgery on 3/9. All because they pushed me not to wait for my surgeon (who I adore) to fit me in...get it done now. Which is great because the ovary/cyst combo ruptured as they were trying to get it out. Had I waited, it would have been a nightmare recovery and an "open" surgery vs. laparoscopy. Yikes.

Anyway, thank you to all who have wished me well. Gotta move on to other things on this blog...this surgery is taking up too much space.

Sunday Six~The Luck of the Irish!

2007-03-11T00:10:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Sunday Six brought to us by the talented Kelly. This week is all about the little green guys (no not the aliens my husband has been praying will take him away until after my recovery...guess I am a little pushy! LOL). Answers provided by Matthew, age 6y 2mo.

1. What is a Shamrock?
~~They are Leprachaun hats, we decorated on the puter! (Shamrock screen saver)

2. What is a Leprechaun?
~~A Leprachaun is for St. Patrick's Day.

3. Why does St. Patrick like the color green?
~~Because it is his favorite, duh.

4. Who is St. Patrick?
~~It's one of my cousins...he loves green. (HUH? he has a cousin named Ryan Patrick, but don't think he is overly fond of green!)

5. What happens if you don't wear green on St. Patrick's Day?
~~He will get angry. Who? The Leprechaun.

6. How will you celebrate St. Patrick's Day?
~~You have to put green up!

Let me know if you played, and let Kelly know too. Happy Sunday!

Recovering

2007-03-10T07:49:00.000-05:00

OK, that is obviously not me recovering from surgery, but I couldn't find a cute recovery picture other than that....and who couldn't fall in love with that cutie?

I made it home from the hospital around 6pm last night. The surgery lasted about 1.5 hours longer than planned, but I survived. I have 3 stab incision about 1 inch long, and one 4 inch long scar in my bikini line (previous c/section line actually) where they pulled the ovary and an another cyst they found out. The overy was pretty bad, the cyst INside it had pretty much killed it, and then they found a lime sized cyst ON it also. So, they went in and put both in a surgical bag to remove them, which is good, because the ovary ruptured on the way out. YIKES. That would have been a night or two stay in the hospital if it weren't contained in the bag. And yes, I know that because 10 years ago back in KS I had a grapefruit size cyst removed in emergency surgery and the damn surgeon didn't put it in a bag and it ruptured....3 days in the hospital on IV antibiotics. Anyway, back to the present....He said it looked bad in there, and it was no wonder I had so much pain. He had to remove a portion of my abdominal wall or peritaneum as it is called because the endometriosis had hardened into almost fibrotic cysty types lumps...and tons of adhesions and endo on my bladder. Endometriosis or endo was found on my left kidney again as well. But most of the work needed was in the lower pelvis this time. He said I had a ton of adhesions from my c/section and from previous abdominal surgeries, so he removed all he could. I love this surgeon. He called me from home last night, with all 3 of his kids in the background just to make sure I was ok and to fill me in since I was too groggy by the time he had to leave the hospital yesterday (he still had office hours to do!). All in all I am doing well....my throat hurt like an SOB last night, better today. The pain is managable with pain pills...hard to sleep. Finally at 3 am I just got up and came and sat in the recliner reading. I noticed I was nodding off, so I turned off the light and was able to get 3 hours straight of sleep...where as in the bed I woke up every hour. So, at least I found a way to rest! The incisions are still covered, but he said there weren't any external sutures, he did all the sewing on the inside of the incision and used skin glue to finish it off. This means little scarring...not that I will every need a bikini or anything! YIKES. OK, I guess the pain meds are making me too chatty so I had better get off here before Matthew wakes up and see if I can get showered first. Thank you for your well wishes everyone....family, friens and bloggers!

For The Love of Bunny!

2007-03-09T08:34:00.000-05:00

Matthew has been having bad dreams regarding my surgery today. He has recurringly dreamed about me dying, or not waking up. Last night I ran to Bor*der's book store to buy some post-surgery recovery books, and they had a cute little brown and white soft, cuddly Easter Bunny as a promotional thing. I got it for Matthew. Spur of the moment, I told him it was a magical bunny to take away bad dreams and make sure I made it through surgery all right. He named the bunny Tuxedo (so cute!) and kept him near him all evening. He slept with the bunny last night, and this morning when I got up Matthew was sitting in my recliner watching cartoons hugging the bunny tight. I asked him if he slept good, and he said, "Of course, Tuxedo took away all the bad dreams...he's good like that!" Gulp...giggle, snort. Gah. Ladylike of course! Then I hugged him up and told him I was going to be just fine today. He said, "You don't have to tell me that Mom, Tuxedo already told me you'd do great!" Sigh. I love that little boy.

We head to the hospital later this morning....I was told to arrive at 10:45am. Surgery is booked for 12:15pm. It is expected to last two hours or slightly more depending on how much endometriosis he is able to get out. Big thank you to my SIL Roxanne for taking on the boy today....seeing as how my MIL flaked out on me yet again. It is more important to do some baking for the neighbor who is in a coma in the hospital...yes, important, but more important than your grandson having a safe, warm environment while his mother is undergoing the knife? Yes, I know, just call me drama queen. Anyway, thanks to Roxy for taking Matthew for the day despite having her own 2 year old girl, a 3.5 year old girl, and having a friend's children coming over: 3.5 year old boy, a 6 year old girl and a 4 month old little boy. Luckily the baby and the little girl won't be there until their mom arrives with them after school! So, hopefully my SIL will survive the day! YIKES. OK, I'm off to the hospital shortly...wish me luck!

Family

2007-03-07T23:24:00.000-05:00

As I am preparing for Surgery on Friday I find myself getting mushy and nostalgic. So here is a favorite picture of mine of all the kids together: My nephew Blake, Matthew, Neice Jasmine, Neice Allyse holding Neice Alexsandra. Blake and Ally are siblings. Matthew is my only. Jazzy and Lexi are sisters. I love this group of kids....and it makes me worry I won't be here for them.

Go figure....I guess my son's nightmares that I am going to die are sorta getting to me. Hmmmm. Went through a bunch of pictures tonight and sorted them so that while he is in school next week, and I am recovering, I pray I get some scrapping done. I sorted and have mental layouts done for February 2005 through May 2006. THEN I WILL BE LESS THAN A YEAR BEHIND! Can you believe in less than a year of scrapping I have done 2001-2005 with plans to catch up to mid-2006?????? Yahoooo. I thought it would take me years to catch up. I went online to Walgreens today and printed 155 photos. Think that will last through a 2 week recovery of being couped up at home, on Percocet, unable to drive? God I hope it keeps me from going insane. Luckily I am going to hit the bookstore tomorrow....too bad Jude Devereaux doesn't have anything new out. Although I found a new author I really like: Catherine Anderson....builds a lot of her books (but not all) around a cool family. Will have to look for the few about the Coulter family I haven't read yet. I printed a copy of this photo out for my MIL thinking she would like it. It was October of 2005, but seems to be the last time we actually got all the kids to sit together, and be still. Blake just turned 13 this past week...happy birthday big shot. Matthew turned 6 in January (and reminded me I haven't posted pics yet...he's the blogger police here), Jasmine turned 3 in July, Ally turned 10 in October, and Lexi just turned 2 last month. What a gang. I think we are all done with babies now. I know Lynn is happy with one boy/one girl. I physically can't have anymore without taking all sex out of it and turning it into a science experiment, so we are done. Roxanne has the two little girls, but if she could get away with it she would have one every 2 years....Peter (hubs) luckily put his finger done there! OK, I guess my Percocet and Lunesta decided to kick in all at once and I am rambling, rambling, chitter-chattering along. So I shall end this. Although....can someone tell me how to get a picture into your post other than at the top of the frickin' page?????

Surgery Surgery Surgery

2007-03-06T01:02:00.000-05:00

Well, considering I am a nurse, I do not make a very good patient. I am having surgery on Friday to remove a ton of endometriosis and today after an ultrasound it was decided it will also be necessary to remove my left ovary. Oh well...removed the left fallopian tube 2 years ago, so why do I need that ovary. Then, I will do one injection of chemo per month for 6 months to stop the growth of any endometrial cells. Can we say hello hot flashes? This will put me into immediate menopause for the 6 months in hopes of stopping the progression of my severe endometriosis. Sounds like fun you say? Care to join me? Seriously, I went to bed at a little before 10pm, and woke up at midnight. Can we say, me no sleepy while worrying about surgery? Those two hours come after doubling my sleeping pill for the night too. Rozerem....you suck. Just took an Ambien CR, and it isn't doing a thing for me. I am such a sucky patient.

In other news....this switch to beta blogger, well, it bites. I have been trying to log in since Sunday night, and it is so damn slow I never made it to the log in. Anyone else have these problems? Might be that I have to join the rush to vacate the premises to go on over to wordpress or something. I don't know. What do you think?

Matthew was sick all weekend with a fever of 103-104*, crabby ass, runny nose, cough, nightmares, goopy sinus drainage, goopy eye drainage. Made an appointment to take him to the ped today, but cancelled it because he didn't run the fever Monday morning, and seemed better. Thought (big mistake...don't do the thinking thing) it was a virus and it was passing. By 4:45pm (15 minutes before the peds office closed) he was 103* again. Shoot. But, he had no other symptoms. Tylenol and it came down. I am such a bad mom, I am sending him to school in the morning if he is fever free. If his fever only spikes after 4pm, he will be home from school. I used to worry about infected his classmates, but have since decided those little, ummm, darlings are the ones that gave it to him anyway, right? Right.

Ok, well, off to see if this damn beta will actually post this. Crossing my fingers, eyes, toes, legs, you get the drift.

Sunday Six~It's a zoo out there!

2007-03-04T13:26:00.000-05:00

Weeeeeee'reee baccccckkkkkkkkkk! So, after deserting our friends at blogger for so long, we are back (and beta!). Hee hee. Welcome to Sunday Six, brought to us by the fun loving mom of two, Kelly. This week, we're taking a trip to the zoo. This is horrible, but our son has never been to the zoo. There is only one, yes ONE in Connecticut, and it is in one of the roughest gang areas of the state. So, hopefully this summer we'll hop on the metro and go into NYC and see the Bronx Zoo. I know, bad mommy bad mommy. Here are the fairly new 6 year old's answers from Matthew:

1. How many different animals are kept at the zoo?
~~A lot, maybe it's going to be 13.

2. What is your favorite animal at the zoo?
~~Um, it's the....um, it's the favorite animal is....hmmmm, maybe the polar bear and penguins.

3. What is the name of your local zoo?
~~Um, I don't know.

4. What do you do at the zoo?
~~Umm, I don't know, look at the animals?

5. What do animals do at night at the Zoo?
~~Um...they sleep?

6. How many monkeys should a zoo have?
~~Umm, maybe six or maybe 9000.

There you have it, a zoo free family answering zoo questions. I personally love the zoo and miss the great ones back home. We will have to make sure and visit them on our next trip hom. Hope fully I will keep updating this week...lot's of new stuff in our household....surgery next Friday, new baby on the way for my bro and his wife, loving the new job, Hub's new jobs, principal's office antics, and god forbig I haven't even downloaded Christmas or Birthday (1-8) pictures yet. Even there are any of you out there who still remember me (haha) I'm back! And...it finally let me switch to beta and I only had to pull out HALF of my hair!

I so suck...

2007-02-25T01:54:00.000-05:00

OK, seriously I have no excuse. I have just been in a total rut lately. I have been reading everyones blogs, but have had zero, and I do mean zero, interest in posting on my own. I will try to do better. I will try to get Matthew to do Sunday Six in the morning...god, I can't believe two months have gone by without me posting. Do I suck or what?

Sunday Six~~Merry Christmas!

2006-12-24T10:42:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Sunday Six, brought to us by the talented Kelly! This weeks questions are of course answered by Matthew, who is now just 2 weeks shy of his sixth birthday.

1. How does Santa make it to everyone's house in one night?

~~With his sleigh

2. What are the names of his reindeer?

~~I don't know

3. What does Santa do if a home does not have a fireplace?

~~He just uses the door

4. Does Santa make all the toys, or does he buy them as well?

~~He makes the toys with the elves, but really just the elves make them and lumps of coal for the naughty kids.

5. How old is Santa?

~~I don't know

6. What are you leaving out for Santa tonight?

~~Milk and cookies

Sorry I have been so absent lately, Christmas has caused me to rush around like an idiot after work every night, shopping and such. Hopefully things will calm down now that all is done except to wrap a few more gifts tonight! I hope you all have a fantastic Christmas!

Matthew's First Checklist!

2006-12-03T09:41:00.000-05:00

OK, so it may be little known fact outside my circle of family and close friends, but I am a neurotic list maker! I make lists for everything...seriously. So, imagine my feelings when Matthew brought me a list he had made yesterday while I was digging out the Christmas decorations! *snicker* This is his list, which I scanned and added to. First is obviously that he wants to decorate the Christmas Tree. Next, is the tree skirt. I have to laugh because it is obviously round, and those small circles represent Santa's face that encircles it. I laid it in about 5 different spots yesterday to figure out where I wanted to put the tree this year. I guess that's why that one is checked off! Next is decorate his table, which is his small table that he does art work at, and eats at when he's just snacking. Next is make his bed, which he did. Then comes decorate the dining room table, and look he even included the chairs. Last in that column is decorate Matthew's room....not sure why it is just a square. Next column....decorate the desk and hutch...done. Finally go to Babcia's house (Polish for Grandmother). This is because I can't decide if I want to deal with a real tree again this year, or borrow one of her artificial trees (she has two and doesn't even put one up). So he was driving me batty yesterday to just go get the damn thing. I don't know though...may wait until next weekend and get a live tree. Except I hate needles! So, there you have it, my neurosis rubbing off on my son!

Kindergarten Picture!

2006-11-26T10:05:00.000-05:00

We received Matthew's Kindergarten Pictures on Wednesday. I think they turned out really well if I do say so myself! I volunteered that day, so that helped. The photographer let me see the digital pic before he accepted it, so if it had turned out badly it would have been my own fault! I can't believe he is almost six, where did the time go? Hope you are all having a great weekend!

Family Togetherness

2006-11-23T22:15:00.000-05:00

Here are some pics from our Thanksgiving family gathering at my mother-in-law's. It wasn't as bad as I expected, but it is still not as comfy cozy as it would be had we spent it with my family. I so hate being half way across the country, but never more than at this time of year. To my family: I love you and miss you and wish I could have spent the holiday with you. To my husband's family: Loved seeing the girls and brother/sister-in-law, wish mil could learn to chill out and enjoy her family. Geez, guess I lost the holiday spirit, huh?

Jasmine (why does she look scared?)

Jasmine and Matthew
Lexi
Matthew and Daddy

Happy Thanksgiving!

2006-11-23T10:52:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to each and everyone of you! May your day be blessed with laughter, love and family togetherness. I am thankful for so much this year, and am spending the day with my family counting those blessings. How about you? How are you spending the day? God bless.

Waste of Space Monday

2006-11-19T21:50:00.000-05:00

(Insert Logo here...blogger is such a bitch that it should be my first WOSM!)

This is my first attempt at Waste of Space Monday, brought to us by the Queen of People Haters, Tammy. I have been sitting on this one for a while, thinking, hmmm maybe other people won't find it as distasteful as I do. But, no, I still think Bill Maher was totally out of line with this.
So soon after Steve Irwin's death this is just disgusting to me. He was a great conservationist, a great humanitarian and didn't deserve this slam. I feel for his wife and family and Bill Maher ought to be ashamed of himself...and definately owes them an apology.

Did you play? Let Tammy (and me) know so we can read up on more Wastes of Space.

Sunday Six~Thanksgiving!

2006-11-19T00:30:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Sunday Six, brought to us by the fabulous Kelly. This week is all about Thanksgiving, and answers were provided by my little Pilgrim Matthew (age 5 yrs 10 mo).

1. Do you like to eat turkey?
~~Yeah.

2. Why do we celebrate Thanksgiving?
~~Cuz if we feel like it, then we feel like it.

3. What other foods do you eat at Thanksgiving?
~~Like, chicken, mashed potatoes and turkey.

4. Which would you rather be, a pilgrim or an Indian? Why?
~~Um a pilgrim...cuz I want to.

5. Where do you celebrate Thanksgiving?
~~Um, at school, and I'll tell you what we made. We made Indian corn and Indian hats.

6. Do you have a special tradition for Thanksgiving, if so, what is it?
~~Yes. Well, I forgot. Oh, I'll tell you what it is...an Indian hat.

Bring on the Tooth Fairy!

2006-11-14T21:55:00.000-05:00

At 9:30pm tonight, Matthew lost his first tooth!! He has been wiggling it for 2 days now, and finally it was laying sideways in his little mouth, so I did what any good mom would do: I yanked that sucker! And no, it didn't hurt him! Ahhh...my little boy is growing up too quick!

Sunday Six-Veteran's Day!

2006-11-12T11:45:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Sunday Six, brought to us by the lovely Kelly. This week we are honoring our Veteran's, so Kelly thought it appropriate to question our little darlings about our wonderful service men and women. Matthew, age 5 years 10 months, unfortunately didn't know very much about Veteran's, so after the questions we had a nice little talk!

1. What is a veteran?
~~A veteran is, um, uh, I forgot.

2. Why do we honor or celebrate Veteran's Day?
~~Because you always do, thank you.

3. How do we honor or celebrate Veteran's Day?
~~Like you have to use a lot of stuff to celebrate it.

4. Does your town have a parade or ceremony in honor of Veteran's Day?
~~Uh, yes.

5. What is sacrifice?
~~Sacrifice is that you help someone.

6. Do you know any veterans? If so, who?
~~Like, um, like um, my Dad. (No, he's not)

Priceless Picture of our Heroes:

2006-11-09T14:20:00.000-05:00

The caption is a little hard to read, so here it is: Air Force Chief Master Sgt. John Gebhardt, of the 332nd Expedentiary Medical Group at Balad, Iraq, cradles a young girl as the sleep in the hospital. The girl's entire family was executed by insurgents; the killers shot her in the head as well. The girl received treatment at the U.S. military hospital in Balad, but cries and moans often. According to nurses at the facility, Gebhardt is the only one who can calm down the girl so he has spent the last several nights holding her while they both sleep in a chair.
God bless the soldiers.

Backtracking!

2006-11-08T13:59:00.000-05:00

These are a little old, but blogger has been so non-cooperative lately that I haven't been able to post them! These are from the week before Halloween, at the pumpkin patch obviously. We all had a great time and got some wonderful pumpkins to carve! You can see the final product in my last post!

Halloween 2006

2006-11-05T17:56:00.000-05:00

The cousins...Matthew, Jasmine, Alexsandra all

met at my MIL's for pics and trick or treating!

Matthew and Jasmine

Our Ninja
Ready to go!
The back of Henry's pumpkin
Jamie's pumpkin
The front of Henry's pumpkin
Two of our pumpkins

Matthew's pumpkin...done by dad
Henry's pumpkin

That is our Halloween in pictures. Matthew had a great time with his cousins....although Lexi didn't trick or treat with us, she had called it a night when we got there! We have gone through a couple of hiding spots for the candy already, he just seems to find it no matter what! I have been trying to upload these pics to blogger since 11/1, but received no cooperation! So there you have it, hope you had a great Halloween.

Sunday Six~We are Family

2006-11-05T09:41:00.000-05:00

Once again, it is time for Sunday Six, brought to us by the talented Kelly. This week she is asking our little ones all about family...and while you are checking out blogs, check out her post about her beautiful Jenelle learning to pull herself into a stand, proving that she is going to fight her condition with every ounce of strength she has! WTG Jenelle! Answers are once again provided by Matthew, age 5 years 9 months. Let me, and Kelly, know if you played.

1. What is a family?
~~A family is like, they just stay together forever!

2. How big is your family?
~~Umm, too big

3. Who is the leader of your family?
~~Umm, my dad. (Given dirty look by mom and then answers...)
Umm, and my mom (then hugs me to suck up, that's better!)

4. Who is the youngest in the family?
~~Daddy, wait erase that. It's Mommy! (Me: Are you sure?) Yep.
(Me: What about you aren't you the youngest?) Oh yeah, me Matthew.

5. What do you do as a family?
~~Umm, sometimes when it's summer vacation we hang out at the beach,
because family stays together a long time as long as the Earth doesn't blow
up!!

6. What do you love most about your family?
~~Umm, I love both of my family. My Mom and My Dad. I love both of
you guys. And Grandma Joan and Grandpa Kelly, I love both of them.

Side question to self: Why must my child speak of blowing up planets
just about every week?? Odd boy.

Indian Rock Nature Preserve

2006-10-31T18:11:00.000-05:00

The orchard...

Leo, Matthew, Ellery and Fely

The entrance to the preserve

The landscape and sheep

Matthew picking an apple

In the classroom, learning about apple cider

Making cider

Waiting to pic apples

New England Scenery

OK, blogger is a PIA and wouldn't let me post these for a week...so here you go. These are pics from Matthew's first field trip with his Kindergarten class. They went to the Indian Rock Nature Preserve and picked apples, made cider, and got to see the sheep. Henry was a chaperone, so that is how I was able to get these photos. Love how New England fall is so prevalent in them!
Halloween pics tomorrow.

Sunday Six~Halloween!

2006-10-29T10:19:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Sunday Six, brought to us by the uber talented Kelly! Questions this week were answered by Matthew, age 5 years 9 months.

1. When is Halloween?
~~Umm, it's, it's, it's, it's on Tuesday!

2. What do we do on Halloween?
~~Um, we celebrate Halloween with our Halloween stuff.

3. Why do we celebrate halloween?
~~Because we always do.

4. What happens on Halloween?
~~Well, if you don't celebrate it, God won't be disappointed, but God is too old to Trick or Treat with his friends, because he is really old.

5. Why do we wear costumes?
~~Halloween costumes are so people........I chose a ninja costume and it has a thing that covers my mouth and no one will know who I am.

6. What do you get on Halloween?
~~CANDY!!!!

Quick, boring bullet update!

2006-10-26T07:38:00.000-04:00

Well then. Things are hectic here, so this will definately be what the title suggests!

I started the new job on Monday...love love love it! The other nurses/MA's that I work with are all very nice, but honest...like if something is pissing them off about one of the docs they don't hesitate to vent for a few secs...which is nice, good to know that they will let you know if something is bothering them and not just act all bitchy!
On Monday, in addition to starting my new job, I received an email requesting a third/final interview with the pediatric/pedialist group I interviewed with in September. They want to go over benefits, etc...WTF? I went ahead and set up the meeting for 9am Monday (don't have to be to work until 12pm), but what is your opinion? If they offer better money/benefits how much of an ass would I look like? It is about a 20 minute longer commute. The family medicine group I started with also sees kids so I am still involved with pediatrics, but not exclusively (which can be nice!) and we see such a variety of things that it is always interesting. WHY did they wait so long to call?
Matthew had his field trip yesterday to an apple orchard/nature preserve. Henry was a chaperone and took pics (one of the moms asked him how he had remembered the camera as even she had forgotten...Henry replied that if he hadn't remembered to get pictures so I could scrapbook Matthew's first field trip that he might wind up divorced!) LOL. Hmmm, maybe?
I am tiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiired. This new job is taxing, 9hours a day on your feet constantly. Better lose some weight!

Ok, I guess that is it. Except Matthew is over his bug...he stayed home Monday with a fever still, but Tuesday/Wednesday were fine. He is sitting here eating a bowl of cereal trying to put off having to get dressed for school today. Ok, I am off to work. Everyone have a great day....I will post pics soon of the field trip!

Sunday Six~It's my Birthday

2006-10-22T10:50:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Sunday Six, brought to us by the talented Kelly, mother of Jenelle who is celebrating her fourth birthday today! HAPPY BIRTHDAY JENELLE! Also a happy birthday shout out to my niece Ally who is turning 10 today!! We had a hard time getting answers out of Matthew today....but he did it! We had a tag sale yesterday to get rid of all the baby things we won't be needing again (no more babies for us!) and as we were preparing Friday night Matthew got a horrible runny nose....chalked it up to the chill in the air. Saturday he was ok except for the runny nose, Saturday evening he complained of a stomach ache and threw up once (he says, but no one saw this!). I gave him a children's pepto and he fell asleep on my lap watching Harry Potter. An hour later when he woke up, he was burning up with a fever of 104. Tylenol, then Motrin 2 hours later and to bed. Today he is 102, gave Tylenol so hopefully that works. So, he wasn't too excited to answer questions, but did them for me. He is 5 and three-quarters now...loves telling people that! Here are his answers, let us know if you played!

1. How do we celebrate birthdays?

~~With birthday presents and decorations. Only humans give people birthday presents!

2. Do you know anone having a birthday today?

~~Ummm, my Dad's (umm, no that was 10/3) and Ally's (yep, niece's is today) and Blake (nephew and umm, no not till March) and your birthday mom! I know it's your birthday Mom. (actually mine is next Sunday!)

3. Why do we celebrate birthdays?

~~Because we have to, it's somebody's special day!!

4. What happens at a birthday party?

~~Well if you don't decorate it the birthday boy will get made, very very mad.

5. When is your birthday?

~~Mom can you tell me? (me: January 8th?) Yeah, that's it.

6. What do you do on your birthday?

~~People decorate it, you and my Dad and everyone gives me presents and I'm so proud of everyone except Ally and blake who didn't come to my last birthday (wow, what a memory!). If you don't celebrate my birthday I get very upset!

Croptoberfest...results

2006-10-19T15:00:00.000-04:00

Well, as I have said, last Saturday was our annual Creative Memories Great Gathering (previously known as Croptoberfest!). We had such a great time. It was from 10am to 8pm, hourly prize drawings and 3 grand prizes (don't worry my unlucky streak continues as I rarely if ever win anything!). I was able to get 17 pages done, but more importantly had a MOM'S day out. Ahhhhh. And I learned several new things too. Here are a few of the pages I got done. I have no clue why the pic quality sucks, but I will work on that later! Since starting scrapping in April I have made it from Jan. 2001 thru June 2004!! Yeah...but still a little over 2 years left to catch up on!

Halloween 2003

Cow Parade...charity event with life size cows

decorated and on display, November 2003.

Budding Artist.

Potty Training Fun.

Third Birthday...this is actually a four page layout

as the black page in the center is one that you can

turn and see the title at the top of the pages still.

Matthew's Favorite Park.

Remodeling Laundry Room, Matthew helping

with laundry.

********************

So, I talked to the Family Practice group Thursday morning and their offer topped Allergy's offer, so I accepted the job. I start Monday...so excited! Thanks for the good wishes!

Fall Foliage

2006-10-18T22:33:00.000-04:00

So, I was driving to a job interview today, and snapped some fall foliage pictures while driving there. Shut it, I know I shouldn't be testing my horrible photography skills while driving, but no time to stop. There was some really pretty foliage on the way there, but traffic on that highway was awful. These pics were snapped on a local road near Windsor. The color this year isn't nearly as pretty as the last couple of years, but still worth looking. As for the job....well today was a second interview/test drive type thing. I got to hang out in the Family Medical office for several hours and see how I liked it. I hadn't even made it home yet and they had left a job offer on my voicemail. There lies the problem. Tuesday I had a second interview/test drive at an allergist office. Yep, you guessed it. They also called yesterday and offered me the job. I am pretty sure I am going to go with the Family Practice group, seems more my thing. But, I will get the final offer/numbers tomorrow and will then decide. Hopefully they will top allergy's offer. Can't wait to be an office nurse again...no more holidays at work, no more weekends!
Enjoy the pics!

Sunday Six~It's the Great Pumpkin!

2006-10-15T11:58:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Sunday Six, brought to us by the lovely Kelly. This week is all about pumpkins. Let her, and me, know if you played! Answers provided by Matthew, age 5 years 9 months.

1. What is a pumpkin?

~~Well, I know what color it is...it's orange and when you're making a scary Halloween thing on it, you put a candle in and put it outside.

2. What do you do with a pumpkin for Halloween?

~~Oh wow! You make a scary thing on it, like this (makes a hideous face)-that would be scary and that is what I know about it.

3. Is there anything else you can do with a pumpkin?

~~Nope that's it.

4. Where do pumpkins come from?

~~Well, they come from pumpkin patches.

5. What color is a pumpkin?

~~Orange

6. What shape is a pumpkin?

~~Circle

And there you have it....I am exhausted today. Spent 10 hours at the Creative Memories great gathering yesterday (formerly known as Croptoberfest) and completed 17 pages...wow. How did that tire me out?? Off to cuddle with the boy.

Stolen camera???

2006-10-12T20:35:00.000-04:00

OK, this is what you get when your child steals your digital camera!

This is what I found last night when checking on him

before I headed to bed...weirdo.

More stolen pictures....
Damn playmobile guys and rescue heroes are everywhere!

Fire Station Open House!

2006-10-10T23:43:00.000-04:00

Tonight was open house at our local fire department. Matthew had a great time. I on the other hand suffered the entire time. I was hit by a train last night....a head cold like I have never had. Around midnight I decided I was dying. So, today of course with all the smoke from the fire extinguishing lesson and the dust, etc....yeah, real fun. But, as long as the little man had a good time that is all that matters. The pictures suck, I take full responsibility for that. I don't recommend popping 2 Benadryl and then trying to keep a steady hand for photos! LOL.

Loving sitting in the fire truck!

Fire Station's in NewEngland just seem so much

prettier than in the midwest....is it just me?

Fire Extinguisher Practice

Sitting on the side of the ladder truck

He loved this truck.
Local mom learning to use extinguisher.
Blurry, but fun...they practiced aiming the

hose at a Little Tikes Play House, Matthew wanted

to know if he could do that to his at home...ummm, no.

Ladder truck

Pretty night for a short walk to the Fire House.

Beautiful Memorial to Fallen Fire Fighters.

Fire fighters hold a special place in my heart. My father (the one who doesn't speak to me, but we all know about that after my raving post a while back!) is the Fire Inspector in Manhattan, KS after working his way up from a volunteer fireman in a tiny town many years ago. My favorite uncle (Hi Uncle Pat!!) is the Fire Chief is Cherokee Springs, SC (gotta go there...haven't seen him since 2001!!!). So many of my friends growing up were volunteer fireman/EMT's when I was a nurse in a tiny town right after college. Miss those guys....never met a better group of men than fire fighters! Hearts of gold...so thank you to all firemen for doing what you do, and risking your lives to protect ours! God bless.

Sunday Six-Johnny Appleseed

2006-10-08T09:30:00.000-04:00

Brought to us by the inquisitive Kelly, this week is all about Johnny Appleseed who just celebrated a birthday! Apparently, Matthew (5yr 8mo) didn't learn about him in school, so his answers aren't quite on target! Let me know (and Kelly) if you played so I can check out your little ones answers! Happy Sunday!

1. Who was Johnny Appleseed?

~~I forgot

2. What did he do?

~~Well, maybe he punched a bully by mistake

3. What does his last name (Appleseed) mean?

~~Maybe he had an appleseed in his head

4. Where did Johnny Appleseed live?

~~Maybe in "our town", maybe North

5. What did Johnny Appleseed like?

~~Ummm, maybe big huge jawbreakers

6. Do you like apples? If so, how do you like to eat them?

~~Yeah, they are healthy, so are grapes. I like to eat them every way!

In a funk...

2006-10-06T00:35:00.000-04:00

Sorry I have been so absent lately. I have been in a personal and blogging funk. Not working very much as shifts are hard to come by, which puts a strain on the finances, but hey, gotta keep the faith.

On the flip side, Matthew got in trouble at Kindergarten yesterday. A little girl in his class got a new hair cut and Matthew pointed at her and said, "Look, Phaley got a new haircut. Isn't it atrocious?" ATROCIOUS? Yeah, I questioned him on that one....seems he hasn't a clue what it means. So, he apologized to Phaley this morning and all is well.

They are learning about the food groups in a cool way.... hence the lovely picture (we all know that blogs with pictures are better, right? LOL). Anyway, the teachers are teaching them three groups: GO foods, SLOW foods, and WHOA foods. GO is obviously the fruits and veggies. SLOW is pastas, breads, red meats, etc... WHOA is cake, candy, ice cream. It is working well, as Matthew will frequently tell me the snack that I send for him is a SLOW food (cheese and crackers) and request a GO food such as grapes and apples. Cool by me. Doesn't seem to be slowing down his requests for WHOA foods, but I can now remind him that a better option would be a GO food and he seems to go for it! Yeah.

Sunday Six~Fall has arrived!

2006-10-01T13:18:00.000-04:00

Brought to us every week by Kelly, this week is all about Fall to coincide with the change of seasons. Answers provided by Matthew, age 5yrs 8months.

1. What is Fall?
~~Fall means you have to decorate, if you have a birthday during fall you have to decorate it too!

2. Why do leaves change color?
~~Because when it is fall they change to orange or red or yellow or purple....any color.

3. What colors remind you of Fall?
~~Green and red and purple and orange

4. Why do we call it Fall?
~~Cuz if you feel like calling it fall you can just call it whatever you want.

5. What is your favorite thing about Fall?
~~My favorite thing is just, you know, getting the Easter Eggs (WTF?)

6. What is the weather like where you live during Fall?
~~Like, um, rain??

PSA regarding new TMX Elmo

2006-09-22T09:15:00.000-04:00

OK, just venting here for a second. The new Tickle Me Elmo/TMX looks awesome. I won't deny that. I wish Matthew was still little enough to be interested (not that it would matter, as I have heard they are sold out already and going for $200 on the "black market"). But, this is where I get angry.

I have a neice with a seizure disorder. I participate on a forum at Epilepsy Foundation of America, and it has been noted by many parents that the new Elmo is bringing out unflattering seizure references. Good Morning America and The Today Show both had a segment about Elmo. Both made rude references to it looking like Elmo was having a seizure. In several instances, children who have epilepsy/seizure disorders heard this. It hurts their feelings. Many times these children have no idea what it looks like when someone has a seizure. They don't realize what happens to them during a seizure. So, these adults making these references without thinking first need to stop and realize this: How would you feel if your child had a seizure disorder and someone made a comment like this? How would you feel if your child over heard this? Stop and think.

If you want to learn more about epilepsy, which affects 2.7 million Americans with 181,000 new cases every year, go here. Thank you.

5 Things to Eat Before I Die

2006-09-13T23:42:00.000-04:00

I was tagged for this one by KatKat, so here goes, in no particular order:

1. Chocolate/Vanilla Twist cone Soft Serve...nothing better on a hot day!

2. Filet Mignon with Fresh Asparagus and Holandaise Sauce from Max's Oyster Bar.
(Ignore the crab on top of the filet in the pic,
it was the closest I could find, I don't do
seafood!)

3. Grandma (or mom's or my-same recipe)
beef brisket....TO.DIE.FOR. I'm just sayin'

4. Cheesecake, cheesecake, cheesecake.
I love it, it doesn't like me. But if I am
dyin' anyway, might as well go out happy.

5. Fresh from the garden, home grown tomatoes....I will eat them until my mouth is filled with canker sores, and then try to eat them again the next day, pain be damned.

I'm not going to tag anyone, but if you play let me know and I will check it out!

Solemn Day

2006-09-10T23:59:00.000-04:00

"Where were you when the world stopped turning, that September day?"
~~Alan Jackson, country artist in his song written immediately following the attacks of 9/11.

Where were you? I will never forget where I was, what I was doing, what I was feeling. It is forever ingrained in my mind. I felt as if the bottom had fallen out of my world.

The weekend before 9/11 Henry and I had spent the night in New York City as a late anniversary gift to each other. A band we loved was playing at BB King's Blues Club. I had never been to the city and although he hates big cities, Henry was willing to take me and show me around the Big Apple. We toured Times Square, took in a show, loved walking around and people watching. Spent some time buying cheap souvenirs. We spent one night and came home, as I couldn't stand to be away from Matthew for more than that. We arrived home Sunday afternoon. September 9th.

Two days later the unthinkable happened. Henry has vowed never to go to NYC again. I can't say as I blame him, we still talk about what would have happened had we gone a couple days later. Our back up reservation was at the Marriott in the World Trade Center. Heart stopping.

Fast forward 2 days to 9/11. I was working in a surgeons office in Hartford, adjacent to the hospital. We had been seeing patients for less than an hour when one of the doctors came in and said that some "idiot had hit the WTC with a plane" and was shaking his head. In my mind I pictured a little private 2 seater or something. Then we got word of a second plane and new we were under attack. Our office had no TV's, only radios, so the office staff listened as much as they could. I was unable to listen, as the surgeon I worked with had a full day of appointments, and I had to work. I will admit, not many of our patients showed up that day, and I can't say I blamed them. We were getting odd snippets of info from the few patients that did come in. A lot of it misconstrued. We were told that the Sear's Tower was also hit, that the capitol had been hit, the Washing Memorial, the list goes on. I must have called home 5 dozen times throughout the day. I called my Mom in Oklahoma to tell her I loved her. I begged my husband not to go on his morning walk with Matthew (part of their daily routine), worried that something would happen. Matthew had just turned 8 months old and all I wanted to do was go home and hold him. By noon, all surgeries at our hospital at been cancelled to keep the OR open for any victims that could catch a train up from NYC as this is what NYC had asked us to do due to our proximity (less than 90 miles). So, all 11 of our surgeons were in the office that day. One was praying his sister-in-law was ok, as she worked in 1 WTC (for the FIRST time in her life she was running late to work that day and was spared due to this). I was a nervous wreck and just wanted to go home. After lunch, we were told that an office building near us was evacuating. Simply because it was the tallest skyscraper in the city and they didn't want to take any chances. Not very comforting. I was such a bundle of nerves by the time we saw our last patient that I drove home as quickly as I could.

When I got home I grabbed Matthew up in a tight hug and didn't let go for the rest of the evening. I kept him near me even after he fell asleep. I couldn't bear to have him out of my sight for mere moments. We had the news channels on non-stop, staring at the TV in disbelief. I couldn't keep the tears at bay. I went to bed that night only once I had Matthew tucked into his crib~moved into our room. He stayed in our room for 2 more months after that too. I just couldn't have him in his own room in case something happened. Over sensitive, yes, but I always have been. And if it made me feel more secure to have the whole family sleeping in the same room, so be it.

I will never forget the events of that day, and I am sure no other American's will either. This anniversary is harder to deal with and I am unsure why. The media coverage is extensive as always, but I can't watch it this year, without tearing up. Will our world remain safe enough that our children will be able to raise their own children? I pray the answer is yes, and I say that pray nightly. Still to this day I cannot go to bed without first going into Matthew's room and giving him one last kiss and telling him I love him. Most nights, this happens 3-4 times after he goes to bed. Will I ever feel secure enough to go to bed without worrying what may happen during the night? Lord, I hope so.

God bless the victims of 9/11 and their friends and family. God bless the rest of America that we may once again know peace.

Sunday Six~~Homework,homework!

2006-09-09T23:39:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Sunday Six, brought to us by the inventive Kelly! This week the theme is homework, honoring her son Jack who had is first Kindergarten homework this week. Incidentally, Matthew (5.5) also had his first Kindergarten homework this past week also. He didn't much appreciate having to connect the puppies to the bones by following the squiggly lines, but did it anyway "just for you mom!" Let us, and Kelly, know if you played so we can check out how your kiddos feel about homework too!

1. What is homework?
~~It means you have to do the extra work at home for school.

2. Who assigns homework?
~~It's a very hard homework for a girl or a boy.

3. When do you do homework?
~~Like at night, is that right mom?

4. Is homework fun?
~~No, it's just a boring thing.

5. How long does it take you to do homework?
~~Like for 30 minutes.

6. If you could grade your own homework, what would you get?
~~An 'A' for the day!!!!! (yelled at ear splitting decibels!)

So, there are the homework machine's answers...who the heck ever heard of Kindergarten homework anyway?!?!

Update to yesterday's Un-FREAKING-believable post: Mr. Clean magic eraser took the permanent marker off the tv and the coffee table (thank you god!) and goof-off took it out of the carpet to the point where it will only be noticable to us. He shall live to see another day after all.

Un-FREAKING-believable!

2006-09-09T12:23:00.000-04:00

Turned my back for 2 minutes and Matthew DESTROYED the living room. I'm not just talking made a mess. I am talking found a permanent marker who the hell knows where and drew a big blue X on the carpet (light beige, ugh), wrote his name on the TV and circled it, drew another circle and colored it in on the TV, and drew little circles on the coffee table. I am so going to kill that kid. He is currently in his room, cleaning, very apologetic, and I don't see him coming out until he's oh about 30 freaking years old.

In other weird news: The pediatrician next door to our apartment complex just called us with a "matter" to discuss. We have had problems with a previous tenent and the pediatrician: the previous tenent kept using his parking lot to allow her boyfriend to park their as we wouldn't allow him in the parking garage over night. Eventually said previous tenent caused a serious car accident with a pregnant lady coming out of the pediatricians office. Those tenents were asked to leave. Moving on to current tenents. Apparently over the last few months, girl tenent has been going over to and calling the pediatrician complaining that the security light outside his door is keeping her awake at night. Girl tenent wants light turned off at night. Duh...hello....security light off at night? What freaking good would that do? Anyway, pediatrician decided to ignore issue as is his right. Apparently last night, someone went onto the pediatricians property (trespassing) and removed the lightbulb from said light (vandalism). Now, hello? I don't know about you internets out there, but to me, wouldn't the obvious answer be to just put up some g.d. room darkening curtains? So, said tenents aren't home right now, but they will be having the wrath of husband coming down on them when they return home. This is unacceptable. Before they moved in we told them that any issues with the pediatrician would NOT be tolerated. Besides that, WHO does that kind of thing? The street light outside our bedroom window shines in OUR bedroom....should I climb up there and remove it??? Jeez, put up some curtains....she is a minimalist and probably hates curtains...so much better to resort to trespassing and vandalism. Tenents are lucky pediatrician neighbor is a nice guy and DIDN'T call the cops....all over a lightbulb...it's not like it is a spotlight either. Just a normal outdoor light. Good golly.

Job Interview Tomorrow!

2006-09-07T17:52:00.000-04:00

Got a phone call this morning from one of the local hospitals...I had applied for a position in a pediatric office well over a month ago and never heard anything. They called me this morning asking me to come in tomorrow. The office isn't even open yet, it is a new practice with three pediatricians and would be a great job. So cross your fingers for me....would love to get back into an office position. No weekends, no holidays....woooohoooo. Be home for all the important things in Matthew's life. Yay.

Pass me a tissue, please!

2006-09-04T17:32:00.000-04:00

ABC Family is running an Extreme Makeover: Home Edition marathon today. Add to that major PMS. Add to that major homesickness. This all equals one long, tearful day. I'm just sayin'.

Sunday Six~Labor Day!

2006-09-03T11:00:00.000-04:00

It is time for Sunday Six once again, brought to us by the lovely Kelly. Did you play? Let her (and me) know! Answers provided by Matthew age 5.5 years.

1. Why do we celebrate Labor Day?
~Because you have to-is that the same one we already did?

2. What does labor mean?
~It means you have to celebrate every day of it.

3. How do you celebrate Labor Day?
~You have to celebrate it with balloons and anything you want,
and you have to make your bed.

4. Do you do any labor?
~Mmmm...no. What's Labor Day? I know how to celebrate it.

5. How long do we celebrate Labor Day?
~Ummm....I like, I can just make my bed anytime.

6. Who labors-Mommy or Daddy?
~Both of you.

First Day of Kindergarten!!

2006-08-31T18:17:00.000-04:00

Matthew had his first official day of Kindergarten today...well an hour at least. Tomorrow is the first full day. He did great today, loved it. He did an art project, a writing project, and then played with clay and puzzles. Tomorrow he is excited because it is pizza day in the cafeteria. His teacher is so young, but nice. I think he will have a great year! Hope all the kiddos have a good year. And for the record...I only had to fight back tears once today. Some weird things to chat about on another day regarding some of the paperwork we had to do and policies. Save it for a day less happy!

Sixth Wedding Anniversary!

2006-08-27T11:43:00.000-04:00

On August 26, 2000 we said our vows. You would think this day would be forever etched into our minds, right? Well, we both totally forgot our anniversary this year. Oops. We have just had so much going on is the excuse I will stick with. I have decided to pick up shifts with a local "nursing pool" making the big bucks, and planning my own hours. If I want to work 40-80 hours this week and take the next 2 weeks off....no problem. Henry left the job he was doing and is focusing on our apartment complex as we have two apartments coming up with vacancies. And with Matthew starting school Thursday (woot!) we are so hectic trying to get a few clothes and backpack and lunchbox. The kid only needed a couple shirts....he has more clothes than 10 kids that is for sure. Gotta love Once Upon a Child....I got brand new Gap jeans and shirts for $2 on their summer clearance. Wooohoooo. So, hubby....Happy belated Anniversary!

Sunday Six~I'm late, I'm late, for a very important date!

2006-08-27T10:04:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Sunday Six, brought to us by the slightly tardy Kelly, this week is all about being late and forgetful. Hey, that describes my husband to a tee! Answers provided by Matthew (age 5.5) only after convincing him he couldn't wait until tomorrow or else he himself would be late. Hmm...What a coincidence.

1. What does it mean to forget?
~~Forget a toy that you want to bring to a store, a hat-Pirates of the Caribbean hat. I wish there were a few right answers and a few wrong. I hope we're almost up to number 9.

2. What does it mean to be late?
~~Means you're always late for the school bus and school-thanks Daddy! (OK, he's never been on a school bus, but yes, Dad frequently did make him late last year!)

3. Why do people forget things?
~~Because they always forget things all the time. (Thanks for clearing that up!)

4. Why are people late sometimes?
~~Because they are always late-like my dad he's always late all the time (oh so true!)

5. Who is usually late, Mommy or Daddy?
~~Ummm-Daddy, but he's my best Dad in the whole world and all the planets except Pluto. I just want to blow Pluto up. (OK, our talk about Pluto no longer being a planet went completely awry! Huh?)

6. Did you forget something?
~~Yeah, like a toy and money and somedays I lose it! (The toy or his brain?)

There you have it. Let me know if you played...and of course Kelly!

Pulling out my hair!

2006-08-22T00:37:00.000-04:00

<------------This is exactly how I have felt all day. My son is driving me to drink..heavily! All day with the fresh mouth, name calling, destroying his room, pulling his sheets off the bed, tearing coloring books apart. Well, I resorted to something I hate, but after reading and reading and reading from a Christian based child rearing magazine....I followed their recommendations and resorted to spanking, which I hate. He would come out of his room and yell "I hate you, you dork!" I would calmly follow him back to his room and tell him it was unacceptable and swat his butt. This went on relentlessly. I stayed in his room for an hour tonight FORCING.HIM.TO.CLEAN.HIS.PIGSTYE! Every few seconds he would utter something fresh and I would pop him on the behind. But once it was almost clean? He starts saying, "Look how good I'm doing...I'm doing so good!" And was proud of his accomplishments. When is this going to get easier (Mom, stop laughing I can hear you 2000 miles away!)

Sunday Six~School Days!

2006-08-20T00:46:00.000-04:00

Brought to us every week by the talented Kelly, this week is all about back to school. Ahhh, that day is quickly approaching for Matthew to start Kindergarten...and I can't wait! Come on August 31st!!

1. What are school supplies?
~~School supplies is homework, right?

2. Who usually buys the school supplies?
~~The teachers

3. What do you carry your supplies in?
~~Mmmm.....mmmm....I don't know.

4. Do you take your lunch to school?
~~Yeah, but maybe someday I'l start kindergarten and bring
my own lunch and pick-up all by myself, like the others.

5. What is your favorite school book?
~~Like...let me think for a while...Wait, Thomas the Train
and Spiderman Secret Mission with Wolverine, Spidergirl,
but not the Incredible Hulk.

6. Do you have a backpack? If so, what does it look like?
~~MMmmmm...I just want...yeah, I'm going to replace my
old one with a new one like Cars with a special lunchbox.

I think we are in the best school in the state....we have no supplies list. The school provides everything, and if they start to run low during the year, THEN they ask for parents to bring things in. How cool is that? And it is 100% free, except for hot lunches. Wow...that must be why our taxes in CT are so damn high!!

Fug Thursday!

2006-08-17T01:01:00.000-04:00

This is my first ever Fug Thursday...brought to us by Kami, it is designed to expose the fashion disasters of the world one picture at a time. I have never been brave enough to snap a Fug, seeing as how I don't have a camera phone just my regular digital camera. But, this past weekend at the Animal Planet Expo I was able to grab these two shots while waiting in line for the bounce house for Matthew. Now, come on, you can't expect us to believe she didn't know these shorts were too little when she put them on. Just plain yuck. Did you play? Let Kami and me know!

Animal Planet Expo 2006

2006-08-13T22:32:00.000-04:00

We went to the Animal Planet Expo 2006 on Sunday...then headed to the lake. The Expo was, umm, interesting. Not what we expected, and overly crowded. Dogs and Cats were welcome on leashes, so Matthew had a good time seeing all the dogs and a few cats. Almost all the owners who saw him looking at their dog, or heard him say their dog was pretty would invite him to pet their dog, which he LOVED. I wish we could have pets, but as superintendents of the apartment complex, we would look seriously bad if we suddenly got an animal (and the owner would throw a hissy fit!) There were lots of individual booths, but everything, EVERYTHING had a LONG line. Matthew loved the Gator Bouncer and the regular Bounce House. We saw some exotic animals, and went through the Humane Society bus and saw some beautiful stray cats awaiting adoption (again, would have loved to bring them home!). Here are some pics of the day....if it is coming to your city, I would recommend it simply because it is free and the kids enjoy it. Had it been a charge to get in, I am not so sure I would recommend it!

Gator Bouncer and Slide...he loved this!

Entrance Sign

High Definition Theatre Event...hubby wants one

of their 50+ inch plasma TV's...dream on.

Entrance Arch

Entering the Gator Bouncer

Tunxis Plantation Country Club...adjacent to

the Farmington Polo Grounds where the Expo

was held.

Rock climbing wall....so totally lied to Matthew

and told him he had to be 7 to do this. I was not

ready to see my baby harnessed up and climbing!

These cute signs were at each bouncer to make

sure the kids entering were the same size. Big

kids one way, little kids another. They took turns

on which group went into the bouncer each time.

Build an Animal...he declared this to be for babies!

Humane Society bus...had lots of cute cats for adoption!

I also got brave and snapped my first ever fug! I don't have a camera phone, so I have never been brave enough to snap a pic with my regular camera. Today, I got lucky and in line for the bounce house found myself 2 people behind a great fug. I sucked it up and snapped 2 quick pics, so I will be able to play my first ever Fug Thursday this week. Oh boy, there were LOTS of fugable things, but only captured one. Can't wait. After the expo, we headed to Lake Hayward for a few hours with our friends. Matthew and Murphy had a great time swimming, and I relaxed in my comfy beach chair and read a book. Matthew was wiped out and was in bed by 8pm, unheard of for my little night owl! Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Sunday Six~Higher Learning!

2006-08-12T21:19:00.000-04:00

Brought to us every week by Kelly, this week she is preparing to send her baby off to Kindergarten (and so am I, gasp!) so we're gonna talk about higher education! Answers brought to us by Matthew, age 5.5 yrs.

1. What is college?
~~College is a place where you hang out and ride skateboards.
It's a cool thing to do, like Nike. (What?)

2. What are the names of some colleges?
~~I don't know.

3. Is a college the same thing as a university?
~~No.

4. What is a major?
~~Major is some danger.

5. What do people do in college?
~~They just hang out and do a lot of questions.
Cuz I did way to many questions, and I know planes
crash far far away in pluto. (all righty then.)

6. Do you want to go to college and if so, where?
~~No. (Too bad buddy!)

Well, I obviously need to be discussing this weeks topic with Matthew more, as it appears he knows nothing about college! Except #5...they do just sorta hang out and answers questions!
Happy Sunday Six....let me know (and Kelly) if you played! We are headed to the Animal Planet Expo 2006 for a few hours and then to the lake today. Enjoy!

SPF-Titles, Titles, Titles!

2006-08-11T15:50:00.000-04:00

This week we are mixing it up a little bit. I’m giving you titles and you take a picture that goes with it. I know you’re all going to need me to walk you through this, so PAY ATTENTION, read my examples. Hey, you in the back…you’re not reading, you’re skimming…don’t make me pull out my ruler!

1. Song Title: Example: “Stairway to Heaven” = your stairs. “Hot Legs” = duh. “Back in Black”=something in black. “My Humps”= do I really have to explain this?

2. Book Title: Example:“Moby Dick”= hee hee. I couldn’t resist. “Misery” = your laundry pile or something that makes you miserable. “Green Eggs and Ham” = Breakfast? the contents of my fridge?

3. Movie Title: Example: “Planes, Trains & Automobiles” =pick one. “Shrek”=a picture of my ex-husband (*giggle*, shut up, he reads my blog) “Princess Diaries” = Your kids/animals secret stash/hiding place

Song Title:

Song Title: T-R-O-U-B-L-E....by some country artist that escapes my memory right now. This is Matthew at a little over a year old. EATING.DIRT. My MIL was watching him so closely!

Book Title:

Book Title: Unexpected Blessings by Barbara Taylor Bradford. Matthew was not a planned pregnancy, but he is the ultimate blessing in my life!

Movie Title:

Movie Title: Gone in 60 Seconds. That is exactly how I feel is infancy went...and wish I could get some of it back! He is 1 week old here, and I truly forget how sleep deprived I was and would go back in a heartbeat!

This was my very first attempt at SPF...let me kno what you think. And let Kristine know if you played!

Son of a....

2006-08-09T17:00:00.000-04:00

Oh holy hell. How do you know when it is time to get rid of some of your clothes? When your frickin' walk-in closet decides to implode. I had just put all of my scrapbooking stuff on the shelf and it pulled out of the wall. Scrapping stuff EVERYWHERE. SOB. Like I wasn't having enough fun trying to put away laundry....now I can't put anything in my closet until hubby fixes it. Damn. This has just been a great day. PHhhhhttt.

Sunday Six-Spice it Up!

2006-08-06T09:38:00.000-04:00

Brought to us by the ever spicy Kelly, this week is all about spice baby (Why in the hell did those damn Spice Girls singing just pop into my head???) Anyhoo, questions were answered by Matthew, age 5.5.

1. What is a spice?
~~Thing that you do anything with-Is that correct?

2. Do you like things that are spicy?
~~No.

3. Name some foods that are spicy.
~~Like, I don't know-like cockroaches they are hot (WTF?),
Sometimes lemons are too juicy and do this to my face (makes horrible puckered face).

4. Which is better, sugar or spicy?
~~Sugar-I like chocolate, it's not too spicy!

5. Can spicy food make you cry?
~~Nah-big boys don't cry mudder, you should know better (Alrighty then).

6. What is not spicy?
~~Chocolate of course, duh.

So there you have it. The world of spices according to Matthew. Did you play?

What do you love about someone....a challenge!

2006-08-03T19:25:00.000-04:00

On her blog, Katie challenges us to come up with 101 things we love about someone in our life. Kind of a twist on the 100 things about me questionare thingy magiger. I decided to do this on the strongest, most influential person in my life. After this post the other day, rambling about the problems with the relationship with my Dad, I decided Mom deserved top billing. She is the ultimate mom, and I will list 101 reasons why I can't help but love her.

1. Obviously she gave birth to me!
2. She gave me my brother Adam.
3. She protected us from the mean side of Dad.
4. She made sure we had a good relationship with our Grandparents.
5. She took the time to cook us home made meals when we were little.
6. She made sure education was a priority.
7. She refereed the atrocious fights between my brother and I.
8. She fought to keep us together as a family after the divorce-fought hard.
9. She worked her tail off to provide for our family.
10. She would do without things for herself to provide for us.
11. She went more years than I can count without a new pair of jeans so we could always have
new school clothes.
12. She made sure that we made it to all of our baseball and softball games on time.
13. She taught me (is still teaching me via phone) how to cook some of my fav dishes.
14. She always always always has time to talk when I have something on my mind.
15. She never judged me when I called to tell her I was pregnant at 25.
16. She never made a comment about my hubby being 12 years older than I am.
17. She helped me work through my horrible rough spell in college.
18. She bailed me out of tight spots way too many times.
19. She never stopped loving me.
20. She never stopped caring.
21. She never withheld affection even when she coulda.
22. She let me continue to bring her fresh lilacs from the bush even though she was allergic
(she coulda told me!)
23. She let me pick her peonies and leave them for her even though it put ants all over her
kitchen cabinet!
24. Every Christmas she would make chocolate chip cookies with us while we watched "Rudolph
the Red Nose Reindeer".
25. She made sure we had relationships with all of her brothers and sisters-all 6 of them.
26. She made sure we got to spend time with all our cousins....dozens.
27. Even when she moved from KS to Iowa my freshman year in college, she made sure I was
able to visit as often as I wanted.
28. When I bombed out my freshman year in college, she told me to keep my chin up and do
better.
29. When I decided to switch colleges after my first semester, she supported my decision.
30. She always always listened when I had so many tears trying to figure out why my Dad
didn't love me.
31. She never showed jealousy when I fell in love with my Dad's new son (I was 14)
32. She tried more times than I can count to teach me to golf.
33. She supported my high school volleyball team.
34. She supported my high school basketball team.
35. She went against my step-father's wishes to come to a basketball game instead of spending
time with just him all because she had a "feeling" I would need her.
36. That was the game that I started varsity for the first time.
37. That is also the game when I blew out my knee.
38. She rode in the ambulance with me to the ER, and kept me smiling during the tests.
39. She believed me when others didn't believe anything was wrong with my knee.
40. She stayed with me through all the subsequent scans and surgery.
41. She gave me the most amazing step-father in the world.
42. She made sure Kelly (step-dad) and I had multiple times to try to bond.
43. She never gave up when I tried to push Kelly out of my life....she knew we would work
it out.
44. She gave me a great step-brother, Ryan.
45. She makes sure that we make it home for visits as often as we can.
46. She makes sure our visits home are spent equally between both sides of the famiy, without
being jealous.
47. She let me spend a few days in Long Island with her while she was working....got to hang out.
48. She tried to pass her clean gene on to me.
49. She teaches me so much about computers...it's her career after all.
50. She always has a shoulder to cry on when I lose a family member, even on the other side.
51. She helped me stay strong when my uncle/her brother died.
52. She made sure I got to spend time with my uncle before cancer took him (Miss ya Uncle
Mike!)
53. She is so close to her family that she is a great role model.
54. She didn't laugh when I applied to nursing school like some family members.
55. She let me move back home during my last few months of nursing school due to financial
disasters brought on by myself.
56. She bailed me out of said disasters and taught me lessons at the same time.
57. She always made sure we had great pets.
58. She helped me practice my softball pitching so often. Didn't do any good! LOL
59. She believed me when I was suspended my freshman year in high school that I didn't
do what was being said...and followed through until it was proved.
60. She taught me the value of working for what you believe in.
61. She helped me survive my first heart break.
62. She helped me work through my Grandmothers (dad's mom) death.
63. She made me realize that Grandma loved me more than a lot of people, and unconditionally.
64. She understood when my father wouldn't come to my graduation party, instead he made
me leave my party and come to a small one with his side of the family (and she made me
understand that it was HIS problem, not something I did.)
65. She refrained from saying bad things about my dad, so as to not tarnish our image of
him as a child.
66. She still bites her tongue when it comes to him, saying it is not her place to judge him.
67. She's such a mom like that, and I love her for it.
68. But she'll let me vent away and get the anger and hurt off my chest.
69. She helped take care of me after all 5 of my knee surgeries that happened in KS.
70. She even dragged me to the fireworks July 4th, when I had surgery 7/3 just because I
didn't want to miss them.
71. Even though we were both grown, she let me drag her to World's of Fun amusement park.
72. When I begged to go to the Senior Prom my freshman year, she gave in.
73. When step-brother threatened to beat up date to said prom she calmed him down.
74. She also gave in when I wanted to go the the prom my Sophomore year....even gave in on
the all night after prom party that year.
75. She let me go on my Senior trip by covering the money I was responsible for raising,
but didn't do.
76. She gave me a car my freshman year in high school so I could make it to all my
extracurricular activities.
77. She came to all the school plays I was in.
78. She supported me when I was in the Young Woman of the Year Pageant, and told me she
KNEW I would do great when I got first runner up.
79. She always included my Dad's mom in my life, because she knew no one else would.
80. She scrimped and saved to make sure I could continue my piano lessons all those years.
81. She helped me find the most gorgeous dress for the pageant and my junior prom even
when she knew money was too tight.
82. She came to the State Volleyball tournament my sophomore year and didn't make me
feel bad when I sucked.
83. She always steered me toward the friends that were true to me.
84. She loves me unconditionally.
85. She helped me makde it through my Grandfather's death my 8th grade year.
86. She used to put on featy pajamas and jump on the bed like a mad woman when my
counsin Paige came to spend the night because she knew we thought it was hilarious.
87. She always encourages me to be my best.
88. She gives me great parenting tips.
89. She misses me as much as I miss her.
90. She made sure I didn't get my heart broken by my dad at my brother's wedding.
91. She makes sure our family stays together.
92. She loves my son unbelievably.
93. She over-looked the time my freshman year that I came home drunk as a skumk from
a senior hog roast and tracked mud all the way up her cream colored staircase. (Well,
ok she woke me up before dawn practically and made me clean it up, but no lecture.)
94. She was crazy enough to chase me and some friends around town while we were cruising
and make funny faces at us til we were laughing histarically.
95. She gave us a beautiful old huge home to live in...even if we thought they were crazy to
buy it after the fire for all the renovations it needed, it turned out phenomenol.
96. She always made Christmas special, and not by over spoiling us (I gotta learn that!)
97. She let me take a job at a pharmacy my freshman year even though she had reservations.
98. She calls just to tell me she is thinking of me.
99. She can drink me under the table.
100. She trusts me enough to tell me some of her secrets.
101. She is the best mom in the world for me and my brother, the best grandma to Matthew. I
would never ever trade her for anything!

That was easy...I feel as if I could keep going. Which is definately the sign of a great MOM!! Love ya to pieces!

Kids, Heat, Car Keys...DANGER!!

2006-08-02T14:13:00.000-04:00

I stole this link from another blog, but thought is was EXTREMELY IMPORTANT public service announcement. I don't know that I would have thought of this when Matthew was little if I had that type of keys...now that we do have remote entry he is old enough to know better...thank God. Check this out: Danger with keys.

~~~~~~

Ok, I have to get that "downer" post about my father off the top. Tired of seeing it everytime I log on, that isn't helping get over it! So....

Have you ever noticed this with your kids? If Matthew goes to the bathroom: If he poops he will put the lid down and flush. Good right? But if he just pee-pees, I CAN'T get him to flush the potty? WTF? He will still put the lid down, but flush? NOOOOO way. I despise going in to the bathroom and having urine in the toilet before I use it! Strange of me? I suppose if I just used the master bathroom everytime it would help, but he isn't famous for staying in "his" bathroom either. Whatever.

Hmmm....go figure.

Henry's first day at work was yesterday, so far so good. It is over a hundred here today, and his boss reminded him yesterday that when he gets off work he is welcome to shower in the clubhouse and use the townhouse complex swimming pool! Lucky duck.

Heavy Heart...Broken heart

2006-08-01T03:41:00.000-04:00

**Holy cow this is long and drawn out, I apologize, this is for my own need to get this out...feel free to skip it!**

It is 3:30am and I can't sleep. I have had something fairly serious on my mind for a couple of days (well years, but even more prominent lately) and thought if I wrote about it, maybe it would help. What is it? My father. Our ever conflicted relationship (or lack of relationship) weighs heavily on my heart always, but at times it becomes impossible to shake him and our problems out of my head and ignore. It is entirely possible (but highly unlikely) that he reads this blog. I wouldn't know. I have spoken to him maybe 5 times in 6 years. So, if he reads this...so be it. I won't censor my blog to "shelter" his needs.

My parents divorced when I was 10. Dad was supposed to get us every other weekend. He lived like 2 miles away with my Grandfather at first. We (my brother and I) were lucky to see him once every couple of months. He was busy living up the single life (or, as I now know, too busy with his new girlfriend that was the final straw in my parents marriage). Once he moved in with said girlfriend (who shortly became my step-mother) his visitation was even less frequent. I didn't understand this. I was 10 for cripes sake. All I know is that my brother and I made life a living hell for my mom as we KNEW it was her fault that Dad didn't want anything to do with us. We were rotten to her. It was her fault, in our minds, that they divorced. She did something wrong we thought. Little did we know. All I know is that I missed my Dad (who in all honesty didn't really have much to do with us when they were married either, so why should it get better with the divorce?).

Fast forward a few years...Dad and step-mom had moved an hour away, brother wanted to live with Dad so badly that he made everyones lives living hell (NOT his fault, just a product of a young boy missing his father during a divorce, THOUGHT it would be great to be with Dad). Mom made the hardest decision of her life and finally let brother go live with Dad (brother has since admitted that this was a huge mistake). I don't recall visiting Dad very often then either, it was too inconvenient to drive the hour to get me. Dad and step-mom announce they are pregnant and I am so excited at the idea of a little brother/sister. I must admit that I liked my step-mother. I thought she was so cool because she was so young (put this into perspective that she is damn near close to the same age as my HUSBAND!). I couldn't wait to have a baby in the family as I have always loved babies. I was 14 when Michael was born. I loved him to pieces. It is noticed that I am spending more time with Dad and family after Michael was born. I thought it was great, but I did have to stop and think about this once a well meaning family member mentioned that of course I was able to visit more....who wouldn't want a built in babysitter on weekends. (Plus by this point I had my own car and was able to drive when he was 2) But, this didn't matter to me. I love Michael, and would have spent every minute I could with him and LOVED it....on the weekends it was almost like he was MY baby! I still love him with my whole heart.

Dad and I have had many falling outs of the years. When I changed colleges after my first year, it was the biggest mistake I could make according to him. Mom supported me whole heartedly as usual. When I applied to nursing school he laughed at me saying I wouldn't be able to handle it because I couldn't even stand to see people vomit. It has been pointed out to me that changing colleges inconvenienced him as I WAS attending college in the same town he lived in and was available to babysit frequently...but once again I didn't care. Michael was 4 by this point and meant the world to me. Over the years it became noticeable to me that there were pictures in the house of my brothers everywhere....mine were few and far between. I noticed that when I would go somewhere with them, I was introduced as Jamie, not my daughter Jamie, just Jamie. It became well known in our family that Dad had decided he was too young to have a daughter my age (especially with a new younger wife and family). He WAS young, he was only 19 when I was born. My other family members have been all too clear on the fact that Dad was pulling away from me even more because he was embarassed by me, or something to that effect. I made MANY mistakes during my teens and early twenties. My mother is the best, she stood by me through it all, loved me through it all. Dad, well, he pulled disappearing acts. Disappeared from my life, withdrew all emotional support when I needed it the most. This happened so many times I've lost count. All I know is growing up, I was constantly seeking his support. It was impossible to find. I thank God every day that my mom and the best step-father in the world were there for me, to raise me and help keep me on track.

Fast forward a few more years. I had moved half way across the country to Connecticut. Dad hadn't spoken to me since I did this. Mom and Kelly were uber supportive. (Thanks guys, I love you!). After a year, I broke down and sent him a Christmas card. He sent me one in return telling me he loved me and that he was there for me when I was ready. What that meant I wasn't (still not) sure. I flew home for my first visit in March of 1999. My grandparents held a little family gathering for that side of the family. Dad, step-mom and Michael came. Hugs, kisses, tears I thought it would be great. Step-mom and Michael wanted to hear all about my new life. Dad pretty much steared clear of me. Hurt? Of course, but unfortunately I had grown used to it. Once they left, the other family members apologized (once again) for his behavior. I brushed the tears away and let it go. I spent the remainder of the trip hanging out with my mom and Kelly and loving every minute of it.

Over the next year, I sent cards periodically to Dad. Heard nothing in return, didn't expect it though. In May of 2000, Henry and I found out we were pregnant. We had been living together over a year. Anxiously told Mom, she was excited and happy for us. Dreaded telling Dad as I knew it wouldn't be a pleasant experience. Put it off for several more months, I am sure he knew from other family members by this point. Henry and I were trying to decide whether to go ahead and get married before the baby or wait until after (it wasn't an issue of IF, but when by that point). I finally worked up enough nerve to call Dad and tell him. My announcement was greeted with such a long silence that I started crying (yeah, hormones had already started wreaking havoc on me!). He started to ask when the wedding was, before I could explain that we were trying to figure it out, he started lecturing me on how "don't you think you've put the cart before the horse on this one....kids aren't supposed to come first." I lost my temper, and said something like yeah, kinda like you and mom did huh? Oops. More silence and then he said I've gotta go is there anything else. Didn't hear from him again. Sent father's day card, Christmas card, birthday card. No response as had become the norm. We went in to have Matthew on January 8, 2001. It was the happiest day of my life. I called my family except for Dad. I didn't have any reason to believe he would care that he had become a grandpa. I knew my grandparents would tell him. On the day we came home from the hospital, when we arrived home there was a voicemail from Dad that he had heard the news, congratulations, and he WOULD CALL BACK LATER. Well, it is 5.5 years later, and I still haven't received that call. Already emotional from having a baby, I broke down and cried for hours. Poor Henry, he did his best to keep me calm and support me, but there was nothing he could do. I resigned myself to the fact that my father wanted nothing to do with his daughter or his Grandson (or son-in-law for that matter).

Over the next couple of months, I heard nothing from Dad. No calls, no cards, no email. I slowly began to build a wall (or so I fooled myself) to block out the pain. I thought I had become stronger. We went home for a vist (Henry, myself and Matthew) when he was 6 months old. My grandparents once again held a small family get together, but Dad wanted nothing to do with it. I could handle it (I told myself I could anyway) that he didn't want to see me. Fine. But to refuse to see your new innocent grandson (and meet your son-in-law) was unbelievable. My family on his side fell all over themselves apologizing for his behavior. I told them to forget it, by this point in my life I had come to expect it.

We returned home and heard nothing from him as usual. My uncle died and my brother called to tell me...I called Dad to tell him how sorry I was and get details for the wake. I asked him to call me back when the details were set so I could send a plant or something as I couldn't make it home on such short notice. He never bothered to call me back. I had to call the local flower shop in my Aunt/Uncle's town to send the plant and pray they knew when/where to send it (luckily in small town KS they of course knew). My Grandmother died 2 years ago....Dad coudln't talk to me then either. I sent him a card a few months later telling him that the estrangement between him and his mother was something that I knew had to be bothering him now that she was gone, and that I prayed we could work out our estrangement before it was too late. Never heard from him.

Went home in April 2005 for my brother's wedding. Extremely nervous to do so as I knew dad would be there. Dad didn't show for the rehearsal dinner which I know hurt my brother deeply. On the day of the wedding, I was helping get things together. Matthew was in his tux (ring bearer) and ready for pictures. I was finishing something up in the parsonage while my family in the church kept an eye on Matthew. I received word that Dad had arrived. I was so nervous I thought I was going to pass out. I entered the church, but didn't have the courage to speak to him at first. So, I walked down the aisle (like I didn't see him or my step-mom or youngest brother) to go check on Matthew and make sure he was still clean and ready for the wedding. I worked up my nerve while taking a few pics of Matthew and the flower girl playing. I walked back to where they were sitting. My step-mom gave me a big hug and said with tears in her eyes how much she had missed me. My brother gave me the biggest, tightest hug too. Dad said "That's some boy you've got there" and gave me a big hug. I tried to keep it together as we spoke for a couple minutes, but luckily I was needed in the back of the church and was able to excuse myself. Come to find out I wasn't needed, but my mom had "summoned" me to make sure I was ok. The tears were flowing at that point ( as they are as I type this). Once again Dad was just going to act like nothing had happened, like we had no problems, like everything was peachy keen. Fine, I would play the game. My aunts/uncles/cousins on his side were all very attentive to me and kept asking if I was ok, and apologizing for him as usual. At the reception, I told Dad that I would love to drive to his town during the next week and maybe spend an evening with him and the family. I was told they would be too busy...ouch. I tried to have a couple of conversations with Dad and step-mom but Dad just sort of withdrew himself from the talk. He would act disinterested (I suppose he probably was), and I finally just gave up. I did get to have some great conversations with my brother Michael, who I miss and love like crazy. Michael stayed at the reception much later than my Dad and step-mom. It broke my heart that they(Dad and step-mom) left the reception without saying good bye to me. But I think what hurt the most is that they made no effort what so ever to get to know Matthew. I have a GREAT child, one any grandparent would be proud of, but they didn't want anything to do with him. Family has pointed out that Dad thinks he is too young to be a grandfather, this would make sense as to why he didn't even spent two seconds with Matthew. Dad's siblings were falling all over themselves trying to make up for what he did. That is when I decided that I had to close off my heart to him. I couldn't continue to let his behavior rip my heart in half everytime he got close (or rather didn't get close) to me. I had to just let it go. Easier said than done. But, I am trying. I have just decided that I have a mother and step-father (who is a GREAT dad!) who love me and Matthew. Matthew is loved by them both...and loves his Grandpa and Grandma to death. So, as far as I am concerned, Matthew has grandparents...if my dad doesn't want to be his grandfather, it is HIS LOSS!

It is now a little over a year since that wedding. I have emailed my step-mother a few times, just got a casual email or two back. No big deal. Never have heard from my dad. Does it still hurt? Hell yes. Am I ever going to get over it? Probably not. Am I ever going to give up? I think I have, but there will always be a corner of my heart that holds out hope that he will come to regret not being a part of our lives and try to make ammends. I just pray it isn't too late.

Well, I hope that helps me sleep, getting that off my chest. There is so much more to the story, but that is the jist of it. Sucks huh. if you read this far, thanks for hanging with me. Off to sleep (hopefully) as it is 4:45am. Yikes. Henry starts his new job today...I pray it goes well and that he enjoys it. As for me...I am enjoying being a stay at home mom so far!

Becoming a Stay at Home Mom?

2006-07-29T21:49:00.000-04:00

Well, thanks for your good thoughts...Henry was offered one of the jobs (not the one with the house...still waiting to hear from them) and accepted it on Friday morning. Which is a good thing, because after my shift on Friday I was fired. Yeah, shit. Technically my position was eliminated due to downsizing. I received word and I wasn't alone. They also fired: a social worker, 6 other nurses, a dietician, EVERY unit secretary, an admissions coordinator, 3 physical therapists, 3 occupational therapists, a bunch of CNA's, EVERY respiratory therapist. The list goes on, but I can't remember everyone right now. I was upset for about an hour and then it hit me. I have been at my wits end with this job for years now. The company has been in so much hot water with the state that it is unbelievable. I have typed my resignation up and printed it out more times than I can count. SOOOOO....this is probably a good thing. Right? Now, I can take my time and find the job that is *meant* for me. I will be able to stay home for the rest of the summer with Matthew. Henry will start his new job on Tuesday and we won't have to worry about having his mom watch Matthew. I just need to keep looking at the positives in the situation. I wasn't happy at this job.....Henry just got a new job, so financially we will be ok for a while....nurses are desperately needed, so finding a job won't be too hard....I get to spend time with Matthew before kindergarten starts in a month....I'll have free time to scrap book. Henry has been the stay at home dad since Matthew was born. Now, it is finally my turn to stay home with Matthew. Sigh....everything happens for a reason.

Sunday Six~~Hot Hot Hot

2006-07-29T21:36:00.000-04:00

Brought to us every week by the queen of questions, Kelly, she's quizzing our children about the heat. I don't know about you, but I've had enough heat now. Fall can enter the picture anytime. And we haven't even had it that bad, compared to those poor chica's in Texas and such places! So, Matthew answered today's questions a little grudgingly....he had spent the entire day in his room because he wouldn't pick up the thousands and thousands of legoes and play mobile guys he dumped out. How did he finally get "released from prison" you may ask? I told him if he cleaned his room, he would get to answer his Sunday Six questions! That boy LOVES him some Sunday Six! So, here are his answers...Nothing fabulous this week, but at 5 1/2 he can't be a comedian every week.

1. What is hot weather?
~~It means that it is hot outside and the sun is burning me up-is that correct Mom?

2. Do you think it has been too hot?
~~No, sometimes, yeah, maybe (so decisive isn't he!)

3. Why do you think the weather is so hot?
~~Because I think sometimes it's hot when it's summer

4. What do you do to cool down in hot weather?
~~Ummm, well you're supposed to go in the shade, that's how you cool down, by a tree.

5. Which is better-hot weather or cold weather.
~~Sometimes it's cold in winter and hot in summer. Right?
Me: Yes, but which is better, hot or cold?
~~sometimes hot is good, sometimes cold is good, sometimes both.
(Umm...studying to be a politician maybe?)

6. What does it mean to be in a heat wave?
~~It means that you're hot in the beach

So, there you have it. Let me know if you played, and Kelly too. I will check out your kiddos answers cuz I love all the little ones answers (so creative they are!)

Prayers and Good Thoughts

2006-07-24T21:20:00.000-04:00

Henry had his two interviews today. The first one, which was the third for the same company, went well. The corporate lady was a little odd....when speaking about benefits Henry told her he wouldn't need them because I carry benefits for the family. She tried to make a joke (I guess) and said, well at least until she leaves you. Huh? Very odd sense of humor.

The second interview was for the company that we are hoping and praying he is offered a job with. It is a 400 apartment/townhome complex. He would be one of four maintenance guys, and it seems to be a good company. The best thing about this job is this: We would have a HOUSE to live in instead of an apartment. At SIGNIFICANTLY reduced rent. It has 3 bedrooms, an acre of land for Matthew to play, and sounds perfect. So, if you believe in the power of prayer, we could use some good strong prayers. They hope to make their decision by the end of the week. Crossing my fingers....and toes....and legs....and eyes. Hey, you gotta grab luck where ever you can get it, right?

Matthew's behavior continues to be bad, but we are dealing with it. I finally gave in and cleaned his room on Saturday, but made a huge change. Won't pick up his toys? Won't take care of his things? Then he has NO access to them. I put child locks on EVERYTHING! He can't get to any of his toys, art projects, nothing. Once he learns to take care of and appreciate his things, then maybe we can ease up. For now, he is allowed to choose one item (today he chose Matchbox cars) to play with. No more letting him pick 20 different items and destroying his room. So far, so good. Baby steps it seems are the order of the day.

Thank you all for your prayers and good luck thoughts! I'll let you know as soon as we hear anything!

Sunday Six-It's a Zoo in here!

2006-07-22T23:01:00.000-04:00

It is once again time for Sunday Six, brought to us by the zoo keeper Kelly. Questions are answered by my little animal, Matthew, age 5 yrs 6 months. Let me know if you played...and of course Kelly too.

1. Have you ever been to the zoo?
~~No (None here in godforsaken CT)

2. What kind of animals live at the zoo?
~~Some different ones, if there are two animals the same
its a pair of goons. (What?)

3. Can you feed the animals at the zoo?
~~Not really

4. What is your favorite animal at the zoo?
~~Like, its a thing with a long neck-a giraffe. And an elephant
and a lion and a tiger baby.

5. What does a zoo keeper do?
~~He protects the animals, the whole zoo and behaves
very kindly to the animals. (Ahhh....)

6. What happens at the zoo at night when the sun goes down?
~~I don't know, can you tell me?

So, there you have it. Not bad for a poor child who hasn't even been to the zoo. Hopefully we can make it to the Bronx zoo this summer...closest one!

Good Luck

2006-07-22T19:18:00.000-04:00

Well, this is the best symbol for good luck I could find in a hurry. I just wanted to put it out there to all of you, to please if you can, think good thoughts for my hubby. He has a 3rd job interview with a good company (2 apartment complexes) to do maintenance. He has interviewed with both complexes, and Monday is finally corporates turn. As some of you know, he is superintendent of the apartments we live in, which is FABULOUS, we live for free, but he doesn't get paid and it is only part time. This has allowed Matthew to remain home with hubby, and we have never needed daycare. With Matthew starting kindergarten in the fall Henry is more than ready to hunt for a full-time job! He will continue his job here at Tiffany House, as well as a new endeavor. On Monday he also has a first interview with another family-owned complex in Vernon. This is also a great prospect as it has potential for a live in position. So if he gets it and loves it, there is the possibility of moving to a smaller, more rural town. We live in a snooty, uptight city now and would love the prospect of a more "country" feeling town. Although, where we live now has the BEST school district in the state, so that would be a hard choice. Henry's mom currently lives only 2 miles away, and it might be good to live in Vernon which is a good 15 miles away....I could use a little distance! So, goodluck hubby, I love you and know you will do great. And thank all of you for good wishes! Now, off to set up appetizers as we have friends coming over for an evening of cards. Pray Matthew behaves well....hmmmphh.

Child for Sale...Cheap

2006-07-19T22:17:00.000-04:00

I am at my wits end. Matthew has become insanely destructive in the last 2 days. Breaking toys, tearing apart notepads, drawing on his bed with markers, throwing food on the floor. Tonight we found one of the angels I inherited from my Grandmother torn apart in his bed. Why does he do this? I have given up on conventional methods such as time outs...he sits there and then goes right back to his devilish ways. I tried our states Grow with me program and their idea of help was to refer me to kindermusic and library programs. This doesn't help with his issues. I am beginning to wonder if he has ADHD. Tomorrow we will start calling a list of child psychologists we were given. I have had it, I am ready to walk away right now. I love him, but good God is he trying my last nerve.

Life Experiences

2006-07-17T23:59:00.000-04:00

Life Experiences Meme
Bold the ones you've done..
01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
02. Swam with wild dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula
07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
08. Said 'I love you' and meant it
09. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea-storm during our honeymoon
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables-does my parents garden as a child count
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby's diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne.
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb-Toniann's for 4H as kids
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day (A few hours. Never an entire day.)
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was shit faced
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched wild whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving (God, no! Afraid of heights.)
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer then you were actually in love (THAN! It's "THAN", you idiot who wrote this, not "THEN". Sheesh.)
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger's table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow-that's what I get for dating a guy in HS who's parents own a dairy farm!
56. Alphabetized your cds
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Posed nude in front of strangers
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party-I think this was routine in my sorority!
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on television news programs as an "expert"
83. Got flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Had a one-night stand
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Buried one/both of your parents-no thank God!
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently
95. Performed in Rocky Horror.
96. Raised children.
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
98. Created and named your own constellation of stars
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn't stop when you knew someone was looking (Only ALL. THE. TIME. I love to sing. :-) )
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn't have survived.
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback-vietnam patient
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Petted a stingray
110. Broken someone's heart
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a T.V. game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a body part of yours below the neck pierced-tongue for a short time
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild-miss you Uncle Irvin!
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours-rung in the new mellinium with the worst worst worst flu ever!
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Petted a cockroach (Nope. Only squashed them.)
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes -Miss you Grandma Dorothy!
134. Read The Iliad - and the Odyssey-Thanks Mrs. Boelling!
135. Selected one "important" author who you missed in school, and read (Way more than one!)
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunionshigh school was high school...has nothing to do with real life, still in contact with the ones that matter!
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language-major trick in nursing!
139. Been elected to public office (if senior class historian counts!)
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream-nursing!
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care-if a patient I cared for greatly counts, than too many times!
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146: Dyed your hair
147: Been a DJ
148: Shaved your head
149: Caused a car accident
150: Saved someone's life

Not such a bad list, all in all. Any questions?

The beach baby!

2006-07-15T22:10:00.000-04:00

Absolutely love this view!

Toys, toys, toys

Sandcastle time?

Hmmm...should I go in?

Foggy day, but still beautiful!

This is where we married!

Ahhh....relaxing

Chilling

Still not going to go in....brrrr

*sigh* I miss it already!

On Wednesday, we headed to Rhode Island for the day. Henry helped a friend work on his car that had died at the beach house, so Matthew and I tagged along to hang out on the beach. We had a couple of hours before the fog turned in to rain....I could hang out there for the rest of my life! It is so relaxing, beautiful, calm...I could go on and on! This is also the spot where we got married, so it has lots of memories. It looks like we will be heading back again next week, as friends car is till giving him a hard time, and hubby is handy like that!

Sunday Six~Summer and Food!

2006-07-15T22:03:00.000-04:00

Brought to us by Kelly who has summer food on her mind, answered by Matthew (age 5 years 6 months) who has been a little devil for the last week. Let me know (and Kelly) if you played....we would love to check out your darlin's answers! Posting on Saturday evening, gotta work Sunday...damn nursing and every other weekend crap!

1. What kinds of food do you like to eat in summer?
~~Like some, uh, I like Lightning McQueen he's my favorite race car driver, and I like vegetables, and lemon-it's yellow you know!

2. What is your favorite summer dessert?
~~Like, uh, lemon

3. What is your favorite summer fruit?
~~Like my favorite fruit is like um watermelon.

4. Do you eat more or less in the summer?
~~Less in the summer

5. What is the best food to take on vacation in summer?
~~Like some lemons, watermelon, blueberries, strawberries

6. What is yummy?
~~It means yummy in my tummy!

Lake Hayward

2006-07-10T20:45:00.000-04:00

Murphy pushing Matthew around the water

Testing the water...little timid

ZZZZZ....worn out on the way home!

Wading in...not to sure about this!

Now he's getting the hang of it!

All ready to hit the water

The relaxing view

So, we spent all day Sunday at Lake Hayward hanging out with friends for a birthday party. Matthew was a little nervous to be around the water....city boy. Once he got used to it, he couldn't be stopped. He even had us swim with him out to the dock so he could jump off with Murphy. For not knowing how to swim, he did great. Definately time to get him enrolled in swimming lessons!

Sunday Six~~What's in a Name?

2006-07-09T00:06:00.000-04:00

Happy Sunday! Welcome to Kelly's brainchild, Sunday Six! This week Kelly is all inquisitive about names, names, names. So, Matthew was quite talkative for this week, once again. Let us know (and Kelly) if you played...would love to check out your answers!

1. Why do people have names?
~~Because they need to have a name in the hospital because
they have human babies in their stomachs. Is this the Hurricane
Katrina one-the very hard one? (WTF?)

2. Can boy names and girl names be the same?
~~Nope, they're different.
(Interesting considering my name is Jamie which
is male and female!)

3. Who named you?
~~Uhhhhh, you did, you named me Matthew Jared S_____.
It's M-A-T-T-H-E-W (In case I forgot or something??)

4. What is your best friends name?
~~Sam

5. Do you like your name?
~~Yeah, a lot. Oh and by the way I better tell you something
that's very expensive, a toy, a batman game that's for V-Smile,
that's very expensive. (Smoking crack my boy is)

6. If you could have a different name, what would it be?
~~Ummm, I like Matthew. (Me: But if you had to pick another
name what would it be?) Ummmm...Let me think, ummm,
hmmmmm, I like Sam.

~~~

So, we took Matthew to the movie theatre Friday night for the first time. He is such an active boy that he doesn't sit still long enough to watch a movie, but we thought maybe he was old enough to deal with it now. We, of course, saw Cars. Which he loved, loved, loved. He wanted to see Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. I wasn't to keen on this, as we've never seen the first one and don't know if it would be appropriate to his age. So, we rented it (the first one) tonight and will watch it soon.

Tomorrow we head to Lake Hayward for a friend's father's birthday. Lot's of swimming, sun, food and friends. Should be a good time as it looks like the rain will pass before dawn (if it holds true, it will be the first weekend in over a month that it didn't rain during the day!). Matthew packed up his beach equipment and is raring to go. So much so that I couldn't get the little bugger to sleep until after 11 pm. Hopefully he will sleep in, as we don't leave for the lake until 11am.

I got loads of scrap pages done this evening...Don't worry I won't post them as I am sure my few readers are sick of seeing them already! Have a great Sunday!

Fireworks Baby!

2006-07-05T20:47:00.000-04:00

We piled into the truck and headed to the 12th Annual Great Boom last night and had a great time. The first pic I thought was pretty cool and Matthew was loving the glow sticks/necklaces/bracelets! The others didn't turn out the greatest, but we had a good time and that was the important thing. I hope everyone had a good holiday!

Happy Fourth of July AND Sunday Six!

2006-07-04T14:19:00.000-04:00

OK, this weeks Sunday Six is a little late...but the lovely Kelly gave us until Wednesday to play so I don't feel too badly. This week is very appropriately all about the wonderfully patriotic Fourth of July. Matthew (5 yrs 5 months) was kind enough to answer, and was a little toooooo talkative today, so bear with the essay type answers!

1. How do we celebrate the Fourth of July?

~~You just do what you do on the Fourth of July. Mom

do you think this is the hard one? Do you?

(he's convinced there is at least ONE hard question

each week!)

2. What do you eat on the Fourth of July?

Food and Kinda Stuff, Just regular stuff, you know

like you always do, that kinda stuff.

3. What do you think of fireworks?

I think of fireworks making me more light so I can

see in the dark, and I sit in the back of Dad's truck and

stay up late. I like the blue, red, yellow, green and purple.

That's the five colors I like...only.

4. How does a firework work?

By making people turn them on, they

just come from a shooting star.

5. What does it mean to be an American?

Means you have to be an American-you just

do what you're supposed to do-like, uh, is that the hard?

6. How old is the United States of America?

Like fifty thousand ten thousand.

So, there you have it. The patriotic holiday broken down by Matthew. I hope everyone has a safe holiday and I'll be happy when the fireworks are gone. Like it is fun being awakened at midnight to what you just know in your tired sleepy brain is someone shooting at your windows with an oozie. I love feeling my heart jump out of my chest....and so easy to fall back to sleep after that too. I'm just sayin'.

New scrap layouts!

2006-06-25T20:52:00.000-04:00

Well, I got busy this weekend (hell it has done nothing but rain and flood here, so what else was I supposed to do?) I finished quite a few pages, and thought I would share some with all of you. Whatchya think? I have definately become addicted....any spare time I can grab you will find me scrapping! I have fallen in love with a local store "Wiggles and Giggles" they have the best supplies around!

Sunday Six!

2006-06-25T11:36:00.000-04:00

This week: Summertime....beaches, ice cream trucks...what does summer mean to you. Brought to us as always by the talented Kelly, answers are provided by Matthew (5yrs, 5 months). Let us know if you played!

1. What does summer solstice mean?
~~Phhhttttt, is that the hard one? What is it? Like its summer, all the time?

2. What do you like best about summer?
~~Like, I like playing basketball, that is my favorite sport and some golf and hockey.
(What's with the like's am I raising a little valley girl??)

3. Is summer always hot?
~~Not exactly, it stays hot for a little bit.

4. What do you do during the summer?
~~Like you lay stuff and you go to Anastastia's birthday

5. Which do you like best, summer, winter, spring or fall?
~~Ummm, uhhhh, I like snow days-winter that's my favorite!

6. What do you not like about summer?
~~I don't like my Dad giving me spankings in summer (WTH?)

That's it....didya play? Didya?

School's Out For Summer!

2006-06-22T22:44:00.000-04:00

Matthew's last day of school was today. It was bittersweet to have him end preschool, knowing he will be in full day kindergarten Monday through Friday next year. It was also sad to leave his teachers, who have been so wonderful to him. Daddy took him to his last day, as Mommy had to work. It kinda makes me upset that they didn't do a preschool graduation or anything, but oh well. I had hubby grab a couple of shots for me. Here they are:

Matthew (blonde) and his buddy Sam!

Matthew and Mrs. R

Matthew and Mrs. C

A big thank you to his fabulous teachers....they were the best!

~~~~~

Fav Summertime Salad Recipe

2006-06-22T06:33:00.000-04:00

This is my all time fav summer recipe....alright, I make it at least once a month year round. Lately, once a week!

Weird Coleslaw

1 package chicken Ramen Noodles--uncooked
1/3 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
1/4 cup Sugar
1/4 cup oil (can use Canola, Veggie, or even Olive Oil)
8 oz package Broccoli Coleslaw Mix OR 12-16 oz Regular Coleslaw Mix (I prefer regular)
1/2 cup sliced almonds or sunflower seeds (great with a mix of both)
1/2-1 cup dried sweetened cranberries

1. Combine Flavor Packet from soup mix with Vinegar, oil and sugar and MIX well (works best to do ahead of time as it takes a while to blend)

2. Break up Ramen Noodles, Add to slaw, toss with sauce, garnish with Nuts and Cranberries.
Mix well.

3. Regrigerate at least 10 minutes before serving.

Even the picky boy eater here likes it! I take it to work for lunch all the time as it has the protein in it from the nuts and the cranberries are a little bonus pick me up (in fact have it ready to go right now for a 12 hour shift!)

~~~~

On a sad note, today is Matthew's last day of preschool. I am saddened that this school doesn't do a preschool graduation or anything. I am sending the camera to school with hubby to take some pics with the teachers and his favorite classmates....we shall see whether it actually gets done. He isn't too handy with the digital camera....easier to let me do all the picture taking I guess! Have a great day!

Way Back Wednesday~Summertime Baby

2006-06-21T13:28:00.000-04:00

Well, this is my first every WBW post, so hopefully it isn't too dorky! And if it is....well zip it, it'll get better! LOL. WBW is brought to us by the beautiful, talented, never-ending-source-of-topics The Kept Woman, so let her know (and me) if you played! As usual Blogger is being a bitch and wouldn't let me post these pics in the order I wanted, so they are in some funky ass order that makes NO SENSE at all....sorry! Here goes:

This is Matthew and Daddy building a sandcastle in Westlerly, Rhode Island in Augst 2004. We always have a good time at the beach house...big part of our summers!
This is Daddy and Matthew at Elizabeth Park...the countries largest free rose garden. And let me just say it is BE-U-TI-FUL! Matthew just had fun running around all the cool mazes...we enjoyed the scenery. Going back this weekend we hope as the roses are at peak!
This is Matthew's first trip to the park....he is about 5 months old. Winter babies miss out on a lot in their first few months....I think we had so much snow that year that he went outside very few times. New England winters are a bitch.
This is Henry and I on our wedding day...August 26, 2000 (look at me trying to hide that 5 month baby bump with flowers....oops, give it up babe!)
This is Matthew's first trip to the beach house in 2001. He was 8 months old and enjoyed the house much more than the ocean I must say! Don't you just love what sun block does to his hair! Too cute.
This is Matthew at the beach once again....This is August 2004. This is the first trip where he enjoyed the whole experience....the sun, the sand, the water, everything! What a good time.

Last but not least, this is one more wedding picture. It was such a beautiful August day we got so lucky. This is one of my fav pics....although you can still see the baby bump. Oh well, we were in love, engaged and oops along came baby...just move up the wedding and 6 years later we are still going strong (not to say like all married couples I know that we don't have problems of course!)

Well, that is the end of my FIRST WBW. Hope you enjoyed. I am digging out OLD pics today...you know of ME growing up, so hopefully each week it will get better!

Sunday Six!

2006-06-18T16:16:00.000-04:00

Brought to us by the wonderful Kelly, this week is of course all about Father's Day. Answers are provided by Matthew (age 5 yrs, 5 months). Let me know if you played!

1. What is a father?
~~Your father is your mother's husband! (Holy Cow!)

2. Why do we have fathers?
~~Because you need one

3. What do father's do?
~~Word every time

4. How do you celebrate Father's Day?
~~Have to give your father a present

5. What have you learned from your father?
~~I learned that you have to give him a present on Father's Day,
is that correct?

6. Do you have any other names fo ryour father-if so what are they?
~~Henry (last name here), and that's it.

So, we are going to Max's Oyster Bar to celebrate Father's Day. Looking forward to some good food and good drink. Just hope it isn't as snooty as the last time I was there! Hope everyone has a great Father's Day!

Father's Day Art Project, Neuro Appt, Etc...

2006-06-15T22:08:00.000-04:00

Matthew brought this home today....wrapped and everything as a Father's Day gift. He couldn't wait to have Henry open it, so begged him to unwrap it. What a cute frame and picture!

So, I went to the neuro today as a 4 week follow-up. First, after stating in my last post that my headaches were getting better, I ended up spending 6 hours in the ER Wednesday night getting all kinds of IV drugs to stop a ferocious migraine. It ended up taking 12mg of Dilaudid, Phenergan, Benadryl, Toradol, Depakane, DHE, and Decadron. Can we so omg? I went to bed at 10pm last night and slept until noon today. Geez, but at least the headache was gone!

So, anyway on to the neuro today. We are weaning off Zonegran and starting Depakote. Increasing the Elavil from 50mg to 75mg because since decreasing it I am not sleeping very well anymore, and sleep is an important part of migraine prevention. We are dumping the Tylenol #3, the Vicoden ES and the Amerge as rescue meds. Instead: Percocet and Fioricet. I will stay on the Neurontin 900mg three times a day and continue the Lexapro. I am amazed that neurologically I am still stable on all these meds. My APRN today expected me to spike over head first during some of the testing, but it seems the meds aren't affecting me like that. So, I began the wean of the Zonegran and took my first dose of Depakote a few minutes ago. Hopefully all will go well. And I follow-up with the Neuro himself in 4 more weeks.

I am hoping to pick up some extra hours next week, to make some extra money. Things have been really tight here for a month or so while my hours were constantly being cut due to having so few patients. I am craving a shopping trip to Wiggles and Giggles to get some great scrapping supplies. They also have 7 hour crop nights on Saturday and Sunday every week. For $17 bucks you can crop till you drop, get free pizza and soda, and of course use their cropping tools. They have awesome supplies you can buy while there too if you need something. They have a good website to keep you up to date on any new products (gotta run over there soon...just got an email that they have new Cars paper, embellishments, etc...and the boy loves Cars even though he hasn't seen the movie yet!).

I am so addicted to the James Blunt CD right now that I am surprised my CD changer in the car hasn't gone on strike. And why is it that whenever I pull up to a busload of kids, or a mom and her little ones, it never fails that James will blurt out "She could see in my eyes that I was FUCKING high". Boy have I gotten some looks....come on people Beautiful is like a fab song I didn't stick that part in, roll up your windows if you don't want to hear it! LOL. I am so hooked on Tears and Rain also! Oh and Wiseman. OK the whole damn CD. Ok, enough rambling for tonight. Hope all is well with all my blogging friends!

School's Almost Out! YIKES

2006-06-14T13:06:00.000-04:00

Matthew made this for me at school yesterday. That's when it hit me that he only had a few days of school left.....his last day is June 22nd!! YIKES. What will we do all summer to keep him entertained? He is so into art, I guess I will be making trips to Jerry's Artarama and loading up on supplies. Hopefully I can get away without paints...five year olds don't exactly paint neatly. What a mess last time we attempted this!

I heard back from the first option on behavioral issues with Matthew (Help Me Grow). What a waste of time waiting for them to get back to me. It started with an intake person asking questions about what/why/who etc...to see if they could hook us up with some assistance. She said she would get back to me with a list of the best resources. Yeah right. The list included: Reading time at the local library, a music class at the community center, etc. How in the hell is that going to help me with his behavior? He already does things like that, I need something different. So, I have a call out to the local children's hospital. They have a behavioral counseling/parent training class. Hopefully this will be the right resource for us.

On the behavior issues: He is cleaning his room with a lot of persuasion, but he is cleaning it. It may take a day to convince him to do it, but eventually he gets it done. In the meantime, if his room is a mess: NO CARTOONS. This is the tough one...he tries to sneak it. I will be making dinner and he will sneak into my bedroom and turn on the cartoon network. So, small steps, small steps. We have once again enforced the banishment of the word HATE. We no longer allow it in our home. He has been on a hate spree lately...I hate you, I hate this/that/the other thing. I can't stand that word. I have told him it is ok to be angry and not like something, but we have better words to use than hate.

On the work front, things are improving slightly. They did major layoffs and fired some nurses that just weren't up to par. So, it is nice to once again be working with nurses who know their left from right and our patients seem to be on the winning end of this change. They have definately noticed the improvement already. I was considered a float on the unit, I wouldn't have the same assignment everyday, so my patients never new if I would be there the next day or on a different assignment. Well, one of my co-workers resigned and left, and I have been given her assignment. This is awesome news, as now I can provide the stability my patients need. As far as my patients are concered, when my unit manager told them yesterday I got lots of cheers and hugs and kisses. It is so nice to have a good bond with your patients. It makes the days work less like, well, work.

Migraine news: improving slightly on the new medications. I go back to the neuro tomorrow and we will probably have to adjust one of the meds a little as it keeps bottoming out my blood pressure.

Go give some love to my friend Kate. She just started her own blog to try to sort through her change in jobs. She is a teacher, so it was a hard decision to leave her students and accept a position closer to home and in a better school district. As she has said so many time....she loved her little gangsters and hoods. I think she is a fabulous teacher and this will be a good move from her....and it doesn't hurt that Matthew will be going to that school when (IF) he reaches middle school! Nothing like having your Godmother in the same school keeping an eye on you! Bwahaha. Poor kid. Congrats Kate....I know you will do a great job!

Sunday Six!

2006-06-11T13:08:00.000-04:00

Brought to us by the lovely Kelly, this week is all about being busy. And as the last 2 weeks of school wrap up, we are certainly busy! Answers provided by Matthew, age 5 yrs 5 months.

1. What does it mean to be busy?

~~It means you have to work.

2. Who is busier Mommy or Daddy?

~~Daddy

3. Are you busy?

~~Yeah, sometimes when I clean my room, and sometimes you say good job!

4. What do you do when you are not busy?

~~You just do nothing, sit around doing nothing.

5. What do you forget to do when you are busy?

~~Clean your room

6. Can it be fun to be busy?

~~Yeah sometimes, yeah when it's a big mess it will take you a few minutes to clean it.

Can you tell we have been struggling with picking up our own messes lately? It seems I am making him obsessed with cleaning....YEAH. As long as that means less of a fight when it comes time to clean up each day! Have a good Sunday.

Sunday Six!

2006-06-03T20:43:00.000-04:00

This week's Sunday Six, brought to us by Kelly, has questions thought up by her son Jack. So, let us and her know if you played. Here are Matthew's (age 5.4) answers:

1. Do you have a kitty?
~No

2. Why do bearas roar?
~Cuz they uh wanna eat people alive

3. Why do lollipops have sugar?
~because they always do cuz they are awesome

4. Why do girls wear earrings?
~Cuz boys don't

5. Why do girls have make up and all girl's stuff?
~cuz boys hates girl stuff

6. What is a box?
~Uh a box is what you put stuff in

There you have it, the world according to Matthew. Have a good Sunday.

Things I miss since moving across country...

2006-06-02T20:09:00.000-04:00

I must be homesick because lately I keep thinking about all the things I miss the most since moving from Kansas to Connecticut in 1999. So, I thought if I listed them it might help. So, here goes:

1. My mom-who happens to be my best friend.
2. My stepdad-who can always make me laugh.
3. My brother Adam and SIL Jennifer.
4. My brother Michael-who just turned 16!
5. My dad and step-mother Kim.
6. My Grandpa Jim and Grandma Velda.
7. My Grandma Barb.
8. All my aunts and uncles...and there are A LOT of them!
9. All my cousins, and now there children too!
10. Dillards (we only have Filene's, so not the same!)
11. Sonic (yeah, I know...weird)
12. Wide open space
13. Nice big lakes
14. All my friends from high school
15. Strong thunderstorms...something so powerful about them
16. Brahm's
17. The ICU where I worked in Manhattan
18. K-State Football games
19. Going to the movies with my "little" brother
20. Hanging out with my parents
21. Pizza Hut Taco Pizza, they don't make it here
22. Hobby Lobby
23. My aunt Mary who is a hair dresser...can we say free haircuts and CHEAP highlights?
24. Seeing my cousins children grow up
25. The thought of not seeing my future neices/nephews grow up

OK, I guess that will do for now. I could go on and on. I hate being homesick. Don't get me wrong I love living on the east coast and could list dozens of reasons why, but those 25 reasons sometimes make me forget why I like it here!

Sunday Six!

2006-05-27T17:18:00.000-04:00

Sunday Six is brought to us by Kelly, and this weeks theme is Memorial Day and Memory. Let her know (and us!) if you played. Here are this week's answers by Matthew (age 5.4):
1. Why do we celebrate Memorial Day?
~~Because we have to-is that correct?

2. How do we celebrate Memorial Day?
~~Because you have to all the time-that's how you do it?

3. What is a memory?
~~You mind

4. What is your best memory?
~~Playing cowboy-catching the bad guys

5. What do we cook when we BBQ?
~~With your grill

6. Where is your favorite place to BBQ?
~~Burger King (Haha and Yuck)

Happy Memorial Day Weekend everyone! Buckle up, Drive Safe, Use Safety seats for the kiddos and have a good time!

Behavior Problems Continue

2006-05-27T15:43:00.000-04:00

Matthew's behavior problems are still happening at home. At school, he is still great. At home, the temper is flaring. He is throwing things, hitting and in general just not listening. I have decided to stop it now. I spoke to our pediatrician (whom you may remember we LOVE) and she gave me some great resources. We are going to try the Help Me Grow program first, it is an extension of our states Birth to Three program and has Child Psych/Parenting classes that go hand in hand. They figure out what is going on in your child's head and then teach you how best to parent your child. Pray they can take us! If not the local Children's Hospital has a Behavioral Couseling Program with Parent Training. I feel the key is not only learning how to understand him, but learning how to better parent him. It isn't all him. He's learned to push our buttons, but we've also learned how to respond to that pushing. We all need to be "retrained" to deal with each other. If they can't take us I have a whole list of Child Psych's she recommends! Wish us luck!

Do you believe in spirits?

2006-05-22T22:35:00.000-04:00

On May 12th I wrote a post about losing my grandmother, since then I have been having strange occurances in our home. I have always believed in spirits, so I truly believe this is her. When I was young, I gave her an angel for Christmas, and for some reason it became a tradition. She developed quite a collection of angels, and other family members added a few pieces to it also. As I got older I too came to love angels and began collecting them, so when she passed away I asked my aunt if I could please have her collection as it was special to me. She gladly passed it on to me. I brought the collection back from Kansas with me and placed it with my collection, through out my home. I notice it everyday. Nothing has changed about it until this past week. Over the last week, every day when I enter a room one of Grandma's angels will fall over. Or one that Matthew can't reach will be turned around, and my husband didn't do it. Maybe this is her way of letting me know she is still watching over me. Lord knows I have been missing her lately, and since this has started happening, the pain has eased. Maybe it is her way of helping me. What do you think? Do you believe?

Sunday Six~Awareness

2006-05-21T14:09:00.000-04:00

Brought to us every week by Kelly, this weeks theme is all about awareness. Matthew (age 5 yrs 4 months) didn't quite live up to his full potential (LOL...whatever that means for a child) cuz he's battling a cold. Lovely boogers and snots all over the place...yuck. So, here are his pretty tame answers this week.

1. When you see Mommy or Daddy on the computer, what are they doing?

~~Uh, working on the 'puter.

2. How does a telephone work?

~~I forgot-with its cable (interesting as all of ours are cordless!)

3. When you play a game at an arcade what happens to the coin you use to start the game?

~~It goes inside the video game and stays there forever.

4. How does milk stay cold?

~~From the fridgerator, duh

5. What makes the car move?

~~the whole car- engine, tires, everything!

6. How does a radio work?

~~It works with its engines.

There you have it. Let Kelly know if you played, and let us know too! Happy Sunday...hopefully it is sunny where you are...it is 60 and rainy here...blech.

Family

2006-05-19T02:16:00.000-04:00

F A M I L Y
I ran into a stranger as he passed by, "Oh excuse me please" was my reply.
He said, "Please excuse me too; I wasn't watching for you."
We were very polite, this stranger and I.
We went on our way and we said goodbye.

But at home a different story is told,
How we treat our loved ones, young and old.
Later that day, cooking the evening meal,
My son stood beside me very still.
When I turned, I nearly knocked him down.
"Move out of the way," I said with a frown.
He walked away, his little heart broken.
I didn't realize how harshly I'd spoken.

While I lay awake in bed,
God's still small voice came to me and said,
"While dealing with a stranger,
common courtesy you use,
but the family you love, you seem to abuse.
Go and look on the kitchen floor,
You'll find some flowers there by the door.
Those are the flowers he brought for you.
He picked them himself: pink, yellow and blue.
He stood very quietly not to spoil the surprise,
you never saw the tears that filled his little eyes."

By this time, I felt very small, And now my tears began to fall.
I quietly went and knelt by his bed;
"Wake up, little one, wake up," I said.
"Are these the flowers you picked for me?"
He smiled, "I found 'em, out by the tree.
I picked 'em because they're pretty like you.
I knew you'd like 'em, especially the blue."
I said, "Son, I'm very sorry for the way I acted today;
I shouldn't have yelled at you that way."
He said, "Oh, Mom, that's okay. I love you anyway."
I said, "Son, I love you too, and I do like the flowers, especially the blue."

FAMILY
Are you aware that if we died tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of days. But the family we left behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives. And come to think of it, we pour ourselves more into work than into our own family, an unwise investment indeed, don't you think? So what is behind the story? Do you know what the word FAMILY means? FAMILY = (F)ATHER (A)ND (M)OTHER (I) (L)OVE (Y)OU

Mindless Ramblings.

2006-05-16T23:15:00.000-04:00

Be prepared...this post will probably be all over the place. I took 2 Vicoden and 2 Xanax to try to stop my headache and I am feeling quite loopy, but I realized I haven't posted anything since Sunday. My neurologist is the best. He is working so hard to get my headaches under control. After 3 neuro's this one seems to actually care that the headaches affect my quality of life. So, 2 trips to the ER in the last 7 days is of course unacceptable and I see him Thursday.

Matthew's room cleaning plan is not going well. He is becoming destructive. He will take a cardboard type Playmobil toy and rip it up in shreds when he becomes mad. When I throw it away he DEMANDS a new one. I think not. I am going to call his Pediatrician tomorrow and look into a child psych because he is obviously not learning from us. He behaves so well at school, but at home he is an absolute devil. I am at my whits end. Have any of you felt this way before?

Work is insane. We are expecting our state survey from the Department of Public Health soon (by the end of May) and it HAS to be good or we are in soooo much trouble. They closed another 60 bed unit, and are doing lay offs. I am not on the lay off list, and I am not sure if this is a good thing or a bad thing! Part of me would love to be laid off so that I could just get my pink slip, collect unemployment for a short time and hopefully find a better job. Who knows, they say the layoffs will be the "bad apples" so things should get better. Knock on wood.

OK, it has been raining here for 8 straight days....we have gotten over 6 inches. Do we need to start building an ark or what? I know we were praying for rain. But dude, all things in moderation please. OK, enough rambling for the night. My eyes keep crossing so that is my sign to get my butt to bed and let the Vicoden work its magic.

Sunday Six~Happy Mother's Day!

2006-05-13T23:20:00.000-04:00

Brought to us every week by Kelly, this week is all about Mother's Day. So, if you played let her know, and let me know also!

1. What is a mommy?
~The parent of a kid

2. What do mommies do?
~Go to work when it's time to go to work.

3. What do you like best about your mommy?
~I like her when she gives me Playmobil guys and legos and takes me to school.
I love her a whole wadowski. (WTH is a wadowski?)

4. What do you not like (if anything) about your mommy?
~I don't like her spanking me.

5. What are things that mommies can't do?
~Can't play with legos-can you?

6. What did y ou do for your mommy for Mother's Day?
~I let her play legos with me.

So there you have it. Happy Mother's Day to all the cool blogging mom's out there, and a special Happy Mother's Day to the mom's I know IRL...especially mine. Love ya.

Life got in the way...

2006-05-12T21:34:00.000-04:00

Life did get in the way. Does that sound like an excuse? I suppose it could be perceived as an excuse to many. The picture is the only picture I have of MY grandmother Dorothy with Matthew (he was 6 months old). We had gone home to Kansas for a visit, the first one since Matthew was born. We spent only one night at her home, a fact that will haunt me forever. We had so many people to visit, a family wedding, the excuses piled up. The truth is that my Grandmother wasn't a happy person. She tried to be, but life wasn't kind to her in many ways. I went out of my way to keep in touch with her though, and many family members didn't they will openly admit, so for that I will always be grateful. That was the last time I saw my Grandmother. Life got in the way and we didn't make another trip home for4 long years. I kept saying we were going to make it home, but it never happened. I will always regret that. I am thankful I have this picture of the two of them together. Grandma passed away near Thanksgiving two years ago. As far as we can piece together, she got ready for bed, put on her housecoat and sat in her favorite recliner to watch the nightly news. That is where my aunt found her at lunch time the next day. She obviously went peacfully. Probably just fell asleep and never woke up. My aunt eased some of my grief when she told me that my Grandmother was holding the last letter I wrote her in her hands, so I was on her mind. I am tearful now just thinking of that. I had been saying for weeks that I needed to call her, but life got in the way and it was always too late to call her that night. Then I never got the chance. I am missing her terribly tonight, no particular reason, nothing sparked it, just this terrible saddness in my heart. So, to all of you who read this: Take the time to call your grandparents and parents. Even if it isn't always on your list of favorite things to do. Don't let life get in the way....you may never get the chance again.

First Scrap Pages for Matthew's Book!

2006-05-11T20:25:00.000-04:00

OK, blogger is being a bitch and won't load these pics in the order I want them to go in, but you get the idea. The Matthew's Memories page is obviously the beginning of the book, followed by the two blue pages. I decided to bite the bullet and get started tonight, and was able to crank these out in about 45 minutes. Felt like forever with chasing Matthew away from my supplies! LOL. I can't wait to get more done!

Kindergarten Round-Up

2006-05-11T06:01:00.000-04:00

We made it through kindergarten round-up yesterday with flying colors! Matthew had such a great time. It was so cute to watch him. The teachers and administration would come up to meet him and kneal down to his level, and he would get all serious and stick out his hand to shake theirs and introduce himself. He did great! He went off with the other kids to the kindergarten class to do a project: they learned all about how carrots grow tall like them, then they planted a carrot in a styrofoam cup to bring home. During this time, the parents of course were doing the enrollment process and speaking to the school nurse and special resources team. I was a bit confused at the end because they didn't ask for money.......I grew up in Kansas and remember my parents having to buy workbooks. Pay book rentals and enrollment fees. So, I approached the principal shortly before the children were due to return from the classroom to ask if there was a FINAL enrollment date in late August/early September (school starts Setp. 19th here) so we can pay. She gave me a big hug and blessed me and said if I wanted to pay for books I could surely donate, but that in Connecticut, school is 100% free except for lunches. HOLY COW. No wonder our taxes are so high! LOL>my mom couldn't get over it either. So, all in all it was a fun morning! Matthew is absolutely ready for kindergarten and pumped up. So good to see that! I hope it remains that way as he gets older as I loved school and hope he does too!