Devon is close to fearless, jumping, diving, eating, anything for the amusement of others. Drives me nuts, though. His friends will offer up money for him to do something, like eat a fuzzy tomato off the ground, and he will do it. But they don't actually pay. And he does it again, knowing they aren't going to pay. I've told him I have a couple of rules to this behavior.
1. Make them present the money up front or don't do it. He should at least get paid for it.
2. Don't do it during hours the Urgent Care isn't open, the ER is more expensive.
But there are times when he just does it for the thrill.
Like one time he decided to skateboard off the roof. Of the church.
All went well on the ride down and the free falling. The landing went a little badly and he landed on the skateboard on his butt. Probably breaking his tail bone. He didn't tell me until the next day when it was hurting and he had gym to participate in. I said too bad and sent him off to school.
Soon I got a call from the school nurse who said she didn't know what had happened but that Devon said he had a hard time dealing with the pain and that I could write him a note for two days, but more than that he needed a doctor's note. I told her that I do not write notes for stupidity.
You should have heard the silence on the other end!
Devon did whine about the pain for some time, we were all sure he had cracked his tailbone. But knowing they don't treat that unless it is bad, we opted not to bring him in. The pain should teach him a lesson. But he persisted, so we told him how they fix broken tail bones if they are really, really bad. My husband used very descriptive wording and that was the LAST we heard of any pain.
Guess it wasn't all that broken.
June 25, 2008
June 24, 2008
Pick on Devon Day 5
Today we are going to give new meaning to the word "pick" in Pick on Devon Day. Who knew what would come up as I am writing these things? With seven kids things to blog about just tend to fall into my lap! Thankfully this didn't ACTUALLY fall into my lap!
Last night Devon came downstairs and sat next to his dad. I was listening in on the conversation:
Devon: Dad, I was blowing my nose and thought I was blowing out a bugger, but look at this!
Dad: What is that? Whoa!
Devon: A tick! A bugger coated tick!
Dad: Are you sure it is a tick?
Devon: I can see its legs in there! It is definitely a tick.
Today I found out it is all Drew's fault, but he isn't going to enlighten Devon. Drew found a tick on him but didn't want to get out of bed and deal with it, so he put it in a CD case. In the morning the tick was gone. And Devon blew one out of his nose......
Last night Devon came downstairs and sat next to his dad. I was listening in on the conversation:
Devon: Dad, I was blowing my nose and thought I was blowing out a bugger, but look at this!
Dad: What is that? Whoa!
Devon: A tick! A bugger coated tick!
Dad: Are you sure it is a tick?
Devon: I can see its legs in there! It is definitely a tick.
Today I found out it is all Drew's fault, but he isn't going to enlighten Devon. Drew found a tick on him but didn't want to get out of bed and deal with it, so he put it in a CD case. In the morning the tick was gone. And Devon blew one out of his nose......
June 23, 2008
Pick on Devon Day 4
At age 7, Devon continued his tough, active guy persona. One summer night Devon asked me for an Advil, and I told him he could have one. Devon is not one to complain about pain, so for him to even ask for something should have triggered my suspicions, but it didn't.
The next day Devon again asked for some Advil for pain. After saying "yes" to him it finally clicked that something big was going on. So I asked him what was wrong and he said he had hurt his ankle a couple days before, so I took a look and it was very, very swollen!
What kind of mother am I that I wouldn't know about that?? He hadn't bothered to mention it to me even. Drew, Kay and Devon were walking to the gas station about 5 blocks away when he ran ahead of the other two. They yelled at him to stop because they were supposed to stick together, and Devon stopped and twisted at the same time, hurting his ankle. Later I found out that my mom had driven by and saw him limping and she offered him a ride home and he said he was fine and stopped limping, so she went on home.
I took Devon to the doctor who put him on crutches for the bad sprain and sent us for x-rays. About 3 days later I got a knock on the door, and it was a nurse from the clinic, they hadn't asked for updated information when we'd been in and didn't have our new phone number. They had spent 3 days trying to tell me that Devon had also broken his ankle!
Oh, what a horrible feeling! My son had been running around on a sprained and broken ankle for two days before I even found out he had been hurt! The guilt!
We set up an appointment with Dr. Pain. Seriously. Well, it may have been spelled Payne, but it was still PAIN. He explained in more detail that Devon had actually broken a piece off the tip of his ankle, so it wasn't a bad break. It was up to Devon whether or not he wanted a cast, which would keep him from swimming for a long time. He chose no cast, and even was allowed to ditch the crutches, which he had actually been very faithful about using. The doctor said it would hurt to use the foot, but it would heal just as fast as not using it, it was up to Devon. Devon didn't mind the pain. Weirdo.
The next day Devon again asked for some Advil for pain. After saying "yes" to him it finally clicked that something big was going on. So I asked him what was wrong and he said he had hurt his ankle a couple days before, so I took a look and it was very, very swollen!
What kind of mother am I that I wouldn't know about that?? He hadn't bothered to mention it to me even. Drew, Kay and Devon were walking to the gas station about 5 blocks away when he ran ahead of the other two. They yelled at him to stop because they were supposed to stick together, and Devon stopped and twisted at the same time, hurting his ankle. Later I found out that my mom had driven by and saw him limping and she offered him a ride home and he said he was fine and stopped limping, so she went on home.
I took Devon to the doctor who put him on crutches for the bad sprain and sent us for x-rays. About 3 days later I got a knock on the door, and it was a nurse from the clinic, they hadn't asked for updated information when we'd been in and didn't have our new phone number. They had spent 3 days trying to tell me that Devon had also broken his ankle!
Oh, what a horrible feeling! My son had been running around on a sprained and broken ankle for two days before I even found out he had been hurt! The guilt!
We set up an appointment with Dr. Pain. Seriously. Well, it may have been spelled Payne, but it was still PAIN. He explained in more detail that Devon had actually broken a piece off the tip of his ankle, so it wasn't a bad break. It was up to Devon whether or not he wanted a cast, which would keep him from swimming for a long time. He chose no cast, and even was allowed to ditch the crutches, which he had actually been very faithful about using. The doctor said it would hurt to use the foot, but it would heal just as fast as not using it, it was up to Devon. Devon didn't mind the pain. Weirdo.
June 22, 2008
Pick on Devon Day 3
Devon is the guy in the middle there in the pic, taken last week.Devon has always been a big time climber, an addiction he has no intention of outgrowing as far as I can tell.
When Devon was 2 1/2 we were at a Little Tykes play room in a mall in Virginia and he was climbing up all the fun toys. Well, sure enough, he fell head first off of one of the toys and landed on his head on the stone floor of the mall. (it did have a very thin layer of carpeting over it, but no protection from injuries at all.)
I had little baby Cody to carry, the diaper bags, and Devon who could not even hold his head upright, then try to keep hold of Drew and Kaytlin and get out of the mall. Devon couldn't even hold his head up sitting in the carseat! I was really freaked out. When I got home I couldn't get ahold of Donnie to help me, and bringing all the kids to an ER was not appealing. While I was trying to find a way to go Devon fell asleep. I could not wake him up! I totally freaked out!
I got a neighbor that I didn't know very well to agree to come watch the other kids because I was sure that Devon had a concussion at that point.
I kept trying to wake him up. "Do you wanna pet a puppy? Do you want some ice cream? Candy?" I kept going through the things he loves, nothing, not even a flicker of consciousness. Then, just as I was about to open the door for my neighbor the TV show Land of the Lost came on TV and Devon sat right up, wide awake, to watch it. So, I didn't even take him in, though I am sure he got a concussion.
Then a few years later we built one of those wooden playgrounds for the kids. They loved it and spent hours and hours outside every day. One day I heard the kids freaking out and ran to see what the commotion was all about. Devon was dripping blood! Apparently he had climbed to the top of the playground and fell off, landing on his nose on a 2x4.
I totally freaked again! I put him on the couch with a cold wet cloth for his nose and called Donnie to come home to take him to the hospital for a broken nose. Donnie refused to take him, saying that it was pointless because they can't fix a broken nose. I was so mad! I was crying and yelling at him about what an awful parent he was and on and on..... then I turned around and Devon had taken off to resume his playing.
That was not the end of Devon's falling from high places. The seemed to get progressively higher from there. Three foot play area, 7 foot play ground, and then 12 feet out of a tree.
Devon was up in a tree in our backyard, the tree leaned out back over the fence and over a deep drainage ditch from the Chesapeake Bay. Devon was a mighty climber at this time, at the ripe old age of 5, but the tree gave way. The branch he was standing on had snapped, sending him on a mad dash down to the ground. To save himself he would grab a branch, and it would break, and down he would go, branch after branch. Until there were none left to save him and his brand new white sweatsuit from taking the last 6 foot plunge to the black sludge of the ditch. Need I mention that the black sludge smelled really rotten? And that it was black on his white sweatsuit? Brand new white sweat suit?
I would NOT allow him to go across my entire house to get to the bathroom dripping that black, stinky sludge, so we had to strip him outside and lift him through the bathroom window in order to get him clean. Devon was scratched from the top to the bottom of his torso. But he went back up that same day.
June 21, 2008
Pick on Devon Day 2
Devon is our wild man, not out of control wild, just seems to get himself into a bit of trouble or tight spots often.
When he was about 5 or 6 we lived in Virginia he was always outside. He lived to be outdoors.
Donnie and I had a side job cleaning some offices and would take the kids with us to help dust and sweep.
We were about to leave home and head to the offices so I went to track Devon down. I found him in the back yard and called him in. He held one hand behind his back and stared at me. He said he would be right in. Now with Devon you have to pick your battles and I wasn't about to start a fight finding out what he was hiding, which was probably a snake or spider or something, which I didn't want to see anyways.
I went in the house and soon Devon came through the front door. Again, he hid his hand behind his back. Meaning he hadn't ditched whatever it was he had. I just grabbed his hand without asking and took a peek.
He had snuck his dad's pocket knife outside. That is a big no-no, and he found out why. He had sliced open his hand below his thumb. It was wide open and nasty.
Great, he had cut himself open and not told us. That sounds like Devon. I think he's only come to us twice when hurt, and it wasn't when he broke and sprained his ankle or this one.
So we were driving to the ER for some stitches and I was telling him how they would give him a shot so that the stitches wouldn't hurt, but the shot would hurt like a pinch. So he says "Are you sure?" "Yes, I'm sure." "Are you positive?" (all in a little scared voice) "Yes, I'm positive, sweetie." "Ha! Only fools are positive!" We had a little game in our family based on some movie that we wouldn't say we were positive, and we'd try to trick each other into saying it. He got me. He didn't care about the cut or getting stitches at all.
When we got to the ER there was a 3 hour wait, so I asked Devon if he wanted to wait or not, if we didn't get stitches he would get a scar. He asked what a scar was and I told him and guess what he said?
"Oh, those are so cool! See, I have one here, too!"
When he was about 5 or 6 we lived in Virginia he was always outside. He lived to be outdoors.
Donnie and I had a side job cleaning some offices and would take the kids with us to help dust and sweep.
We were about to leave home and head to the offices so I went to track Devon down. I found him in the back yard and called him in. He held one hand behind his back and stared at me. He said he would be right in. Now with Devon you have to pick your battles and I wasn't about to start a fight finding out what he was hiding, which was probably a snake or spider or something, which I didn't want to see anyways.
I went in the house and soon Devon came through the front door. Again, he hid his hand behind his back. Meaning he hadn't ditched whatever it was he had. I just grabbed his hand without asking and took a peek.
He had snuck his dad's pocket knife outside. That is a big no-no, and he found out why. He had sliced open his hand below his thumb. It was wide open and nasty.
Great, he had cut himself open and not told us. That sounds like Devon. I think he's only come to us twice when hurt, and it wasn't when he broke and sprained his ankle or this one.
So we were driving to the ER for some stitches and I was telling him how they would give him a shot so that the stitches wouldn't hurt, but the shot would hurt like a pinch. So he says "Are you sure?" "Yes, I'm sure." "Are you positive?" (all in a little scared voice) "Yes, I'm positive, sweetie." "Ha! Only fools are positive!" We had a little game in our family based on some movie that we wouldn't say we were positive, and we'd try to trick each other into saying it. He got me. He didn't care about the cut or getting stitches at all.
When we got to the ER there was a 3 hour wait, so I asked Devon if he wanted to wait or not, if we didn't get stitches he would get a scar. He asked what a scar was and I told him and guess what he said?
"Oh, those are so cool! See, I have one here, too!"
June 20, 2008
Pick on Devon Day
For lack of anything cool happening I have declared it "Pick on Devon Many a year ago, I'm thinking he must have been about 4-5 because he still wasn't talking much, Devon came running in the house crying. That wasn't all that weird, except that he was actually wanting help, usually he just sucks it up and deals with whatever pain he is in.
Devon had lots and lots of speech delays and trying to figure out what happened was going to take near-super-powers.
I deduced through my mom-powers that something was in his eye as he was clawing at it and crying and pointing at it. Then I deduced that it must be something poisonous because there was a bit of a chemical-like smell to him, on his hands and face. Maybe he was in some cleaner and rubbed his eye?
So I started holding his head under running water, trying to hold his eye open. The crying continued, causing me to do some more mommy-powered deducing.
He was outside, possibly in the van, as we were getting ready to leave. Hmm, what could be in the van?
Out I went. I opened the van door and was knocked to the ground by the over-whelming odor and pain to my eyes.
Devon had sprayed pepper spray in the van.
After I was able to get up, I held my breath and shut my eyes so I could open all the doors and release the painful gas from the van.
Then I thought it was pretty funny that Devon had done that to himself, cause I am all about the empathy. Devon did actually learn from that one and never did it again. Or I just returned it to the neighbor and he didn't have the opportunity. I had borrowed it to keep me safe at a meeting in downtown Norfolk.
June 19, 2008
My first time
Yesterday was my first time chaperoning teenagers on a youth trip. It was actually a lot of fun! We went to Valley Fair, which is an amusement park in Minnesota. Most of the kids did not need someone with them, they just needed to check in at times, so the adults got to go play, too. And the best part, it was free for the adults!
Part of the time Donnie and I were alone. Like a date! I made him go on rides he doesn't like (wet and upside down) and I went on rides I don't like (fast and serious drops). It really was a great day.
Here is a picture of us after going on The Wave, which is similar to a log ride, but SO MUCH wetter. Donnie hates it, but I could go on it all day over and over. We were pretty wet. We thought.
Then we went to Thunder Canyon. It is a great raft ride through some mild rapids and some water falls. There are six people to a raft.
There is one point in the ride that we go under a water fall and one person gets SOAKED. Like, hold your breath soaked. It was coming up and Donnie hates getting wet, so I hoped it would hit someone else. As we were nearing it the tube was turning and Donnie's back was to it. I was sure I was going to get it so I started reassuring him "It looks like it is going to get me, oh, never mind." and then the tube stopped turning and Donnie went under. Totally drenched him! He started cracking up big time! I couldn't believe he was being such a good sport about it, but apparently the way I said it cracked him up so it was worth the soaking. 
Wild Ride.
I really wasn't interested in promoting that side of myself, you know, so we got a shirt that I tucked in my fanny pack and covered up, lol.
The kids had a great time, we had a great time, and I am most assuredly a willing chaperon for the next few years, too!
Part of the time Donnie and I were alone. Like a date! I made him go on rides he doesn't like (wet and upside down) and I went on rides I don't like (fast and serious drops). It really was a great day.
Here is a picture of us after going on The Wave, which is similar to a log ride, but SO MUCH wetter. Donnie hates it, but I could go on it all day over and over. We were pretty wet. We thought.
Then we went to Thunder Canyon. It is a great raft ride through some mild rapids and some water falls. There are six people to a raft. There is one point in the ride that we go under a water fall and one person gets SOAKED. Like, hold your breath soaked. It was coming up and Donnie hates getting wet, so I hoped it would hit someone else. As we were nearing it the tube was turning and Donnie's back was to it. I was sure I was going to get it so I started reassuring him "It looks like it is going to get me, oh, never mind." and then the tube stopped turning and Donnie went under. Totally drenched him! He started cracking up big time! I couldn't believe he was being such a good sport about it, but apparently the way I said it cracked him up so it was worth the soaking. But after the ride was done we were so drenched and just could not stop dripping water all over. I had to get some new shorts because I couldn't walk in my drenched capris. Really, there wasn't much of a choice of clothing at the shops there, of course, so I had to get Valley Fair shorts. Not that that is so bad, but they only had shorts with sayings on the butt. And we do not buy clothing like that. I figured I would just use them for pajamas after that, though. The dilemma became how to cover the saying. Because it did not say "Valley Fair" on the butt. No, that would have been OK. But we were with a youth group and guess what was plastered across my butt?
Wild Ride.
I really wasn't interested in promoting that side of myself, you know, so we got a shirt that I tucked in my fanny pack and covered up, lol.
The kids had a great time, we had a great time, and I am most assuredly a willing chaperon for the next few years, too!
June 14, 2008
It's up!
Donnie has my computer up and running! But now my network part isn't working. So, still no internet. However, I have a wireless card somewhere that I put away and can't remember where, and that will solve my problems. Pray for my memory, people!
My uncle came over today and fixed my plumbing problems!!!!! No more clogged toilet, and we still have NO idea what was causing the problem. He unclogged my upstairs bathroom sink and replaced it with a new, nicer sink and faucet we've been planning to switch to, AND added some shut off valves that we didn't have before. (the beauty of really old houses) And he also fixed my kitchen sink which was apparently leaking underneath. He checked out my dishwasher, which is pretty much just a goner. And then he replaced the spout in the upstairs bathtub with one that has a hand held shower head. Whew! Yes, he worked ALL day. Gotta love him!
Now, if only I could get my washing machine fixed.............
My uncle came over today and fixed my plumbing problems!!!!! No more clogged toilet, and we still have NO idea what was causing the problem. He unclogged my upstairs bathroom sink and replaced it with a new, nicer sink and faucet we've been planning to switch to, AND added some shut off valves that we didn't have before. (the beauty of really old houses) And he also fixed my kitchen sink which was apparently leaking underneath. He checked out my dishwasher, which is pretty much just a goner. And then he replaced the spout in the upstairs bathtub with one that has a hand held shower head. Whew! Yes, he worked ALL day. Gotta love him!
Now, if only I could get my washing machine fixed.............
Almost there!
Donnie has my computer up and running, but the internet will NOT work. No reason that we can find, yet, but no internet. Don't worry, he'll get it, he likes me online because I leave him alone with his computer game that way.
Last night was ladies night. Super fun, as always! Last night was Paula's birthday, and since she is the one who said that, like my boys, she would eat her poop I made her a pile of poop birthday cake. She loved it, and yes, she did eat it. Ok, so it was made of chocolate cake and chocolate frosting, but it was still too gross looking for anyone else to try it, lol. Paula found out you have to watch what you say at LNO. We played Bunco instead of Quelf, and I am sure Cindy was bummed, but she stayed even after the games stopped, so maybe we were interesting enough to make up for the lack of Quelf.
When I got home it was just like every other ladies night, no one did their chores. And we have company coming this morning. To FINALLY get our plumbing fixed! YAHOO!!!! I don't think my uncle has any idea what is in store for him, lol. The toilet is clogged, the upstairs sink is clogged (the sink in the bathroom with the working toilet), we need a new sink installed up there, a shower head and faucet installed in that bathroom, he plans to look at my dishwasher, but I plan to get him to look at my washing machine that died the other day.
Hopefully he doesn't find a horrible problem with my floor in the upstairs bathroom after Samuel flooding it AGAIN. It flooded from the main floor, through the ceiling to the main floor and also followed the toilet pipes to drench my basement.
Yes, I often wonder myself if I am cursed.
Last night was ladies night. Super fun, as always! Last night was Paula's birthday, and since she is the one who said that, like my boys, she would eat her poop I made her a pile of poop birthday cake. She loved it, and yes, she did eat it. Ok, so it was made of chocolate cake and chocolate frosting, but it was still too gross looking for anyone else to try it, lol. Paula found out you have to watch what you say at LNO. We played Bunco instead of Quelf, and I am sure Cindy was bummed, but she stayed even after the games stopped, so maybe we were interesting enough to make up for the lack of Quelf.
When I got home it was just like every other ladies night, no one did their chores. And we have company coming this morning. To FINALLY get our plumbing fixed! YAHOO!!!! I don't think my uncle has any idea what is in store for him, lol. The toilet is clogged, the upstairs sink is clogged (the sink in the bathroom with the working toilet), we need a new sink installed up there, a shower head and faucet installed in that bathroom, he plans to look at my dishwasher, but I plan to get him to look at my washing machine that died the other day.
Hopefully he doesn't find a horrible problem with my floor in the upstairs bathroom after Samuel flooding it AGAIN. It flooded from the main floor, through the ceiling to the main floor and also followed the toilet pipes to drench my basement.
Yes, I often wonder myself if I am cursed.
June 12, 2008
Yippee!!
I couldn't believe how fast my doctor got my MRI results, but he called me within a couple of hours and let me know they did actually find something. Good news, though. Migraines don't show up, but they did find a sinus infection that actually could be the cause of my problems. I don't really understand how it could be causing migraines for 4 years, but lets hope this is my problem and all is well at the end of my medication. At the very least, it could be the cause of the dizziness/fainting spells and not the migraines. And that is still a very good solution to me. I can live with the migraines at the rate they are now.
Well, we finally have a nice day here in Minnesota, so I better get outside and enjoy it! (yes, this is Lisa, I have not been kidnapped or taken over by aliens)
Well, we finally have a nice day here in Minnesota, so I better get outside and enjoy it! (yes, this is Lisa, I have not been kidnapped or taken over by aliens)
June 11, 2008
Soon, it will all be fixed!
Yep, Donnie ordered a new hard drive for my computer. I am hopeful that he can extract the videos and pictures. I have the pictures on disc, but not sure I can actually access them all. Long story.
Tomorrow is my MRI! It is a bummer that I have to miss some of VBS, but it was the only appointment available. We pretty much know that I have Basilar Migraines, which are rare, and I am hoping this scan will give us a good picture.
I was able to save the Parents Appreciation videos, so those will resume soon! And you are in for a treat, becuase the rest of them are funny!
Now, I'm off to nurse off this miserable migraine. Can't wait until I am back on my computer!
Tomorrow is my MRI! It is a bummer that I have to miss some of VBS, but it was the only appointment available. We pretty much know that I have Basilar Migraines, which are rare, and I am hoping this scan will give us a good picture.
I was able to save the Parents Appreciation videos, so those will resume soon! And you are in for a treat, becuase the rest of them are funny!
Now, I'm off to nurse off this miserable migraine. Can't wait until I am back on my computer!
June 09, 2008
I think I'm gonna cry!
I can live with the computer dying, but I am losing all my videos! I don't know for sure if the pictures are going to transfer or not. I have them on discs, but we'll see if we can open them on a different computer or not. The videos go on disc, too, but won't open. Drew can't even open the files, his computer spits the disc out.
If only my computer would connect to the internet and let me download the vids to Youtube! Whaaaa!
Sam's burn is not too bad, he has a few blisters, but they are a bit deeper and not in danger of popping and getting infected. He doesn't seem to be in pain and doesn't even baby that hand now.
Day one of VBS is down, and playing with 4 toddler boys for 3 hours is quite the task, but we managed.
If only my computer would connect to the internet and let me download the vids to Youtube! Whaaaa!
Sam's burn is not too bad, he has a few blisters, but they are a bit deeper and not in danger of popping and getting infected. He doesn't seem to be in pain and doesn't even baby that hand now.
Day one of VBS is down, and playing with 4 toddler boys for 3 hours is quite the task, but we managed.
June 08, 2008
Screeeeeeeeeeeeech!!!!!!!!!!!!
That is the sound my life makes when my computer stops working. Well, it does work, as long as I don't want to have anything to do with the Internet. I can play games, work on pictures, etc, but try to turn on the Internet? It all comes to a screeching halt.
Now, even though I am married to a computer guy, I am not sure I have any hope at all of saving my computer. The scanning won't work, there is an error that prevents it.
Lovely.
So, it is a good thing that it is VBS week at our church and I will have the mornings occupied to distract me from my sad new life.
So, until further notice (or one of the rare moments my computer lets me online) I will not be able to continue the parent appreciation posts. And I have 3 more to go.
OH, and tonight poor little Sam burned his hand. Drew was getting ready for a grad party and left the iron on and left the room. No one else was in there because we were all cooking. So, Sam grabbed the iron.
It is like deja 'vu for us. Drew did the same thing when he was a little older. It was a super bad burn, too. Sam's is not quite that bad. He has some blisters, but they are not huge, thankfully. (or YET, Drew's took some time to grow huge)
Sam seems fine now. Lots and lots of soaking in cold water, and two kinds of topical pain reliever for burns, more cold water soaks, more pain reliever, and some Tylenol, then some candy and some ice cream, and he is now running around having fun and not really even babying the burned hand.
Now, even though I am married to a computer guy, I am not sure I have any hope at all of saving my computer. The scanning won't work, there is an error that prevents it.
Lovely.
So, it is a good thing that it is VBS week at our church and I will have the mornings occupied to distract me from my sad new life.
So, until further notice (or one of the rare moments my computer lets me online) I will not be able to continue the parent appreciation posts. And I have 3 more to go.
OH, and tonight poor little Sam burned his hand. Drew was getting ready for a grad party and left the iron on and left the room. No one else was in there because we were all cooking. So, Sam grabbed the iron.
It is like deja 'vu for us. Drew did the same thing when he was a little older. It was a super bad burn, too. Sam's is not quite that bad. He has some blisters, but they are not huge, thankfully. (or YET, Drew's took some time to grow huge)
Sam seems fine now. Lots and lots of soaking in cold water, and two kinds of topical pain reliever for burns, more cold water soaks, more pain reliever, and some Tylenol, then some candy and some ice cream, and he is now running around having fun and not really even babying the burned hand.
June 07, 2008
Parent Appreciation Day Part 1
A while back our youth group held a parent appreciation night. They had dessert, some games (to embarass the parents), and a video of appreciation from the kids.
Here is Drew's:
Yes, I do feel loved.
Stay tuned for more episodes of Parent Appreciation.
It's Official!
I am now the mom of an adult. Drew graduated and has his diploma. In a couple short months from now he will be moving out and starting his Air Force career.
I wasn't sure I would cry during graduation, but sure enough I was crying by 6:30. Graduation started at 7. I was looking at the pics of all the graduates and realized that our whole community and church are going to change, not just our family. Wow. Drew's class is a group of leaders, strong and moral. It is going to have an impact on our community.
During one of the speeches someone said something about being "the class of 2008" and I started remembering way back. Back to a time when (skinny) Donnie and I were laying in bed with a squirmy little infant in between us. We were in such awe of him and started counting the years to see what year he would graduate. Sure, it seemed exciting, but I never realized that this day would actually get here, and certainly not as fast as it came.
We had a great time tonight and we are so proud of all the graduates and so proud of Drew. Congratulations, Drew! We love you!
I wasn't sure I would cry during graduation, but sure enough I was crying by 6:30. Graduation started at 7. I was looking at the pics of all the graduates and realized that our whole community and church are going to change, not just our family. Wow. Drew's class is a group of leaders, strong and moral. It is going to have an impact on our community.
During one of the speeches someone said something about being "the class of 2008" and I started remembering way back. Back to a time when (skinny) Donnie and I were laying in bed with a squirmy little infant in between us. We were in such awe of him and started counting the years to see what year he would graduate. Sure, it seemed exciting, but I never realized that this day would actually get here, and certainly not as fast as it came.
We had a great time tonight and we are so proud of all the graduates and so proud of Drew. Congratulations, Drew! We love you!
June 06, 2008
Today my baby graduates!
My little bitty baby Drew......
I'll work on scanning lots of pics and put up a slide show of him soon. Today is graduation day, so I'm not sure I'll find the time.
June 04, 2008
Potty Trained at last??
Sam came to me and took my hand and said "Poop." So I walked him to the bathroom and helped him undress and sit on the potty chair.Sure enough, there was poop and pee in the potty!!
Wooo hoo!!!
And then I woke up.
June 02, 2008
Natural way to start your labor
Going into labor on my own doesn't happen easily for me. I wish I had this book when I was pregnant!Easier, Shorter and Safer Birth by Lena Leino is a great resource to jumpstarting your labor naturally, which translates to "safely." Pitocin doesn't always work, and it hurts if you are not ready for labor. But, it also carries a high rate of c-sections following the use of it.
Ms. Leino describes and illustrates how to use acupuncture to bring on labor with no stress to the baby. Medical intervention is the biggest factor in the high c-section rates in our country, and I want to do whatever I can to prevent that from happening to me AGAIN. I have had 2 c-sections, and unless I can go into labor on my own and walk in ready to deliver, I won't be having a natural birth again.
Here is what you will find in the book:
how to induce labor at home and avoid the risks and discomforts of
chemical labor induction in a hospital- the amazing acupressure points that help your cervix dilate and
significantly decrease your chances of a Cesarean delivery- very simple techniques to speed up an extremely slow early labor
- how to help your baby descend better into the pelvis and help him or her to
make the most important journey into this world- techniques to stimulate onset of labor contractions to start and to
strengthen contractions during labor when necessary- how to use the maternity acupressure method to prime your body for labor and
delivery- proven acupressure point combinations that help you to make better progress
in labor- two simple acupressure techniques that help a baby in a posterior position
turn into an optimal anterior position for easier birth- which maternity acupressure techniques which will help in cases where the
cervix is fully dilated, but it's difficult to push the baby through the birth
canal- the technique that will help ease into the transition phase
And
more…- 7 acupressure techniques that produce a pleasant anesthetizing effect on
the contraction pains – WITHOUT medication (guess why the doctors won’t tell you
about these…)- simple techniques that relieve pain especially on the lower back area
- acupressure tactics that calm your mind and give relief from anxiety and
nervousness before and during labor- relaxing acupressure techniques that release the tension working against
labor- amazingly helpful acupressure techniques that combat the feelings of nausea
and vomiting which sometimes occur during labor
I have heard of women hiring an acupuncturist to assist them in labor, but most people do not have that kind of money, especially when they don't know it will work. But for $29 for the book, it is certainly a good deal, with the added benefit of not having a stranger touching you in labor.
There is a free bonus for buying the ebook, too, another ebook called The Amazing Hidden Facts of Good Birthing Positions.Call me a hippie, but I am buying these books if I ever have another child!
If you are pregnant, go buy these books! Click Here!
New year's resolution update!
Our New Year's resolution is one that we desperately want to keep. We are going to eat at a new restaurant once a month for a year. So, here is May's update!
Donnie chose Hucklebucks bar and grill. It was a little drive, but not as long as the IDS Tower for April. He had heard that they had great burgers and ribs. Men and their ribs.
When we got there it wasn't too packed, so it was nice. We had an excellent waitress, too. It was tough to choose what we wanted to eat, the menu sounded too good! I chose fish because I am having constant headaches and fish is good for that. Donnie chose the special, prime rib.
The fish was amazing! OH, the appetizers, deep fried cauliflower, were AWESOME!!!! Donnie's meal, however was the highlight of the evening.
Seriously.
Donnie chose Hucklebucks bar and grill. It was a little drive, but not as long as the IDS Tower for April. He had heard that they had great burgers and ribs. Men and their ribs.
When we got there it wasn't too packed, so it was nice. We had an excellent waitress, too. It was tough to choose what we wanted to eat, the menu sounded too good! I chose fish because I am having constant headaches and fish is good for that. Donnie chose the special, prime rib.
The fish was amazing! OH, the appetizers, deep fried cauliflower, were AWESOME!!!! Donnie's meal, however was the highlight of the evening.
Seriously.
The "steak" was the size of a roast for our size family. Huge doesn't do it justice. We had to slice it in half length-wise to fit it in the take home box!
The flavor got Donnie hooked. It was so smokey. I thought it tasted just like a campfire smells. It made me cough, just like the smoke does while camping, too. Donnie didn't agree, he absolutely loved it.
Hucklebucks is now a Qtpies favorite! Next time we try the fish fingers appetizers and ribs.
May 31, 2008
May 29, 2008
 |
5. One of my favorites of all time, an otoscope from Dr. Mom! I've given two away, and plan to give another one away soon! 6. I do a lot of book reviews, but one of the best ever was Do Hard Things, a book challenging teens to reach beyond expectations. 7. Organic Milk from Horizon. Who doesn't want free milk? I have 7 kids, I loved this one! 8. Kellogg's has become my new BFF. Kellogg's Frosted Flakes Gold Sample. 9. Kellogg's Bliss Bars, two packages! Yummy! Plus a large tote bag. 10. Wild Animal Crunch Cereal and a DVD of Meerkat Manor! 11. Today I recieved a package with awesome vintage bowls and a plate, mug and bowl set from Kelloggs. They are so nice, not the plastic stuff. 12. Yoplait Yogurt for kids, I got great samples and a cool tote bag. 13. My most recent is Clorox Lavendar wipes. I am a Clorox wipe user already, it is fast and easy, making it easier to get the kids to help. Plus no chemical pouring, etc. for the kids to deal with. Coming up: Schlag Locks! I can't wait for this one! |
Cleaning Spree With My New BFF
For the last, oh, 11 days or so I have been sick. Coughing, sneezing, achy, stuffy head stuff. The nose blowing doesn't seem to ever want to leave!
Well, it is time to take things into my own hands! Clorox sent me a tub of their new, thicker Lavender scented whips to try out, so I got to work.
Lavender Clorox wipes are my new BFF! I am a huge Clorox wipes user already, and have 4 tubs of them throughout my house, but the Lavender scent is a joy to use.
Now, I am disinfecting my house while giving it a fresh spring scent. You really can smell it after you are done using it. With Clorox, you know it is clean, too.
The new thicker wipes are great for picking up dust and dirt on many surfaces. The low-streak formula makes cleaning the faucets a one-step job. The disinfecting wipes kill 99.9% of germs, including cold and flu viruses, Staphylococcus, Salmonella (my all-time paranoia) and E.coli.
Good-bye germs, hello new BFF!
May 28, 2008
May 27, 2008
Does this make sense to you?
So, in the very rare instances of my husband's sister visiting our home, ONE time we didn't have a towel in one of the bathrooms. So now they pack a towel with them when they come over. Every time. Even though they have never needed it.
Skid~ A book review
I received a copy of Rene Gutteridges new book, Skid, to review. I enjoyed the last book I reviewed of hers in the Boo series, so I was really looking forward to this one.Skid, the third book in an occupational hazard series, is about a flight from Atlanta to Amsterdam that goes a bit wrong, and then right. There are a lot of characters to learn, but a lot of fun goes with it. Skid is a great book, fun to read!
Summary:
Blissfully unaware that Atlantica Flight 1945 from Atlanta to Amsterdam is about to make aviation history, First Officer Danny McSweeney focuses his energies on navigating the turbulent personalities of an eccentric female captain, a co-pilot with a talent for tactless comments and conspiracy theories, and a lead flight attendant with an outsized attitude that definitely exceeds the limits for carry-on baggage.
On the other side of the cockpit door, the unscheduled in-flight entertainment includes a potbellied pig, a jittery diamond courier, and the recently jilted Lucy Meredith, whose personal mantra of “What Would Oprah Do?” will be challenged by the sudden appearance of her ex and his new traveling partner. On her left sits Hank Hazard, whose unusually polite but constant requests–prompted by his covert role as a spy for the airline–test the limits of the crew’s customer service.
But as Lucy and the rest of the crew discover, Hank’s odd behavior is linked to a quiet faith that may play a key role in the fate of everyone on board. Especially when an unexpected traveler sets this already bumpy flight on a course toward the unfriendly skies.
Author Bio:
Rene Gutteridge is the author of twelve novels, including the Boo series, the Storm series, and the novelization for The Ultimate Gift (which I LOVED), as well as Scoop and Snitch, the first two Occupational Hazard novels. She lives with her husband, Sean, and their two children in Oklahoma City.
You can purchase your copy at Amazon: Skid.
BBQ Season is Upon Us
BBQ RULES
We are about to enter the summer and BBQ season. Therefore it is important to refresh your memory on the etiquette of this sublime outdoor cooking activity, as it's the only type of cooking a 'real' man will do, probably because there is an element of danger involved. When a man volunteers to do the BBQ the following chain of events are put into motion:
Routine...
(1) The woman buys the food.
(2) The woman makes the salad, prepares the vegetables, and makes dessert.
(3) The woman prepares the meat for cooking, places it on a tray along with the necessary cooking utensils and sauces, and takes it to the man who is lounging beside the grill - beer in hand.
Here comes the important part:
(4) THE MAN PLACES THE MEAT ON THE GRILL.
More routine....
(5) The woman goes inside to organize the plates and cutlery.
(6) The woman comes out to tell the man that the meat is burning. He thanks her and asks if she will bring another beer while he deals with the situation.
Important again:
(7) THE MAN TAKES THE MEAT OFF THE GRILL AND HANDS IT TO THE WOMAN.
More routine....
(8) The woman prepares the plates, salad, bread, utensils, napkins, sauces, and brings them to the table.
(9) After eating, the woman clears the table and does the dishes.
And most important of all:
(10) Everyone PRAISES the MAN and THANKS HIM for his cooking efforts.
(11) The man asks the woman how she enjoyed 'her night off.'
And, upon seeing her annoyed reaction, concludes that there's just no pleasing some women....
We are about to enter the summer and BBQ season. Therefore it is important to refresh your memory on the etiquette of this sublime outdoor cooking activity, as it's the only type of cooking a 'real' man will do, probably because there is an element of danger involved. When a man volunteers to do the BBQ the following chain of events are put into motion:
Routine...
(1) The woman buys the food.
(2) The woman makes the salad, prepares the vegetables, and makes dessert.
(3) The woman prepares the meat for cooking, places it on a tray along with the necessary cooking utensils and sauces, and takes it to the man who is lounging beside the grill - beer in hand.
Here comes the important part:
(4) THE MAN PLACES THE MEAT ON THE GRILL.
More routine....
(5) The woman goes inside to organize the plates and cutlery.
(6) The woman comes out to tell the man that the meat is burning. He thanks her and asks if she will bring another beer while he deals with the situation.
Important again:
(7) THE MAN TAKES THE MEAT OFF THE GRILL AND HANDS IT TO THE WOMAN.
More routine....
(8) The woman prepares the plates, salad, bread, utensils, napkins, sauces, and brings them to the table.
(9) After eating, the woman clears the table and does the dishes.
And most important of all:
(10) Everyone PRAISES the MAN and THANKS HIM for his cooking efforts.
(11) The man asks the woman how she enjoyed 'her night off.'
And, upon seeing her annoyed reaction, concludes that there's just no pleasing some women....
May 26, 2008
Apparently I am neglectful
Sam drank (apparently) some Mr. Clean the other day, while I wasn't there at the time, I still take some of the blame. The cleaner was in a cupboard WITH A CHILD LOCK, though, so not sure what else we could have done.
Last night Sam was caught drinking out of the toilet. We've caught him drinking out of the dog's water bowl, too.
I must neglect to give him enough to drink.
I refuse to take the blame for him eating poop, though, because I do feed the kid enough. I figured out why he loves cat food so much, though. We had Talapia for supper last night, and he snarfed it down! He loves fish.
Last night Sam was caught drinking out of the toilet. We've caught him drinking out of the dog's water bowl, too.
I must neglect to give him enough to drink.
I refuse to take the blame for him eating poop, though, because I do feed the kid enough. I figured out why he loves cat food so much, though. We had Talapia for supper last night, and he snarfed it down! He loves fish.
May 24, 2008
What?!?!?!?!
Yesterday I needed to take my mother in law to the grocery store, and it took awhile, she is adjusting to some meds and it is slow going. Devon had stayed home from school so he was babysitting along with Hope-Anne.
About the end of the trip Donnie gave me a call on the cell, but not much of anything was going on.
I get home and the house smells clean. But it isn't. So I wonder what happened that they needed to clean things up. Was there a poop blowout? Nope. OK, then. I soon found a white cloth diaper on the changing table that was now a pretty shade of pink, but we don't have any koolaid to spill on it. OK, then.
A long while later I went in the kitchen and found an open bottle of Mr. Clean Apple scented multipurpose cleaner open, and that is what I was smelling. Hey! That is the same color that was on Sam's diaper! Kids!!!
"Did Sam get into the cleaner?"
"Yes."
"How do you know he didn't drink any?" (my voice went up a couple of octaves there)
"He did drink it."
"What?!?! What do you mean he did drink it?"
"He only drank a little bit. And besides we gave him water."
"What???? How can my child drink POISON and you not TELL ME?!?!?!?!?!"
"We gave him water just like it says to on the bottle."
Turns out that Donnie knew about it and didn't bother calling poison control or ME to tell me about it because he was "busy with something." The all ignored the part after making him drink water, the part that says "CALL A PHYSICIAN OR POISON CONTROL."
At this point it has probably been an hour. He wasn't acting drunk, or sore or funny at all. So they said I didn't need to bring him in.
Oh, and no more TV while I am gone.
We went to karaoke at church again and we even sang. We got Donnie up there singing "The Streak" and then there was no stopping him, he went on a roll with old silly songs. I sang "Manic Monday" with two of my friends. Unfortunately our friend Jody didn't come, and she won't answer her phone to any of us harassing friends trying to drag her pregnant hiney out of the house on the night her hubby comes home for a business trip. She still won't answer the phone, but thankfully her hubby answers his cell so we know she is alive and not in early labor. (Jody, since the harassing voice mails aren't getting a response, I'm taking it public! LOL)
Today was a birthday party for a friend's son. Trinity and Sam had a great time. I think it was the first Sam has been to besides his first birthday. He was running all over looking cute as could be in his big boy clothes.
But we all missed Jody and the boys, again. Thankfully her husband answers his cell phone so that we know she is alive and not in early labor.
Then, tonight, we had the THIRD day in a row of trying to fix the kid's new cell phones. Somehow the knuckle heads can't tell the difference between unlimited texting and watching tv online on their phones. And while we were on that call Donnie's mom called the cell and said that Donnie's dad had fallen and she couldn't help him up. Devon booked it over there and Drew and I followed in the car so we could bring him to the hospital.
By the time Drew and I got up there Devon had just picked him up and set him on his feet and he was off. No problem. I think he is a bit off and may have a virus, but he wasn't walking like he was in pain, so no broken bones. He probably didn't fall, just slid off the couch while trying to get to a standing position. Now we have to worry about him at home alone with no phone while Donnie's mom goes out of town almost every week.
Oh, and Donnie is NOT going to lose his job! But we are still going to work our way out of a job by going into our own business. It is going pretty well so far!
About the end of the trip Donnie gave me a call on the cell, but not much of anything was going on.
I get home and the house smells clean. But it isn't. So I wonder what happened that they needed to clean things up. Was there a poop blowout? Nope. OK, then. I soon found a white cloth diaper on the changing table that was now a pretty shade of pink, but we don't have any koolaid to spill on it. OK, then.
A long while later I went in the kitchen and found an open bottle of Mr. Clean Apple scented multipurpose cleaner open, and that is what I was smelling. Hey! That is the same color that was on Sam's diaper! Kids!!!
"Did Sam get into the cleaner?"
"Yes."
"How do you know he didn't drink any?" (my voice went up a couple of octaves there)
"He did drink it."
"What?!?! What do you mean he did drink it?"
"He only drank a little bit. And besides we gave him water."
"What???? How can my child drink POISON and you not TELL ME?!?!?!?!?!"
"We gave him water just like it says to on the bottle."
Turns out that Donnie knew about it and didn't bother calling poison control or ME to tell me about it because he was "busy with something." The all ignored the part after making him drink water, the part that says "CALL A PHYSICIAN OR POISON CONTROL."
At this point it has probably been an hour. He wasn't acting drunk, or sore or funny at all. So they said I didn't need to bring him in.
Oh, and no more TV while I am gone.
We went to karaoke at church again and we even sang. We got Donnie up there singing "The Streak" and then there was no stopping him, he went on a roll with old silly songs. I sang "Manic Monday" with two of my friends. Unfortunately our friend Jody didn't come, and she won't answer her phone to any of us harassing friends trying to drag her pregnant hiney out of the house on the night her hubby comes home for a business trip. She still won't answer the phone, but thankfully her hubby answers his cell so we know she is alive and not in early labor. (Jody, since the harassing voice mails aren't getting a response, I'm taking it public! LOL)
Today was a birthday party for a friend's son. Trinity and Sam had a great time. I think it was the first Sam has been to besides his first birthday. He was running all over looking cute as could be in his big boy clothes.
But we all missed Jody and the boys, again. Thankfully her husband answers his cell phone so that we know she is alive and not in early labor.
Then, tonight, we had the THIRD day in a row of trying to fix the kid's new cell phones. Somehow the knuckle heads can't tell the difference between unlimited texting and watching tv online on their phones. And while we were on that call Donnie's mom called the cell and said that Donnie's dad had fallen and she couldn't help him up. Devon booked it over there and Drew and I followed in the car so we could bring him to the hospital.
By the time Drew and I got up there Devon had just picked him up and set him on his feet and he was off. No problem. I think he is a bit off and may have a virus, but he wasn't walking like he was in pain, so no broken bones. He probably didn't fall, just slid off the couch while trying to get to a standing position. Now we have to worry about him at home alone with no phone while Donnie's mom goes out of town almost every week.
Oh, and Donnie is NOT going to lose his job! But we are still going to work our way out of a job by going into our own business. It is going pretty well so far!
May 23, 2008
Contests anyone? Free stuff?
I have been on a bit of a giveaway fast lately, but I just have to tell about this one because I have been wanting one and the contact guy doesn't ever respond to me requests, so I guess I have to go through all the entering to get one for free. Come on, Ryan, let me do a review of your Zoobies!
An Island Life is giving away a Zoobie Pet! I would love to get a couple for Trinity and Samuel. I think they would make fantastic gifts for nieces and nephews, too. Wouldn't I be the best auntie ever??? They are amazing stuffed animals with a very large blanket stuffed inside! Great for traveling. The ones I want to buy are not available to buy on their online store, either. Bums me out! If only that contact guy would answer my emails I would be able to own one and give one away. Wouldn't that be awesome??
Sassyfrazz is giving away a set of Around the Table Games. Very neat idea for family bonding.
An Island Life is giving away a Zoobie Pet! I would love to get a couple for Trinity and Samuel. I think they would make fantastic gifts for nieces and nephews, too. Wouldn't I be the best auntie ever??? They are amazing stuffed animals with a very large blanket stuffed inside! Great for traveling. The ones I want to buy are not available to buy on their online store, either. Bums me out! If only that contact guy would answer my emails I would be able to own one and give one away. Wouldn't that be awesome??
Sassyfrazz is giving away a set of Around the Table Games. Very neat idea for family bonding.
May 22, 2008
OK, Then...
Two cars. It is a step in the right direction.
We have the Jeep in a shop where 3 registered mechanics are unable to figure things out after hours and hours of testing. I'm beginning to wonder if it is the shop or the Jeep. We can't afford the hours they are putting into it.
My Geo is working now, so that is a plus. But I am still without a vehicle while my mom and Donnie are both at work. Maybe they can carpool, though, as Donnie can drive past her work on his way to work and back. It just means she will have to kill some time while he comes to get her after work.
Last night there was an award ceremony for the high school seniors. Drew was honored for joining the military. A couple who lost one of their sons in the military had coins made and gives them to the enlistees. It was very touching. It is nice to know that people support our troops, even families who lose a child.
One of the first things we were asked when our friends found out at the ceremony that Drew is enlisted was if he would have to go to Iraq. I really do not think much about that. He is going in the military, it is highly possible. We do not know what his job will be yet, so we can't say for sure. But he is trying for a medical field. He will probably be in training for a few years, and if he does go after that, it won't be on the front lines. But that is fine, too. Drew belongs to God, and nothing will happen to him outside of God's control. We are not going to worry about the war, because it isn't in our line of sight and it isn't in our control. We couldn't be more happy with his choice to join the military.
That is our goal with all of our boys. We just never really state it as an option. It is their duty to serve their country, then they can get on with their lives. One of them may not choose to do that, and that is their choice, of course. But they will gain so much by doing it.
UPDATE!
Mom's Jeep is fixed! It is going to be a tight end of the month, but it is running!
We have the Jeep in a shop where 3 registered mechanics are unable to figure things out after hours and hours of testing. I'm beginning to wonder if it is the shop or the Jeep. We can't afford the hours they are putting into it.
My Geo is working now, so that is a plus. But I am still without a vehicle while my mom and Donnie are both at work. Maybe they can carpool, though, as Donnie can drive past her work on his way to work and back. It just means she will have to kill some time while he comes to get her after work.
Last night there was an award ceremony for the high school seniors. Drew was honored for joining the military. A couple who lost one of their sons in the military had coins made and gives them to the enlistees. It was very touching. It is nice to know that people support our troops, even families who lose a child.
One of the first things we were asked when our friends found out at the ceremony that Drew is enlisted was if he would have to go to Iraq. I really do not think much about that. He is going in the military, it is highly possible. We do not know what his job will be yet, so we can't say for sure. But he is trying for a medical field. He will probably be in training for a few years, and if he does go after that, it won't be on the front lines. But that is fine, too. Drew belongs to God, and nothing will happen to him outside of God's control. We are not going to worry about the war, because it isn't in our line of sight and it isn't in our control. We couldn't be more happy with his choice to join the military.
That is our goal with all of our boys. We just never really state it as an option. It is their duty to serve their country, then they can get on with their lives. One of them may not choose to do that, and that is their choice, of course. But they will gain so much by doing it.
UPDATE!
Mom's Jeep is fixed! It is going to be a tight end of the month, but it is running!
May 21, 2008
Whoa!
Not sure how it happened, but we will possibly have THREE or even FOUR working vehicles by the end of the day today! And we have an offer to replace our van's engine for $600 if we find the engine, I'm not sure how that would work out.
I took a walk to the doctors office today. It was quite pleasant and great exercise! I didn't want to go in, but Donnie made the appointment and ordered me to go. I need to have an MRI or MRA, but have to wait until my next cycle to be sure there is not baby in the making. That is just the way it goes when you don't use birth control. Last time I scheduled and MRI for after my cycle, it never came, I was pregnant with Sam. But hopefully we will find out what is going on with my brain soon. I think after the MRI I will be going to a neurologist and an opthomologist.
I took a walk to the doctors office today. It was quite pleasant and great exercise! I didn't want to go in, but Donnie made the appointment and ordered me to go. I need to have an MRI or MRA, but have to wait until my next cycle to be sure there is not baby in the making. That is just the way it goes when you don't use birth control. Last time I scheduled and MRI for after my cycle, it never came, I was pregnant with Sam. But hopefully we will find out what is going on with my brain soon. I think after the MRI I will be going to a neurologist and an opthomologist.
Drew's Shirt fiasco
Remember prom? When Drew bought a shirt much too small? Remember how I said I might even post a video of it? Well, here it is. Just for kicks.
The Car Saga
In the recent past I have jokingly renamed my blog "Car Killers R Us" or something like that. Yep, that is us.
The van does need a new engine, just like we thought. Not going to happen at their prices. We are looking elsewhere for that. Though they want to buy our van for "cheap." I don't think so. At least if we keep the van, we have the option of having a vehicle that fits us for $4500, if we don't have it, we'd have to buy another one for at least $16,000, but more likely $25,000. I don't want to go into debt ever again.
Mom's Jeep still isn't working. Despite me actually helping to pull parts out of the engine, lol. I actually helped work on it because my hands are smaller than our neighbor's. Another guy is coming out to run some tests on it today. Still no luck getting the kids' car running. I'm hoping today is the purple moon that it decides to start for because I have a doctor's appointment that I really don't want to walk to, but will. Exercise is good for me.
I'll take pics, as a reader requested, when we bring the van back home. I want to take pics anyways to remember this time in our lives. Our one working car has a missing side view mirror, a missing piece of the plastic in front, and a smashed windshield, lol. The van has a cracked windshield, too. I want to remember this so that I can see how far we've come when our business is doing well. We plan to be able to support ourselves on it in a year. The plan is going well, so far! We made a $300 bonus yesterday alone! Woohoo!
So, I'm going to the doctor today to see about the whole dizziness/fainting and migraine issues. Not sure where that is going to go. I won't get an MRI for at least 2 weeks, if then. I'm sure the doctor is going to love me showing up with a horrid cold today. Still can't breath out of my nose, my throat hurts, I cough a lot, but at least the throwing up is done, and I think the fever is gone, not sure though.
The van does need a new engine, just like we thought. Not going to happen at their prices. We are looking elsewhere for that. Though they want to buy our van for "cheap." I don't think so. At least if we keep the van, we have the option of having a vehicle that fits us for $4500, if we don't have it, we'd have to buy another one for at least $16,000, but more likely $25,000. I don't want to go into debt ever again.
Mom's Jeep still isn't working. Despite me actually helping to pull parts out of the engine, lol. I actually helped work on it because my hands are smaller than our neighbor's. Another guy is coming out to run some tests on it today. Still no luck getting the kids' car running. I'm hoping today is the purple moon that it decides to start for because I have a doctor's appointment that I really don't want to walk to, but will. Exercise is good for me.
I'll take pics, as a reader requested, when we bring the van back home. I want to take pics anyways to remember this time in our lives. Our one working car has a missing side view mirror, a missing piece of the plastic in front, and a smashed windshield, lol. The van has a cracked windshield, too. I want to remember this so that I can see how far we've come when our business is doing well. We plan to be able to support ourselves on it in a year. The plan is going well, so far! We made a $300 bonus yesterday alone! Woohoo!
So, I'm going to the doctor today to see about the whole dizziness/fainting and migraine issues. Not sure where that is going to go. I won't get an MRI for at least 2 weeks, if then. I'm sure the doctor is going to love me showing up with a horrid cold today. Still can't breath out of my nose, my throat hurts, I cough a lot, but at least the throwing up is done, and I think the fever is gone, not sure though.
May 20, 2008
The Qtpies go Redneck
It happened rather slowly. One day we just woke up and realized that we must be rednecks.
We had a van and a car when we moved here. Then I got a job commuting and needed a car for the gas mileage. So there we were, three vehicles. No prob. Drew got his licence and we needed all three vehicles, and then Kaytlin got hers.
Then the van died. After long while we were able to get it running. Then it died again. Not a chance could we afford to replace another engine in the same year. So there it sat. Then the Geo went.
Donnie's parents moved to our town and we used their car as they rarely needed it. But that soon broke down, too. ($1200 in brake work!!!) So that sits in our driveway instead of in their apartment complex not running.
We got the Geo running again, but that was still hard to work things out with me working and Drew working and Donnie working. So the kids bought a car. Not that it ever really worked. It only starts when the moon is purple and waxing the car. For no apparent reason it doesn't start the rest of the time.
They fix something and then it works, then it stops.
We got the Geo running again recently, but then the brake lines started leaking and it was too cold to deal with, so it sits in the garage waiting for help.
Then my mom moved in with us so we had her Jeep to use occasionally.
Today, well, you know the drill. It doesn't start. We now have 5 vehicles in our yard that don't work. One that does. And 10 people live here.
Our neighbor is an unemployed mechanic, so we are hoping to give him some work today. We took the van in to the shop this morning, it does run, but it ticks, so we'll see what is really wrong with it.
The only thing missing is the washers and dryers in the yard, right? They are in the basement, folks. It is only a matter of time.
We had a van and a car when we moved here. Then I got a job commuting and needed a car for the gas mileage. So there we were, three vehicles. No prob. Drew got his licence and we needed all three vehicles, and then Kaytlin got hers.
Then the van died. After long while we were able to get it running. Then it died again. Not a chance could we afford to replace another engine in the same year. So there it sat. Then the Geo went.
Donnie's parents moved to our town and we used their car as they rarely needed it. But that soon broke down, too. ($1200 in brake work!!!) So that sits in our driveway instead of in their apartment complex not running.
We got the Geo running again, but that was still hard to work things out with me working and Drew working and Donnie working. So the kids bought a car. Not that it ever really worked. It only starts when the moon is purple and waxing the car. For no apparent reason it doesn't start the rest of the time.
They fix something and then it works, then it stops.
We got the Geo running again recently, but then the brake lines started leaking and it was too cold to deal with, so it sits in the garage waiting for help.
Then my mom moved in with us so we had her Jeep to use occasionally.
Today, well, you know the drill. It doesn't start. We now have 5 vehicles in our yard that don't work. One that does. And 10 people live here.
Our neighbor is an unemployed mechanic, so we are hoping to give him some work today. We took the van in to the shop this morning, it does run, but it ticks, so we'll see what is really wrong with it.
The only thing missing is the washers and dryers in the yard, right? They are in the basement, folks. It is only a matter of time.
May 19, 2008
Cold break
I'm taking a forced break from blogging due to a nasty cold. Fever, vomit, snot, the works.
I want to blog about my trip to the Looney Bin on Saturday. Hey, I'll give it a try while I'm sitting up.
My cousin, who is much older than I am, her kids are grown and out of school, though not out of the house, graduated from college. Saturday was an open house to celebrate. Mom and I drove the nearly 2 hours to get their with Trinity and Sam. By the time we got to Elk River, which is 20 minutes away, Trinity was car sick. It is hit-and-miss whether she will get it or not. But we had to pull over to the drug store to get her some Dramamine. As we were getting to the turn we saw a truck with a heavy trailer up the slope on the side of the road. There were some police cars up ahead, too.
Apparently the truck had some trouble stopping and hit a boat in front of it on the way to the ditch and swung the boat all the way around on the trailer and the motor was in the back seat of the car, still attached to the boat. No one was hurt.
We got the meds and headed out. They didn't help. Trinity puked a couple of times along the way. We had to stop at Target to buy some new clothes, even. Nice way to get a new outfit. She was fine the rest of the day.
So, at the Looney Bin it was about normal. Loud voices, cussing, arguing over stupid things. Derek, my cousin's son, wasn't there, but his current girlfriend, who may or may not be pregnant, and his ex-girlfriend with her son who may or may not be Derek's, were both there. The boy looks just like him, but the paternity test was high match, but not enough to rule him the father.
Then there was the tattoo display. Debbie got one for a mid-life crisis. Her daughter has several. Her son's girlfriend and ex-girlfriend have them. My cousin Dori's husband has them. It was a big tattoo fest. (I'm not judging them for having tattoos, I actually want one, but not all over, or where people are going to see them. This is just what was going on at a graduation.) Then I found out my aunt, who is over 60 and just recovering from breast cancer, wants to get matching tattoos with her daughter and granddaughter; three intertwining hearts on their breasts. That is shocking from my aunt.
There was lots of talk of my other cousin needing a breast reduction, and more talk of boobs. Like her dad being a boob man. Yes, it was a sweet graduation celebration.
Somehow it led to talk of strip clubs. Even the girls were talking about the strippers. "All the girls there are so ugly, they are from Duluth!" I don't get how casually they took the guys talking about going to strip clubs. It would be a deal breaker in my marriage. Looking at another woman in lust, that is adultery. It would be over. That was super sad to me.
I have to say, though, it was probably the least crazy event in some time. Less swearing than usual, even.
I want to blog about my trip to the Looney Bin on Saturday. Hey, I'll give it a try while I'm sitting up.
My cousin, who is much older than I am, her kids are grown and out of school, though not out of the house, graduated from college. Saturday was an open house to celebrate. Mom and I drove the nearly 2 hours to get their with Trinity and Sam. By the time we got to Elk River, which is 20 minutes away, Trinity was car sick. It is hit-and-miss whether she will get it or not. But we had to pull over to the drug store to get her some Dramamine. As we were getting to the turn we saw a truck with a heavy trailer up the slope on the side of the road. There were some police cars up ahead, too.
Apparently the truck had some trouble stopping and hit a boat in front of it on the way to the ditch and swung the boat all the way around on the trailer and the motor was in the back seat of the car, still attached to the boat. No one was hurt.
We got the meds and headed out. They didn't help. Trinity puked a couple of times along the way. We had to stop at Target to buy some new clothes, even. Nice way to get a new outfit. She was fine the rest of the day.
So, at the Looney Bin it was about normal. Loud voices, cussing, arguing over stupid things. Derek, my cousin's son, wasn't there, but his current girlfriend, who may or may not be pregnant, and his ex-girlfriend with her son who may or may not be Derek's, were both there. The boy looks just like him, but the paternity test was high match, but not enough to rule him the father.
Then there was the tattoo display. Debbie got one for a mid-life crisis. Her daughter has several. Her son's girlfriend and ex-girlfriend have them. My cousin Dori's husband has them. It was a big tattoo fest. (I'm not judging them for having tattoos, I actually want one, but not all over, or where people are going to see them. This is just what was going on at a graduation.) Then I found out my aunt, who is over 60 and just recovering from breast cancer, wants to get matching tattoos with her daughter and granddaughter; three intertwining hearts on their breasts. That is shocking from my aunt.
There was lots of talk of my other cousin needing a breast reduction, and more talk of boobs. Like her dad being a boob man. Yes, it was a sweet graduation celebration.
Somehow it led to talk of strip clubs. Even the girls were talking about the strippers. "All the girls there are so ugly, they are from Duluth!" I don't get how casually they took the guys talking about going to strip clubs. It would be a deal breaker in my marriage. Looking at another woman in lust, that is adultery. It would be over. That was super sad to me.
I have to say, though, it was probably the least crazy event in some time. Less swearing than usual, even.
May 16, 2008
Aloha Friday #1
In the spirit of memes everywhere, the ones I have ignored the last few weeks (or months), I am going to join Aloha Friday at An Island Life. Just post a simple question, nothing too thought provoking, that's it!
Here is my question:
If you could be doing anything you wanted to do today, what would it be?
Just leave a comment!
I would be going with my friend Sassyfrazz to her first ultrasound today. But my car isn't working right, so I can't go. Or I'd be going to my own ultrasound today, and finding out I am having twins, if I could make the world what I wanted, lol. But, no, I am not pregnant.
May 15, 2008
Cuteness!
This is Trinity and her friend, Anna. I watch Anna and her sister, Ashlynn, on Wednesdays for a couple of hours. It is a lot of fun for Trinity, so we look forward to it each week.
Yesterday I had no food in the house to cook for lunch, so we all walked to the DQ, hoping that they would be tired enough to nap when we got back home. Stopping to pick every dandelion on the way there and back is exhausting, after all.
Well, we stopped to pick a billion of them and Trinity found one that had gone to seed. As she was blowing it Anna said "No! You have to say 'I wish, I wish, with all my heart'" So Trinity did that and then blew on it. Anna went and told Hope-Anne about it and she asked Anna "What did she wish for?" Anna said "For her HEART!" It was so cute!
On Monday I was actually up when the teens were getting ready for school. Usually I try to sleep in, but by the time they are leaving for school I am wide awake, they come in and wake me up for so many things that it is pointless to even try to sleep in. But on Monday I was up, and I was so glad I was, too, because something funny happens every few Mondays. Drew and Devon realized that they were both wearing a Skillet shirt, and they said "Oh, man, I hope Kaytlin isn't wearing hers." Sure enough, she was! They do that often, and always on a Monday, lol.
Yesterday I had no food in the house to cook for lunch, so we all walked to the DQ, hoping that they would be tired enough to nap when we got back home. Stopping to pick every dandelion on the way there and back is exhausting, after all.
Well, we stopped to pick a billion of them and Trinity found one that had gone to seed. As she was blowing it Anna said "No! You have to say 'I wish, I wish, with all my heart'" So Trinity did that and then blew on it. Anna went and told Hope-Anne about it and she asked Anna "What did she wish for?" Anna said "For her HEART!" It was so cute!
On Monday I was actually up when the teens were getting ready for school. Usually I try to sleep in, but by the time they are leaving for school I am wide awake, they come in and wake me up for so many things that it is pointless to even try to sleep in. But on Monday I was up, and I was so glad I was, too, because something funny happens every few Mondays. Drew and Devon realized that they were both wearing a Skillet shirt, and they said "Oh, man, I hope Kaytlin isn't wearing hers." Sure enough, she was! They do that often, and always on a Monday, lol.
Feeling a little run down?
Have I ever said that I have the best "job" in the world? I sit at home with my kids and companies send me products to try out. I really have not received a bad product. And this one is one of those great products that I can't wait to keep buying!Cranergy Energy juice drinks are made by Ocean Spray, which means to me that they are a top quality juice product. I opened the box to a bottle of each flavor, Cranberry Lift and Raspberry Cranberry Lift. I opened the raspberry flavor first. I don't know about your kids, but mine have radar for me opening something yummy and they show up like magic as soon as I do. That was my first clue that this was going to be a delicious drink. My second clue was when I tried to get a drink but Sam would NOT let go of the bottle. It was a tug of war, people! I got exactly 1/8 of the bottle.
I got smart with the second bottle and waited until he was asleep. But Kaytlin caught me. So I still had to share, but I was able to feel the benefits this time. We are not talking caffeine, hyper, soon to run out energy, just a nice boost, a nice feeling of no being tired and worn down.
Cranergy uses natural energizers, like green tea extract and B vitamins, in place of caffeine. Boasting only 35 calories per serving, it is much less than leading energy drinks, and half as much as traditional sodas. The only thing I do not like is that it is made with Splenda. Most of the time Splenda makes me nauseated, so I was a bit concerned, but I had no problem at all.
Cranergy makes a great addition to breakfast to give you a natural, lasting energy boost to start the day! Just hide it from the kids, trust me.
Healing Promises review
Healing Promises, a novel by Amy Wallace, is such a great book! A Texas FBI agent, a doctor, some drama, some challenges, mix in a pregnancy..... exciting stuff!! This couple struggles with life issues and stretching their faith in God. I will not spill the ending, so I will just say, go get this book!Facing a new threat.
When FBI Agent Clint Rollins takes a bullet during a standoff, it might just save his life. But not even the ugly things he’s seen during his years working in the Crimes Against Children Unit could prepare him for the overwhelming powerlessness of hospital tests revealing an unexpected diagnosis. If only Sara weren’t retreating into doctor mode…he needs his wife now more than ever.
Frozen in fear.
Sara Rollins is an oncologist with a mission–beating cancer when she can, easing her patients’ suffering at the very least. Now the life of her tall Texan husband is at stake. She never let the odds steal her hope before, but in this case, the question of God’s healing promises is personal. Can she hold on to the truth she claimed to believe?
Faith under fire.
As Clint continues to track down a serial kidnapper despite his illness, former investigations haunt his nightmares, pushing him beyond solving the case into risking his life and career. Clint struggles to believe God is still the God of miracles. Especially when he needs not one, but two. Everything in his life is reduced to one all-important question: Can God be trusted?
Author Bio:
Amy Wallace is the author of Ransomed Dreams, a homeschool mom, and a self-confessed chocoholic. She is a graduate of the Gwinnett County Citizens Police Academy and a contributing author of several books, including God Answers Moms’ Prayers and Chicken Soup for the Soul Healthy Living Series: Diabetes. She lives with her husband and three children in Georgia.
Pick up your copy today! Healing Promises at Amazon.
Norton 360 2.0
I recently received a copy of Norton 360 2.0 to review. It couldn't have been more timely as two of our computers needed it. Conveniently, Norton 360 is able to be used on up to THREE of your computers with one subscription!
Donnie works for Symantec, the makers of Norton software. He doesn't have anything to do with Norton in his job, but we always buy their software because it is the best and we get a discount, of course.
Norton 360 Version 2.0 delivers industry leading protection and performance in an easy to use all-in-one solution. While Norton is on, it is constantly safeguarding your family by verifying trusted Web sites, blocking fake ones, and securely managing user names and passwords so that they can do all the important things online without the risk of identity theft, such as banking. Norton 360 V2.0 also keeps your computer running at peak performance and protects your data by automatically backing up and restoring files on your computer or to a secure location.
Norton 360 version 2.0 provides an all-in-one solution that is automated, comprehensive protection for your PC. It defends your PC against a broad range of threats, such as:
- Safeguards against online identity theft
- Protects important files from loss
- Keeps your PC tuned up for peak performance
- Provides a hassle-free user experience
- Protects against the latest online threats
- One-click access to expert support right from your Norton 360 product
- 1 year protection for up to 3 PCs
You can purchase Norton 360 2.0 by clicking here. $80 for protection for THREE computers!!
May 11, 2008
What a great weekend!
Friday night was Ladies Night Out, I was exhausted from being in the ER for several hours and the doctors inducing a migraine and drugging me up, but I still had fun playing Quelf with my friends. I learned something new this month. My friend Paula tops my boys' willingness to eat their own poo for money, she said she would eat anyone's poo for the right amount of money. And she didn't bat an eyelash at their $50 level, either. And my friend Sarah announced her Christmas present this year is going to be a little bundle of poo making cuteness!
Saturday morning came much too early. The women's ministry put on a women's spring banquet that morning, and I on on that committee, so I had to be there bright and early. We had a terrific speaker, Tracey Finck, who wrote the book Love Letters to a Child. She spoke on her book and journaling to your children. There is one rule, the entries have to be GOOD and TRUE. She spoke of the ways it has encouraged her children, like one time when her oldest daughter was on the receiving end of some cruelty and felt like she was just the ugliest and worst person in the world. Tracey pulled that big teenager into her lap and read her the journals and showed her just what a wonderful and beautiful daughter of the King she is. And I just cried and cried through the whole thing. Truly an amazing experience. I write a lot of true things about my kids on my blog, but they are not always nice, I tell the bad things they, do to. They need something that always uplifts them. I am going to go pick up some journals and do it. Even at this late in the game with the older kids.
And then came Mother's Day. I was woken up with my traditional breakfast in bed. The one day a year I eat breakfast. It is always a bit off in flavor, and I really dislike breakfast to start with. But usually I have a little secret that gets me out of eating it. I call him "Honey," but today he slipped out of bed and took his mom and my mom out for breakfast and left ME to eat the food myself. I was going to slip the food to the dog when Hope-Anne left the room, but the dog followed her and I couldn't call her back without getting busted!!!! I enjoyed the coffee, though, weak as it was. And then she brought in a rose and a home made card and gave me a fantastic foot rub with lotion. A little later she brought in a bag of candy. After awhile longer she brought me a glass plaque about mothers, lol.
Drew brought me a card and every flavor of Whoppers candy that they make, I think, and the movie PS, I Love You.
Kaytlin brought me a stolen piece of cheesecake from her job, lol. They were giving them out to mother's who came in today, but they had extra, so the workers all snagged a piece for their moms.
Trinity made me a card, too, but the rest of the kids didn't do a thing, and that was fine, I'm not all that into Mother's Day.
Donnie and I took our mothers out for lunch. That was an adventure. We tried to go to a 50's style cafe, but it was closed, then stopped in a bead store with a somewhat ditsy owner, and then headed to the Rockwood but it was PACKED solid, so we didn't even park the car. We ended up at Buffalo Wild Wings, which was surprisingly empty for being a sports bar on Mother's Day. Then we went to a movie. We watched Iron Man. Yes, we went to Donnie's choice of a movie for "our" day. It is a fantastic movie, too, btw. Then we came home and watched PS, I Love You. I cried my eyes out through almost the entire movie. I'm not sure I'll ever watch it again. It was awesome, but my eyes are burning!
And here is a picture of Sam and I that really reflects the whole Mother's Day theme. Or at least shows the love between a mom and a child that should bring on some sort of appreciation from the fruit of our loins. Donnie took this picture with his cell phone. That is how we sleep. I love the snuggling!
May 10, 2008
Even stranger?
I spent some time in the ER last night. I had called to make an appointment with my doctor, and long story short, I had to go to the ER to be seen, do not wait until Monday, do not pass go.
At first it was "Vertigo" even though vertigo doesn't come with vision problems, so he thought I was coincidentally getting migraines with the vertigo. Well, we shut the lights off, which stopped the vision issues right away, but then within minutes of him leaving me and having the nurses treat the vertigo, the migraine pain hit hard and my blood pressure went up.
That seemed to turn on a light bulb moment and it appears that the whole thing is migraine related. A basal something migraine. There is some sort of basal stem or something that connects to the cerebellum that controls thoughts and words and balance. That is messed up somehow and is causing the near fainting and dizziness.
Next step, an MRI or MRA with my regular doctor.
When I was done getting the IV meds for the migraine that they ordered after the second diagnosis, the IV kicked into high gear, BUT there was still 45 minutes to go! Ugh!!! I have to be at ladies night out!!! The doctor came by to check on me on his way off duty and I asked him (with 30 mins to go) if I really had to have ALL of the IV??? So he called in a nurse to discharge me so I could get my butt to Ladies Night!!!
And I am glad I did. Not only was it FUN, but my friend Sassyfrazz made a special little announcement!!!
At first it was "Vertigo" even though vertigo doesn't come with vision problems, so he thought I was coincidentally getting migraines with the vertigo. Well, we shut the lights off, which stopped the vision issues right away, but then within minutes of him leaving me and having the nurses treat the vertigo, the migraine pain hit hard and my blood pressure went up.
That seemed to turn on a light bulb moment and it appears that the whole thing is migraine related. A basal something migraine. There is some sort of basal stem or something that connects to the cerebellum that controls thoughts and words and balance. That is messed up somehow and is causing the near fainting and dizziness.
Next step, an MRI or MRA with my regular doctor.
When I was done getting the IV meds for the migraine that they ordered after the second diagnosis, the IV kicked into high gear, BUT there was still 45 minutes to go! Ugh!!! I have to be at ladies night out!!! The doctor came by to check on me on his way off duty and I asked him (with 30 mins to go) if I really had to have ALL of the IV??? So he called in a nurse to discharge me so I could get my butt to Ladies Night!!!
And I am glad I did. Not only was it FUN, but my friend Sassyfrazz made a special little announcement!!!
May 09, 2008
Ow!
Getting smart HURTS!
I don't know if it is because I am getting old, or because of the fog in my brain right now, but I am trying to cram tons of learning into my head and it is over whelming. Painful!! Now I remember why I couldn't wait to get out of high school and did NOT want to go to college.
I am motivated now, if I can stop nearly fainting I would do better, lol. And maybe I'd remember things better, like the fact that I am babysitting this afternoon and I just agreed to go somewhere with my mom and now can't, lol.
Well, maybe I can get some more articles written and another super product reviewed today.
I don't know if it is because I am getting old, or because of the fog in my brain right now, but I am trying to cram tons of learning into my head and it is over whelming. Painful!! Now I remember why I couldn't wait to get out of high school and did NOT want to go to college.
I am motivated now, if I can stop nearly fainting I would do better, lol. And maybe I'd remember things better, like the fact that I am babysitting this afternoon and I just agreed to go somewhere with my mom and now can't, lol.
Well, maybe I can get some more articles written and another super product reviewed today.
May 08, 2008
Cha cha changes...
Weird things are happening around here.
I am having weird "spells" going on in my head. Kind of like I am going to faint, well, pretty much I feel like I am fainting, but then come out of it. Not quite dizzy, but I don't know what else to call it. Not so much the room is spinning as everything goes black in waves, or my head gets really heavy and I can't stay balanced in addition to the blackness crashing in. It is really bad when I am laying down. Could be vertigo, I guess. Could be an ear infection, but I had my mom check my ears and she couldn't see anything. Could be my blood sugar. I had that tested, but since the doctor did not contact me, I assume that it was normal. I DO have near fainting spells with my low blood sugar, and this is like that a LOT, but I can't fix it with diet! It was much better today, all day, until a little bit ago when it was the worst ever.
Another weird thing: I am learning some technical mumbo jumbo that I don't understand but am desperately motivated to learn. I am actually going to BUILD a website (elsewhere) and monetize it, writing articles about things I know little about but will be an expert at, lol. I will be an expert, but boy, it is difficult to learn things when you are being taught with the assumption that you have at least some basic knowledge. Thankfully, Donnie and I are partnering up, and I don't have to learn it all. Along with some GREAT software and curriculum, we are getting there. Total leap of faith here.
Donnie's job interview went smashingly, but there is a little glitch, not sure exactly what it is yet, but we are hoping it is small enough to take care of quickly. Otherwise it is the door closing we prayed for.
Oh, another REALLY weird thing... I went to this clothing party tonight, and I about fell out of my chair at the prices! However, I tried on this dress that I nearly spent $70 on!!! I don't pay more than $5 for things, people. I don't. But I did spend $50 on a classic skirt. The skirt will last forever. Classic shape, great material, neutral color... perfect wardrobe piece. But I am still drooling for that dress!!!!
I better head to bed, hopefully this weird dizzy/fainting stuff will go away soon. I have a ton of things to do to get ready for a women's banquet on Saturday, plus some business to do, plus it is LADIES NIGHT OUT tomorrow. You know what that means... QUELF!!!! I'll bring the camera, don't worry. I will also ban drinking at the table, so I don't spit on Anna again.
I am having weird "spells" going on in my head. Kind of like I am going to faint, well, pretty much I feel like I am fainting, but then come out of it. Not quite dizzy, but I don't know what else to call it. Not so much the room is spinning as everything goes black in waves, or my head gets really heavy and I can't stay balanced in addition to the blackness crashing in. It is really bad when I am laying down. Could be vertigo, I guess. Could be an ear infection, but I had my mom check my ears and she couldn't see anything. Could be my blood sugar. I had that tested, but since the doctor did not contact me, I assume that it was normal. I DO have near fainting spells with my low blood sugar, and this is like that a LOT, but I can't fix it with diet! It was much better today, all day, until a little bit ago when it was the worst ever.
Another weird thing: I am learning some technical mumbo jumbo that I don't understand but am desperately motivated to learn. I am actually going to BUILD a website (elsewhere) and monetize it, writing articles about things I know little about but will be an expert at, lol. I will be an expert, but boy, it is difficult to learn things when you are being taught with the assumption that you have at least some basic knowledge. Thankfully, Donnie and I are partnering up, and I don't have to learn it all. Along with some GREAT software and curriculum, we are getting there. Total leap of faith here.
Donnie's job interview went smashingly, but there is a little glitch, not sure exactly what it is yet, but we are hoping it is small enough to take care of quickly. Otherwise it is the door closing we prayed for.
Oh, another REALLY weird thing... I went to this clothing party tonight, and I about fell out of my chair at the prices! However, I tried on this dress that I nearly spent $70 on!!! I don't pay more than $5 for things, people. I don't. But I did spend $50 on a classic skirt. The skirt will last forever. Classic shape, great material, neutral color... perfect wardrobe piece. But I am still drooling for that dress!!!!
I better head to bed, hopefully this weird dizzy/fainting stuff will go away soon. I have a ton of things to do to get ready for a women's banquet on Saturday, plus some business to do, plus it is LADIES NIGHT OUT tomorrow. You know what that means... QUELF!!!! I'll bring the camera, don't worry. I will also ban drinking at the table, so I don't spit on Anna again.
That Baby!
Couldn't you just eat up that sweet little girl on the cover? She is just the cutest!!!After parenting for the last 18, almost 19, years, I can tell you that with my 7th child I am pretty worn out of Itsy Bitsy Spider and the Barney theme song. Poor Trinity and Sam were not getting a lot of music for them because we were all sick of it, so they had to listen to whatever we like.
I recently was given a copy of That Baby DVD and CD. This is not your traditional kid's music! I can not only stand it, I can enjoy it! That Baby is made up of acoustic rock classics from singers like Neil Diamond and Peter Paul and Mary.
Samuel doesn't usually get into TV that is not cartoon, but he loved That Baby DVD. It brings a combination of cartoon, kids and fun while listening to acoustic guitar with gentle and fun singing. He was bouncing along and dancing to the music in no time.
Wow, a combination we can all live with!
A big bonus is that this company offers a “no questions asked” money-back guarantee and free replacement of scratched or damaged discs!
Would you like to purchase That Baby DVD? Click here!
Enter the coupon code "MotherTalk" when purchasing and save 20% on your entire order! From now until May 18th, all orders using the coupon code "MotherTalk" will be entered in a drawing to win a new iPod nano!
May 07, 2008
It's a Golden Day when Tony visits for Breakfast!
Kellogg's, my new bff, sent me a box of their new Frosted Flakes Gold cereal to try. As a mom of 7, I was a little frighted of the claims on the front of the box. You see that little ad below the word "Gold?" The line in all caps? LONG-LASTING ENERGY? Yep, that frightened me a bit.But then I got smart and fed it to them before they left for school, you know, so they can be someone else's problem if it blew up in our faces or something terrible like that.
However, it did not turn them into raging, energetic lunatics.
Actually, Frosted Flakes Gold is made of whole grain and baked with honey. The whole grains deliver long- lasting energy from the complex carbohydrates that take longer to break down helping to prolong energy in the body. In the nutritional arena, it provides 10 grams of whole grain and three grams of fiber in each serving, making it an excellent choice for breakfast for your family. The honey adds a delicate sweetness that you and your kids will love.
To encourage kids to eat right, be more active and to work hard to achieve their goals, Kellogg's Frosted Flakes® created the Earn Your Stripes™ program. Kellogg's Frosted Flakes Gold™, in partnership with the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), Little League® International and Girls on the Run International, created the Five Golden Rules of Sportsmanship to give coaches and parents the tools they need to help kids succeed on and off the field. The Five Golden Rules advocate being a winner no matter what the scoreboard says, treating coaches, officials and opponents with respect, being a good teammate.
May 06, 2008
Whoa! What is THAT???
Last night I had my back turned to Sam and I heard him coughing/choking so I turned around and he was walking away from me with his hand in his mouth.
"Sam! Are you OK?"
He turns around and looks at me with his fingers in his mouth, a distressed look on his face and white foam coming out of his mouth. What on Earth could have happened?!
I look in his other hand and saw a tube of oxygenating bubble whitening toothpaste. He didn't like the oxygenating bubble action one bit. I had a bit of a panic wondering if he ate too much fluoride, but then I thought there was no way he ate much of that with that reaction, lol. I washed him up and gave him two glasses of water, which he downed quickly.
A little later in the evening I was picking up before heading to bed and found TWO full glasses on the coffee table. Drew made tea and let it sit there, still warm. And then there was a very full glass of Tang, obviously had not been drank at all. So Devon walks downstairs for something and I asked him if he wanted the Tang. So he takes a sip and starts this weird thing where he opens his mouth really wide and sticks his tongue out and nearly gags and all that drama, then starts coughing.
A little strong there, buddy? Trinity must have made that herself.
"Sam! Are you OK?"
He turns around and looks at me with his fingers in his mouth, a distressed look on his face and white foam coming out of his mouth. What on Earth could have happened?!
I look in his other hand and saw a tube of oxygenating bubble whitening toothpaste. He didn't like the oxygenating bubble action one bit. I had a bit of a panic wondering if he ate too much fluoride, but then I thought there was no way he ate much of that with that reaction, lol. I washed him up and gave him two glasses of water, which he downed quickly.
A little later in the evening I was picking up before heading to bed and found TWO full glasses on the coffee table. Drew made tea and let it sit there, still warm. And then there was a very full glass of Tang, obviously had not been drank at all. So Devon walks downstairs for something and I asked him if he wanted the Tang. So he takes a sip and starts this weird thing where he opens his mouth really wide and sticks his tongue out and nearly gags and all that drama, then starts coughing.
A little strong there, buddy? Trinity must have made that herself.
May 05, 2008
No snazzy title today. Oh, wait, there never is, lol.
I've been a busy gal lately, with no end in site, either, but it is good.
Sam is a turd, but a funny turd. He cracks us up all the time. We took the kids and the dogs to the park yesterday and he finally learned to throw a ball. He has been "throwing" the ball for the dog by just dropping it on the ground and squealing when the dog jumps for it. It was cute, but when he learned to throw the ball we all clapped and then he just got so full of joy! He clapped up a storm with each throw.
Trinity got herself grounded today. At 4 years old. She decided she didn't have to stay in the yard. Hope-Anne told her not to leave the yard, but she said "I can go as far as I want to" so she can't go outside the rest of the day.
Donnie has some great leads on new jobs. One company has been contacting him, but we really don't know the salary yet. He will probably be able to make the quotas to stay on at his job, but it means extra hours and staying on with a boss trying to fire you at every turn.
We are really excited about the growth of our business! We are expecting to have a great month!
My dad and my step-mom came to visit over the weekend. It is really strange that now that my mom is living with us they are starting to run into each other at functions for friends they have shared. And entertaining them at our house with my mom here could have been awkward, but it wasn't.
Maybe soon I will have a decent post, even.
I've been a busy gal lately, with no end in site, either, but it is good.
Sam is a turd, but a funny turd. He cracks us up all the time. We took the kids and the dogs to the park yesterday and he finally learned to throw a ball. He has been "throwing" the ball for the dog by just dropping it on the ground and squealing when the dog jumps for it. It was cute, but when he learned to throw the ball we all clapped and then he just got so full of joy! He clapped up a storm with each throw.
Trinity got herself grounded today. At 4 years old. She decided she didn't have to stay in the yard. Hope-Anne told her not to leave the yard, but she said "I can go as far as I want to" so she can't go outside the rest of the day.
Donnie has some great leads on new jobs. One company has been contacting him, but we really don't know the salary yet. He will probably be able to make the quotas to stay on at his job, but it means extra hours and staying on with a boss trying to fire you at every turn.
We are really excited about the growth of our business! We are expecting to have a great month!
My dad and my step-mom came to visit over the weekend. It is really strange that now that my mom is living with us they are starting to run into each other at functions for friends they have shared. And entertaining them at our house with my mom here could have been awkward, but it wasn't.
Maybe soon I will have a decent post, even.
May 01, 2008
Bloggy update on a busy day
Devon is going on a youth trip this summer, part leadership training with acts of service for the Salt Lake community thrown in. We are in the process of fundraising to pay for the week long trip. Today was day 1 of our church-wide garage sale. (literally in the church garage) I think we did amazing; with two days to go! It was a long day of being on my feet, so when I got home and sat down by my mom I said "My dogs are barking." And she had NO idea what I meant by that, since the dogs were not barking. Seriously. She had never heard that expression and I had to google it to show her I wasn't making it up.
When I got home today I had a package with one of my prizes! An apron and a bag of pomegranate pucker organic candy. Those are AMAZING! I hope I can find where they are sold because this bag won't last long, despite it's enormous size.
We are still praying and having our church family praying about Donnie's job, but honestly, we can't imagine how he will be able to keep it, and if he did, how he'd be able to stand working for someone who is constantly digging to find a way to fire you. God can drastically change the whole situation, we know that, but it may be better for Donnie to move on. We are trusting God in this. We want His will, not ours, though mine is to not lose our house. (I'm kind of freaky about that)
Speaking of which........ Donnie always pays our mortgage online, but today they said we owed 3 months of mortgage payments!!!! OH, we were not behind. We haven't made a late payment in 12 solid months. We were close to losing the house then, and had to work hard not to be foreclosed on. We have had to go without our van because we can't afford to fix it, our cars come and go on what works and what doesn't. We are pushing through to make it. Finally, finally, we were to be caught up in April! And then this. Now, Donnie could see that every month the payment had made it, and the automatic phone thingy said that the last payment made was April 29th. Umm, we didn't make a payment that day, we were almost broke that day.
After 1 1/2 on the phone and three transfers someone figures it out. They had to finalize things and ended up giving us a refund. But they recorded it wrong and marked one of our payments as something else. It is supposed to be fixed in 15 days. Wouldn't that be fun to go through as you sit there thinking you are about to lose your job?
The great news is that my mom is working now! It may not be a permanent job, but she will feel good about getting a paycheck for awhile, and it may turn into a permanent job. I don't think she likes it yet. That could be because they have a very, very screwed up accounting problem and she needs to help figure things out.
Oh, and I actually donated all my baby furniture to the church garage sale. I've been thinking that if I gave away my maternity clothes that I would turn up pregnant. Didn't happen. So I am giving away my swings and things. We'll see. But now, with the whole job thing, it might not be a great time, ya think?
Another exciting thing in our lives is that we started our own company and are very excited about it! Wouldn't it be amazing if Donnie got a severance package for 6 months pay and we could just devote our time to our business and maybe not need a job at all?
When I got home today I had a package with one of my prizes! An apron and a bag of pomegranate pucker organic candy. Those are AMAZING! I hope I can find where they are sold because this bag won't last long, despite it's enormous size.
We are still praying and having our church family praying about Donnie's job, but honestly, we can't imagine how he will be able to keep it, and if he did, how he'd be able to stand working for someone who is constantly digging to find a way to fire you. God can drastically change the whole situation, we know that, but it may be better for Donnie to move on. We are trusting God in this. We want His will, not ours, though mine is to not lose our house. (I'm kind of freaky about that)
Speaking of which........ Donnie always pays our mortgage online, but today they said we owed 3 months of mortgage payments!!!! OH, we were not behind. We haven't made a late payment in 12 solid months. We were close to losing the house then, and had to work hard not to be foreclosed on. We have had to go without our van because we can't afford to fix it, our cars come and go on what works and what doesn't. We are pushing through to make it. Finally, finally, we were to be caught up in April! And then this. Now, Donnie could see that every month the payment had made it, and the automatic phone thingy said that the last payment made was April 29th. Umm, we didn't make a payment that day, we were almost broke that day.
After 1 1/2 on the phone and three transfers someone figures it out. They had to finalize things and ended up giving us a refund. But they recorded it wrong and marked one of our payments as something else. It is supposed to be fixed in 15 days. Wouldn't that be fun to go through as you sit there thinking you are about to lose your job?
The great news is that my mom is working now! It may not be a permanent job, but she will feel good about getting a paycheck for awhile, and it may turn into a permanent job. I don't think she likes it yet. That could be because they have a very, very screwed up accounting problem and she needs to help figure things out.
Oh, and I actually donated all my baby furniture to the church garage sale. I've been thinking that if I gave away my maternity clothes that I would turn up pregnant. Didn't happen. So I am giving away my swings and things. We'll see. But now, with the whole job thing, it might not be a great time, ya think?
Another exciting thing in our lives is that we started our own company and are very excited about it! Wouldn't it be amazing if Donnie got a severance package for 6 months pay and we could just devote our time to our business and maybe not need a job at all?
Mom's craziest morning contest!
You know those mornings where you don't have time for a mistake, and yet you screw everything up, your kid loses his shoes, your car won't start, and the baby spits up on your new shirt? Yes, THAT morning.
Wouldn't it be nice if that morning could give you a day at the spa?
Well, Breakfast Breaks is going to do just that!
Write an essay, 200 words or less, of your craziest morning and enter in their Mom's Craziest Morning Contest.
The Winner will receive 4 tickets to the Jonas Brothers "Burning Up" summer concert AND a $150 Spa Finders gift certificate! Oh, and the winner will be featured on TV with the Jonas Brothers. That would make you the coolest mom, being on TV with stars and all.
Wouldn't it be nice if that morning could give you a day at the spa?
Well, Breakfast Breaks is going to do just that!
Write an essay, 200 words or less, of your craziest morning and enter in their Mom's Craziest Morning Contest.
The Winner will receive 4 tickets to the Jonas Brothers "Burning Up" summer concert AND a $150 Spa Finders gift certificate! Oh, and the winner will be featured on TV with the Jonas Brothers. That would make you the coolest mom, being on TV with stars and all.
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