Nursing Necklaces / Butterflies / Pot Pies

I've decided to make instead of buying a nursing necklace to entertain Linebacker... He loves it! Here is what it looks like...

I used a random combination of the beads highlighted in the center with some 'sport ball' beads that consist of a football, baseball, basketball and soccer ball...

They are primarily used to entertain a distract able nursling... They can also be used to entertain baby/toddler while being supervised during activities such as a diaper change... It is a great learning 'tool' to teach colors, counting, matching, shapes and other things depending on the type of beads used... I used foam beads so they would be soft and baby friendly...

Sunday night I went outside to visit with my husband who was stripping 4 layers of paint (white, baby blue, baby pink, and primary colors {in that order they were added}) off an antique (made in early 1900s) dresser we own that was one of the first items manufactured in the Bassett Furniture Factory in Bassett, VA... My daddy's family is from this area... I saw this butterfly hanging out on the patio... I let the butterfly walk into a toy beach bucket and placed the butterfly over our fence into the yard for the butterfly nibble and maybe find a home for the night... The butterfly was either hurt or confused... I do believe it is a female Monarch Butterfly...

I made another 'old fashioned' pot pie... I'm not sure if I shared the recipe last time or not... Here is before and after baking... It was delicious! You don't use Bisquick and you don't use canned soup... I had extra 'pastry' so I made a little design... ::smirk::

Today was supposed to be my 'off' day for the week... I had to go to the PO and then the van wouldn't start... It took several minutes for a man from MN to jump start it... I noticed my battery was July 07 and had a Walmart 3 year FREE replacement sticker on it... So, I took it over to Walmart ASAP for fear it wouldn't start again even with jumper cables... It was replaced for FREE... I saved $80! That was the extent of my excitement for the day...

This That and The Other Thing

Not much to report since Wednesday... I went to the local quilt show hosted by the local guild it was eh... ok... I can now say I've been and don't plan to go back again for as long as I live here... Don't get me the wrong the quilts were indescribable... No words I could type here could do justice to their beauty but the hosts and other quilt goers... Talk about a room full of snobs... You think I was some thief waiting for their backs to be turned and steal something... Very un welcoming... Exactly how they behaved at the guild meeting... Only been there once and never going back there again either... It was like I was a joke for just showing up with my first row not even a finished quilt... When I showed my first paper pieced block that was entered into a drawing and won a DVD was some kind of entertainment... You would have thought I was a hired clown... It's a total mockery and inferiority if you make your quilts with non quilt shop only fabric and don't pay hundreds of dollars to have it long armed quilted or spend years hand quilting it yourself... I find that just close minded... Making a quilted item is more then how much you paid to make it or how many ribbons/awards it wins or how much is sells for... It's an emotion expressed by the Quilter with fabric for another to feel upon being wrapped up in it or viewing it... I've talked to hundreds of Quilters from all over the world and our guild is somewhat unique with it's hoity toity attitudes... So, beware! I dropped off and picked up our home school groups directory... It turned out magnificent... Better then I could ever expect... Great job Kinkos! There is an added surprise related to it's printing but I can't share till after our opening mass and pizza party for the group... ::wink:: We started our CCD classes... I'm using a new curriculum this year and haven't quite figured it out yet... It is a program called Family Faith Formation... This month's "theme" is Angels... I picked up several supplemental texts from our fabulous Catholic Bookstore in town, Holy Family... I sure will miss that place when we leave... I hope to find a new one in my new 'home'... I'm all ready for 40 days for life... I'm excited about being able for the first time to attend Walk with Christ for Life Sunday with the Bishop this year... I'm just hope I'm up for the Eucharistic procession from the Cathedral to our only abortion facility in the ENTIRE state... I was given some items to eBay... I now have to figure out how to go about listing them... I have some thoughts and will keep you updated... I'm excited about my new 'project'... Linebacker is doing well... We have successfully been able to adjust his nursing schedule... I will know better our success at his next weight in... I guess there isn't much more to write... I will write when I can...

Weeding Through Things - Wednesday

I took some time after much input from everyone after my 'plate' publishing and have almost given my life a complete overhaul... I'm still mid overhaul so the complete effects aren't evident yet but things have really improved... Reflecting on recent discussions on the Feasts: Triumph of the Cross and Our Lady of Sorrows has helped me to evaluate my life... Continued prayers and suggestions are always appreciated... Thank you!

My 'Plate'

This is a list of all the things on my 'plate':
Homeschooling x 3
Public Schools x 3
Schedules x 6
Laundry
Dishes
Child with Autism
4 Children
Nursing Issues
The Legal Thing I'm Not Disclosing
Clutter!
TOYS
PAPER
Bills/Household Paperwork/Forms
Laundry
Figuring Out Effective Positive Discipline
Familia (mom's group)
MACH I (mom's group)
CCM (mom's group)
La Leche League Support Group
Laundry
Autism Support Group
API Group
Respite Staffing
Meal Planning/Cooking/Shopping
Potty Training
Laundry
Diapers
Speech Therapy x 2
Quilting
Doctors/Dentist Appointments for 6 People
Laundry
General Cleaning (Vacuuming, Dusting, Sweeping, Mopping, Etc.)
Gardening
Finances/Budgets
Auto Condition (repair, maintenance, gas) x 2
Knitting
Sewing (clothing and for the home)
Laundry
Public Library
Recycling
General Household Shopping - Non Food
Planning Birthdays/Holidays
Mail
Family Faith Formation (CCD)
eBay
Everything else I can't think of right now... ::sigh::

Vacation

I'm going on vacation from the computer... There is just too much happening here... See you all in a week or so...

Much To Deal With Monday

I've been dealing with many things and probably haven't been the best of company... I'm sorry for that... I'm hoping things will calm down and pull themselves together... I'm really stressed out and emotional most of the day... I can't seem to think straight and feel I say the wrong thing or say it the wrong way and upset people... I am trying to do the best I can... I will try to update my blog when I can... I don't seem to have time to deal with what I have to at home or time for the computer... My life seems to be lacking time! I used to have all this time and wonder what I could do because I was bored... Now I have the opposite problem... ::sigh::

Before and After - Home Repairs/Updates

Photos coming soon...

Happy Birthday To...

ME! Details coming soon...

August 20 - August 28

O Saint Francis Xavier, well beloved and full of charity, in union with thee, I reverently adore the Majesty of God; and since I rejoice with exceeding joy in the singular gifts of grace bestowed upon thee during thy life, and thy gifts of glory after death, I give Him hearty thanks therefore; I beseech thee with all my heart’s devotion to be pleased to obtain for me, by thy effectual intercession, above all things, the grace of a holy life and a happy death. Moreover, I beg of thee to obtain for me grace in all things I struggle with. But if what I ask of thee so earnestly doth not tend to the glory of God and the greater good of my soul, do thou, I pray obtain for me what is more profitable to both these ends. Amen.

Final Friday

I'm sorry but due to events that have taken place in the last 24 hours I won't be blogging for an undetermined about of time... I can't discuss the events that took place here or in email... They are relating to a legal matter... That is all I can say... I will return when I can... We would appreciate any prayers during this time... Thank you...

Terrible Thursday

Today started out fine and then went down hill around the lunch hour... I'm too upset about it and won't be blogging or emailing... I also won't be posting the PICs for the Antique today... Sorry...

Guess The Antique?

So what is it? Post questions in the comment section... I don't know what it is so your guess is as good as mine...

Caroline's Pastry Double Crust

SERVINGS: 8
TIME: Prep/Total Time: 20 min.

Ingredients:
2 cups flour
3/4 t salt
2/3 cup shortening
7 T cold water

Directions: In a bowl, combine flour and salt; cut in the shortening until crumbly. Gradually add water, tossing with a fork until dough forms a ball. Divide dough in half so that one ball is slightly larger than the other. Roll out larger ball to fit a 9-in. pie plate. Transfer pastry to pie plate. Trim pastry to 1 in. beyond edge of pie plate. Pour desired filling into crust. Roll out second ball. Position over filling. Trim top pastry even with edge. Fold bottom crust over top crust. Flute edges. Cut decorative slits in pastry. Bake according to recipe directions.

We Were Busy Today - Wednesday

Boy was today a busy day... We woke up early to take the van in for repair... It was sluggish when you take off and idling rough... You think after all that time and money I spent not to long ago (about 2 weeks from tomorrow) would have fixed the issues... Well, I guess not... So, we call up the auto guy and say we will be there in a few minutes... He says oh I won't get to it today my mechanic is out of town... Then WHY did you say bring it in today at 9... @@ So, we are like ok never mind... We call the place my friend recommended... They said sure we can take a look at it and fix it today... So, we head over there... Turns out it needed a tune up... The spark plugs are in a hard place to change so the bill was over what we paid for the double flush (transmission and coolant) and oil change... So, total repair bill for this month was close to 1K... We aren't happy with that in the least! My husband was off today and went to a Treasure Hunters Roadshow... Like Antiques Roadshow they have on PBS... They gave him a check for $3 on the spot for some broken jewelry... LOL!!! Couple other items they told him to take PICS and contact the Smithsonian... That's exciting... So, we are going to do that... One item we don't know what it is so I will share some PICS and welcome any guesses... I walked to our home parish... My husband had taken Monkey with him to the antique show thing... My oldest was with respite staff having a blast at the local children's museum... So, I put linebacker in the sling and help peanuts hand and we walked 8 blocks... It felt good for the walk and I wasn't tried at all... So, I'm in pretty good shape... We were all warm and needed a good drink of water when we arrived... I packed water bottles and I added ice to give them a good chill... I'm sure we were quite the traveling attraction... Peanut skipping along holding on the sling ring... Me wearing a sling with Linebacker and a backpack type diaper bag... I had a meeting with Sister... She hadn't met Linebacker since we aren't attending Mass there currently and we talked about things are going with our family... ST came to the church and had ST with Peanut... She did well today despite change of location... I had planned for her to be home with daddy while I was at church meeting with Sister... I told my husband if he finished before a certain time I'd like to be picked up vs walking all the way back home... He was... So, we had a nice ride home... We arrived home just in time for me to leave with Monkey, Peanut and Linebacker to the Barber appointment for Monkey and Peanut... Monkey had an all over cut and the Barber was kind enough to trim up Peanut's bangs again... Two hair cuts $16 (including tip)... Sure can't beat that! Especially considering what 'salons' charge... After that was done it was time to pick up the van... We did that... I filled the tank and did a quick shop at Walmart... They finally had my dry erase markers in stock... I picked up two packs... They also had an awesome 'reading' light that clips on your book... I picked up a frame for Linebackers 7 week photo... We are going to hang them up soon... I didn't want to hang the other children's 7 week photos till Linebackers was ready... I stopped to see my friend who had Twins on Monday... She was doing much better today... A ate while I was there and S was setting in to eat when I left... Linebacker decided since the twins were eating he needed to eat too... On the way home I stopped at the grocery store for milk, juice, eggs and cheese... I spent the evening catching up in email and IM with friends... Now I hope to type up some of these recipes I've 'promised'... Wish me luck!

Thinking Tuesday

I've thought about a lot of things today... We thought about how we might not move to PA but to NH or VT instead... We talked about a lot of the pros and cons of the state and I think we are back to PA again... Also thought about schedules, housework and just things in general... Seems like I have a long list of things I want to do, things I want to buy, things I want to change and just things... LOL... It was a very rainy day so we spent it indoors... It was a great day for thinking...

Caroline's Shepard's Pie

SERVINGS: 4-6
TIME: Prep: 50 min. Bake: 35 min.

Ingredients:
1-1/2 pounds ground beef
1 onion diced
2 garlic cloves, pressed
8 oz fresh mushrooms
2 T. Butter
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 cups beef broth
1 T. yellow mustard
1/2 T. Garlic Pepper
2 pounds frozen/fresh broccoli flowerets, cooked but still crisp
8-10 potatoes, peeled and cubed
water
milk
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheese of your choice... I used white/mild cheddar...

Directions: In a large skillet saute onion and garlic in 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the mushrooms. Cook and stir for 3 minutes until tender; set side. Brown meat and drain. Add onions, garlic and mushrooms back to meat. Place the tomato paste in a bowl. Gradually whisk in broth until smooth. Stir mustard, and garlic pepper. Add to meat mixture. Place broccoli into 15-in. x 10-in. x 2-in. baking pan, next pour meat mixture over broccoli; set aside. Cook potatoes in boiling water until tender; drain. Mash with milk. Spoon over meat layer. Bake, uncovered, at 425° for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350°; bake 20 minutes longer or until meat layer is bubbly. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and bake until melted...

Too Much Monday

Today has been a roller coaster... It poured rain most of the day and into the night... It is still raining... So, the children didn't go outside so they are like little tops all wound up! We tried 'Easy Mac' tonight... What a night mare! Never buying that again... It might be good for those single child who come home after school making it themselves... However to feed 3 children dinner... Nope! My husband's bright idea instead of buying the meal box kind... My oldest if he had the choice would have eaten THREE of them in one sitting in addition to everything else I made for him... On a positive note my friend who was expecting twins today had them early this morning... Babies A and S are doing well... We don't know yet which name will go to which baby... Baby A was born vaginally but Baby B was born via c-section due to the stupidity of the hospital staff... From what I hear they are doing well despite the screw ups... I guess that is about all... I walked down to my oldest school in between rain showers to pick up the meds form that the psych fills out for the school nurse to give him meds... I didn't drive any where... Woo hoo!!! I need to go check mileage and report here... Gas is low... I did a ton of crazy driving yesterday... I'm tired... I'm going to pop in my DVD and veg in front of the TV...

Seat, Swim, Shop Saturday

Today I ran around like crazy... Now I'm just tired... We bought the children a Froggy Shaped Pool (photos to come soon)... I switched out Peanuts Convertible with a 5 pt harness booster... We went to the library and grocery store... Today was a very good day... I'm going to enjoy my DVD and wait for dinner to finish cooking on the grill...

Finally Friday

It is hard to believe it is Friday... It has been a long week... I had another busy day... I stopped at our 'home' church (the one we are registered)... Sr. wasn't there... I also returned their CCD form and said we didn't need it because our children are already registered (at another parish)... While I know without a doubt our family is Catholic I feel like I'm between parishes again... Next I went to the hospital to discuss the price of a bill for Linebacker... It looks like the 'staff ' is handing out material that is dated 2006 or earlier... The price went up Jan 07... However since they 'advertised' to me several times the 2006 or earlier price that is the price I will pay... So, I'm saving our family $35... It may not seem like much but it is a whole lot to our family... Now we have to figure out where to find $175 to pay this bill next month after the new revised bill arrives... Next I stopped at the PO and mailed my 3 book mooch books... I'm kind of annoyed at book mooch right now because since I'm new they are reviewing my account before I'm up and running... So, I can mooch, accept others who wish to mooch from me but I can't add to my inventory... I found 4 new items to add to my to mooch list... I haven't even tried to do a wishlist yet or look for books for myself... Now it's the weekend and I doubt they will 'release' my account till Monday some time... UGH! I picked up my chain that need to be repaired and found my husband an awesome birthday gift... The Jewelry/Watch Repair man in the mall makes clocks out of old hub caps... It turns out he has a 1986/87 Caprice Hub Cap Clock... That is the car my husband owns and loves dearly... So, it is on hold ready for me to pay and pick it up... I'm excited... His birthday isn't till December but this will be the perfect gift... I went the long way and stopped at 50% off media items on Friday Thrift Shop... I picked up one book of humor, an outlet cover, and a piece of decor with a 'quilters' theme... Isn't it cute? I love the little spools of 'thread'... I was excited most about the cover because you can add your own 'wall paper' behind it so the cover disappears... I decided to print out a design and use that since we don't do wall paper... I had it all resized printed, cut it to fit and realized it's PLUG outlet cover not a LIGHT SWITCH cover... We need a new light switch cover... ::sigh:: I will have to check tomorrow and see if they have light cover or otherwise buy it some where else... I really want one now that you put your own 'paper' in... Despite the showers today CCM still met in the park... It was good to see my friends... I had a good chat and enjoyed special private conversations with each of my friends... Please say a Prayer for all our Expectant Moms... Especially our twin mom... We are all concerned for her and her babies... Thank you... I had planned on going a few places after the park but the van is acting funny... I hope it is nothing serious... We only have 40% of the LAST repair bill paid off... Housework is calling me... I better go now before I'm too sleepy to move... ::sleepy smile:: I only have one more episode on my Walton Disc... Hope to pick up the next two in the series soon...

Thifty Thursday Continues

Today I ran out and picked up milk and juice... I stopped at my friends house to drop off a video I keep forgetting to take with me when I visit... I also picked up my empty dish... They enjoyed my casserole... I then headed across town to pick up the locks I need... They were on clearance so I bought all 6 they had... I installed them this afternoon and talked to the children about them... My oldest wasn't too happy but took the installation better then I thought he would... No major aggressive/explosive meltdown... Our Thursday night respite worker quit so the fun outing at the Softball Game was canceled... ::sigh:: I had looked forward to this for almost a week to spend the evening with my FMCHE friends... On the brighter side my CCM friends are meeting at the park soon and a lot of my FMCHE friends are also apart of CCM... So, I am looking forward to that now! After I picked up locks I went to an out of way Thrift Shop we rarely visit because they close early on Saturdays (our major thrift shop shopping day)... They had books $2 a bag and I picked up a few for myself and the children and a few that could be good to mooch... My 'treasures' of the stop was a 1999 Taste of Home Quick Cooking Annual Hardcover book and a gorgeous skirt... I was VERY pleased... I couldn't find the magazine section... Not sure they have one... They had tons of books and I only looked at part of them because of time... I arrived home just as the ST had arrived... She saw both Monkey and Peanut today again to make up the time she will be away for the wedding...

My friend Michelle does a 'Gem' of the day on her blog or something called similar to that... Our Gem today would have been from exchange that took place between Peanut and her daddy...

Daddy: "Why do you have the sugar out? I'm the only one who takes the sugar out (for cereal)..."
Peanut: "buh, I lie et..." (but, I like it)

I couldn't help but laugh (to myself) at her comment... I guess that is all for day... I finished one side of the two side Walton disc... I need to move laundry around and dishes... Maybe pick up a bit so we can walk in here... So, I will have to call it a night and go back to 'work'...

Worries Wednesday

Today I'm going to talk about my day and things that have been 'worrying' me so I can kinda put it out in the open and hopefully 'worry' less since I'm not carrying it all on my own...

My Top 10 Worries:
#1 Will I Be Pregnant Again Before *I* Think I'm Ready? (for those who don't know we are quiverful)
#2 Money - On So Many Levels It Could Be It's Own Top 10 List...
#3 Children's Mis-Behaviors -How It Will Effect Them In The 'Classroom' Setting And Other Social Situations...
#4 Is My Discipline Effective Or A Waste Of Time?
#5 Will My Children Ever Go To Bed At A Decent Hour Without A Struggle?
#6 Will My Children Look Back At Their Childhood And Remember Me As The Mom Who Yelled All The Time?
#7 Do I Set Expectations To High For Myself? Setting Myself Up For Only Failure?
#8 Organizing My Cluttered Home...
#9 Finding Time/Energy To Do The Things I Love (quilt, knit, bake, volunteer, etc)...
#10 Will My Social Network Completely Crumble If I Give Up Homeschooling Completely?

Now onto the happenings of the day... I will have to type fast because Linebacker is reminding me it's almost feeding time... I loaded the dishwasher and had it run and done before my husband woke up for work... I still need to empty and load todays dishes in... The laundry has been at a stand still... Maybe I can fold a load before I go to bed to keep it moving... I picked up so my husband could vaccum while I was out running errands before ST started... I ran out to the PO to mail an eBay item... I stopped at the local hardware store for locks to keep our escape artist in the house... They don't sell the locks I need... I will have to drive to the other side of town another day to buy them at the place we bought our locks for upstairs... I stopped at the grocery store for more deli case items for my husband's lunches, butter, lettuce and a 12 pk of sodas which aren't on sale this week... They ran the same brand twice (coke products)... They usually alternate between coke and pepsi specials... We have more 'food' money they I thought... So, that was a good feeling to see the balance and reassurance we aren't 'out' yet... Both Peanut and Monkey had ST today... ST is going to a wedding so she won't be able to see them on that day so she rescheduled that day to earlier in the week... I visited my friend expecting twins again... Today we talked about every day things... It was good to sit and just chat... She was in very good spirits today... She seemed more relaxed today then on Monday or Tuesday... I think my visits are doing her good... We went recycling and took her dinner... I took it right from my oven and put it in her oven... I called and asked her if she could have someone turn it on so it could be kept warm till her husband came home and any sides they wished to fix were made... I'm anxious to hear what they thought... Her mom was there when I arrived... Her sister will be there tomorrow... I will see her sister tomorrow night so I will have to inquire...

Recipe - French Style Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

New Recipe...

Thrifty Tuesday

Let's see if I can remember what happened... It was only yesterday... LOL!! I headed out the door to run some errands... I stopped at the Y and applied for a scholarship... So, that is all started up again... Next I stopped at a friends house to pick up the homeschooling materials I ordered... We ordered together to save on shipping... I also picked up her sisters items since we live two block apart and I was planning a visit that afternoon... Next I stopped at the library and dropped off some DVDs... I picked up the next two DVDs in the Walton Series... While at the library I saw the 'Librarian' those of us in FMCHE will know what I mean... ::smirk:: We joked a bit... I also picked up a business card size advertisements for Book Mooch... I really need to try this out... I stopped at the bank to take out some cash and went Thrift Shopping... I found a Taste of Home mini book... It is part of the Light and Tasty Series... I'm really into Taste of Home lately... Thanks, Michelle for the suggestion to check them out and the tip to pick up the books 2nd hand vs buying new... Some of the recipes I will be sharing shortly are Taste of Home... They were also having a $0.50 clothing sale... I found the most beautiful skirt for fall... I can't wait to wear it once cooler weather arrives... I found an antiques book for my husband for only $0.25... I stopped at the store to pick up what I needed make the new 'French' recipe I found... I arrived home and ready the children to leave... We spent part of the afternoon at my friend who is expecting twins... We filled out a Y form for her... We had a nice chat... I worked on making French Style Chicken and Broccoli Casserole for her family and mine... It turned out delicious... I did a bit of laundry... I didn't make it around to much more... I unloaded the dishwasher but didn't load it and the house needs to be vacuumed before therapy tomorrow...

Recipe: Beef Stroganoff

SERVINGS: 6-8
TIME: Prep: 15 min. Cook: 1 hour

Ingredients:
1/2 cup flour
1 T Garlic Pepper
1 T. Steak Seasoning
1-1/2 to 2 pounds boneless beef top round steak, trimmed and cut into thin strips
3 T. butter
1 onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, pressed
8 oz sliced fresh mushrooms
1 can (10-1/2 ounces) beef broth,
Hot cooked noodles

Directions: In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the flour and seasonings. Add beef; shake until well coated. In a large skillet, melt butter. Brown beef in batches. Remove and keep warm. Add onions, mushrooms and garlic to the pan; cook until tender. Return beef to the skillet. Add the broth; cover and cook until the meat is tender, about 1 hour. Serve over noodles.

Recipe: Old Fashioned Chicken Potpie

SERVINGS: 8
TIME: Prep: 1-1/2 hours Bake: 40 min. + standing

Ingredients:
2 to 3 frozen boneless skinless chicken breast
water
1 onion, coarsely chopped
2-3 celery rib, cut into 3-4" lengths
20-30 baby carrots
1-1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
Pastry for double-crust pie (9 inches) (will share that recipe in a seperate post)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
To Taste:
Garlic Pepper
Mrs. Dash Grillin' Seasoning Chicken

Directions: In a large kettle, bring the frozen chicken, water, onion, celery, and carrots to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 60-90 minutes or until chicken is done and veggies tender. Remove chicken and vegetables from broth. Set aside until cool enough to handle. Meanwhile, line a 9-in. deep-dish pie plate with bottom pastry; trim even with edge of plate. Set aside. Dice chicken; Set aside. Chop the onion, celery and carrots to bite size pieces. Strain broth and skim fat; set broth aside. In a small bowl, combine the flour and seasonings. Add 1/2 cup broth; whisk until smooth. In a large saucepan, bring 3 cups of broth to a boil; whisk in the flour mixture. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat; add chicken and vegetables (WARNING! Maybe more then what will fit in crust ::smirk::). Pour into crust. Roll out remaining pastry to fit top of pie; place over filling. Trim, seal and flute edges. Cut slits in top. Cover edges loosely with foil. Bake at 400° for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown and filling is bubbly. Let stand for 15 minutes before cutting.

Many Errands Monday

Today was yet another day of running... I have driven over 100 miles since Thursday afternoon when the oil was changed... I finally have our 20 gallon tank filled... I'm going to see how many miles I go per week every week and then how long my 20 gallons last and how many miles per gallon... Last time I checked miles per gallon it was 18 in town... I drive a 16+ year old 7 Seater Van... I did my beginning of the month paper work... Next I drove around town to drop off paper work, pay people in town and stop at the PO... I had a bit of lunch and went to visit with my friend expecting twins... She was in good spirits and looked great... I made a few phone calls and paid a couple bills online... Now I have a house that looks like a hurricane hit it... So, I'm off to tidy up a bit... Hopefully if Linebacker behaves... ::smirk:: I started at 269 miles... I'll let you all know where I am at next monday morning...

Sleepless Saturday?

I'm truly exhausted and after you read what all happened today YOU will be exhausted... Here I go... I made it into bed at 2 AM (will explain in Friday's Post)... I mixed up the coffee cake (double recipe, will share later) and put it in the fridge then headed to bed... I set my alarm for 6 AM... The county had a school supply drive that I went to pick up supplies for my oldest... I was done and able to attend 8 AM Mass at the Cathedral... Happy First Saturday! I arrived home at 9 AM and tried to cat nap... The children were too active so I rolled off the couch at 10:30 AM... I decided to take a hot soak in the tub to soothe my tired body... I then relaxed in front of the computer... My husband said wake him at 11:25 AM so I could leave to run errands and then attend the La Leche League World Breastfeeding Week Potluck... Next thing I know I look at the computer clock and it's 11:30 AM... I was supposed to put the coffee cake in at 11! So, I rush in the kitchen and start the oven heating... I then rush around readying myself so I can leave the house... I call and chat with a friend to see if she is going... She can't decide... She asked if I could pick up some nursing tops to give away while I'm out running errands... I said sure! So, I'm ready and Linebacker is ready and we head out the door... I stop for a quick visit with my friend and she decides she will go and hopefully we will catch each other there... I head across town to the mall... I was in a rush at the eye doctors on Tuesday and my chain I wear with my confirmation crucifix caught in the stroller when I was packing it in the back of the van and 'broke' it... They are going to put a different type of clasp on and soder the 'loop' shut so it can't open like the old clasp... Hence the 'broke'... I'm glad the actual chain didn't break like the last one that caught on the chain link fence while I was helping one of the children last summer... I paid my husband's Sears bill and headed home... I rush around and out the door I head with the 3 little ones to the LLL Potluck... We arrive just before 1 PM... I hang out a bit and up walks my friend... I say good bye and head home so my husband can shower and go to work... I decide since I only spent a brief moment at the Potluck to head back over and see if they are still there and hang out more after the Respite staff for my oldest arrives... The gal arrives and back out we go... We arrived just after 2 PM... We chatted and had a great time until 4 PM... I head home for a much needed NAP! I call and check on my friend who is expecting twins #7 & #8... If you could say a quick prayer for her and her little blessing that would be great... She is going to deliver soon... I told her to have her sister call me day or night to let me know they arrived... I think about her and her little fellas (US said twin boys) often through out my day... My nap plans were foiled by being so tired it was difficult to fall asleep and a raging thunderstorm... I finally gave up and do some things around the house... It looked like a tornado ran through our home... After everything was all picked up I fed the children and myself... I unloaded and loaded the dishwasher and started it running... I now need to start the 'laundry train' going again as I call it... So, I'm off to fold whites and toss the colors into the dryer to dry... Then I have to put nursing and Linebacker's stuff in the washer... I'm almost out of washable 'mommy milk circles' as my children call them (nursing pads)... They call my bra a 'mommy milk circle holder'... LOL!! They crack me up... Linebacker loves his mommy milk... Out of the mouth of babes! Are you tired now? ::smirk::

Friday

I'm too busy to write...

Too Much To Do Thursday

My oldest's orthotics were adjusted again today... Hopefully now we can find shoes that will fit them that aren't so big that he slips right out of them when he walks... I went to the have the oil changed after my oldest's appointment... Turned out we needed a radiator flush and a coolant flush and a number of other things to make the van safe to drive again... So, $350 and 2-1/2 hours later (yes I had all 4 children with me)... We were on our way home... We had a quick dinner... One of my doulas (I had two at Linebacker's birth) came by to visit... By the time I made it around to heading to the softball field to meet up with my homeschool friends it was 1/4 to 8... I had to stop for a much needed fill of the gas tank on the van... We arrived at the softball field at 1/4 after 8... We chatted quickly as I had to be home by 9... Things seemed to go very well this afternoon despite the crazy events and number of events that seemed to run one right after another without a break... Good news... All the children came home... Went up stairs and went right to sleep!!! Wooo hooo!!!! We have really been struggling with bedtime... I'm currently reading No Cry Sleep Solution - Toddlers and Preschoolers by Elizabeth Pantley...

Wild Wednesday

Today was a wild and crazy roller coaster... Things did finally calm down this evening but boy what a stressful day... I'm now exhausted and headed to bed... ::yawn::

Time Tuesday

I just didn't seem to have enough time today... I had my dental visit today... My peridontal count went down (19/13 to 17/11) but my bleeding went up (zero last visit one this visit)... However it was an overall very good appointment and I go back in November... I haven't been able to do a thing as far as housework so as soon as Linebacker lets me put him down without too much fussing that is where I'm headed... Dishes, Laundry, General Pick-Up... My DH isn't feeling well... He is having cramping, fever, fatigue... He has been having back problems... Those are improving and now this... Poor guy... I took Monkey to the eye doctor today... He's eye sightis normal for his age... However the appointment took almost 2 hours... I dropped off Faith Formation Registration... I'm not sure how much homeschooling I will do this fall... I'm really struggling right now... I might have to take a year off... I really don't want to do that... We picked up my oldest RX... These two things I wanted to do while I had respite but the eye doctor appointment took so long... So, I had to do them with all four of them in tow... Thank goodness the son of a family friend watched them while I dropped off the registration form... They were mostly good at the pharmacy... I was driving home from the pharmacy thinking gee we are almost out of gas... I'm glad I don't have any where to go... I can just fill up on Thursday (pay day)... I walk in and look at the calendar... Nope, we have stuff tomorrow and Thursday before I can FILL the tank... Grrrrrrrrr... Is it August yet?

Many Things Happening Monday

WOW!!! When you are out of the habit of blogging it is hard to go back into the habit... As promised I'm going to start writing daily again... Today was a pretty quiet day... We are done with ESY so we won't have to wake up super early any more for a couple of weeks... I'm enjoying sleeping in a bit... Today I did 3 loads of dishes in the dishwasher... Everything had fallen apart over the weekend... Now I'm all caught up... I also did 3 loads of laundry... I'm almost caught up with that... I don't know what is with my oldest... He has done a couple things today he has never done and it bothers me! I'm going to have to stay up and talk to my husband about what he just did... I'm really concerned with his safety and the safety of his siblings if they decide to copy his behaviors... ::sigh:: Just when I thought things were really improving! I'm reorganizing my life again... I worked out my fall schedule following the Super Nanny method... I hope to go back to the MOTH method... I just haven't had time to read more of the book... I've been reading all of Elizabeth Pantley's No Cry Solution Books... Things are out of hand and I'm trying to rein things back into control before it is a really big mess... Mood wise I've been feeling pretty good... Less stressed then I was... I was a huge mess... I only ran out briefly today to pick up a gallon of milk and a jar of applesauce to make it to payday... Linebacker is calling for a meal so I'm going to have to call it a day on my blog... I hope to be back soon and update when I was MIA...

Visitation Ends

I will be back posting daily next Monday July 28th...

Monday:

Tuesday:

Wednesday:

Thursday:

Friday:

Saturday:

Peanut's 3rd Birthday!

Happy Birthday Princess... Details to follow...

Visitation Continues

Monday:

Wednesday:

Thursday:

Friday:

Sunday:

Visitation Week

I'm going MIA... Will update in detail after the 17th...

Monday: Linebacker was weighted and is doing GREAT... He is up to 9.11 lbs... I'm thrilled!!!

Tuesday:

Wednesday:

Thursday:

Friday:

Saturday:

Selebration Continues - Saturday

The Fourth of July Celebration continues today... I made this delicious dessert:

It is really simple... Pre-made Graham Cracker Crust, one Can of Strawberry Pie Filling, topped with one container of Strawberry Flavored Whipped Topping, and finally a pint/quart of blueberries arraigned on the top... Simple and Delicious! Enjoy! I've also did a bit of laundry and organized our library stuff for our trip to the library... We went to the library, buy eBay stuff, Walmart, and the grocery store... My husband ran back with just our oldest to the $1 store and pick up more supplies for the remodeling... We bought Peanut a trike... Her's was broken today... So, we wanted to replace it... The last one lasted 2-1/2 children... Isn't she cute?

We bought one that would be able to be used by Linebacker too, when he's big enough... We had steaks, brats, and hotdogs on the grill tonight... Rib Eyes are on sale this week... They were very juicy and super tender... One of the best steaks I've ever had... Wish we had the extra money to stock up on them for the rest of the summer celebrations... We also picked up a Pork Roast... We are going to turn it into Eastern North Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwiches on our grill... I can't wait! Pork Roast was on sale too... Once this delicious dessert above is gone I'm going to make a cheese cake... I will share the recipe and a photo then... We played a bit more with fireworks and I enjoyed the classic sparklers... I like going to the shows but for my own personal use I like the simple sparkler... I was up late last night and didn't nap today so I'm more then ready for bed... I think I will take a relaxing shower and call it a night...

Fourth Of July - Friday

HAPPY 4th JULY!!!

I've been busy today... No time to catch up and even less time to write about today... I did a bit of gardening... I have lots of photos to share...

Doesn't it look great? (photos to be inserted later)

I just came in for a minute to cool off... It's a gorgeous day... Bright and Sunny... Mild Breeze... 79 degrees (no heat index) and 36% humidity... Just bea-u-ti-ful!!! I had a few moments to sit here... Now I have to pack up our things for the trip today... Linebacker is also sounding his meal gong... ::grin::
We packed up all our things... We headed west to start our Hidden Treasures of the Sheyenne River Valley Tour... We took the interstate to the start of the tour and the Sheyenne National Scenic Byway... Rose Bud Visitors Center...

Caption: Sheyenne River Valley Scenic Byway begins at the Rosebud Visitor Center downtown. Built to reflect the design of the early railroad era, the site centers on Rosebud, an 1881 Northern Pacific Superintendent's Railcar. Explore the railroad history of the Sheyenne River Valley, then pick up tourism brochures, including a guide to the Historic Bridges Tour in the city.

We also took these PICS:

We skipped the next couple of places to stop since we started late... We enjoyed the Byway all the way to State Park... We stopped at Pyramid Hill where a Viking stands on top...

Caption: Prominent landmark outside of town is a steep pyramidal hill topped by a large Viking statue. A local historian claimed that about one-third of the mound is man-made, being built an estimated 5000 to 9000 years ago by an ancient civilization.

We then went to the park... The park is 887-acre treasure which provides for a wealth of outdoor activities including camping, fishing, picnicking, horseback riding (bring your own horse), canoeing, cross country skiing, hiking, birding and nature photography.

We drove up and had a picnic at the top of the Scenic Outlook...

Isn't it beautiful? We headed down the hill and hiked the trail before heading to our destination... Which is also the end of the Byway... We arrived just in time for a quick potty break and to the Fair Grounds for Fireworks... It was an awesome show for a little town of only 2,300 people... There were about 50 cars that we could see... We then headed home... We didn't arrive back till after midnight... Everyone one was tired and 3 out of 4 of the children fell asleep on the way home... We enjoyed driving through the country side in the dark... We talked and listened to music... God Blessed us with a wonderfully special day... TBTG!!! Photos and more details to come!

No Time - Thursday

Wow... I was so busy today... I didn't realize I hadn't blogged till just now... Hopefully I will be able to catch up tomorrow morning before heading out to enjoy the 4th many festivities... I'm off to bed... ::yawn::

Wild & Wonderful Wednesday

I have a lot to say and its late... Linebacker isn't giving me my left arm anytime soon... Too much to say typing with one hand...

Tired Tuesday

That says it all I'm tired... Please Lord give rest... Things improved slightly after nap... I was finally able to pick up Peanut's extra special birthday gift... That had been bothering... Check out was a mess... I will go into that later when I'm not typing with one hand... ::smirk::

test

:-)

Many Things To Share - Monday

My oldest had ESY again... I dropped off my mileage reimbursement sheet at the district office... This 22.5 miles 4 days a week is killing us with the gas costs... I usually wait till all 6 weeks of ESY are done but couldn't this year... Just costing too much to transport to and from... I went an exchanged an outfit... It was a 9 month summer outfit... Linebacker will be 9 months in February... It won't be any where near warm that time of year here... It will be frozen tundra in these parts... I exchanged it for a 3 month summer outfit he will be able to wear later this summer... I also picked up Peanut's Diego Cake Pan and Icing Coloring Set... I'm all ready to make her the Diego Cake for her 3rd Birthday next month... I didn't make it over to pick up her birthday gift yet... I'm hoping to do that some time this week... I want to have it... I made a few phone calls and worked in my gardens... I debated calling today's post Mosquito Monday... They are AWFUL!!! I can't wear spray unless I wash it off immediately after coming in because Linebacker is too little for spray... I never know when he might need me to pick him up... I can't if I'm coated in spray... I've been lucky and only bit a couple of times... I hope when the city sprays it helps... Rumors are they are spraying this week... It's hard to enjoy your garden when you are being munched on! One last exciting thing... I've almost finished knitting my scarf... Woo hoo!!! I'll share a PIC when I finish... It is really awesome... I can't wait till it's done... I guess that is all for now... Linebacker is sounding his alarm saying it's feeding time again... ::grin::

Snapshot Saturday

I took lots of great photos today...
Here are my three 'new' nursing dresses:

I could be a triplet... ::smirk::

Here are my little blessings:

This is the first photo of all 4 of them together... I think it turned out great! My husband and Monkey ran out to the PO and Library while I did some things around the house... We then headed out to Library for me to pick up some things... I hadn't been to the library for a while... My husband and just been taking the children and himself regularly... I have stayed home with which ever child(ren) were currently not feeling well... I signed the three oldest up for the Summer Reading Program... Which started June 9th... I'm usually there at the Grand Kick Off Party... Just didn't make it this year... So, everyone is all registered... I picked up Potty Learning Books for Peanut, Dinosaurs for Monkey, and Geography (US States) for my oldest... No books being checked out for Linebacker yet... He just has the ones around the house right now... I need to sign him up for the Imagination Library... Keep forgetting about that... After the library we went to the 'wood chip/dirt' place... Filled up our containers for woodchips... Next it was to Walmart for some more needed things... Picked up a few more T-Shirts for the older boys, Sharpie for me, and food... We snacked on Chicken Strips and Tarter Wedges on the way home... Yummy... We hadn't bought these in a while... I snuggled with Linebacker and became very sleepy... So, I took a nap... My husband with the older three put the woodchips on the garden path and did a bit of weeding... The mosquitos are awful so they didn't stay out any longer then they had too... They had leftover Noodle Casserole for dinner and pizza... I woke up from my much needed nap... I was stuffed with chicken and tarters from Walmart so I didn't eat anything else... Just drank a ton of water... All the children were in bed but Linebacker who was snugglin' and nursin'... We cleaned up the house... It was super cluttered... With all that had been happening the house had really fallen apart... The house wasn't 'dirty' just extremely messy! It looks aweseome now!!! I'm off to snuggle more with Linebacker... So, I will be back when I have TWO free hands again... ::grin:: Have a great rest of the weekend... See you all on Monday...

Feeling Better - Friday

I must say things are going much better today... Monkey and Peanut had ST... I worked on fitting in some 'extra' feedings for Linebacker... I even made homemade waffles and balanced the check book before lunch... ::grin:: After lunch and sending my husband off to work, my oldest had his orthotics appointment... He decided he wasn't going to cooperate... The respite worker had met us there so that helped she was there to assist... All the necessary measurements were taken and his new orthotics should be here in about 10 days or so... We have been holding off buying new shoes til they are replaced... The last thing we want to do is buy new shoes and then his orthotics don't fit and we have to buy another new pair... Sometimes buying a new pair of shoes for my oldest goes well... Other times it is a struggle finding the right size and he then doesn't want to wear them because they aren't the old familiar ones he's been wearing... He doesn't care how worn out they are or if they are too small... I dropped off my borrowed copy of the MOTH book to my friend... It rained a bit... A friend stopped by... We talked about the variety of things that are bothering me... So, I feel a lot better... She even gave me some really adorable nursing dresses that I will have to model for you all when I have a chance... I'm really glad she stopped by... She is also a former LLL so she gave me some suggestions about Linebacker... I'm grateful to have such a good friend... Her sister called just after she left looking for her... I said she had already left... Tonight is FMCHE Mom's Night Out... She needed a ride... I said I can give you one... So, I loaded up my gang and gave her a ride to the car pool place... I wish I could have gone to Mom's Night Out... Hopefully next month... Maybe in September I should be able to host my very first Mom's Night Out... That will be very exciting! I've wanted to for some time but haven't had reliable child care in place to make it happen... So, everything seems to be in an up swing... I heard from the organization regarding my oldest and we should have an 'official' YES some time next week... Our case manager doesn't see any reason why it wouldn't be a yes... It is just a matter of everyone from the organization sitting down and making it 'official'... We will then start the process of intergrating him into that organizations program... Thank you everyone for your prayers for everything... They are truly appreciated... Linebacker's hungry so I'm going to call it a night and snuggle with my little guy...

Too Much For One Person To Take - Thursday

I'm not sure how much more stress I could possibly take... There is all that is going on with my oldest and now Linebacker... I had my 6 week check up today... I'm doing well... I have about 20 lbs to lose before I reach 'my' perfect weight... I've already lost about 20 lbs of pregnancy weight... I have 10 to lose to make it to pre-Linebacker... Back to the stressful part... I mentioned (joyfully) Linebacker was already 8.9 lbs at 5 weeks old (stopped in for a weight check to ease my mind)... The doctor is concerned... ::sigh:: Many of you know about what I went through with Peanut and her weight gaining... She said to try to nurse more often and would like to see him weight 10 lbs by his 2 month well check (mid July)... If he still isn't gaining enough (in her opinion) we will have to talk about giving him some extra calories by supplementing formula... I'm sitting there why me! I really need a break... I really do! Monkey had ST today and is doing well... Otherwise nothing too exciting going on... Is it nap time yet?

Wondering Wednesday

I did it!!!! I'm 100% updated from the 7th till TODAY!!! Woo hoo!!! I still need to do Linebacker's first week and his birth story but at least I'm back current finally... It really bugs when I'm behind... Well I went on the gift card shopping spree today... Bought everything we needed... It feels so good to know the children have what they need... I've decided that it is time for Peanut to learn how to use the potty and not use diapers any more... I picked her up some practice pants (extra padding to absorb), some regular panties (just girly) and some CONGRATS you did it panties (Dora)... We also picked her up a potty seat (Dora)... I just need to stop at Ace and pick up a folding stool... She is still a bit tiny (hence the nickname Peanut) and our bathroom is small so I'm opting for a folding stool over the traditional potty stool... So, we are all prepared... Wish us luck... My oldest the school finally trained him at almost 6 years old... Monkey potty trained himself at around 4... So, I really have no clue how we are going to do this... I think she is ready though... Just a matter of taking the time and working on it with her... The making the crawl space 'pretty' guy came... He works for a company called Innovative Basement Systems... We are talking 6+K... YIKES!!! Our crawl space presents special issues... So, it will be even more then that... UGH!!! So, despite how awesome their products looks and what a great thing it would be... We won't be doing this type of improvement any time soon... I'm working on catching up on laundry... 2 Loads mostly done... 1-3 more to go... So, that is all for today... I'm still bothered by that thing... I wish I could stop thinking about it... Just annoys me... ::frown::

Troublesome Tuesday

I had a very upsetting day... There are many things that are bothering me... I talked with a friend online about them and that made me feel better but I'm still very troubled by it... The two books that were 'missing' magicially appeared... I picked them up today... So, now I'm done this that... That was annoying and bothering me... I ran around town and dropped off things that I didn't want in my house any more... That made me feel a bit better about that thing that is really bothering me... Monkey had OT... He did really awesome today with his drawing and cutting... Woo hoo!!! That made me feel really proud... I picked up swimming outfits for all 3 children and it cost less then $15... How awesome is that... A giftcard came today... A BIG THANK YOU to the sender... You know who you are... ::grin:: So, I'm going on a huge shopping spree at Walmart later this week to pick up things the children need... My oldest went swimming in his new swim trunks today... They fit perfectly and he had a great time!

More Sleep, Please? Monday

I'm just exhausted... Yesterday was a busy and and today has been go, go, go... Saturday we had an awful storm go through... It caused the tornado warning sirens to go off... Thank God there were no tornados near us but we were all hiding out in our awful crawl space... It is nasty... I contacted a place that makes basements and crawl spaces pretty... They are to come out later this week and take a look... It is a free inspection and estimate... I went by the place where my oldest was staying and picked up his things... I took a list with me... While I was there they found his coat and brand new shirt we had bought and brought to him... Two books are still missing... Amazing how when you take a specific detailed list with prices things they couldn't find suddenly appear... ::eye roll:: Peanut played with early intervention specialist... Her daughter is attending the Safety Town program this session... My oldest respite worker wanted to take him swimming and I realized I hadn't bought the children swim suits for this summer... Some money came today and I plan to go pick him one tomorrow... The respite worker comes tomorrow too... I stopped at my favorite 2nd hand store today... Every Monday they have $0.99 Colored Tag Sale... They pick a color... Everything with that color tag is $0.99... This week it was green... I picked up these two awesome skirts and two tops... Total cost less then $14... ::grin::

Maybe they can go swimming then... Hopefully I can make it to bed at a decent hour tonight...

Sewing Station Saturday

While I didn't do any actual sewing yet I did clean up what had become my catch all sewing station... It has become a delicate balancing act to pile new stuff on without the current stuff from an avalanche... LOL!!! Here are some photos of the clean up process that took about an hour (probably only 20 minutes of actual cleaning but with interruption it took about an hour from start photo to finish photo)...
This is what it looked like before I started... Yikes!

This was about 3/4 of the way through....This is the after... The 'calendar' on the right was a giveaway from a friend... She also gave me a couple laminated items... She gave me a world map but I want to laminate it first... It will then can be put up in my oldest room along with two other laminated items.. I decided to use it for all the things that happen every week like therapy, clubs/support groups, etc... I will save my 'date' calendar for those things that happen more randomly like doctor, dentist, meetings, field trips, etc...
I worked a bit in the garden picking out the 'trees'... Otherwise I relaxed because I'm still feeling a little icky... Mostly just tried from feeling icky... I have updated from the 7th till today... ::yawn:: Nap time...

Friday

Today was feeling much better... I still had a few lingering symptoms that made me nervous about going out and about but still went out any way... Monkey and Peanut had ST this morning... I then went by the organization that maybe working with my oldest to sign some release of information... They need to talk to people who work them him before they meet and decide if they are going to work with him... I'm praying all goes well... He really needs this place to help him... More remodeling was done today... I hang out during the afternoon with a friend... We went and bought more remodeling materials... We had cheese burgers and hot dogs on the grill... We even worked on the garden a bit... So, I have 2 boxes completed, 3 in the inbetween stages and 1 that I haven't done a thing to... Hopefully I can do more tomorrow if my ills continue to improve...

Tricky Thursday

I don't if I feel better or worse... I'm having different symptoms... I talked with a friend on the phone and it seems to be a popular 'bug' that is going around... I wasn't sure if I was going to make it to my oldest ESY program or not... I did manage to make it... I also picked up a box of food for Monkey... I felt a little bit better and did some things then I felt awful again... Monkey had ST and we didn't make it to the Family Picnic that Peanut had been invited to... ::sigh:: I had really been looking forward to going even if I had to go alone with all 4 of the children... Oh well... Hopefully we will be able to go to the next event that they have...

Will I Make It To The Weekend Wednesday?

Today was a rough day... To top it all off I'm catching the children's cold (started with Peanut/Monkey then next my oldest)... Runny Nose, Sore Throat and Fever... Linebacker was warm at nap time but seems find now... I'm just praying this is gone fast... I feel like a truck has run over me... ::sigh:: Despite not feeling so well... I paid the rest of the bills online that hadn't been paid this month... I also made a trip to the store and stocked up on meats for the freezer... For less then $30 I bought almost 7 lbs of hamburger, 2 pkgs bacon, 2 pkgs hot dogs, 2 bags of frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts and a couple miscellaneous things... I divided the hamburger up into 7 pkgs and put everything into our deep freezer... Peanut also had ST... I took a long soak in the tub after nap... That helped a little bit...

Too Much To Do Tuesday

I really need to find a planner with more space (or learn to write smaller)! I have to squeeze all I need to do and remember in a small space... Things are looking better around here... Next couple days should quiet down a bit and hopefully give me some time to sit here and update you all on everything... I think I'm figuring out Linebacker's schedule... I'm just waiting for him to change it so I have to learn a new one... ::smirk:: Thank you for all the prayers... I truly appreciate them... I can really feel the strength and Grace of God holding me... We went on a tour today with our oldest... The tour went well and may brighten our uncertain future with our oldest... Monkey had OT today... I was on the phone again almost all day... I'm glad I don't have a cell phone... I'd never rest... I ran out to the PO finally... I also made a stop at K-Mart for diapers and wipes... I also made a quick stop for milk, eggs, cheese, and juice... It doesn't look like much happened based on the space it takes up but I was on the run all day today... My oldest ESY takes up a lot of my time... It takes almost 1/2 hour there and 1/2 hour back... He is only there 2-1/2 hours... I drive 22.5 miles a day... So, that eats up my entire morning... Once everyone has lunch, we have OT or ST, my husband heads off to work the afternoon is over and it's nap time... It is up from nap, dinner, baths, some play time, clean up, and off to bed... The day is over... I've really learned a lot from the MOTH CD Box Set... I've also learned tons from what I've read so far in the MOTH book... I ordered my own copy... I can't wait for it to arrive... Switching over from a 'family' routine to this type of individual schedule is going to change everything! We have everyone going in some many directions a family routine just isn't enough structure for our household... I will update everyone on how it goes...

More To Do Then Ever Before Monday

I thought my life was busy before Linebacker arrived... I was mistaken! Today was phone call day... Oh my... I was calling people and people were calling me... We met a new Respite Worker... She will fill shifts on Mon, Tue and Thurs in June... I look forward to the extra help... She did great today and my oldest really liked her... The highlight of their time together was watching construction way down south... They are widing a road... I have a feeling that will be a regular event when she visits... We are now up to 2 Respite Workers... I scheduled Peanut's 3 year well check and Linebacker's 2 month well check next month... I also updated the 'Prenatal' program offered through my husband's work insurance... If you participate in the program and meet all the requirements (talking to a nurse after every prenatal visit)... At the end with your last phone call to your 'assigned' nurse you give the birth details and they send you a $50 gift card usable any where... How cool is that? I participated with Peanut also... I didn't know about it when expecting Monkey and my husband didn't work there when I was pregnant with our oldest... Today was the first day of ESY (Special Ed Summer School) for my oldest... He had a good morning... Today a friend delivered Breaded Chicken Strips and Cheesy Diced Taters... We still have Lasagna leftover so I froze it... The Lasagna is awesome... Very meaty and we love it that way... All in all it was a good day...

Shopping Saturday

I went shopping for Father's Day and had a blast... I picked up Father's Day cards... I didn't realize till late yesterday that today was Father's Day... Gee I wonder why... I will have to wait and mail them on Monday because the PO is closed already... They don't have a cash dispensing stamp machine no more... The automated machine requires you use a CC/Check Card and spend a minmum of $1... I went shopping at Sears... Good store to shop at for Father's Day... I took advantage of the 'sales'... I also had a coupon... I bought my husband a Craftsman 16 oz. Rip Claw Hammer with Hickory Handle and Craftsman 15 in. Electric Line Trimmer plus an extra Craftsman 20 ft. Replacement Spool, .065 Diameter... Today a Lasagna and Chocolate Chip Cookies with Nuts was delivered from one of our friends... We spent the rest of the weekend mowing the lawn (first time this year), doing some remodeling, and my husband loved all his gifts... After Mass on Sunday they had a treat 'Father's' to a Root Beer Float... It was a good weekend...

Frustrated and Fun Friday

The first half of the day was awesome... The second half was the frustrating part... I will start with the end of the day and then go back and talk about the morning to end of a positive note... I ready the littles to go pick up my oldest with respite worker in tow... We arrive... I start asking well where is this and that... They start looking... They only found a few of the things I requested... The rest they said they would hopefully find later... Otherwise make a list and cost and they would pay us... One thing missing is his Rand McNally 1934 World Atlas Book... ::eye roll:: We sat there for over an hour waiting till we could leave... I signed tons of paperwork... I was given one RX and they fax'd the other I needed... I'm not sure why they did it that way... He had quite the episode while the 'staff' ran around looking for things... Thank God for Plexiglas or there would have been at least 3-4 broken windows in the place... I love how they said prior to his episode he is stable... Yea, that is the picture of stability... We can't even leave and he is pounding on windows, doors and walls... So, we finally made it out... We head to the pharmacy because I'm thinking once I'm home I want to be home... Taking him out again probably wouldn't be a good idea... I wasn't sure how unstable his behavior would be... I had the respite worker with me... So, at least I wasn't alone with all 4... We were stuck at the traffic light prior to the railroad tracks... It wouldn't change because a train was going by... When I saw the train I was hoping this would help calm him since he loves the trains... It has the opposite effect... My oldest wanted to be closer so he could watch... He had another episode in the van and banged on the vent window in the sliding door he sits next to... Nothing I could do but wait it out... I was boxed in and couldn't switch lanes... Luckily it wasn't a long train... He was still very upset about the train thing 6 blocks away when we arrived at the pharmacy... I laid down some ground rules about going in the building to the pharmacy before going in... He was mostly calm... He couldn't sit still but that is understandable... He was still quite anxious and agitated by the train thing... The pharmacist who knows us put a rush on his order (moved us a head of everyone else)... She understand he has difficulty waiting and could tell he was already upset... Her plans were foiled when she tried to run billing... She told me the doctor didn't have a participating provider number for my oldest insurance and without that number she couldn't bill it... I gave her the number from memory of where we had just left... She tried several times and still didn't make it any where... She said go on home and she would call when they were ready... It has now been a half hour... We even tried contacting our usual psych (another number I gave from memory, pharmacist was impressed at my skills) but he had left of the day... It is now 4 PM on a Friday and I'm livid... There is no way I'm going through almost 3 days with no medicine for my son... Considering he is acting this way on his meds... So, I call over to where we had just left once I arrived home and told them they need to do something about this and do it now... After another 20-30 minutes (after I had left the pharmacy) everything was solved... The respite still had a bit of time left before her shift for the day was over... My oldest was happily picking up sticks that had fallen down in the yard during our recent rains... I pack up the littles and head back to the pharmacy... The pharmacist apologizes about the issues and the delay... I told her it wasn't her fault and not worry about it... Also, thank you for all her help... We chatted a bit about Linebacker and then I headed back home... I don't think she had seen him yet... We know several pharmacist there as well as their helpers what ever they are called... So, everything worked out... I had all the meds I needed for the weekend well the whole month... The rest of the night after the ordeal was much better... Everyone went right down to nap as scheduled, ate a good dinner, bathed and went to bed with no hassles... Now to the first part of the day... Monkey and Peanut had their first back to back ST session... That went pretty well... It has been 4 weeks since Linebacker's birth... Everything is going well... Today is his Saint's Feast Day... St. Anthony of Padua... So, we had a mini celebration about that... Now on to a very special part of our day that happened first thing...
Monkey had his Safety Town Graduation (told in pictures and captions)!!!
This is outside... He is said it was cold... So, I guess that can explain the expression on his face... He is also saying 'cheese' instead of just smiling...
This is the yellow dotted line he followed to his Safety Classroom every morning...
This is his 'group'... He is the 2nd from the left sitting in chairs (front row)... They had 4 groups... Green, Red, Blue and Purple... He was in the purple group... Aren't they cute!!! They song several songs about safety complete with hand movements... They all received a stop sign shaped diploma...
Proud Daddy and Mommy with Monkey newly Graduated from Saftey Town... He is mad and didn't want to wear his hat for the PIC...
Linebacker is telling me it's meal time... So, that's all for today...

Twists and Turns Thursday

We were told one thing and then when we showed up we were told something different for our oldest... That was frustrating, upsetting and a relief all at once... We are still very nervous but made real progress on finding help for our oldest... Hopefully tomorrow and beginning of next week we can move things along here towards the positive... Monkey had his first ST today... He did well... I updated the ST about our oldest... I was in a daze most of the afternoon after all that happened today with our oldest and all that is about to happen... In Safety Town today Monkey about Poisons and Pet Safety... They had a Pharmacist from our network give a talk on poisons... My good friend, Jen, stopped by with her famous soup, strawberries and bread... I'm thankful she was due to deliver a meal today... I really needed someone to visit with me and talk this afternoon... She stayed quite awhile... After she left I took a much needed nap... Today has been quite the ride...

Will we float away?

It has been pouring and pouring yesterday and today.... Yesterday he learned more about Fire Safety and toured a Fire Truck... He really liked that... Today he learned more about Fire Safety, 911 and BNSF (railroad) came to give a presentation about railroad safety... Monkey had another OT session yesterday... He did very well... He is picking up skills really quickly... My friend delivered a Roasted Chicken, Rice Pilaf, Green Beans and Fresh from the Oven Chocolate Chip Cookies... When I saw the rice I thought it was just plain white rice... However when you taste it... Yummy!!!! I went to my second API meeting since the group restarting up... It was fun showing off Linebacker... I was very pregnant at the last meeting... Cat had ST and did well... We talked a bit about my oldest... She is annoyed that it seems to be more nonsense like I talked about on Monday... She is hoping someone wakes up and gives real help... I had my post-partum meeting with one Doula today... We talked about everything under the sun... Despite all that is going on with my oldest I've had a very good post-partum recovery... It felt good to just sit and talk with a friend while the children napped... It was very refreshing... Really rejuvenated me... We talked about the MOTH people... I borrowed her MOTH book when we were at the API meeting... She is also the co-leader... I've enjoyed reading what I have so far... I ordered the Encourement For the Homeschooling Family Box Set of 10 CDs... I look forward to listening to them... We only part-time homeschool at this time but hope to full time homeschool in the future... I stopped by and visited my friend, Kristin (expecting twins), yesterday night... We chatted for a bit while the children played... She made us some spicy chili, and had chip/sour cream to go with it... Yummy... We planned an afternoon together when 'the guys' will be working on remodeling at our place... I can't wait for that to happen...

Mixed Messages Monday

We had Tarter Tot Hotdish, Salad and NY Vanilla Icecream delivered yesterday... Everything was delicious... We had leftovers for lunch today... I've never had Tarter Tot Hotdish before... We are receiving mixed messages about our oldest... I was very excited and thinking he would finally receive the help he needs... However after today's conversation on the phone I heard a lot of the same ole non sense and run around as always... That has me worried and nervous... Monkey started his 2nd week of Safety Town... Today he learned about Fire Safety, Gun Safety and Practiced saying his address... We practiced over the weekend to be ready for this week... He is doing very well at saying his address... Peanut had her lady come today... Only a couple more sessions because she will be 3 soon... Well, Linebacker is hungry... Growth spurt... ::grin:: So, I will have to cut it short...

Remodeling

When we started... Can you say WHITE?

We started installing drywall and wainscotting...

First Trim We Put Up Unstained... Later we learned it needs to be stained then put up... ::smirk:: It has also been primered...

More Trim... Stained Trim and Wainscotting...

First Coat Of Colored Paint...

All Done:

SFG Update

April 2008... Showing my old fence...

May 2008... Up close... You can see the damage done to the fence... Children have had a field day in the boxes digging... ::cringe:: My oldest was being helpful and put all the grid in the way he thought it should be... He was pretty close to how they needed to be put... A few days later he then proceeded to remove them all again and throw them around the yard... ::sigh::
Mid of May 2008 (finished day before Linebacker was born {16th})... I had a professional fence installed... Awesome huh? On Monday (12th) the set the posts in concrete... Thursday (15th) they finished by hanging up the fencing and gate...

This is what happens when you don't prepare (remove all the dead plant life and cover them) your boxes for winter because you have terrible morning sickness in the fall... Then you don't plant when you are supposed to in the spring because you are about to give birth at any minute and had to wait for the fence company to install your fence to keep your 'helpers' from destroying all your hard work... LOL!!!

This is the 'tomato' box... Those little white 'circles' are courtesy of our Siberian Elm... Those are all tiny seeds to grow new Siberian Elms... So, every where there is a white 'circle' a tree will sprout... So, I have to pick all those out of my boxes... Sound like fun? Want to come help? ::wink:: This box will also have one squash plant, onions and lettuce growing in it... It has 4 varieties of tomatoes... Tiny cherry/grape, red romas, yellow romas and big ole sandwich slicing...This is my 'Hot Pepper' Box... It will also have Watermelon, Collards, Onions and Carrots...

Updated!

I have 90% of my blog updated when I had left spaces... I still need to share PICS of Linebacker and the Birth Story... So, I hope you all have the time to go back and catch up... As far as my oldest I won't be sharing details... If you would like more detailed updates please email me not post comments... Thanks!

Sunny Saturday

It has been raining like crazy but today is beautifully sunny in the mid 70s... Today one of my friends delivered a Mexican Hotdish of some sort (freezing since we have tons of previous meals delivered we need to finish up), fresh pineapple and a delicious salad with a vinaigrette dressing I've never tasted before... A friend of mine stopped by and gave me a few of her laminated posters and another calendar I can use dry erase markers on... Now if I can just find a place to hang it! I really need the extra space... The children and I walked to the park... Monkey rode his bike all the way there and back with little to no help... I'm so proud at how well he has learned to ride a bike in such a short amount of time... We stayed at the park until the street lights came on... We walked one and arrived home at 10 PM... Just in time for the news... It was a really great day... I felt great and confident as a mom... Something I haven't felt in a long long time...

First Week of June

Monday:
Monkey started Safety Town today... He learned about crossing the street, playing on the playground and a Police Officer visited... He had a great time... I have to find his bike helmet... He's never ridden a bike before... He does own a helmet though... He will need it for when he learns about bike safety... He colored/drew a picture called "The Police Officer is my friend"... He had a great time! While he was there I ran to Walmart to buy a new Alarm clock... The one I have now just isn't cutting it... I didn't hear it this morning and we barely made it on time... It poured this morning... While I was there I also picked up Anthony another blanket and some bubble holders for the children... We had one spill proof bucket... I picked up two more... Monkey had his PT screening today... He doesn't qualify for private at home PT... His skills have really come along since he was tested at the school... So, he may not need it in the fall either even though it's on his IEP... I was very pleased by his advancement... Our first meal arrived to make tomorrow... Tuesday:
Safety Town Today he learned about Riding in the car, Traffic Safety Signs, Strangers, and a Police Officer explained the driving course (bike) traffic safety signs... It was too wet for bike safety so he didn't need his helmet... He colored Safety Signs and glued them on to straws... Monkey had his OT screening today... He does qualify for OT services private at home... They will come every week until he starts K... He will then only have OT on his IEP... They saw the same concerns as before... He has pencil grasp issues and some other fine motor skills... He is coming along but not where he should be... My friend watched Monkey and Peanut while I visited my oldest... She also watched them while I ran quick to Sam's to pick up Green Beans and Broccoli... We chatted for quite a while and I didn't arrive home till late... Earlier another friend stopped by in an emergency for me to watch her 18 month old... She forgot and I didn't ask for his car seat so I wasn't able to run to Sam's during the early afternoon like I had planned... My oldest was doing well today... We sat and watched trains... He was kind of all over the place in his conversation... Couldn't stay on one topic... We had our first meal from friends today... It was a hamburger/noodle hot dish and rice crispy treats... Both were delicious! Wednesday:
Safety Town today was a Police Car Tour and Introduction to the Bike Course... He colored a picture about Seat Belt Safety... We went to Walmart in search of Dinosaurs... We didn't find any... We did however buy a smaller jacket for Linebacker, bubble bucket for my oldest, Monkey picked out a View Master Disc Set with Dinosaurs and Peanut picked out a View Master Disc Set with Diego... Peanut had ST today... She did well... We moved our appointment time on Friday to make room to add Monkey in the future visits... ST wants to see them on the same day back to back if possible to save on gas to drive here and for my sanity in scheduling... Monkey had his ST screening... He qualifies for ST private at home... Again it will discontinued when he starts K because he will have it as indicated on his IEP... Having OT and ST at home over this summer is just a jump start and to help him so that he won't require it as much on his IEP... Tonight was the end of school year Mass for FMCHE... After Mass we had a Pizza Party Potluck... We had a great time... I didn't arrive home till almost 10 PM... There was a whole leftover Pepperoni Pizza I took home... Our next meal arrived for me to prepare tomorrow... Since we still had hamburger/noodle casserole leftover, pizza and other things we needed to eat... I didn't thaw the next meal but added some extra wrapping and put it in the freezer... I did start snacking on Raspberry Danish that came with it... I would never buy the Raspberry kind usually the plain or apple... It was delicious change from my usual... Thursday:
Safety Town today Monkey learned a lot more about Bike Safety... He had a great time... He rode a big boy bike for the first time... He glued red, yellow and green circles on a black rectangle to make a traffic light... We all ran errands with my husband... It was a long and busy day... I was at Walmart yet again... We found Monkey a Dinosaur that roars and moves... Peanut we picked up a Diego Game that teaches Numbers and a Dora Game that teaches the ABC... We went to the Library, Dollar Store, and Grocery Store... We had another meeting about my oldest... Looks like yet another 10 days... I took a very refreshing nap... The power went out in the middle of the night for 2-3 hours... Having more storms and rain yet again... We didn't call and report the outage... We decided if it was still out in the morning then we would call... The weather wasn't bad temperature wise... It was the middle of the night... If my husband wasn't up doing some last minute things really late we would have never known it was out till morning when we saw the blinking clocks down stairs... Alarm clock has battery back-up so it will still Alarm if the power is out... It won't tell you the time but still wake up up as needed in the morning... When the power does come on you don't have to reset anything... Very nice feature to have... Friday:
I took the Seafood Casserole that was delivered out of the freezer to start thawing... The first week of Safety Town is over... Monkey took a tour of a School Bus today and learned School Bus Safety... he learned about School Bus Safety and toured a School Bus... I asked him what he thought of a School Bus... He said 'It has lots, and lots, and lots, and lots of SEATS!... LOL... His voice grew louder and louder as he talked till he yelled seats... He cracks me up... He made a School Bus as his craft... Peanut had ST at her new time today... It was drizzling when I dropped Monkey off... When I picked him it up it was a fabulously sunny day... Less then an hour later when ST was to start the buckets started falling... It POURED!!! Talk about flip flopping... Luckily by the time ST was done it had stopped... A friend of mine watched Monkey and Peanut during my visit with my oldest... He is the best I've seen him in MONTHS!!! I couldn't believe it... We sat and watched the trains... We also colored a picture of Scoop (Excavator from Bob the Builder) together... It was a lot of fun... The children were having such a great time that my friend and I really were able to talk... We never really sat and talked with each other before... It was nice to learn more about her family and tell her about mine... She is a really wonderful lady and I look forward to doing more things with her family... Her children and mine had a terrific time playing... I have really Thanked God this week over and over for what wonderfully supportive friends I have in FMCHE... I'm not sure how I would make it through this difficult time without their prayers and support... They are truly a blessing... I'm honored to call them all my friends...