What was I thinking??!!

Earlier in the week, I called our former neighbors to see if their oldest son could spend the night with Jay. I called my sister to see if Justin could spend the night with his cousin. Both were yeses.

Saturday afternoon, I drove 45 minutes to my sister's house to drop off Justin. For some reason he got all upset and didn't want to stay. I wasn't going to force him, but I did say that I did NOT drive all that way for nothing. So Alex came home with us. We went grocery shopping on the way...me plus 5 kids ages, 10, 6, 5, 3, and 1. The 3 year old and 1 year old behaved. LOL

Upon leaving the grocery store, I called my old neighbors to say I was on my way to pick up D. Jimmy called and said he was done working but wanted to know if he could hang out a bit longer. I said that was fine, because it was. He hardly ever hangs out with people. He's usually at work or here with us.

We get home and the four older ones all want to play video games. I said no way and sent them all outside to run off some energy. It really wasn't that bad until it was time to settle down in bed and watch a movie. They couldn't agree on a movie. a few wanted The Incredibles, the others wanted Austin Powers. We settle on the Incredibles, but because my boys don't know how to take care of their movies, it started messing up. That's when I put in Austin Powers. Within 30 minutes or so starting that, they were all passed out. I let Korinne sleep in the boys' room because she'd passed out on the floor with her sleeping bag.

When I woke up in the morning it was to hear Jimmy saying, "Keep it down so your mother c

an sleep!" (Sundays are my mornings to sleep in.) I was awake and there was no going back to sleep. LOL

We had a great day though. We cooked out, had good food, played with the kids. When my sister came to pick up Alex, she stayed to babysit my kids while Jimmy and I went fishing. Jimmy's birthday is Tuesday and he wanted just me and him to go fishing. We didn't catch anything, but we enjoyed ourselves nonetheless. The rest of the day, we listened to music, danced with the kids and just enjoyed ourselves.

I hate Mondays! I love having Jimmy home. Though I admit, I love being able to pay the bills more. LOL

The Black Dahlia

Ok first, I have to admit that I am totally addicted to crimes. Not the actual crime itself, but how they're solved. I'm addicted to Court TV. I love the forensic shows. So when I saw the previews for the movie Black Dahlia, I jumped at it. I bought the book over the weekend and devoured every word. There are actually two books on this. One was in the true crime section and it was all the files concerning the case. That book was 26 bucks. So I chose the book that was in the mystery section that told the story.

Now that I read the mystery book, I really want the one from true crimes with the files. I think I'll check out eBay on that.

Now that I read the book, I really, really, really want to see the movie. If I have to go by myself, so be it. LOL

Jackson and allergies.

Today Jackson had his appointment to be tested for allergies. According to the skin test, he's allergic to egg whites, egg yolks, cows milk, peanuts, soybean, shrimp, fish and I cannot remember the last one. We were given a referral or whatever to have blood drawn to get a more conclusive result.

I just learned that even though his formula doesn't look or taste like milk based formula, there are broken down milk proteins in it. Then I learned that milk allergies can cause eczema. I haven't been able to get his eczema under control since he first came down with it. Then I thought hard and realized, he didn't get eczema until I quit pumping and gave him formula. Why did I quit pumping? Because he was in the hospital for almost two months so I wasn't able to get him used to nursing. When he came home, he lasted a month before he was drinking more than I could pump.

He was three months old when I put him on formula. It was also then he developed eczema. So have I been causing the eczema by giving him formula? I just don't know.

We go back to the allergist in two weeks, so I hope I have answers then. Until then, I'll keep doing what I'm doing...NOT giving him anything dairy. I'll stick to the foods he's been fine with.

UGH!!!!!

BIG UGH! I just saw online an article that Dog the Bounty Hunter, his son and brother have been arrested. The charges? Illegal detention and alleged kidnapping. The "victim?" Max Factor heir Andrew Luster who was convicted of raping three women. This asshole flees the country, is caught and the bounty hunter that caught him is being charged? What the hell kind of justice is that? DAMN!

What a day and night!

To quote Heather, "It's just one of those...weeks? Maybe it's been a month."

I'll say! Jackson has had several hearing tests since he came home from the hospital. Each one was discouraging. Finally we were referred to the Pediatric ENT. Because Jackson's ear canals are so narrow, no one, not even the pediatric ENT has been able to see his ear drums. However the hearing test he had on Friday was promising. It had better results than his last one. So apparently as he grows, his canals get a tad wider.

We had a great weekend, nothing eventful. Just good family time. We did try this new Greek recipe. I'll do another post on that one later.

Sunday late night, Jackson wakes up at 12:52 am screaming. I give him some tylenol and baby orajel, cause I know he's got another tooth that bout ready to pop through. I fix him a bottle but when I come back from the bathroom, he's passed out, so I put the bottle in the fridge. I go back to bed where I toss and turn for an hour or so. Then Jackson wakes up at 4 am. Nothing I was doing was making him happy. He screamed for two hours straight. I just gated him in the living room and laid on the floor with him, praying he wouldn't wake anyone else up. By the time Jimmy got the boys up at 6am, I was in tears. I'd gotten 3 hours of sleep and knew my day was shot for any rest.

Jay had an eye at exam at the medical university for a second opinion on whether vision therapy was really needed for him. When I explained why we were there, they actually sneered. Apparently they've been having a lot of appointments for second opinions lately where vision therapy has been recommended from another optomologist. They did a lot more tests on Jay and assured me that there was nothing wrong with Jay's eyes other than him being slightly near-sighted. So there was no reason for me to waste my time, not too mention the money on something he doesn't need. He said, (and I quote) "There is no reason for anyone to waste their time and money on something that hasn't been scientifically proven it works." Didn't matter to me, I was just relieved that Jay's eyes are fine.

So we leave there, drop Jay off at school and head home. I call Jackson's asthma doctor and make an appointment for him to be tested for allergies. The three times I've given Jackson anything milk-related, he's developed a rash. Now that he's a year old, he can no longer get formula on his WIC, unless his pediatrician writes a prescription. After that call, I call his ped's office and request they write the prescription. We then headed down the road of his ped's office for a visit to the dermatologist. That doctor gave us a different med for Jackson's eczema. On the way home, we stopped at the ped's office and picked up the 'script.

We arrive at home at 2:50. Just enough time for me to change Jackson's diaper and head to the bus stop. Jackson is burning up! I take his temp rectally (I hate doing it that way) and it was 104. I gave him some tylenol and after we got Justin off the bus, I gave him a tepid bath. It's then that I realized he'd been sleeping all day. I just chalked it up to him having been up a lot the night before. When Jimmy came home from work, Jackson still had a fever. I sit down and write down all of his symptoms. High temp, loss of appetite, hardly any diaper changes, lethargic, extremely sleepy, wheezing (I'd given him two breathing treatments already). He had a few moments of energy but those were few and far between.

So I finally convince myself that I am just not going to get any sleep unless I call his pediatrician's office. Because of Jackson's medical history, I was told to take him to the ER just to be safe. So I load him up into the car and head downtown. His temp there was 102 (rectally) and they were concerned with his breathing. They send us to a room where most of the time, I sat with him sleeping in my arms. They gave him a breathing treatment with a stronger dose of albuterol than he gets at home. They're not satisfied with that so they send him for a chest x-ray. They saw a small hazy spot on his right lung that resembled pneumonia. Lucky me! Poor Jackson! The ER doctor said she was glad we'd brought Jackson in before he developed full blown pneumonia. He's given a shot of antibiotics and a prescription for me to fill. By the time we're sent home it's after 1 in the morning. My poor little guy didn't even budge when I put him in his bed. I collapsed into bed exhausted at 1:45.

Jackson slept all night and has been so much better today. His appetite is coming back, he's drinking his pedialite and even cruising around the furniture. We went to his ped's office for a follow up visit this morning. That went well. He has no more fever and his breathing has gotten better. His coloring looks much better and his eyes are no longer red.

Jackson had a check up with the pediatric neurosurgeon today. I had to reschedule that. Then I had to call and reschedule his appointment with the helmet guy (the Doctor that handles his helmet fittings) and the plastic surgeon even though those appointments were next week. The last two though are contingent on the neurosurgeon's visits.

I plan on going to bed at half past dark. LOL 7 hours of sleep in 48 hours is not something I'm used to. LOL I hope the rest of the week goes so much smoother.

Only cartoons for us today.

We will be watching Nick Jr and Discovery Kids all day. Well when we're home.

I can't bring myself to watch the news or anything else. Sitting here remembering that day 5 years ago, I can remember every detail. It was just after 9am, I was on the phone with a friend. I changed the channel to watch Montel and saw instead news going on. I vaguely listened when I saw the the second plane hit. I screamed, "Oh My God!" and dropped the phone. When I picked it back up my friend, was freaking out asking what was wrong. She thought something had happened to Justin, who was 10 months old. When I told her what was going on, she turned the TV on at work. She worked in the office of the apartments we lived in.

It was all so surreal. I was horrified, thinking of all those people dying. I was frantic with news from my online friends that lived in that area. I was holding Justin so much I was afraid to let him go. I called Jimmy at work just to tell him how much I loved him. I called the school to find out if the students were being sent home. They were, thankfully, because I'd have walked to that school to get my baby if I'd had to.

I avoided the news this morning. I did take dessert and a Thank you card to our local fire station. The fire chief almost made me cry. Though I did learn that oatmeal raisin are his favorite cookies. LOL So next time I feel like baking cookies, I'll bake him some of those. I think we should all take a moment to thank those who risk their lives everyday for us, firemen, police, military.

I'll have a whole different post tonight on my night last night and day today in my household. Lots to share on Jackson and doctor's appointments and whatnot. Until then, God Bless you all as we commemorate today.

Calling the doctor...

Guess I'll be calling the doctor Monday. The allergist to be exact. Seems Jackson's body does NOT want him to have dairy.

The first time I gave him dairy, it was mac and cheese. He broke out in a rash and had welts on his arms. He hasn't had anything since. Well he's a year old now, which means no more formula on his WIC. We still have formula left (his formula is not milk based), and he eats regular food. So today I give him 2 ounces of regular milk. He seemed fine. The only reddish areas were where he has eczema. SO I thought nothing of it. Tonight I give him 4 ounces of milk. Now he has a rash on his face. So I wake him enough to give him some Benadryl.

That's why I'll be calling the allergist. He already sees this doctor for asthma. Now I want to know what he's allergic to because I'm afraid to give him anything new.

None of my older three had allergies, so this is all new to me. Wish me luck! I think I'll need it. LOL

Ernesto...Schmernesto...

Ernesto...was NOTHING...compared to the rain I'm getting now. It's thundering AND lightening now. And the rain is coming down MUCH harder than Ernesto. Go figure!

Body man in training?

On Saturdays when Jimmy goes to work, he takes one of the older boys. He alternates so each get a turn. Jay likes to go to catch lizards and just hang out. Justin likes to go to actually work. LOL This past Saturday was Justin's turn. While Jimmy was working on a car for the shop, he let Justin sand on his truck (right next to him.) He told Justin he could sand anything but the tires and glass. Thankfully, he took the digicam with him because I have proof that Justin actually helps. LOL Here they are!

Hard at work!

Hey Daddy, I can barely reach this part!

CA law to ban smoking in cars..

with children, that is.

I came across this blog about smoking with children in your car. Now, I'm a smoker. But I do NOT smoke in my house. Or in my car if my children are with me. I used to smoke in the house and subject my innocent children to second hand smoke. I quit that almost a year ago when Jackson came home from the hospital. Since then, when I feel the need for a cigarette, I step outside. Yes I know I can carry the smoke through my clothes. I try to take precautions with that...wearing a different sweater/shirt/whatever.

The fact is, I smoke. But I DO smoke away from my children. I don't smoke in the house. I don't smoke in the car. And I do NOT smoke when other people's children are in my care.

I don't know how to comment on the blog in question. On one hand I'm outraged that the government is yet again telling us how to live our lives. On the other hand I'm in agreement with parents NOT smoking around their children.

I'm such a hypocrite because I smoked with all of my pregnancies. I tried stopping but just could not. So anything and everything that is going on with my kids, I blame myself for. Even for the major things that have nothing to do with me. I still feel the guilt.

But I do feel banning people from doing something will just make them do it even more. No matter what it is.

What do y'all think>

4 movies....

I've recently watched four movies, albiet reluctantly, that I found I enjoyed. Two were stupid ass comedies. Two were action. Now, I'm more into the horror movies than anything. I tend to avoid action movies. And only watch the comedy ones when Jimmy's watching them.

So the four movies lately were:

1. Larry the Cable Guy: Health Inspector. This movie was so stupid it was funny. Now I love Larry the Cable Guy...he's hilarious. Again, the movie is stupid. But I found myself laughing the whole time.
2. The 40 Year Old Virgin: I am so not a fan of Steve Carell. I find him incredibly annoying. But this movie, was funny. I laughed so hard.
3. The Transporter: HUGE action film. Basically, it's about this guy who transports things, no questions asked. Of course thing go awry.
4. The Transporter 2: Same premise as above, different plot.

I thoroughly enjoyed all four of these movies.

So now I ask you all...what 4 movies have you ever watched and enjoyed, even though you didn't expect to?

Disappointed...

I'm so disappointed in today. The media had a lot of people freaking out about the "storm" coming. It wasn't even a hurricane, yet schools were closed, lots of businesses were closed. And all we got was a full day of rain.

My kids were all freaking out, asking, "when is the storm coming?" I had to explain to them that the rain WAS the storm. There was no thunder, no lightening. Just rain. My kids were out of school for a rain day?! Come on people! I could understand more if it were a SNOW day. We rarely get snow. But for a tropical depression, we shut everything down? We were actually under an EPSOM 1...whatever the hell that means. I know it's not good. But if they're going to get all freaked out, at least let it be for a hurricane, category 1 or so. Not for a tropical storm or tropical depression.

I KNEW this was just going to be a "rainy day" and everyone else was freaking out, evacuating or going to shelters. I stayed where I am usually at. HOME. Inside. With my children, in the AC, watching cartoons or playing games or coloring. LOL

Yes it rained a lot and hard at some times. But there was nothing being blown around. I had to clear out my patio for nothing. My grill is in the back of Lucy Blue and all the chairs were brought inside...where we constantly tripped over. This place is not big enough for outside furniture. LOL

I am glad that it was just a rainy day though. I would not be here for something as strong as Katrina. My kids and I would be long gone.

Shelters?

The shelters here are requesting you only bring neccessary items. What do you deem neccessary? I, myself, would choose things that CANNOT be replaced over items like blankets, clothes, computer, etc. I would choose my pictures and cds of pictures, birth certificates, and ss cards. No, those won't help me live through a disaster. But those are the things that CANNOT be replaced...ok as far as pictures go. Birth certificates, SS cards, and stuff like that CAN be replaced, with a hassle. But pictures, and heirlooms, how can you replace those?

I also have to admit...

I admit that if it weren't for me having school age children, I wouldn't even know who Ernesto is. The only reason I have been keeping up is to know whether or not I'm sending my boys to school. I think this is going to be just a heavy rain storm. I know it could gain strength and all that. I've been watching the news. But I think since this is the first big "storm" to head our way, people are overreacting in fear of another Katrina. The biggest difference, we were all aware of how strong Katrina was. This is just a Tropical Depression right now. I highly doubt we're going to be hit as bad as the Katrina survivors were. Yet, when I went to the grocery store for sodas earlier, you'd think we were preapring for a national disaster. It was a madhouse!

Friends of ours are evacuating. They're from NY so I guess they're not used to hurricane threats as much as we are, even though they were on the East Coast as well. I could be wrong in all of this. It may gain strength, but I don't think there's enough time for it to become over a category 1. I know the weather people are worrying because we're supposed to have high tide when the storm hits us, so there will be major flooding. But to put people in a panic over a tropical depression? Sorry, not gonna happen.

Plus we have Harriet making her special Hurricane cookies! So we're gonna be just fine! YAY!

Happy Birthday!!!!!!

Happy Birthday to my Jackson!!!!

He is 1 year old today and I am thankful for every minute with him.

And yesterday, I learned he has a tooth! YAY!

You can't see it, but I can feel that it finally broke through the gum.

No wonder he's been happier lately. LOL

First day of school pics!

Finally! I have first day of school pics!

Justin's VERY first picture in a school uniform.

On the way to school.

Justin standing by the flag pole.

Jay standing by the flag pole.

Justin putting his stuff in a cubby.

One last parting shot.

Justin and Jay getting off the bus this afternoon.

One last shot after the boys got off the bus.

I really could have taken tons more pics. But I was trying not to cry and embarrass my poor boy. LOL

First Day of School!

Well I was going to upload some pics of today, but the computer isn't cooperating. LOL

Ok here's how it went. I woke the boys up at 6am. Fed them, they dressed, brushed their teeth and we watched cartoons until 7:10. At 7, Justin started counting down. LOL I took them to school this morning because I didn't want Justin having to cart all his supplies. I took several pics of them. A couple at home, a couple in front of the school, and a few of Justin in his classroom. Justin was very excited. He gave me a kiss and a hug and said, "See you later, Mama." It was all I could do not to burst in to tears! But I held it in. Until I got to the car of course. LOL Then it more just sniffling all the way home. LOL

It was soooooooo quiet today. No fighting at all! LOL I cleaned, which took maybe an hour. Then I read a book while Jackson and Korinne played. We all took naps. I set my alarm for 3, just in case. LOL Jackson woke me up at 2:30 anyway. So at 3, we loaded Jackson into the stroller and headed for the bus stop.

We met up with my friend Bridgette on the way. Her daughter is in a different kindergarten class. We decided to walk to the first bus stop where the Homework Club kids get off. I figured that would be where Justin would get off since that's where Jay gets off. Sure enough, Justin was right behind Jay. LOL Once Bridgette got Hannah off the bus, we started back. The bus passed us heading to the second bus stop. When she was leaving she pulled up beside us and told us about the second bus stop. (I think she thought we didn't know about it.) I thanked her and explained why I knew Justin would get off at the first stop. She laughed. But I told her that tomorrow, both Justin and Hannah would get off at the second bus stop.

So I ask Justin how his day was. He said it was fun. They played. The teachers wrote a story for them. They had lunch and TWO snacks. (I figured they would so I sent along an extra snack. LOL) He said they learned some letters. But he already knows his letters. He's excited to go back tomorrow!

I did just fine at home while he was gone. I missed him terribly. But I'm so glad he enjoys school. I was worried but now I can breath easy...for now. I'll try to post some pics again later.

The night before...

It's the night before Justin starts kindergarten. I've got his lunch made, his supplies packed and ready to go, his uniform all laid out. I even have his shoes, socks and belt ready for him. Now I'm sitting here so nervous. He's never been in day care, so he's been with me at home for almost 6 years. I feel like this is way different than when Jay started school because I worked when he was a toddler. He was in day care for almost 3 years, home with me for a year, then off to pre-k. So even though I was nervous when he started school, I was sort of used to him being away from me.

The longest I've ever been away from Justin (other than the 2 weeks I was in the hospital pregnant with my twins) is maybe a day here and there when he'd spend the night at my mom's. It's going to be weird having only Korinne and Jackson here.

I do plan on taking lots of pics tomorrow and Thursday. I always take Jay to school the first day to help him carry his supplies. So I'll be taking them both tomorrow. Then Thursday, Justin will be getting on that big yellow bus for the very first time. So I'll have lots of pics then too. LOL

I don't know how I'm going to sleep tonight!

First Day

Ok we went to the school this evening to meet the boys' teachers. Jimmy took off just a tad early so we could all go. We loaded all four kids, plus Jay's friend who'd spent last night with us and was spending tonight with us. We get to the mad house and slowely make our way to where Jay's class will be. Jay's teacher is new to that school. He seems nice. When I told him about Jay's ADHD and not being on meds, he said he was ADHD as well, but on meds. So he'll keep an eye on Jay. This will be Jay's first male teacher. (He's starting 5th.)

We then made our way to the other side of the school to meet Justin's kindergarten teacher. I took one step inside and had to catch my breath or burst in to tears. Yes, I'm that emotional. LOL I'm not ready for my baby to start kindergarten. I can only imagine how it'll be when my girl starts kindergarten. It'll be even worse when my baby baby starts!

So anyway, his teacher is super nice. We warned her that Justin is very stubborn and to be firm with him right off. She seemed shocked that we would say something like that about our own child. But it's true. LOL She thanked us for the warning and assured us that he would be fine.

They start school on Wednesday. And I'm about as nervous as I can be. I should be a pro, shouldn't I? I've already shipped one child off to school 5 years ago. But those that know me, and know me well, know I can cry at a damn kleenex commercial. LOL (I'm an excellent sympathetic cryer. LOL)

So about ten minutes ago, I finally open the packets the teachers gave us with all the papers I have to fill out. In Justin's packet was this poem that, yes, I admit, brought tears to my eyes.

Here's the poem:

The First Day

I gave you a little wink and smile

As you entered my room today.

For I know how hard it is to leave

And know your child must stay.

You've been with him for five years now

And have been a loving guide.

But now, alas, the time has come

To leave him at my side.

Just know that as you drive away

And tears down your cheeks may flow,

I'll love him as I would my own

And help him learn and grow.

For as a teacher, I too know

How quickly the years do pass

And that one day soon it will be my turn

To take my child to class.

So please put your mind at ease

And cry those tears no more

For I will love him and take him in

When you leave him at my door.

I want MY BED!

Ya know how they used to say, "I want MY MTV!" ? Well, I WANT MY BED! After my ordeal of running out of gas, see previous post, I'm ready for bed. However, Jackson who passed out on the way home and woke back up at 10:30 pm, is wide awake and not ready for bed. Here it is, 12:16 am, and he's still wanting to play.

Oh wait, he's looking tired. He's wallering on the floor alternately putting his bottle and pacifier in his mouth. He doesn't want me to hold him. So hopefully, he'll fall asleep soon and I can put him in his crib and go to bed myself. LOL

Got Gas?

Yep, we ran out of gas tonight. In Lucy Blue. LOL

See when we bought Lucy Blue, the gas gage didn't work very well. It fluctuated from empty to full. But I always kept gas in it for fear of running out and being stranded with all the kids. Jimmy kept saying, "Oh we can go about 500-600 miles before we have to fill it back up. The gas tank is huge." Yeah okay! LOL

We're on our way home from Books A Million this evening. All four kids in the car. We pass a mustang on its side in the ditch near Carey Hilliards on Rivers Avenue. (For those that live around here, you know about where that is and that's it's not really a place anyone wants to run out of gas. LOL) So as soon as we pass this car, we go through the light at Eagle Drive and the van shuts off. I'm struggling to pull it over into the grass, thankfully we were in the far right lane, but the steering wheel was hard to turn. I look at Jimmy and say, WE ARE OUT OF GAS!"

So I grab my cell phone and call GEICO's ERS service, where I'm told it will be at least 2 hours before anyone could get to us because of all the accidents from the rain. NO way in HELL am I sitting on the side of Rivers Avenue with 4 children in the car for 2 hours! I had one bottle for Jackson and it had maybe 2 ounces of juice. I knew if we sat there much longer, he'd be crying. So while I'm on hold with ERS, she's calling other companies on their list, Jimmy decides to walk back a quarter of a mile to see if they had gas cans. I tell the woman on the phone to call me when she hears something because I didn't want my phone to die while on hold. (Jimmy had conveniently left HIS cell phone at home.)

As I'm sitting on the bumper of Lucy Blue, I see all those cop cars that had been with the mustang leave. 3 or 4 passed me and didn't even look back. This Cadillac pulls up in front of the van and this young black guy pulls up with his stereo blaring rap. He turns the radio down and asks if we're all okay. I tell him we'd just ran out of gas and my husband had walked up the road to the gas station. He said, "Oh okay, so no one is hurt? You're all okay?" I thanked him and said yes. I said, "You're the first person to stop and ask." By this time we'd been there at least 30 minutes. He smiles and says, "I had to stop. I would want someone to stop and make sure my sister, or my mother were alright if they were pulled on the side of the road. I thanked him again and assured him that I was fine. So he left. I thought that was very nice. Chivalry is NOT dead! LOL

So finally Jimmy makes his way back to us and puts in just enough gas for us to crank up the beast and turn around to the gas station. Our usual hour long trek to and from Books A Million lasted 2 hours.

And YES Jimmy took full responsibility for us running out of gas. LOL Though all I can say is, I'm soooooooo glad we weren't on the interstate when we ran out of gas. I'd have been scrambling to find someone willing to bring us gas without having to wait 2 hours for a tow truck. LOL WHEW! What a night!

MMMM Yummy cookies

The Homework Club has been running a sort of snack store for the past week to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis. So I've been doing my part to help out. I just made my second batch of No Bake Cookies, which I'm told were sold out the first day. So here's the recipe:

No Bake Cookies

• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup cocoa
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup stick butter
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 3 cups oatmeal

  Bring to boil the butter, sugar, cocoa, and milk. Boil for 1 minute. Combine chocolate in a bowl with the oatmeal, peanut butter and vanilla. Stir well. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto wax paper. Allow to sit until firm.

  Quick, easy, and oh so delicious!

Rough, rough rough

It's been a rough couple of days, but I'm pushing on. It's always hard this time of year. I want my twins here with me. But I'm also thankful they're not because I have Jackson. Jackson, my sweet boy, will be one on the 25th.

He's had such a rough time in his short little life. Not only was he born with *Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia, but was later diagnosed with Craniosynostosis. When he was born, I heard the most beautiful sound. A weak little cry. Then he was whisked away to NNICU, where he was given chest tubes and all kinds of IVs. He had surgery at 2 weeks to correct the diaphragmatic hernia. While still in the hospital, it was determined he also had **Craniosynostosis. He came home one week shy of being 2 months old. I never breastfed my other children, but had planned to with Jackson. Unfortunately, that didn't happen. I DID pump for the first three months, until he was eating more than I could pump.

He had surgery on February 13, 2006 for the Craniosynostosis. He wears a helmet to protect his head and to help shape it as his skull grows back together. (The doctors took out a portion of his skull in the front and on the sides.) He's doing wonderful though.

I'm just so proud of Jackson and all he's accomplished. So why would I give him up and wish for my girls to be here. I would rather have ALL of them. But I know that's not a reality. My reality is I have Jay, Justin, Korinne, and Jackson. There's nothing I can do to change that. I honestly, I don't want to change that.

Yeah, I'm just rambling now because I'm blonde and TOTALLY lost my train of thought. LOL

• Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia is where there's a hole in his diaphragm and his intestines/liver/stomach were in his chest cavity. Thankfully, his liver and stomach were in their proper place. So it was only his intestines in his chest cavity.

• Craniosynostosis is where the soft spots in his skull closed way too early. Had we not had surgery, he could have had brain damage because there would have been no where for his brain to grow.

I had a case of "The Mondays!"

This morning, Jay and Korinne had appointments at the dentist's office for fillings. We get there at 5 minutes to 9, like we were supposed to, only to find out, they're not on the schedule. The receptionist treated me like I was stupid and had made a mistake. Luckily, I'm a pack rat and had the paper the dentist's office gave me with the date and time of their appointments still in my purse. I gave her that and her attitude changed. "I'll go talk to the doctor," she says and walks away. Apparently whoever did the scheduling the last time we were there failed to enter it into the computer. So the said they'd "work them in."

We were there for 3 friggen hours. I had all four kids with me. I brought the diaper bag, but no extra bottles since I didn't think it would take that long. Thankfully, Jackson did well. I ONLY had to carry him around for the last hour to soothe him.

By the time we left, the three older ones were working on my last nerve. We get home and it's lunch time. I inform Jay and Justin that they will NOT be going outside or playing any games until they cleaned their room. I laid down with Jackson at 1 for a nap, Korinne was already napping. I tell the boys that their room had BETTER look better when I get up...or else. The or else was I would take what ever was left on the floor and trash it, no matter what it was.

When I got up at 3, the room DID look a hell of a lot better, so I let it go with a warning. They STILL could not go outside or play games until the room was clean. They fought and argued the whole time, but it was eventually cleaned by 4.

By the time Jimmy came home from work, I was ignoring the kids unless there was blood dripping or a bone broken. That's how bad they pushed me today. All except for Jackson, who's not even a year old and has more demanding needs than a 10, 5, and 3 year old. LOL

I so looked forward to 8 o'clock for bedtime. LOL

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to Pheobe and Audrey, who today would have turned 2. As I lay in that recovery room, set further away from the rooms where mothers were holding their babies, I was given two books called Tender Memories, one for each baby I'd just given birth to but would never see grow up. Inside these books was this poem, written by one of the nurses.

Memories by Louise Prioleau

Memories are mine to keep

As you rest in your eternal sleep.

Memories of your heart beating its sound,

Until that moment, it could not be found.

If my heart could beat for you,

You would not lie there with that shade of blue.

The doctors and nurses did all they could

And I obtained prenatal care as I should.

Memories I can't erase,

Of your sweet and lovely face.

Memories of joy I felt,

As I held you close to my breast,

Your lifeless body in my arms,

As to protect you from further harm.

The unfortuante fact is that you've died,

Despite all efforts that were tried.

Cried, I did to no avail,

Your journey was over before the sail.

Get well wishes and sympathy greetings,

Flowers, phone calls and silent meetings

All expressed from the heart

Their sympathies to the void of your depart.

Yes, memories are mine to keep,

But, I did not get to rock you to sleep.

If tears could build a stairway, And memories a lane, I'd walk right up to Heaven And bring you home again.~Author Unknown

What's sad is NO ONE in my family even aknowledged the day. My mother called (and she and I talk about my girls a lot) but she said not a word about the day. I felt like the only ones that remembered were me and Jimmy. I prefer people to talk to me about them. Ask me questions. Anything. It helps me to talk about them. I held everything in until late evening, when we decided to listen to music because the kids all love to dance. A song came on called 'Lonely Day' by System of a Down. I broke down in Jimmy's arms crying through the whole song and a few minutes afterwards. Thankfully the kids were occupied and didn't notice. Except for Jackson who crawled to us, pulled himself up and hugged us. We both looked down at him and Jimmy says, "He was worth it." And he's right. if Pheobe and Audrey hadn't died, we would NOT have Jackson.

Rain, Rain, Go Away!

Can you tell we had a little rain today? These are just some random pics I took to show what our parking lot looks like right now. LOL See how high the water is on the white car? The water is mid calf on J.

My Food Meme

A food Meme...taken from Mike...who took it from Ally Bean.

• How do you like your eggs? Sunny side up
• How do you take your coffee/tea? I don't drink either. The rare chance I drink tea, it's hot and only to ease a sore throat.
• Favorite breakfast food? Biscuits and sausage gravy
• Peanut butter? Smooth .
• What kind of dressing on your salad? Ginger
• You’re feeling lazy. What do you make? Grilled ham and cheese sandwich
• You’re feeling really lazy. What kind of pizza do you order? ham and mushrooms.
• You feel like cooking. What do you make? Medium rare steak, shrimp scampi, homemade mac and cheese, and sauteed zuchini
• Do any foods bring back good memories? Lima beans and homemade bread....my mother would make a huge pot of lima beans then bake homemade bread. I loved dipping the bread in the lima beans. MMM MMM GOOD!
• Do any foods bring back bad memories? Brussel sprouts...I lived with my grandfather and his wife for about 6 months and she tried to make me eat brussel sprouts. Told me I would sit at that table all night until I ate them. I was still at that table come morning. LOL
• Do any foods remind you of someone? No, not really.
• Is there a food you refuse to eat? Oh lots! Brussel sprouts, basically any green veggie that's not green beans, green onions are zuchini. LOL
• What was your favorite food as a child? Homemade mac and cheese
• Is there a food that you hated as a child but now love? Zuchini. LOL
• Is there a food that you loved as a child but now hate? Peaches...but only because I'm now allergic to them. :(
• Favorite fruit & vegetable? Fruit....pineapple. Veggie...zuchini
• Favorite junk food? nacho cheese combos
• Favorite between meal snack? I don't have between meal snacks. LOL
• Do you have any weird food habits? Hmmmm is that like putting potato chips on a ham and cheese sandwich?
• You’re on a diet. What food(s) do you fill up on? Yogurt? Heck I don't know. I don't diet. LOL
• You’re off your diet. Now what would you like? Filet Mignon (medium rare) and shrimp at a japanese restaurant.
• How spicy do you order Indian/Thai? I've never had Indian or Thai food. It's on my list of foods to try though.
• Can I get you a drink? Vodka and oj as a drink. Goldschlager as a shot. LOL
• Red wine or white? Gosh I don't know. I don't think I've really had wine.
• Favorite dessert? Apple pie
• The perfect nightcap? Vodka and sex? LOL Sounds good to me.

Last Field Trip for the Summer

Today was the last field trip for the Homework Club for the summer. We went to Splash Zone. I'd never been, so it was a treat for me. LOL My sister came over and babysat Jackson and Korinne. I took Justin with Jay and me this time.

I had so much fun! Though I had such a scare that I actually cried. I bribed Justin to go on the water slide with me. We got a tube that seats two and made our way through the line. Swish, swish, slide, slide we went. When we reached the pool, he screamed, "That was so fun! Let's go again!" I said ok, and we made our way through the line again. Swish, swish, slide, slide we went. We reach the bottom and hit it just right to where the water flipped us over. I automatically turn around to grab Justin. The water at the end of the slide is being pushed out to keep us moving when we hit the end. Well all I see through this bubbling water is Justin's arms flailing in the air. I'm trying to grab him but the water keeps trying to push me away. I know he's underwater and I'm really freaking out. The lifeguard grabs him the same moment I grab him. I pick him up and hold him tight telling him over and over how sorry I am. He coughed and coughed. I cried, of course. Then he looks at me and calmly says, "Ok I am so done with that slide." It was so serious and so cute that I laughed while crying. He spent the rest of the afternoon on the kiddie slide and swimming in the pool. But after that, I couldn't really breath unless I had him in my sights at all times.

He's 5 and he's learning how to swim. But he only stays where he can reach the bottom or near the edge. So when I saw his head go under and his arms in the air, I stopped breathing. If I let myself, I could cry even now.

So a couple of hours ago, I said, "Justin I'm so sorry we flipped over and you went under water. I was so worried you would be mad at me." He put his little arms around me, looks in my eyes and says, "Mommy, I would not be mad at you. I love you." Yeah talk about trying not to cry! LOL Man he can tug my heart strings!

My baby pics

Again, taking a cue from Mike on posting baby pics. Here are 2 outta like 6 of mine. LOL The first one, I'm about a year old. The second one, what the hell was my mother thinking putting me in a red onesie, red tights, and a brown and white checked dress?! LOL these were taken in '76 for the first and 75' for the second. I only have about 6 baby pics of me, one of me when I was 4, one when I was 5 and very few of me from then until oh about 19 or so. SO I don't mind sharing the few and far between that I *do* have. LOL

Deny it all you want...

But this is one damn cute baby! He must have had a rough day playing with his three cousins today. (My sister had a funeral to attend today so I watched her 6 year old, 2 year old, and 4 month old.) I so love taking pics of Jackson no matter what he's doing. And sleeping pics are just so cute!

My nephew...

To the left is my nephew Christopher, who will be 4 months in 2 days. Below is my Jackson, who will be 1 year on the 25th. I had thought as Jackson grew, I'd pass his clothes down to my sister for Christopher. Not gonna happen. LOL Christopher is in a size 6-9 months, while Jackson is still in size 3-6 months. LOL I said, "Damn Shannon, you'll have to pass down Christopher's close to Jackson rather than the other way around." LOL Aren't they both so cute though? LOL

Misguided girl....or something else?

I'm starting this one over.

There's this girl around here, I'll call J. She's 13 years old and is in desperate need of guidance. She lievs with her mother and so-called brother. I say this because mother is 34 and so-called brother is 29. She makes me very uncomfortable, though she's always nice to me. She was recently dating a 28 year old. She's not anymore as far as I can tell. But when her mother found out, all she did was ground her for less than a week. She tries to get this guy's attention but from what I've seen, he completely ignores her.

She shows up at the pool in a skimpy bikini and pouts if there aren't several men hanging around the pool. This makes me really uncomfortable since I'm there with my 3 year old daughter (we're both in one pieces.)

She's constantly fighting with her mother, which wouldn't bother me too much since my mother and I fought a lot. But this girl and her mother will yell and cuss each other out. The mother is constantly calling the police on this girl. The mother told her neighbor, my friend, that she was trying to get J committed somewhere.

She's always wanting Jay to hang out with her, which I don't like. He's 10 and it's obvious she's got issues with sex. She uses her body to get attention, since I'm sure she only gets negative attention at home. Maybe the reason I don't like her is because I can see some of myself in her. Granted I chose a different route and threw myself in school.

It's obvious her mother is unapproachable when the first time I met her, she practically cussed me out for washing my clothes at home, then taking them to the dryers at the laundry center. So how can I go to her with my concerns for her daughter? I don't want to make life more miserable for her. But I also don't want to see her throw her life away.

Ultrasounds...

While scanning the news on my comcast home page I came across this article on ultrasounds. My last two pregnancies were quite eventful. I gave birth to twins prematurely and lost them after only 30 minutes. I became pregnant with Jackson on THEIR original due date. I had an ultrasound quite early with him to verify it was a single pregnancy. Then another routine ultrasound at around 20 weeks. It was then we discovered something was wrong. After a few weeks, we ended up having a 3D ultrasound every could of weeks. Jackson was diagnosed with a Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia. Basically he had a hole in his diaphragm and his intestines were in his chest cavity. So we had A LOT of ultrasounds (I'd have to go through all the discs and pics to give an exact number) to monitor his condition. So according to this article, I should now be worried about mental retardation and childhood epilepsy to developmental dyslexia, autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia, to say the least. Hasn't Jackson been through enough??!! Haven't I been through enough? Not long after his birth, Jackson was also diagnosed with Craniosynostosis. Basically, the soft spots in his skull closed way too early. He had surgery for that in February where the surgeon had to actually take portions of his skull out to accommodate for brain growth, thus the helmet he is required to wear. What more do I have to worry about?! Yes I know these tests were done on mice, but aren't most studies done on mice? I'm just so upset. I've always been scared for Jackson's future in relationship to what he's already endured, do I need more?

Reality shows...

I have always sneered over reality shows. I find them annoying and cheap entertainment. I have always refused to watch The Apprentice, Big Brother, or whatever shows my friends are addicted to. I admit I've always watched the auditions for American Idol...have you seen the people who think they can actually sing??!!

However, recently I have found myself addicted to not one, not two, but THREE reality type shows. The first is Pinks! shown on the Speed channel on Wednesdays at 9. What is that? Two people race the best three out of five. You lose the race, you lose your ride. I hate this show so much because I cannot miss an episode!

The second is Dog The Bounty Hunter. Why? I'm not sure. I find the show funny most times. Yes I know they're hunting fugitives. But Dog seems to really care and really want to help these people turn their lives around. In any case, since I've gotten addicted to it the last month, I manage to catch every episode that airs whether they're repeats or not.

The third is Driving Force. I don't know how many people know who John Force is, I certainly didn't until Jimmy explained it to me. John Force is a professional race car driver. But this show not only focuses on him and his racing, but that of his family, with all three daughters involved in racing.

Why, oh why, did I marry a car guy? LOL I guarantee you, had I not married a car guy, I wouldn't be addicted to Pinks! or Driving Force. Though I do have to admit, I'm the one that insisted Jimmy watch Driving Force with me the first time it aired. LOL

Field Trip Part Deux!

I had sooooo much fun! So did Justin and Korinne. Like I said before, we were going to see The Ant Bully. It was such a cute movie, funny too! I'd never been to an IMAX theatre, nor saw a movie in 3D. It was so trippy! I felt like I could just reach out and grab something. LOL I'm glad I was able to take two of my children. They really enjoyed the experience and the movie.

Field trip!!!

Tomorrow, the Homework Club is having another field trip. I'm chaperoning. We're going to the IMAX to see The Ant Bully. I'm so excited!

Unfortunately, Jay didn't earn enough points to qualify for this field trip. First time all summer. The guy that runs the homework club called me yesterday to let me know. He said he would understand if I didn't want to chaperone since Jay can't go. I told him that was nonsense, that I'd told him I would chaperone as long as I could find a sitter for Jackson. Jay was supposed to have finished a project by yesterday morning, one he'd known about for over a week. That's why he doesn't qualify for the field trip. What's cool, is I can bring Justin and Korinne with me as well. I know they'll enjoy it.

So my mother is dropping my cousin off in the morning and she'll babysit Jay and Jackson. Jay keeps saying, "I could still go if you buy me a ticket." I informed him firmly that I would do no such thing. It wouldn't be fair to the other children that didn't qualify. Plus he knew he had work to do and didn't do it. That's his responsibility. Wth me taking along Justin and Korinne, I can still fit 5 other children in Lucy Blue.

I called the guy this morning to let him know I did have a sitter for tomorrow and would still chaperone. He seemed surprised. I guess he thought I'd be like the other parents and back out if my kid couldn't go. Nope, I wanna go to the IMAX theatre too! LOL

Mistakes....

My first mistake in blogging is to have my settings where anyone can respond. I did so because I wanted my friends who weren't "registered: be able to respond. My second mistake that was pointed out by a few people, was to let what others said get to me. That being said, no one can respond to my blog (anymore) under anonymous.) Second, I'm tired of people sending me emails or responding with one thing in mind that has nothing (really) to do with what I'm talking about. I ranted and raved about Andrea Yates recently and recieved several emails telling me I should seek help for depression. Nowhere in that post did I say I was referring to the present. (For those that don't know, I have gotten ahold of my depression, and will not explain myself further unless directly asked.)

That being said, my last post on my cry wolf update..people have totally misread my point on the story. I was merely sharing how upset I was about the whole thing. Yet I get responses from someone who is too coward to post under their name, choosing anonymous instead, "chastising" me for "tattling." Said person must really know me to know where I live and give an exact address. I deleted that post because the asshole GAVE my exact address. No one where I live can associate my "Sunnie" name with my real name. So obviously this person has an axe to grind...according to others who read my blog. No ONE where I live even knows I have a blog. So why would they look for me? Again as I was pointed out, why search for my comments and where I may or may not live? My profile says Charleston....which covers A LOT of area. Obviously said person has an axe to grind. Do it somewhere else! or have the guts to post under your real name. I totally hate cowards!

Cameras...

For my birthday (back in April), Jimmy bought me this wonderful Polaroid digital camera to replace my Vivatar digital camera. The thing is, I loved my Vivitar camera. And while it was so sweet of him to buy me a new digital camera, I hate it! I have been changing settings in so many different ways to get the pictures right. They're either too dark or too light.

So tonight he comes home with the Vivitar for me to upload pics to the computer. Later I say, "Honey, I love the new camera, but can I please have this one back?" I've actually been a little depressed (more sad) that I haven't been able to just snap pictures of the kids when I want because I haven't figured out the settings on the new camera. I hate that I have to keep changing settings to try to get a candid moment of the kids.

Of course, this makes him feel bad because he thought the new camera would make me happy. And it does, because of the thought. But the new camera works best when used outside...And that's where he takes his pictures. I take mine inside. So I finally convinced him to trade cameras with me. Cause I so miss taking pics of the kids when I want and knowing they'll turn out right.

Update on 'Cry wolf...'

This morning, I cornered one of the maintenance men here and asked him about the tape. (There's a camera located in the pool area where alleged rape occured. I'd already learned about what was on the tape but wanted clarification.) He at first said they weren't allowed to comment on it. I told him what I'd heard and that I had a right to know whether I was taking my kids to a crime scene if I took them to the pool. I told him that I already had the opinion that the 'crime' was actually consensual. He finally said, "You didn't hear this from me. But yes it was consensual." I said, "That's all I need to know. Thank you." I would never do anything to get him or the other maintenance guy who'd already blabbed in trouble since both of them go above and beyond their duties.

So I called my girlfriend who this happened to and left a message for her to call me. She called me back and said, "There's more to the story than I told you last." I said, "That it was consensual?" She admitted it was but didn't know until later, which I figured. I knew the niece had freaked out and said she'd been raped and that's all my friend had to go on until they saw the survelience tape from the pool area. The girl eventually recanted the story, but the guy is still in jail because he is 20 and the girl is 15. I never once blamed my friend. All she had was what her niece told her. There were already rumors and gossip among the teenagers around here before I learned the truth.

Part of me is glad it wasn't a rape, because now I can take my kids to the pool without feeling like I was stepping in to some crime scene. The other part of me is so pissed that this girl cried wolf. As a rape survivor, I never told anyone at the time what happened. But with this girl, if she really is raped later on in life, no one is going to believe her. And that hurts me, even though I don't know her.

Stuffed mushrooms

I happen to love eating this fungus...as my girlfriend Jodi calls them. LOL

Our neighbors upstairs...the same one who saved my life, are moving. Not too far away...bout 10 minutes. They have to be out by Monday. So today, knowing they were in the middle of moving, we cooked extra burgers and whatnot so they could join us then leave their kids with us to move as much as they could without kids underfoot.

I decided I wanted some stuffed mushrooms. I got the recipe from my sister-in-law. The first time I made them with feta cheese and they were alright. The second time I made them, I used bleu cheese (which is what my SIL uses) and they were disgusting. Tonight, my third time, I decided to use romano cheese. They finally turned out DELICIOUS!

So our neighbors took a break to eat with us and tried the stuffed mushrooms. I cannot tell you how much my head grew when they were in ecstacy over these stuffed mushrooms. Darryl begged me for the recipe but then said, "No you won't give it to us because that'll be a good excuse for us to come visit." LOL They'll visit anyway, this I know. But how many times have you cooked something and hoped that others really enjoyed it and weren't faking it?

I have to admit, they were delicious. I did write the recipe down for them as best I could since I tend to variate from recipes and do my own thing. LOL Either way, they really were delicious!

HOW CUTE!!!!!

Taken 5 minutes ago. They're looking at some stupid car magazine. LOL They were so oblivious they didn't even notice me until they saw the flash. LOL

Cry wolf...

or rather rape. There is few I hate more than someone who cries rape when no rape occured!

The other day, my girlfriend calls and tells me that a girl was raped at the pool the night before. She says it was her niece. That her niece and her daughter (who's 11) snuck out. The cops showed up and hunted down the boy. I haven't been able to talk to my friend much since to find out anything more. She was very upset when I talked to her on the phone. I did remind her that there's a camera at the pool so whatever happened was caught on tape.

Tonight I find out via a neighbor who was told by a maintenance man that it wasn't rape. The maintenance man viewed the tape from the camera. It showed the two girls going to the pool between 3:30-4:oo am. They were drinking and smoking. The older girl and the boy were making out and all over each other. After about 5 minutes or so it showed the boy getting out of the pool and sitting on a lounge chair. It showed the girl trying to make out again and him trying to get her off him. Apparently this girl had been a virgin and was freaking out about the blood.

So rather than face the music, she cries wolf. Now I've been trying to get in touch with my girlfriend to find out what's going on. I have no doubt that she believed her niece was raped. However if what the maintenance man says is true, there was no rape. Unless the boy was over 18, then they can get him for statutory rape.

It really pisses me off when people lie about something so serious. I do plan on asking the maintenance guy myself what he saw. Because since my girlfriend called me, I've refused to take my kids to the pool. Like I was in a crime scene or something. Granted, my kids do NOT go to the pool without me or the Homework Club. Jay is 10. A year younger than one of the girls who snuck out. But I have a habit of hearing them at night whether they're coughing, going to the bathroom, or even getting out of bed. Gotta love baby monitors that are sensitive. LOL

It's still scary that I have to start worrying about Jay sneaking out. Right now, his maturity level hasn't reached that point.

My 5 songs

Taking a cue from Mike, here are my 5 songs.

• Your Cheatin' Heart by Hank Williams - Age 4, sitting on my Papa's lap or dancing on his feet.
• Leader of the Pack by The Shangri Las - Before age 10, singing with my mother at the top of my lungs.
• I can Never Go Home Anymore by The Shangri Las - Age 13, when said mother sent me away to live with relatives.
• You're Still the One by Shania Twain - My song to Jimmy
• Broken by Seether - My song to my Girls in Heaven

Who's next???

Paintballing!

And....Jay's off! The Homework Club is taking the kids ages 10 and up paintballing today. Thankfully, I wasn't asked to chaperone 'cause I did not want to get shot at with paint. LOL I've heard it hurts. Though I'd love to be there to see Jay getting nailed with paint. I've warned him it will hurt. I can't wait til he comes home and tells me about it. He's so excited!

Update:

Jay had a great time! He said it stung a little bit but wasn't too bad. He has welts from where he was hit. There wasn't any paint on his clothes, so I'm not understanding what happened there. He said they just kinda hit him then rolled off. Who knows? The important thing is, he had a lot of fun! I'm so glad for that. He hasn't stopped talking about it all night. LOL

Near death experience

Yup, I actually had one today.

It was a beautiful (hot as hell day) so we decided to invite our upstairs neighbors down for a cook out. They have 4 children that play with mine but this was the first time we'd all gotten together. The adults had steaks, the children hamburgers. I'm sitting at the table conversing and eating my food when a piece of steak gets lodged in my throat. I tried drinking some water, to no avail. I jumped up and grabbed my throat. At this point, I'm freaking out, my life is flashing before my eyes and all I could think was, "I'm going to die and my children will be motherless." Lucky for me, Cheryl used to be a nurse. Once she realized what was going on she grabbed me and did the heimlich maneuver. I had to leave the room while I cried tears of relief. I don't think I've ever been so scared for myself in my entire life! Do you know what she said afterwards? "I was more concerned that I was going to hurt you." I thought, "I'm choking to death here, hurt me all you want so long as I'm still alive!" There is nothing I could ever do to repay that. No thanks in the world covers her literally saving my life.

I think the next time I eat steak, I will be cutting the pieces very tiny. I honestly think had our neighbors not been there, I'd have choked to death. I don't doubt Jimmy would have done all he could to help, But I don't think he would have known how to do it. I thanked Cheryl over and over for saving my life. I was shaking so hard afterwards, I couldn't even finish eating.

Wait Over!!!!!!!

YES! YES! YES! I won that round. Justin finally cracked and cleaned his room today. He even cleaned under the bed and dresser. He did so much better than Jay, whose job is to clean the room. LOL I won! I won! Oh the joys of being a parent. LOL

Damn women drivers!

Yeah I know. Ironic, since I'm a woman. LOL

I decided I didn't feel like cooking today so we were having a 'Whatever Wednesday.' When Jimmy came home I asked if he wanted Chinese. So I get in his car Tempo) and drive around the corner to the Chinese place. I get my food, get back in the car and head home. I'm stopped at a stop sign waiting to turn left (still in the shopping center) when I hear a crunch. So I put the car in park, jump out and see my bumper cracked. Granted, the side of the bumper had already been damaged so I wasn't all that concerned that it was now cracked from the edge to about 2/3 down the back. I call Jimmy at home to see whether he wants me to even bother with the police or let it go. While I'm talking to him, the girl that was driving is going off, "Oh hell no I didn't do that. Blah blah blah!" Jimmy's on the phone and says, "No, F that. You hang up and call the police. I was going to let it go since the bumper was already damaged but if she wants to be a little bitch, then forget it." So I call the police. I'm shaking the whole time...as I always do when I'm in an accident. The girl is still going off and I finally snap it and say, "Look Bitch, I was going to let it go, which is why I called my husband first. But you're standing there running your mouth and making it worse!" I call Jimmy back, because I'm sitting there by myself while she over there bitching to her boyfriend. So Jimmy decides he wants to talk to her boyfriend. So I hand him my phone. Basically Jimmy told him that he needed to calm his girlfriend down. If she had just gotten out and apologized we would have let it go. Jimmy told him, that blond over there is stuck home with 4 kids all day and if your girl keeps it up she's going to lose her temper. And you do NOT want me to load up my kids and drive up there. The whole time Jimmy's talking to this guy, he's very polite and says he understands. Jimmy told him we didn't really want a police report and didn't want to file an insurance claim. So if he got her calmed down and talk to me, we'd let it go. Which I was totally fine with. To be honest the only reason my bumper looks so bad is because it was already damaged on the side. So when she tapped it, it cracked even more.

So while we're waiting for the police, she calms down and says, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have gotten out and started running my mouth. I've had a bad day and it just keeps getting worse." I said, "I understand. I have four kids, so I know about bad days." So I basically told her the same thing Jimmy had told her boyfriend. That I'd called Jimmy first to see what he wanted me to do since the turd is his vehicle for back and forth to work. I told her I didn't want to file a claim or even have an accident report. The truth is, we could have fought and had her insurance company replace the bumper. But there had already been damage and I felt that would be wrong. So we sat there talking while waiting for the cop to show up.

The cop finally shows up and I tell him what happened, including that I'd called Jimmy first and we were going to let it go until she starting cussing and running her mouth. I told the cop she'd since calmed down and apologized. I told him I didn't really want an accident report or file a claim since she'd calmed down and talked to me like a reasonable person. The cop asked her how old she was after I said she'd been running her mouth. 21. Well the cop looked at her and said, "She's being awfully nice about this after you ran your mouth." So we didn't have to get an accident report and I don't have to deal with going to my insurance company to get it signed. The cop was really cool to me about it. He said he understood and that this was the easiest accident he dealt with. LOL

I know most people would have insisted on an accident report. But like I said, the bumper was already damaged on one side. No one was hurt. And I honestly wouldn't have known she hit me if I hadn't HEARD the crunch...over my stereo. LOL My car didn't move. Had she not calmed down and talked to me, yeah we'd have an accident report that we'd both have to get our insurance companies to sign. I still wouldn't have filed a claim against her insurance though. Not for something that was already damaged. I was shaking so bad on my way home. And all I wanted was some damn rice and eggrolls! LOL

I'm waiting...

I'm waiting for Justin to crack. Since he's been grounded, he's been confined to his room (see previous post on why). I can tell he's starting to be bored with the contents of his room. The conditions are when he cleans the room, he can go outside to play. He and Jay share a room. Normally it's Jay's "job" to clean their room since Justin cleans the living room every day. Jay only has to clean their bedroom once a week. However, this time, Jay hasn't even been playing in their room. Justin has since he's been confined. So this time, I feel it's Justin's responsibility to clean their room. I foresee in the next few days, Justin will crack, clean their room and want to go outside. However, he will NOT be allowed to go to Kobe's house, or anyone else's house. He will ONLY be allowed to go to the playground...Which is literally in my "backyard." I can send my kids to the playground and watch them from my living room window. Being a mom is so much fun, sometimes. LOL

Doing the right thing.

There's this little boy, about 4 years old, that Justin plays with. His name is Kobe, his mom is black, his grandmother is white. Nothing wrong with that. What is wrong is that both women are the types that make excuses for the child. This is what I'm talking about. Yesterday morning, Justin and Kobe were outside playing. A resident here had this small trailer he uses to carry a motorcycle. It's a wooden trailer and the kids around here seem to like playing on it. We've told Justin over and over to NOT play on other people's property. However, yesterday, he and his friend Kobe decided to play on this trailer. The trailer managed to roll down the small hill and strike another person's vehicle, denting it and cracking it where it had already been repaired. When the owner of the vehicle found out about it, he knocked on our door. He was very nice about it, didn't bitch and yell and demand retribution. He just calmly told us what his neighbor had witnessed. (His neighbor had ran outside to stop the boys, but they took off running.) He said, "I know they're just kids. But playing on the trailer can get them hurt." Well I got Jimmy and we both went out there to talk to him. Because Jimmy works on cars...and "it's the right thing to do" Jimmy offered to fix the damage. Yeah the guy's car was banged up just about all over. BUT...our son damaged his vehicle, it's our responsibility to fix that damage. The guy told Jimmy it was okay and he didn't have to do that. But Jimmy insisted, saying, "No, he's my son, I'm responsible for him until he turns 18. When he does something like this, it reflects on me." the guy kept saying, "I just appreciate that you're out here talking to me about it and not making excuses for your son." Apparently when the guy went to talk to Kobe's mom, she started making excuses. We made Justin apologize to the guy. And he's grounded. All his tiny allowance he gets will go towards this guy's damage.

So while we're out there talking to this guy, Kobe's mom and grandma finally walk up. Jimmy and Travis (the guy) are off to one side talking. Kobe's mom walks up to me and the first thing out of her mouth is, "The damn trailer shouldn't have been there in the first place." (It was parked by a tree in the yard. Well, yeah I agree, the trailer should have been parked in a parking spot. However, that doesn't change the fact that our children played on it and managed to roll it into someone else's vehicle. The grandmother asked why he didn't just call it in to his insurance company. Then says, "Because he probably doesn't have f-ing insurance!" That totally caught me off guard because she didn't strike me as the type of person that would try to place the blame on someone else. So while I'm standing there with Kobe's "parents" the whole time they're bitching and trying to blame it on someone else. They said, "Well what is he asking for?" I said, "He isn't asking for ANYTHING. My husband offered to fix it himself since he works on cars. And you can pay for half the materials." Yeah right. That'll never happen. If they're not willing to lay the blame where it belongs...on our children...then they're not willing to help pay for the damage. As I was walking away from these people, Kobe asks if Justin can come out to play. I looked at him, then his mother and grandmother and said, "No. Justin cannot come out and play. He is being punished for what the two of you did. My children get punished when they do something wrong."

Today, sure enough Kobe comes knocking on my door asking if Justin could come out to play. I shook my head in disbelief and said, No, Kobe, he cannot play with you. He is grounded because of the damage YOU and he did to someone else's vehicle. When MY kids do something bad, they get punished. They're not outside the next day playing. He cannot play with you." Jimmy doesn't want Justin playing with Kobe anymore anyway. Justin has recently been singing some damn rap song that he could NOT have heard here at home. And it's not a good song either. So Jimmy thinks he got it from Kobe's house with Kobe's wannabe thug of a mother. So Justin is NOT allowed to go to Kobe's house anymore. If they want to play together, it will be here at MY apartment or at the playground where I can see them.

Seriously though, what are we teaching our children if we make excuses for them or continuously blame others for things they've done wrong? Yes, I agree the trailer shouldn't have been in the grass. Or it should have been locked to the tree it was near (as it is now.) BUT, my son, who knows better, was playing on it. It rolled, hit another vehicle. My son is responsible for that. I'm not going to sit here and blame others or make excuses. That won't teach him anything. I want him to learn there are consequences for his actions. And I hope with him being confined to his room for a week and giving up his measly allowance for a long time, he'll learn that. I don't know what else to do since I don't spank...often. I think him being confined to his room doing nothing will leave more of a memory than a one time spanking.

That's my rant of the day. LOL

Lovely day!

Aside from the fact that Jimmy has strep throat, we had a lovely day. We grilled chicken quarters that turned out so yummy! The kids have even been getting along for the most part. LOL I'm not looking forward to tomorrow though. Means Jimmy's gotta go to work. :( Yeah yeah we need the money, but I like him being home. LOL

I so love my kids' doctor!

Jay woke up this morning crying that his ear hurt. So I called the pediatrician's office and was told to bring him in before 10. I know Dr. McCall comes in on Saturdays once or twice a month. Well my mom was here so she watched the kids. Jimmy went with me because I was going to drop him off at the Doctor's Care near Jay's doctor's office. Well I didn't drop Jimmy off because when we drove through the parking lot we saw that the office was packed. So Jimmy went with me to Jay's doctor. Turns out Jay has swimmer's ear and an infection. So he's on zithromax and ear drops. Anywho, while there, I said, "Let me ask you something. Do you know anything about vision therapy?" Dr. McCall looks at us and says, "What? That it doesn't work and is a waste of time and money? Yeah I know." I explained to him about the optometrist's office wanting Jay to do vision therapy. I didn't mention the optometrist. Dr. McCall sais he's had several patients going through the "Draisin effect of vision therapy." Now Dr. Draisin is the eye doctor I take the kids to. So I said, "Well doesn't Dr. Draisin specialize in perdiatric optometry? Dr McCall said, "Ironic isn't it?" So he gave us a referral to see a different pediatric optometrist to get a second opinion. Apparently a lot of Dr McCall's patients were being over-refracted. Meaning they'd gone to Dr. Draisin and recieved glasses when they didn't really need them. So Monday, I'll be getting a call to find out when I take Jay to this other eye doctor. I'm not kidding when I tell you that Dr. McCall basically went off about this vision therapy. He basically said it was just another way for a doctor to syphon money out of people for something that has NOT been clinically proven by ANY medical universities that it actually works. So I don't think I'll be taking Jay to vision therapy any time soon. And people wonder why I drive 30-45 minutes (depending on traffic) to take my kids to the doctor. LOL Um...cause their doctor is honest with us. That and I like the staff and how they know us all. LOL

Friends of Bob and Tom

Jimmy and I had the opportunity to see The Friends of Bob and Tom show tonight. OMG! I don't think I've ever laughed so hard in my life...aside from when Jimmy's on a roll. We had the pleasure of seeing Chick McGee, Bob Zany, Donnie Baker, Tim Bedore, Chris Bliss, Mike Armstrong, Drew Hastings, and Greg Hahn. My favorite was Mike Armstrong. He's an ex-cop and was just so hilarious. We're home now, obviously, but damn! I laughed so hard I almost peed my pants. And I only had two drinks! (We could only afford two drinks each! LOL) Our friends who met up with us though, had way too much to drink and then left before the show ended. So, of course, now I'm sitting here worried about them, hoping they made it home safe.

What's great is...my mother, whom I'd vowed never to ask to babysit anymore, actually offered to babysit. When I was telling her about this show a couple weeks ago, she said she would request today and tomorrow off and she'd come watch the kids. I didn't believe her until she found out her schedule Wednesday. So I didn't buy the tickets until Wednesday. LOL Anyway, we get home thinking just like any other time with a sitter, our kids are still up and running around. Nope! Not a single one was awake. All 4 were snug as a bug in bed! We were shocked! But happy. So it was such a great night! We laughed, we drank, we got home safe, our kids were in bed.

I am bummed I missed the blog get together last night. I simply forgot about it. I will try to make the next one, if I have to have Heather drag me. LOL It looked like so much fun!

Some Jackson pics...

This is Jackson being on non carpeted floor for the first time since he's learned to crawl. He refused to put his knees on the floor. LOL I don't know yet if Jackson climbed up himself or if he had help from his big brother. Either way, I had to snap a pic. LOL Kinda looks like he has a guilty face, doesn't it? Or a 'deer caught in headlights' look. LOL

New Blogger

I actually convinced Jimmy to start a blog. Granted, I had to set it all up for him. ANd he admitted that he would actually write down what he wants to say, then have me type it out since he really sucks at typing. LOL I added him to my link...Jimmy. Not that it will do any good to check it out yet, since he's yet to post a blog. LOL BTW, I'm still sick. Head cold, I think. But Jimmy came home tonight from work, heated up the grill and cooked dinner...all of it...for me! While I laid on the couch reading or whatever. LOL How spoiled am I? We bought this grill on 4th of July and haven't cooked inside once...with the exception of the mac and cheese I made for Heather's get together last week.

Mack Trucks...

They're great, aren't they? They come in all different sizes. Some with a sleeper bed, some without. Some with high tech digital entertainment, some without. Painted all different colors. They are heavy enough to "tow" the containers that deliver everything we buy all across the country. So yeah I think mack Trucks are great. I just hate feeling like I'VE BEEN HIT BY ONE! Oh man does my body hurt today. I woke up with the worst sore throat and could barely beg Jimmy to get me some water. My nose can't decide whether to be runny or stuffy, or both. I just took my temp, not too bad, just a tad over 100. I am going to take a Dayquil and lay on the couch in between doing laundry. I just hope the kids actually pay attention when I say "I don't feel good and I don't want to hear any fighting." Yeah I know, fat chance on that. Is it time for bed yet? I'll even settle for nap time. UGH! I'm going to sprawl on the couch now.

Jackson update

Jackson is sooooooooo much better today. Looking at him, you can't even tell he had an allergic reaction. I was so freaked out last night. You'd think with as many kids as I have, I'd have come across something like this already. But nope...Jackson was the first who's had an allergic reaction. Whew! Glad that's over. To all concerned...I believe it was a reaction to the cheese. He's had plain noodles before with no reaction. So I believe I'll hold him off on any dairy products until his next appointment with the allergist. (He has asthma.) Thank you to those that emailed me fussing that I update. LOL

Allergic reaction :(

Yet another problem with Jackson. :( Tonight I gave him some mac and cheese. I look up two minutes later and noticed a rash beginning on his cheek. So I took the mac and cheese away from him. He did not like that, let me tell you. So I give him some diced carrots...he's had that before so I knew it was safe. When I get him out of his high chair, I noticed hives or welts, whatever on his arms. The rash has spread from his cheeks to all over his face and neck and back of the head. I called his ped's office and spoke to the nurse on call. I can give him benadryl and just watch for breathing problems or swelling on his tongue. His little eyes are all red and swollen. The hives have gone down on his arms. He looks so pitiful! I tried to get a pic, but I'm still getting used to my new digicam and either the pics were too dark or wayyyyyyyyyyy too light. Of course, my old digicam is at Jimmy's work. @@

Blue Steel (from the movie Zoolander)

I took a pic not too long ago of Jackson. He was eating this cracker and when I looked up it was stuck to his cheek. When I showed it to Jimmy, he had me change it to black and white and said it reminded him of Zoolander with his 'Blue Steel' look. Jimmy now has this pic (in balck and white) taped to his tool box at work and says "Blue Steel" underneath. LOL Here's said pic...