I need a good response...

For when I am out alone with my three kids, and a stranger says to me "Wow! Looks like you've got your hands full!"

I get it all the time, and would LOVE to have a witty comeback! Someone on BZ once posted something, and the response to the hands full comment was something about having a heart full too. I love that, think it's very beautiful, and Always think to myself. However, I find that the people that are willing to comment on my brood, are probably the kind of people who would get a kick out of some brilliant witty comment from me instead. Like, "You should see my laundry room." or, "You should see my Visa bill." Just kidding on that one...but I'm sure you get the point.

So, give 'em to me ladies!! I'm sure Helen and JulieQ have heard that comment eleventy billion times...any good responses ladies!? Ask around, I need something great :)

~Lisa~

And seriously dammit!! Where are my paragraph breaks!! I hit Enter! I EXPECT a Break dammit!! grrrr....

Being a teacher is tiring...

But SO much FUN!! I went to school with Jenna yesterday, for the whole day. It was great!! I loved every single minute of it!!! I loved how the kids were sooo excited about everything Mrs. K asked them to do. I Loved how eager most of them were when they put up their hands to answer a question. I Loved how they looked to me to help with their spelling and printing. I loved how they would describe their drawings to me like they were precious pieces of fine art. And man, these kids were SMART!! Even the juniors were stunning me by reading to me! I realize that not every class is going to be as awesome as this one, but wow, for the small moment in time that I spent there, it was awesome.

It was so comfortable there. I am very confident that I have finally stumbled upon my calling. I WILL be a teacher someday. And I can't wait :D

~Lisa~

Mooommmmmeeeeee!!!

YAY! Very exciting weekend here! Mason started calling me Mommy!! It's the cutest freakin' thing EVER! He always draws it out and says it very loudly, but I love love love it! I don't remember when Jenna and Aidan started calling me Mommy (:( ), so this is pretty awesome! He never really called me Mama...not for long anyway. He would stand halfway up the stairs, stick his face up against the posts, and shout MAMA! over and over, until I went to acknowledge that he wasn't supposed to be on the stairs, but that's it really :) He also said Daddy for the first time on Friday night!! Which is even bigger news, since I think in his entire life, he's said Dada exactly 3 times. Poor Al, he keeps trying and trying to get him to say it, but Mason refuses. He's such a determined boy!

Boy. That's really what he is now. He doesn't smell like a baby. He's losing most of his baby fat, looking very lean and muscled. He pushes trucks around, and hammers everything in sight. Even his voice sounds like a boy voice now! Actually, he sounds Exactly like Aidan did :) Should make the boys' daily phone calls home when they're away at college and married interesting at first :) He's certainly got the attitude of a little boy :) The good news is, when he feels like it, he's still a Great cuddly boy. And you should see him dance! He bounces up and down, spins around, throws his arms up and down, and shakes his head from side to side, it's GREAT!

He's gone 4-5 days without his soother now. So that stage of babyhood is over too. No more bottles, no more soother. Next will be the switch to a big boy bed(But not for awhile yet) and then the toilet training, and that's it. He'll be grown up :(

We took the kids tobogganing yesterday. Biggest friggin' hill Ever! But, man, the kids LOVED it. Even Mason, who I wasn't so sure about, but yep, he squealed in delight the entire way down the hill. Until the last run when the boys and I got body slammed by another Mom and her son. It's all good though, no one was hurt, and the kids still want to go again next week. Anyone wanna join us!? Seriously, it'll be good times!

Happy Monday everyone!

~Lisa~

Tag! I'm it!

10 Things..

1.I think everyone who knows me knows I'm a total nerd :) And that I will do Anything for a child :) and Chocolate, I will also do anything for chocolate.

2. I am very sleepy this morning. We played Rummoli(I won!) and then Trivial Pursuit(Al and I Kicked ASS!) with Karen and Jay last night. Good times :)

3. My favorite perfume is the Healing Gardens Green Tea Extract. I love that whole line!

4. I love a good laugh with friends. There's something so freeing about laughing like that.

5. My favorite pastime probably reading.

6. I am most comfortable curled up in bed, reading a good book, on a rainy day.

7. When I am stressed I cry.

8. I don't like rice pudding, applesauce or raisins. Even though I DO like rice, apples and grapes :)

9. I am not a very good singer!! But I do it anyways, especially for my kids.

10. My indulgence is Lindt chocolate!!

TAG! JulieQ is it!!

~Lisa~

Phew!!

Jenny called Leaps and Bounds!! They are going to hire me again!!!! WOOHOO! I am not going to be jobless!! YAY!!!! I am Sooooo relieved! Jenny said she was too. I guess she was pretty worried about losing me :) so that's a huge relief for me, and them.

Now I just need to figure out where to go back to school, and for what. There's so many options for me. DSW, CYW, ABA...lol...so many letters, so little decision-making abilities!

Oh well, I am sure that whatever is meant to be will be. I have faith that the answer will come to me in due time, when it's right.

Thanks for the support though, it means a lot to me.

~Lisa~

oh boy.

When I was at work yesterday, Jenny called me aside. Henry has been picked up by Kinark(Government), and given full funding for his ABA services! Which, for thier family is AMAZING news! they've been on the list to get funding for 4 years now. Unfortunately, no one is really sure where that leaves me. :(

They have two options, Direct Funding, or Direct Services. If they take the Funding, they find their own Qualified therapist, and Psychologist, and pay them accordingly. If they take the services, they get a therapist, senior therapist and Psychologist, all built in to one institution. So it's a tough choice for them to make. Jenny assured me that they really do want to keep me on, but are worried that I won't have enough qualifications to be approved by Kinark. ACK!

I was talking to Karen about it, since she worked for CEPAS(The Kinark Institution that provides ABA) and she was Very adamant that they should NOT go the Direct Services route. There is currently a court case against some people in CEPAS because of the poor quality of care and professionalism there. So hopefully that will help Jenny choose to go the Direct Services route. The other option the have with that is to see if I can get hired on again by Leaps and Bounds, who I briefly worked for before when I was working with one of the triplets. I'm hopeful about that.

The Good news for me is that I have a chance to get a slew more hours. Henry has been approved for 40 hours a week. I'm not too sure that I am willing to take that, but Jenny mentioned splitting the day with another therapist, giving me the mornings like normal, and allowing me to work 5 days a week, logging 20 hours! Right now the very most I get is 12. Man, I hope that works. I still want to be here when Jenna gets home from school. Selfish maybe, but that's what is best for my family.

Man, I hate the big decisions like this. Especially since they are mostly out of my hands! Jenny has to decide what is best for Henry, not me. I just have to wait, and hope that what is best for him is best for me too. Wish me luck.

~Lisa~

My mind is at ease...mostly.

I sent a letter to Mrs.K (LOVE!) yesterday regarding the little girl I was concerned about(M). Turns out, that while M does have a heart condition, her biggest trouble is that she’s a very opinionated, strong-willed little girl, yet rather shy. M’s family, (Of FIVE! Children) is not struggling to make ends meet, and probably don’t need outside help. YAY!! I am so relieved. M is very aware of her surroundings, definitely knows that she needs to wear mittens in the cold, but is also very aware that if she makes a big enough fuss…she won’t have too :) Smart girl. Same goes with food. She will turn down all kinds of food offered to her. She knows when she’s hungry, and when she isn’t, she just won’t eat.

She’s doing fairly well in school, and is starting to make friends more, with none other than MY Jenna :) I am so happy to hear that. M and one of her sister’s also went through an AWFUL month with Lice, so Mrs.K felt that no matter where the hat came from, if it wasn’t one of her own, she probably wouldn’t wear it. But that she usually has a hood on. Mrs. K. said that she was very surprised that M took the mittens of Jenna’s that I offered her the other day. That M normally wouldn’t take them from anyone! I was pretty happy about that.

It’s probably weird to say, but I do hope that M and Jenna stay friends, because for some reason I feel a connection with this girl, and really look forward to getting to know her better.

Mrs. K. told me that she loves my letters(remember I wrote one to the principal saying how thrilled we were about her staying on as our teacher this term) and she put a copy of this one in Jenna’s file! I guess she wants future teachers to know how cool I am too. HAHA! Totally kidding, we all know what a nerd I am. She also said that I was Always welcome in her classroom! (YAY! She’s loves me back! LOL) And even asked if I would be able to rearrange my schedule in the next couple of weeks to go in to help with Gingerbread making!! I am totally going to, even if it means working on a Saturday. Jenna LOVES having me in the classroom with her, and I wouldn’t miss an opportunity to be there.

So, here I am again, mulling over a teaching career. I am seriously considering applying for an EA position, but worry that, like Julie, I would only be offered an occasional/relief position, and wouldn’t make enough. Georgian College offers an EA certificate course…maybe that would be a good place to start? I know I could do it, and do it well, but I don’t have any teaching related schooling, other than about High Functioning Autism in the classroom. Blah. I still need to think this over some more.

Anyway, we can all sleep a little easier tonight knowing that M is well taken care of :)

~Lisa~

My favourite Poem, and a book recommendation!!

Warning, Jenny Joseph


When I am an old woman, I shall wear purple
With a red hat, which doesn’t go and doesn’t suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals, and say we’ve no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I’m tired
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along public railings
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain.
And pick flowers in other people’s gardens.

You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat
And eat three pounds of sausages at a go
Or only bread and pickles for a week
And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes

But now we must have clothes that keep us dry
And pay our rent and not swear in the street
And set a good example to the children.
We must have friends to dinner and read the papaers.

But maybe I ought to practice a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.

I first read this poem when I was in grade 10 or 11. And to this day it remains my favourite. Every time I find myself doing something not quite as straight and narrow and I usually play this game of life, I always take a moment to remind myself that I am just practicing for my retirement. That Always makes me smile, and act a little crazier J

I was SO thrilled a few years ago when I started seeing small groups of women out and about, wearing their gorgeous red hats, and purple outfits. I can’t wait to belong to my own red hat society club. I wonder if there’s an age requirement? :) Probably, because in my heart of hearts, I am quite sure I am not ready for that :) My children are far too young, and I am not a fan of hats, yet :)

For Christmas, Al bought me the book The Red Hat Club by Haywood Smith. It’s based on the poem by Jenny Joseph. I LOVE IT!! I love every character, I love how the author weaves the story of their past and present so beautifully, I love the antics, and the tears, and the cheers! You should read it. Really, I mean it. Go, now. Buy it, borrow it, or steal it. It’s great, you’ll love it! The sequel (The Red Hat Club Rides Again) is pretty good as well, but I prefer the first book. I’m not usually one to recommend a book, but this one deserves recommending.

Happy Reading!!
~Lisa~

A word from the newly wise.

If you happen to find yourself needing to use the facilities while your 16 month old is awake, hold it. Or take him with you. And if you have happened to come across an interesting article while taking your seemingly one and only break of the day, save it. Fold the page over, bring it to the table at lunch, but whatever you do, DO NOT read it in the bathroom.

Because if you do, your 16 month old may discover how to silently pull down the baby gate, climb the stairs, enter the second bathroom, find the jug used for rinsing hair at bath time, Also find the bucket you used to fill his older brother’s fish tank, and proceed to damn near flood the bathroom by scooping out TOILET WATER with which to fill the bucket!!!!

Excuse me while I go disinfect my bathroom, my son, and myself.

Oh the joys of Motherhood, right ladies :P

~Lisa~

Everybody? Please say Hello to...

Jackie!! My newest commenter!!!! YAY!!

Everybody now...Hiiii Jaaackieeeee!

Jackie I LOVE that you've found me here!! I've become a little, I don't know, bored maybe, with BZ, so decided to let absence make my heart grow fonder for awhile. But there are always people that I miss when I take a break from BZ, and Jackie, you're Definitely one of the people I miss the most :) So thanks. I love your comments.

Ugh...do ya'll know what just happened to me?!?! I went to take a drink of my coffee and it was EMPTY! seriously?? I was up three times with Mason and once with Aidan. How could that happen?! I really need to get a Butler. Then I would be assured that travesties such as an empty coffee cup will never happen again. Ever. I would call him Charles. Or Jeeves. Yeah, I like Jeeves. :)

Okay, so apparently I need more coffee to create a coherant post. I'll be back later I'm sure. I am walking Logan to school in the mornings now, and today I get the added pleasure of doing it in a snow storm! Yay! NOT!!!

Hugs to all!!! Thanks Everyone for reading.

~Lisa~

Plum Lovin'

1. Which Plum woman(en) do you feel you are most like?
Hmm...Probably a lot like Mother Plum, and a little like Stephanie. I am always tripping over something, getting in someone's way, and saying the wrong thing at the wrong time :) But I also know my family Very well, and and getting into a bit of a better grove when it comes to the Housewife part.

2. Which male Plum character would you most want with you on a deserted island?
Ranger! That man has so many connections, we wouldn't be there long :)

3. Which Plum male do you find the sexiest?
Sexy?? Ranger!! Hands down. However, I would NEVER let Morelli get away, I am morein love with him than Stephanie I think :) I just want one night with Ranger...just one....mmmmm

5. You're Stephanie out to capture an FTA.. who's riding shotgun with you?
Definitely Lula!! I love her :)

6. Which of Stephanie's cars would you most like to drive?
LOL, Probably NOT the Rollswagen. Hilarious though!! I think my vote would be for the Mercedes or the Porsche!

7. Which Plum villain was the scariest? Benito Ramirez.. man talk about skin crawling scary!

8. Which book is your favourite? Man, I just don't know. Number 5 just got me mad because of the ending...maybe number one though. I fell in love with the serious from the first chapter.

9. Which occasional female character is your favourite? Hmmm...Maybe Connie. I love that she can handle Vinnie, and knows all these little, but important details about everything in the Burg. Is Grandma Mazur Occasional...probably not, but she Totally deserves some credit!!!! Love her!

10. Which occasional male character is your favourite? I love Mooner. Dude!

~Lisa~ (who just finished book 7, and is royally Pissed off tht I am second in line at my library to get book 8!! It never seems to be in! Next time I am going to get all the ones I haven't read yet, and just keep renewing them until I am done! HA! take that! LOL

What to do, What to do...

I spent the morning with Jenna at school yesterday. I had Such a great time!! Re-affirmed the fact that I love her teacher...a lot. It was just so amazing to watch her in action, that class runs like a well oiled machine :)

I have a moral dilemma though. While there, I was particularily drawn to one girl in the class. It started when the kids were all lined up to go out for first recess. She was wearing a winter coat, and running shoes. No hat, and no mittens. I loaned her Jenna's extra mittens, but had no hat for her. Then came lunch. Tuesdays are hot dog days at our school for $1 each, she got a hot dog, but had no drink, and the only other food in her lunch bag were some soda crackers. No drink, nothing else. Now, she did have a fruit cup at their first snack break, so that's good.

So here's where I am stuck. I mentioned it to Al and he immediately suggested that we pay for her to be in the milk program. Kids get either white or chololate milk delivered every lunch, and it only costs, at most, $6.00 a month. So for us, that expense is nothing. He also suggested giving her Jenna's hat from last year, and a pair of mittens(which we would have to buy, because mittens are like socks in the dryer around here for some reason, and I horde each one, praying that it's mate will miraculously return someday soon). But really, not a big deal. I could even buy a new hat if it came down to it. I just want this girl to be warm, and nourished.

What would you do?? I don't know this girl, or her family. She rides the bus in, so it's not like I can just try to be friendly with a parent to see if they need help) I don't know their situation. I realllly don't want to offend them, as I am well aware that, no matter how good the intention, some people are just not receptive to charity. I guess if there was some way to do it anonymously, I could, but I wouldn't have a clue as to where to start.

Should I just leave things alone???

Should I help???

ACK!

~Lisa~

Okay, enough already.

We've had an easy winter. Too easy many would say. I say FINE BY ME! Except that I know the impact this easy winter is going to have on the rest of the seasons this year. But still, I have definitely enjoyed the lack of winter boots, the avoidance of goofy looking hats, and also the not having to stuff three wiggly children into a rather gigantic mountain of winter gear, just for a 10 minute walk to get Jenna to school on time.

Unfortunately, all this bliss came to a screeching halt last night. And all morning this morning, and all afternoon too. Ugh. We went from green grass, to about a foot of snow, overnight. granted it is that really pretty, fluffy, mostly light, unless it's been trampled by three kids stuffed into a rather gigantic mountain of winter gear; then it's heavy, snow.

But can I just say ENOUGH ALREADY!? seriously!! A foot of snow is ENOUGH! No MORE! Except it's not listening to me. Infact, I do believe that it's mocking me a falling heavier than it was when I started this post. Damn snow.

On the bright side though, I'm guessing that because the snow is getting here so late, we'll have snow in April. Which means! CAKE! JulieQ's AWESOME chocolate 'snow in april' cake! http://anotherdaypassesby.blogspot.com/2006/03/chocolate-cake.html
So good. Hmm...that makes me kinda forget about how much I am annoyed by all this snow :)

~Lisa~

~Lisa~

The Curse

(I know, I know, about damn time you say. I know. Just needed a break)

So, about the time I was , let's say, 5 1/2 years old, my stepfather (My George) put a curse on me. I've come to refer to it as the "Someday Curse". It goes something like this..."Someday, you are going to have a child that is Exactly like you, and I am going to sit back and laugh." I pretty much always ignored this curse, and did a rather exagerated eye roll and sigh(In my head of course).

Let's skip forward a few years. I am 21 years old, rather naive, and a new mother to a Beautiful baby girl. She was perfect. Smart as anything, talented, funny, everything I hoped for in a daughter.

Skip a wee bit farther. It's early January, 2007, and that perfect daughter is now 5 1/2. She's also been blessed with not one, but Two little brothers. Sitting at the dinner table, just "stretching her arms" within a fraction of an inch of her brother's placemat. Heaven forbid should she invade her brother's space, but really Daddy! She's "just resting her hand there!"

All I could think was OH! MY! GOD!!! It's THE CURSE!! It has happened!!! My daughter is EXACTLY like I was!!

I remember time after time, I would be sitting in the back seat of my parents very cool, powder blue 1987 Nissan Sentra, and feel this over-powering need to "fix my hair". Let me give you the translation on that. Fix my hair=running my fingers through my hair, stretching it out as far as it would stretch, and then flinging my hand at my brother, in the hopes of whacking him, and having Him get caught hitting me back. Hee hee hee. Worked like a CHARM! (Well, in my world it did.) And every time, my George would say to me, "Someday! Someday." (In my head I kind of see him also shaking his fist in the air, all Italian-ish, but I'm sure that was never really part of it.)

And tonight, at the dinner table, when it came to me that it was the curse, all I could think of was "Someday! Someday."

I think, whether I was aware of it or not, I inadvertantly put the Someday Curse on my daughter.

MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

~Lisa~