Updates! (AKA Rambles)

I am slowly starting to feel more human again. I'm pretty sure that I had/have a touch of Bronchitis, but it's better today too, thankfully! I thought I was going to collapse yesterday by the time I made it back home from picking up Jenna from School. I guess I shouldn't have attempted to walk...and pull Mason in his sled. But it was such a nice day, and it was such a good feeling to be outside moving again that I pushed it. Oh well.

I'm getting used to Mason's hair. He still looks different, and I swear he acts a little different now too. Just this morning he actually Tried a New Food!!! BIG news for him! It was a blueberry. He didn't eat it, but the fact that he picked it up and tried to take a bite was enough for me to do a little happy dance :) For the record, the boy has the smallest food repertoire of anyone I know. Drives me a little crazy. Although, he has discovered a love for Peanut Butter, so Yay, a protien finally! And PB&J sandwiches are by far his new favourite food. He would eat them for breakfast, lunch and dinner if we let him.

I have made peace with the fact that he is going to grow up whether I like it or not, and that despite the fact that he's my last, and all his last 'firsts' are going to be difficult, I'll make it through. My Mom doesn't understand why I was so sad about his curls. She even told be that he was starting to look like a little girl. Tell me, what kind of mother says that to her daughter when she calls crying? Sometimes I don't understand my mother at all. I'll get over that too though.

Al said something that shocked me last night. In 3.5 years we'll be married 10 years! I know, it's still 3 years away, but man, looking back to the beginning of our relationship, being married 10 years seemed like it would take forever to accomplish! Now, it feels like just the beginning. I'll be 30. That's it! Wow. I feel so incredibly lucky to have found him when I was so young. To have looked into his eyes and known. I still get excited when he gets home at night. Still feel proud when he says something brilliant. Still feel overwhelmed with love everytime he puts his hand in mine. We have so much left to discover about and with each other. And sooo much time to do it in. Lucky, Lucky me.

Jenna has discovered that she likes Clementines. I am so happy about that! She hasn't eaten an orange in about 3 years. No orange juice either. She also discovered this morning that she does not like Blackberries. Making them the ONE fruit she doesn't like :) Both her and Aidan are fruit monsters. Aidan will take an apple over chocolate every time. Jenna is more like me, she'll take the chocolate, but is still thrilled with fruit. I still have hope that Mason will grow to love more than bananas and the occaisional pear.

So, I guess that's about it for around here. Hope all is well with all of you!

~Lisa~

What's done is done...

Mason got his hair cut today. I can't really say I love it. I don't. I miss his curls sooo much more than I really thought I would. But it was so messy, and that lady asked if he was a girl, so I guess it was time. I'm just sad I guess. He looks like a completely different boy. Not as soft anymore. I'm sure that doesn't make sense. But before, he just had this look about him that made smiling at him impossible to fight. Maybe it was that cheruby feel he had about him, with the cheeks, and the curls. I just miss them. I hate to admit it, I'm such a sap, but I'm totally crying. How stupid is that?! It's just hair! Maybe this is one of those last baby, empty nest things? I don't know. I just have to get used to it. He just looks so different. I hardly recognize him. Thanks though Julie for recommending First Choice. It was indeed free, and the girl was very patient with him. So, without further ado, pictures...

Exhibit A...BEFORE(Mad Scientist)

Exhibit B...BEFORE(Curls)

Exhibit C...AFTER(Different)

~Lisa~

Turns out, it's all in my head...mostly...

OR! Sick Watch 2007, installment #34.

I have a sinus infection apparently. I finally went to see my doctor yesterday. And today I feel even sicker. Hacking cough, dizzy(which could be the meds), body aches. Pretty much how all this sickness started. Maybe it's going full circle and will soon be over. HA.

Man, my brain has totally conked out on me... I know there was more for me to blog about, but can I remember it now that I am here? NO!

OH! Except that I am pretty sure we're going to be (whimper) cutting off Mason's curls this weekend. A lady at Wal-Mart asked me yesterday if he was a boy or a girl. I guess it's time. He can take on the look of a mad scientist if I don't splash some water on his hair before going out. But I do so love his curls. (Sob) I promise to post pictures of the big event. I am thinking of asking the hair dresser to save a few of the curls for me. I want to make up a couple keepsake frames for my mom, grandma etc. for mother's day. Although I've never done anything like that, so I have no idea what I really want them to turn out like. There are a few very brief moments like that when I almost wish I was into scrapbooking...almost.

Mason is 18 months old today. Even though I've gone through this twice before, it still doesn't fail to surprise me at how fast his babyhood is slipping away. I can't believe that in 6 short months my last baby will be turning 2! TWO!! Wow. Yikes.

Well. Time to go rest my weary bones before I have to make dinner. Fun!

~Lisa~

Sigh of relief

Jenna had a dentist appointment this afternoon. It went sooo well! After all the struggles we had last year her and I were both dreading it. But, as it was just a cleaning and a check up, it wasn't too bad. She didn't like the flouride, but made it through just fine. She does have two more very small cavities that we have to go back to get filled, and she needs some sealants on her 6-year adult molars that have come in, because her teeth are cavity prone. So we sent away a request to the insurance company to see if they will cover them. (Fingers crossed!) It was really nice to sepnd an hour or so just her and I. We don't get to do that too often. I'm going to try to make a concerted effort to do that more often. I am so proud of her for being so brave this time!!

I on the other hand, blah. My periods are so screwed up. Not that anyone wants to hear this, but whatever! It's my blog! LOL So, I had a period, and then another about 2 weeks later that lasted for 10 days, it was gone for about 3 days, and then came back again last night! What the hell!?

AND! To top it all off, now I have Pink Eye!! I was reading in one of my baby info books about it, and it said that Pink Eye often accompanies a cold, which I STILL have. I was one big cranky pants last night let me tell you!

I just don't understand it. I don't know why we are all getting sick like this? I admit, I am not the world's best housekeeper, but I wouldn't say the house it ever Dirty. I clean often enough to keep away the germys I think!! I understand that Jenna brings home bugs from school, and the boys from the baby-sitters, but no one else I know from those places are sick like this :( It just gets to be a bit much for one person. A bit much.

~Lisa~

When they grow up...

We recently asked the kids what they want to be when they grow up. Here's what we got :)

Jenna wants to be a doctor or a police officer. I am not too surprised by this answer, as she's been saying she wants to be a doctor since she was 2. However...I can't really see her as a doctor. Definitely a teacher though. I'm curious to see who will be more right, her or I. Either way, I'll be thrilled :)

Aidan's is funnier :) He wants to be a Rock Star! And he'll play a red guitar, and go Da da dada DUN! And the latest, most hilarious is that he's going to have a tattoo. A Spiderman Tattoo! Oh! He's also going to marry Sleeping Beauty! He says it All the time! We were all watching America's Funniest Videos last night, as we do every Sunday. And a video shot at Disneyworld came on, featuring the one and only Sleeping Beauty! I thought Aidan was going to die from excitement!! Too funny.

As for Mason, well, I am getting a little concerned. I have a feeling that he's going to become a Male Exotic Dancer. This boy LOVES to dance. He dances to Music, to hammering, to the mixer and to the beat of his own drum. Which is great, however, He also Really LOVES being naked. really. Loves it. Maybe I'm wrong, maybe he'll be a janitor, he also really loves my broom :)

~Lisa~

I know it's a couple days late...

But the good news is, I found my camera cable!!! WOOHOO!!!

So, without further ado! A message from my kids!!

And here are the hearts we made!! I LOVE them!! Aidan didn't want to make a heart, he wanted a circle. :) They look awesome when the sun is shining through them...unfortunately it's been snowing for days here, so we haven't had the pleasure of seeing the sun too often, but trust me, the hearts look even better then!! I used the curtain rod on my side door to string them on. I think they make a pretty cook valance :)

Hope everyone had a great Valentine's day!

~Lisa~

And the day just keeps getting worse.

So, my headache has turned into a mini-migraine. And that's just the start! (In case this doesn't seem like the start...it's not, see the post below this one!!)

Let me give you a brief background...

On Friday Morning, K dropped L off so I could walk him to school. No biggie, we do this all the time. Difference this time is that Thursday I had spent a good part of the day switching the boy's dressers, and getting Aidan's fish tank clean. So, now Aidan has the nicer but lower dresser, thus allowing much easier access to the fish tank. I thought it would be okay, he's a fairly responsible 3 year old. On his own he is apparently. Put him with L and it's a completely different story. The boys asked to play in Aidan's room. No problem. About 15 minutes later Jenna starts screeching like a banshee. All I could decipher on my way up the stairs was "Boys"!!"Fish"!!"Toys"!! Oh man. So, Aidan had thrown in some toys. Not a huge deal. I had a chat about it with the boys, and then proceeded to scoop out the toys. And that's what I noticed that there was quite a bit of fish flakes floating around. Hmm...I knew I didn't feed the fish that much...hmmm..."Boys...." Neither of them had done it of course. Turned out to be L...He thought the fish looked Hungry. hmmm. No, the fish was NOT hungry! I will never admit to being the best fish mommy, but this had been the one day that week that I had remembered to feed the stupid thing! He wasn't hungry!!!! Oh well. I spoke to L about it, K spoke to L about it, all is good and fine.

Until I realize yesterday that L fed the ENTIRE jar of fish food to the fish!!! And it STINKS! Because it is rotting, and wet and OH MY GOD!!

So, I make it mission today to clean the poor fish's tank. UGH. Black water. 5 pails of it!! I'm filling my last pail with this handy dandy water syphon thingy, and realize that it's too quiet downstairs. So, I run down. And see Mason spreading cheezies all over the living room!! As I was vacuuming up That mess, and writing this blog entry in my head it dawned on me. OH MY GOD!!! The fish tank!!! Oh yes. The bucket was over-flowing, all of the carpet, under the dresser, through the mesh hamper of clean sheets I had just washed and dried this morning. I bet there's a couple gallons of water on the floor :(

And to top it all off, when I raced over to K's house to get her carpet cleaner, my shoe fell off in the snow! And K has a dog. So while I am down on the floor soaking up fish water, all I can smell is wet rotten dog water and wet rotten fish water.

No wonder I have a mini-migraine. No wonder.

~Lisa~

Scary!

The kids and I went to The Bulk Barn this morning. I love that place :) Awhile ago I picked up this chocolate mold to do Valentine treats for Jenna's class...

I am doing them with red and Milk chocolate merckins :P they're so cute! However, the first time I bought the chocolate, I didn't get enough, so back we went.

It was a pretty uneventful trip, sobody whining and crying because they didn't get every single candy coated item in the store. We get the the cash, I turn away from the cart to pay, and hear this god-awful crash behind me!! I turned around, and there's Aidan, pinned beneath the cart, with Mason on his side, still trapped in the little front seat! I could't get the cart up fast enough, or figure out who to comfort first! It was awful :( Both boys are okay, I think Aidan's going to have a nice bruise on his leg, but that's all. Aidan had tried to stand on the side of the cart, and pulled it over accidentally. I'm not really sure if he was crying because he was hurt, or if he felt bad about pulling his brother down! Of course there were a few people around, to witness me pulling Mason and the cart up by heaving on the front of Mason's coat, but I couldn't figure out fast enough how esle to get them both up without hurting Mason!

So, that was our excitement this morning. The trip to Walmart was much less uneventful. And totally worth it, since Milk at the grocery store last night was $4.09, and Walmart is selling it for $3.77! I know it's only $.32, but with all the milk we go through, it adds up!

Now I'm off to melt some chocolate and pray that this headache goes away sometime soon :(

~Lisa~

YUM-ME!!

The cookies are AWESOME!! Just the right amount of Earl Grey taste, and just enough shortbread taste! they're light, easy to bake, and Tas-Teee (Or, Tas-TEA! HA!!!) Seriously, you should try them!

I needed to add an extra teaspoon of water, and make sure not to let them chill any longer than 30 minutes, or they will get too cold and crumbly to slice :)

~Lisa~

Trying a new cookie recipe

Al brought home a magazine the other night with a recipe for Earl Grey Tea cookies. With the actual Earl Grey tea in them! I kid you not. I actually had to cut open 6 bags of the tea! I'm not sure at all how they will taste when baked, but so far, the dough is yummy :) Very light and fluffly. They basically are just a shortbread with tea in them. Hopefully they turn out! I'll update in a couple hours!

hey, cool! I found the recipe online...

http://www.recipezaar.com/119032

~Lisa~

The twelth book is waiting for me!!

Twelve Sharp is on hold for me at the library. I want to go get it today. Really really want to. It's snowing here again for the fourth day in a row. We have about 3-4 feet of snow now. And while it is lovely to look at, and the kids are thrilled to play in it, I could do without the cold that comes with it :)

I would Love to go the the library, pick up my book, find a semi-cosy chair (If I win the lottery, I am buying 50 new Lazy Boys for our library!) in a quiet corner and read all day long. Doesn't that sound lovely for a cold and snowy day?! Bliss. I prefer to read on snowy days, and watch movies on rainy days. There you go! Something you probably didn't know about me! Lucky you!

Unfortunately, I'll have to make my own bliss while entertaining and referring three kids :) wish me luck.

~Lisa~

Time goes by, so slowly slowly slowly...

I don’t know what it is about some days. They just seem to creep along. Today is one of those days. Granted, I am still feeling sick, but still! Mason woke up at 6:00, and it’s about 9:30 now. I feel like I should be getting ready to make dinner. I just don’t understand days like this. I haven’t been overly busy. In fact, I should be even busier than I am. Jenna and Aidan have Pinkeye (yes, again) so no school/daycare/work for us today. But all I have done is got every one dressed, a couple loads of laundry and made a couple beds. Also a couple Sudokus. I looked at the clock and couldn’t believe that only 3 ½ hours have gone by since I got up. Maybe I need another coffee?

Maybe it’s Mason’s fault? He’s already napping. Normally he makes it to 10:30 before he’s ready to crash. But this morning, he just laid himself down on the couch and went to sleep. I’m amazed, he’s a total cuddle junkie, so for him to put himself to sleep like that, big news. He’s got the same cold as I do though, so I can understand him wanting to sleep the day away.

But seriously! How am I supposed to get through the day like this!? At this rate, when it really is time for me to make dinner it’s going to feel like the middle of the night! I’m not much of a midnight snacker, so this is going to be an interesting feat!

On another note, the kids and I made the crayon shavings hearts yesterday! They are SO COOL! And SO easy!! I haven’t had a chance to hang them yet, but I can’t wait! Thanks Julie Bo Bolie (www.jaabeemom.blogspot.com) for the awesome link to that idea! Even Jenna suggested doing them for Easter! I think my fingers will have un-cramped by then in order to shave more crayons :)

Well ladies, I guess I’ll go find some ways to fill up this never ending day :)

Ciao bellas!
~Lisa~

Sorry All!

I have got a wicked bad cold. My head feels like it's about to explode from the congestion. My face feels itchy, on the inside(I know! Weird!). And I am sore all over. I've been reading all your blogs, just haven't had the energy to reply. I feel awful, but I wanted you to know that I am thinking about you, and itching to try your recipes.

I have discovered that baking Julie's famous banana bread while sick is a bad idea :( It failed miserably. The middle will not cook! not at all! the top and bottom and edges are all browned to perfection, but the middle? Mush :( I was so disappointed :( I LOVE that Banana Bread :(

Anyway, off to curl up on the couch. Love and hugs to all.

~Lisa~

I gotta slow down!

I'm up to book 11 in the Stephanie Plum series. I can't stop reading!! I've read from 8-11 in less than 2 weeks :) Bad news is, that while I'm only one person away from book 12 in the library que, I am number 7 in line for 13, and 26th for Plum Lovin'! Although, I see that they have more Plum Lovin' on order, so hopefully that will go pretty fast! I just love these books! I will be forever indebted to JulieQ for recommending them!

Even Al knows all about the characters, and while he probably doesn't understand my desire to make Ranger real, and turn him into my personal sex slave, he accepts it. ;) He knows that he's my Morelli, so it's all good :)

But seriously, I have this sinking feeling that I am going to be walking around grumpy and annoyed for a few days when I finish these books :) But, on the good side, my house will probably be cleaner, and my kids will get to play more games, and the laundry might even get put away before it gets to be worn again! But I won't stop dreaming of Ranger, and wishing he would sneak up behind me, and run his fingers down my spine! Yum :)

~Lisa~

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~

Deal of a CENTURY!!!!!

I am kinda without internet right now...not sure what's going on. I'll update when I can :)

Anyway!!

I went to The Disney Store yesterday to get the big Buzz Lightyear that Aidan wants. It's all he's asked for this year :) So, we go in, and Aidan hones in on them immediately. Al and I hone in on on the big red 40% Off sign above him!! And when I took the Buzz to the girl working at the front of the store to ask if he was included she said yes, AND THEN she handed me a card worth 15% off on Top of the 40% off!! Seriously!!!! So we figured out how much it made the price, and realized..Hey! We can get Buzz AND Woody for the price of ONE!!!! I am still practically jumping up and down for joy!!

I can just imagine the look on his face Christmas morning when he sees both of them!

YAY!!

On Other happy news!! My Dad and I are new home owners!! (Al and my Step-mother too :)) I can't believe it :) How we worked it is that for now, my Dad is pretty much our landlord. And then when we can, we'll buy the house from my Dad, using our "rent" as the down payment. I am soooo grateful to my Dad. He's awesome.

Have a wonderful week everyone if I can't get on here again!

~Lisa~

Aidan's recent reasons for not eating his dinner...

1. He's too bored for dinner.

2. Dinner is boring.

3. Jenna is too close to eat his dinner.

4. Dinner is giving him a headache.

and last, but certainly not least, and the winner for tonight,

5. "I can't eat my dinner. I'm too heartbroken."

If we don't have them to cry over, we don't have them to laugh over right :)

~Lisa~

Feeling better

The antibiotics are slowly working their magic on my tonsils. Thank God...because seriously! I am never sick like this! I could barely get off the couch for three days! The only downside to the antibiotics is this Awful taste in my mouth!! I seriously feel like I have been trying to suck the colour off of pennies all night long! BLECH!! It's totally worth it :) kinda.

I have got to get my butt in gear. I am supposed to be making two birthday cakes for this weekend! ACK! One for the lovely Miss Sarah, who's Daddy so graciously fixed our laptop for the price of one birthday cake! How much do we love Julie Bo Bolie and her family??? THIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIS MUCH!

The second one is going to be a lot harder, if I do it. I am supposed to do the Megasaurus (By Wilton) for Karen 's little boy Logan. He'll be four. However, Evan now has Chicken Pox! Karen called me over last night to look at him, and sure enough, looks like the pox to me! I told Karen in no uncertain terms that I am NOT bringing my kids anywhere near hers for awhile(they've never had the pox). I think she was pissed off at me. But really, my kids have been sick on and off for two weeks now. Not only are their immune systems not up to snuff, but my head will most definitely explode if I have to deal with any other illnesses right now. So really, in my opinion Logan and Evan's party should be postponed for awhile. And it'll give me time in between cakes :)

Aidan seems to be a little better. Still not eating much, but neither am I, so I'm not going to push the issue too hard yet. Tomorrow will be different. He slept with Al and I last night. I can't imagine how we ever managed Jenna with us in a double bed! It's SO much easier in a Queen size :) Still not great, since Aidan is a total bed hog, but it was nice to cuddle a warm little body all night :)

Nothing much else is new. We close on the house on Friday!!!! YAY!!

~Lisa~

And Mommy makes four.

I have the sickness too. Tonsillitis. So does Aidan. And Mason has an ear infection. And Jenna's throat still looks a little red.

If anyone needs to find me for the next 17 years, I'll be hiding under a big cozy blanket beneath a very large ROCK.

Speaking of Rocks...My doctor totally ROCKS! He looked at me this morning and said it's been a long time since he'd seen tonsils that gross :) Nice eh? Then he felt my forehead (The medical technology here is Totally Cutting! Edge!) And he looked at me and said "How are you even walking around!? How did you make it out of bed to get here?! (HA! I have three little reasons that gave me no choice!) I need antibiotics.

So anyway, I mention that Aidan and Mason are still fighting fevers, and he looks at them too. Mason is still on antibiotics for his tonsillitis so we only need to go back if he's still having fevers in a couple days. Phew. Aidan needs new antibiotics.

Lets take a moment to review:
1. Aidan gets Scarlet Fever and needs TWO bottles of amoxicillin.
2. Jenna and Mason get tonsillitis at the same time and each need a bottle of amoxicillin.

So that's roughly $50 just for the kids alone! And I am allergic to Penicillin. Meaning my antibiotics usually cost us about $45.

I am pretty much panicking inside thinking that we definitely don't have enough for two more rounds!! The doctor looks at me and says "do you have a drug plan" I replied "Nope, it's been a very expensive two weeks :(" He says hang on a minute, and off he goes. And when he returns(This is the ROCKS part!!) he has antibiotics for Aidan AND me!!! For Free!! I nearly cried right there. I think he may have been annoyed with me for thanking him so much. :) I love my doctor. Really a lot. :) I love it when you get a sign that there really are a few genuinely good people left in the world.

Aidan and I had Jello for lunch :) And we might have it for dinner too :)

A-Z

A - Available or single: Isn't that the same thing? Married :)
B - Best Friend: Alvin
C - Cake or Pie: Tough one...does cheesecake count?
D- Drink of choice: Rootbeer or Pepsi
E - Essential Item you use everyday: Kettle for tea and coffee
F-Favorite color: Blue
G - Gummy Bears or worms: worms
H- Hometown: Born in Guelph, raised in Grand Valley
I - Indulgence: Chocolate
J - January or February: oh they both SUCK
K - Kids & Names: Jenna Colleen, Aidan Alvin Joseph and Mason James
L- Life is Incomplete Without? coffee
M - Marriage Date: August 19th
N- Number of Siblings: 1 half brother, 3 step-sisters and 2 step brothers
O- Oranges or Apples: apples
P- Phobias or Fears: Spiders and falling down a man-hole.
Q- Fave Quote: "When life hands you lemons, ask for tequila and salt." Author unknown
R - Reason to Smile: Almost Christmas
S - Season: Fall or spring
T - Tag 3 or 4 people: Anyone really, I'm a little low on readers this month LOL
U - Unknown Fact about Me: I very rarely use the same Q-tip for both ears...even if I don't need to use the other end for the first ear.
V- Vegetable You Don't Like: Turnip
W - Worst Habit: worrying
X - Xrays: On my leg when I was in grade 5 and fell skiing.
Y - Your Fave Food: Pizza! From Dominoes, with Bacon, Pepperoni and Mushrooms! YUM!
Z - Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Jeepers, creepers...

Where'd they get these peepers?!

Oh what a day...

So, yesterday was my birthday. It came and went without much fanfare at all. And really, that was just fine by me. I'm 27 now. That's the first age I remember my mother being. For some reason I have always wanted to be 27. Maybe this will be the year it all falls into place for me. Who knows.

I had to go to Toronto yesterday for a course at The Geneva Centre for Autism. Great place, lousy course IMO. It might have been good for me had my student been older, and definitely would have been fine if I was a teacher in a classroom environment. But as an ABA therapist, not so much. Oh well, it was cool to be surrounded by people with such a common interest in Autism.

Getting there and getting home was AWFUL! According to Mapquest it should take me 1 hour and 7 minutes to get from door to door. Riiiiiight. It took me exactly 2 hours to get There, and then THREE hours to get home!! I spent an HOUR on Eglinton alone! It was the worst time EVER. I watched a stop light change 15 times before I got to it. I kid you not. I'm sure there was probably other ways I could have gone, but I know Toronto about as well as I know algebra, so I was too afraid of getting lost to stray off my path. And then there was a rollover on the 400, and they shut that down! I know a few routes home from there, but so do apparently every other person in front of me. By the time I finally walked in the door I was shaking, had a splitting headache and just wanted to go to bed :)

Oh well, I guess the bright side was that I didn't have to spend my birthday working or changing diapers and breaking up arguments...right?

~Lisa~

P.s. Happy Birthday to my step-sister Kathy today!!!

Best of both worlds.**Edited**

I love my kids. I really, really do. They're great kids. I like playing with them...usually.

I like the snow. I like to look at it. I like to see it on trees. I like the look it brings to my children's faces when they see it.

I do NOT like playing in the snow. Not at all really.

This past summer my kids developed enough security to go play in the back yard together, without me there.

And it happened again today. I got the pleasure of watching my kids run and jump and slide in the snow. While I sat at the window snuggling with Mason under a cosy blanket.

And when they came I Still got to be their hero by being super-fast on the Hot Chocolate draw :)

**EDITED**
On a not-so-blowing-sunshine-up-your-ass kind of note...Mason and Jenna both have tonsillitis. Oh yes. They do. And I may be the freakin' carrier!!! Oh yes. I had my throat swabbed to check. Merry freakin' Christmas, here's your anitbiotics. Ugh.

~Lisa~

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...

My Parents invited us out for dinner last night to celebrate my birthday a little early. We had a great time. My mom made me the Coolest Candy Bouquet!! And gave me a wee Tinkerbell ornament, which you all know was a HUGE hit with me :) I also go two beautiful roses, they're white on the bottom and the edges are a deep pink. I love them!! My grandparents were there too, which was nice. I've grown a lot more fond of them in the past few years. Growing up as a kid, not so much. But I appreciate them a lot more now. They gave me a couple books on tea and a tea set...neat stuff.

Dinner went off smoothly, I got COMPLETELY embarrassed with the entire staff of Swiss Chalet came out singing with a birthday cake for me. I should have known :) My Mom is sneaky like that :)

The worst of times came after dinner. We were all getting our coats on, Jenna had to go to the bathroom, so I took her. On the way back to the table, I saw my George, my grandpa and Aidan leaving, taking some of my presents out to the car. This is not uncommon. My George is Aidan's Hero :) They go everywhere together. (See where this is going yet?) So, Jenna and I get our coats on, I grab my cake and books, and off the rest of us go. I was walking outside across the front of the restaurant when this awful feeling came over me. I saw My George. I saw my grandpa. I saw my grandma. I did Not see Aidan. I called to the "where's Aidan", but they didn't hear me. So I called it again, and then everyone got very confused. George said "He's with you isn't he" I said NO!, then George said "OH! It's okay, he's with your Mom"(My Mom had gone to her car to get something, and wasn't with us yet) I Lost it. I screamed at George "No He's NOT! He's Gone!" I spent about 3 seconds trying to figure out who to pass the cake off to, but everyone was carrying something. I thought about dropping it, but knew that would be a total waste of cake. So I just held on tight and ran as fast as I could back into the store.(Yes, I realize now how stupid that all sounds) I yanked open the doors, and was about 4 steps into the restaurant when I saw my little boy, crying for his Mommy with a very beautiful waitress. I couldn't hug him tight enough. And the poor boy could only say "Mommy I was looking for you. I wanted you". Talk about break. my. heart!!! I hope none of you ever has to try to remain as composed as possible for the sake of your little one in a situation like this. It's hard as hell.

I don't think he was scarred by it too bad, he only mentioned it once today. I however still get heart palpatations every time I think of the 'what ifs' :)

So, that was my birthday celebration :) Yee Haw.

~Lisa~

Great News!! And not so good news.

I just got Jenna's newsletter home. Mrs. K is STAYING!! As Jenna's TEACHER!!!!! I am sooo friggin' happy right now!!!

I am still going to write that letter to the principal, because I really feel that Mrs. K deserves the recognition, but it will certainly have a different tone to it :) YAY!!

And now for the not so great news. I can't remember if I have mentioned it on here or not, but there is a very disturbed boy(N) at our babysitters house. He goes on the same days as Aidan. And he has become a very bad influence for my son. I have spoken to L(the babysitter) about this boy, and what I am hearing from Aidan, on numerous occasions. I have even hinted at removing my children from her care if it continues. Well, today I lost it. When I arrived this afternoon the first thing L showed me was a large bruised lump under a little girls chin. At first I thought Aidan had done it, but no. It was N. While L. went upstairs to get Mason from his nap, N had choked M. CHOKED HER!! Put his 5 year old hands around her neck and choked that sweet girl. What if it had been my Baby?? What if he hadn't stopped?? What am I going to do???

I have spoken to a pre-school teacher, and she is supposed to be bringing me an application form for Aidan. But that doesn't start until January. And Mason will still be in that environment.

L has been our sitter since Jenna was One. I told her today that if anything like that happens again, I will be calling N's mother and telling her what I think, and that my children will not be going back there if he is there. I looked her in the face and said "there's zero tolerance at school for this kind of behaviour, why are you putting up with it here?" She just kind of danced around with an answer.

I guess I really should be looking for a new sitter. I just hate to do that to L. She's good with my kids, I trust her. Granted, she could probably do More, but really, I am getting what I pay for.

ugh. My heart is just racing over this. I'm not sure what to do.

~Lisa~

Parent-Teacher Conference

We met with Jenna's teacher (the one I am secretly a little bit in love with) last night. It went SO well!!

I love her teacher style, I love how she's realized that she needs to lay off in some areas, and crack the whip in others. I love that she's laying a lot of groundwork that will prepare these children for later grades. Even though 'they' say she doesn't have to yet. But like she said last night...if someone doesn't teach them the steps now, when it's time for the testing, they are going to be like little fish out of water.

But the best part of last night was when she described Jenna. Mrs. K went on and on about Jenna's ability to Learn! She said some kids are very teachable, once you find the right way to go about it. Some kids take some work, and some kids just have a natural talent for learning. They are able to look at the beginning and the end, and figure out what the middle would be. That's how she described my Jenna :D She said that Jenna is able to get her wheels turning to figure out what the solution Can't be, and she discards all the wrong answers until she is Sure of the right answer. She's become quite the leader in her class. And the other children have come to know that they can go to Jenna for help with the answers. I swear, my head swelled about 3x it's normal size :)

She said that Jenna is still missing her old classroom. But that's pretty understandable. There was a lot of playing last year. There are a lot of cool toys in the other kindergarten classroom. And her best friend is in that class. Mrs. K pointed out that there is Still a lot of play in the other classroom, and that the kids in her class can hear this through the folding wall(It opens to create a bigger classroom). I can understand why Jenna would want to go back...who wants to do work when you can hear your neighbours having lots of fun?

I made sure that Mrs.K knew that we were Thrilled with her teaching style, and the way that she focuses on Education. I told her that She knows what the kids in her class need, and if it was more play time, that's what she would be giving them, but it's not, all the kids in her class are striving and it shows. I told her that Jenna is there to learn, and to grow a love of learning, and I felt she didn't get that last year. I told her that we had seen a Huge improvement in Jenna this year, and that we wouldn't want to change that for anything. Her response was a very knowing look, and a thank-you.

I'll be writing a letter to our principal today. I really feel the need to tell her how thrilled we are with this teacher.

~Lisa~

Update on the sickies!

But first a clarification! Al was at the ER with Aidan when I wrote my last post. I didn't realize until reading the comments that I forgot to put that part in!! I guess I was too upset :) Sorry! there's no way I would let my kids be that sick on not get it checked out :)

The ER doctor put Aidan on antibiotics, a high dose, he gets 9mL 3x/day! We'll get a call tonight or tomorrow if he does NOT have Scarlet fever and they want us to discontinue the meds. If he does have it, which I am pretty convinced of, we'll continue the meds for 7 more days. He also has a slight double ear infection. But I'm pretty sure that'll be knocked out of him pretty quickly with that much medicine going into him :)

He's back to himself for the most part. Finally running around and telling silly stories again.

Jenna has pink-eye. Poor kid was SO mad at me this morning when I told her she coudn't go to school today. I went and picked up her report card though. What an awesome improvement from last year! All the checks were "At Expected level" except Math concepts and Beginning writing skills. So, I'll find out what Math they are vworking on, an get her writing in her notbook some more, and hopefully she'll be set :) I am SO proud of her this year! I just hope that her love of school continues.

Mason is still fighing a cold. It seems to come and go, but I think it's getting better.

I finally got a full night's sleep last night...well, mostly, Al had me awake until 11:00...hopefully I can get to bed earlier tonight :)

Thank you all for your wonderfully supportive comments. I treasure each and every one of them.

~Lisa~

Worried about Aidan...

When we were getting our stuff together to leave Julie's last night, I noticed that Aidan really wasn't acting himself. And was looking a little flushed. We did the trusty hand to the head check and sure enough, he felt pretty warm. So Al gave him a dose of Motrin, and away we went.

I went to bed a few minutes after we got home and about an hour later, heard him crying. Al said he was having bad dreams. So I went back to bed and let Al deal with it. At 1:30, Aidan was crying again. I went in, rubbed his back and he fell back asleep. But at 2:00 he was crying yet again, so I brought him into bed with he. He couldn't get comfortable, wouldn't settle, wouldn't fall asleep. I got him a drink, and that seemed to help a bit. I probably should have given him more Motrin :( Not sure why I didn't :( At 4:00 he was throwing up the water :( He finally settled down to sleep after that when we put him back into his bed. But didn't sleep long :(

I went to my Grandma's today. She had surgery on her knees a couple weeks ago, so my Mom, Jenna and I went to set up her Christmas tree, and some other decorations...man, that woman has enough stuff for 5 trees and houses! But, more on that another time. We went to Wal-Mart after that to do some Christmas shopping and get something to eat. Jenna and I were gone all day :( I feel pretty awful about not being here for him, but I honestly didn't think he was that sick.

Al called me at Lunchtime to say that Aidan had thrown up a couple more times, and still had a fever. I offered to come home, but Al said no.

So, fast forward a bit, I get home, and Aidan is soooo flushed. His fever was hovering around 103*, and when Al gave him a popsicle, he wouldn't eat it. He said his tongue hurt. So, we looked at that, and it's coated with white stuff...looks a little like thrush to me, but I don't really know.

I just want my boy to get better. And I hope he and Al forgive me for not getting home to them sooner.

If you're a praying/thought giving kind, I think we could use them today. Thanks.

~Lisa and Aidan~

weirded out...

I went to Value Village today. I wanted to see if they had anything that might be suitable for Al's company Christmas Party. They didn't. Unless I find a time machine and warp back 20 or 30 years :) But then, I would only be 6(well, 7, since it will be 4 days after my birthday :)) or, well, not even born yet...doesn't work so well. The search continues.

So then we moseyed on over to the kids section. There was a few cute things, but nothing really jumped out at me. So I went to gather the kids from the toy section. I suddenly had an urge to look at the little bags of smaller toys...for a Toy Story Woody doll. And Oh My GOD! I found one!!!!! He's the perfect size too!! We got Aidan a Buzz a couple months ago, and he's about 8" tall, and so is this new Woody doll!! So, I see him, in a bag with a Little Foot toy that we already have, and a couple other fairly useless toys that will disappear in a few weeks. and I SWEAR...he SMILED at me!!! I am NOT kidding. I know, you are all totally thinking one of 3 things; either A) Lisa has been drinking during the day again, B) Lisa is WAY over-tired, or C) Lisa needs to hide the Toy Story movies from Herself. Well, it's none of the above. Well, maybe a little of B and C. But really, it boils down to the fact that I just apparently have finally lost my damn mind! Good Grief. It's like this damn doll is speaking to me.

Maybe I Should take up drinking during the day.

~Lisa~

still around!

Mason and Jenna are both fighting colds. I'm just really too tired to think of anything worth blogging about :)

Hoping we're all better by Saturday for the BZ Shin-Dig at Julie's house!!!

~Lisa~

Stuck.

I feel like I'm in such a rut lately. At home, at work, at everything. I can't seem to keep up around here. I try, I do the basics, but I can't seem to get farther. Al came home last night and cleaned and cleaned and cleaned. And with each new thing he tackled, I felt smaller and smaller and smaller.

Work is really stressing me out too. I feel like I have taken Henry as far as I can. He's getting bored with me. I'm getting bored with him. I'm certainly not throwing myself into the job like I was a year ago. And Jenny notices. She sent me an email yesterday asking if I thought we should shorten the sessions. ACK! NO! I can't afford to. I love Henry, and his family. I don't want to lose them right now. But I also don't want to waste their time and money if there is someone better out there. Although. good news is that Jenny is paying for me to take a one day course about high-functoning Autistic children. yay!! It's on my birthday too, which is cool, because, yay, no 'work'! lol

I'm not sure this is what I want to do for the rest of my life, but I also can't put my finger on what it is that I DO want.

When I mentioned a career change the other day, I was thinking about becoming a teacher. But then, when I emailed my best friend who IS a teacher, she emailed me back about all the things my happy, shiny mind forgot to figure in. Like how thankless teaching can be, how much personal time it takes up. How I won't always get a lovely little class full of perfect wee children who adore me. But then the happy shiny me, thinks of the hours, and the time off for summer/holidays. It thinks of parents like I know who are invovled, and giving, and awesome for their kids' teachers. It thinks of the 20 smiling faces every morning, and the achievements, and the break throughs. But then, there's the struggling kids, the fighters, the name callers, the ones whose parents Don't care, and Don't help.

This is 4 years of University. This is a huge commitment. And I don't have a clue which way to go on it.

Anyone have a crystal ball they can take a peek at for me? Maybe I should get a magic 8 ball. give it a swirl and hold my breath while that purple goo clears and the 'triangle of truth appears :)

If only.

~Lisa~

Nit-picker.

No no no!! not here again!! Dear lord, not here!!

Today was the school wide lice check at Jenna's school. You bet your butt I called to volunteer my services for that!! unfortunately, I am working today, so could only stay for an hour and a half. But in that time, we got through about 5 classes. one was clear. One class that is! I couldn't believe it!! One after another we checked off names. There were sisters that Jenna LOVES...both were LOADED wth nits :( At least I have a good idea where it was coming from now. And where Jenna will not be playing for awhile :(

I'm really glad I went. It makes me feel better knowing that I helped...even though I feel awful about ruining so many parent's days.

I have to work until 2, but I'll be going back then. I figure, if they still need help, great, and if they're done, I'll get to spend and hour in Jenna's class with her :) Win-win :)

~Lisa~

and now...Mason!

I realized this morning that I've done a whole lot of whining about Mason...but not much updating.



So, here it is! He's sleeping through the night!!!!! I can't even begin to tell you how awesome this is for us! I had one night of awfulness where I just gave up and let him cry. For about 3 hours he cried that night. The next night was about 1 hour, and since then, it's been pretty quiet! It's sooo nice!



He's also finally off of baby food, although I am wishing he wasn't. His diet is awful now. He refuses to try new things, and feeding him 3 times a day is a nightmare. Seriously, the boy eats Pancakes(which we have started making from scratch so we know are healthier), waffles, toast with Kraft Strawberry jam, yogurt, the occasional grilled cheese sandwich, rice cakes, and any kind of junk food imaginable :( Oh! He also eats Oatmeal...I manage to sneak in some fruit there.

Notice anything missing there? Like maybe Fruit? and Vegetables??? I don't understand it!! He Loved fruit and veggie baby food. He will occasionally eat one of those apple fruit stick things. And he once ate a banana...because I left the peel on and gave it to him like the other kids were having theirs. one time he had some peas and corn too...they got mixed in with the mashed potatoes...which he also won't eat anymore.



I try to feed my family fairly healthy. So it's so hard for me to see Mason eating this way. I just keep hoping that it will eventually click for him, and he'll be the toddler eating machine that his siblings were/are. He does uzzle milk like crazy, so I know he's getting lots from that...but still...



He's getting a funny little personality. For the most art he's pretty laid back. But man...when he doesn't like something...look out! he will let you know in a big way! He loves to play peek about, and dance until the sun goes down. And he laughs now. It's taken so long, and I was so sad about him not laughing before. but he finally is giving us the occasional belly laugh, and it always brings grateful tears to my eyes :)

He's my little super-baby, through and through :)



~Lisa~

the 8 things thing...

1. I am considering a career change. But it scares me, so I am not saying anything out loud yet. There are going to be a lot of costs incurred in doing this (University is a must)...but I think I want to do it. I just might have to wait until the kids are a little older.

2. When I was about 8, I had recurring nightmares about wolves. They were always at my uncle's farm, and I was always trying to save my class from them. But the weird thing was, they were Never violent towards anyone. I guess I was just scared of their presence.

3. Giraffes are my favourite animals. I just love how unique they are, and how graceful they are despite their size.

4. I take everything personally. If it happens to you, I'll take it personally. If it happens to me, I'll take it personally. And I usually take it pretty hard.

5. I am constantly talking to myself, in my head. I even answer myself. Working things out, trying to decide what people are thinking, beating myself up over stupid things.

6. I hate being late. If I find myself running behind(And with three kids, it happens a lot!) I feel completely out of control. Drives me batty.

7. I don't think I am a good dancer. But I do it anyway :) Especially with the kids. They never judge :)

8. I take my coffee with 2 sugars and cream. I take my tea with two Splenda's and milk. I take my water not too cold. And I never take fruit punch. yuck.

If anyone that is reading this that hasn't done it yet, Tag! you're it! And let me know in the comments!!! I need more blogs to read!(Like a hole in the head I'm sure...but I love 'em!)

~Lisa~

LOL at Jenna

So, wanna know my secret? I am hopelessly addicted to a soap opera. *Gasp!* I know. I know. It shocks me too.

I Hate missing any episodes of All my Children. I try to explain what's going on to my husband. I let my Daughter watch with me! She's 5 people. She calls it "All my Kids" How cute is that!?

So anyway, a quick recap...

JR is married to Babe.

Babe slept with Josh.

Josh told JR.

JR(a recovering alcoholic...of course)gets drunk and goes to Josh's hotel room to wait for him.

Josh's half-sister Bianca and Mother Erica(you know...Erica Caine...Susan Lucci...) found him there, and wouldn't let him out the door.

So JR jumps out the freakin' window! From 4 floors up!!

Josh found him in the alley below, and, being a doctor, goes to work on saving him. of course.

Anyway, Jenna was at school when all of this happened, and missed it. Today, I turn it on, and there's Josh, in a blood covered t-shirt, telling his other half-sister Kendall that JR might be dead.

Jenna turns to me with a look of total Shock on her face and says, "I can't believe he would do that! What was he thinking?"

LMAO!!! She was totally serious.

~Lisa~

I've been warned...

and yet I am still going to drag my ass to work.

I woke up feeling awful. Runny, nasty nose. Body aches. Headache.

I spilled coffee on my favourite jammie pants.

I went to the dryer to get out my FAVOURITE white shirt, that fits me like perfection. My cream coloured cardigan was also in there. Along with my second and third favourite jammie pants. Know what else was in there? Apparently a jumbo sized GREEN Crayon. and the fucker had melted all over my clothes!!!!!!

and to top it all off we're out of bread and I can't even make it all better by having some peanut butter toast.

Wish me luck today.

~Lisa~

Incase anyone thinks I have forgotten about my other children...

Here's a post dedicated to Jenna!!

She's had a very busy year. Well, more appropriately, a very busy couple of months!

She lost her first tooth on October 21st. It just came right out one morning when I gave it a little wiggle :)



She lost her Second tooth about 20 minutes before Aidan's party on Saturday!


But the even bigger news is all about school this year!! On October 31st she brought home not one, but TWO awards!!! One was an Award Of Merit! Presented to her in "recognition of contributions to the life of the school and personal efforts made in all areas of her school participation. Jenna displays excellent work habits, makes good choices and is a pleasure to teach! Congratulations Jenna! (the part in italics is what her teacher wrote! How awesome is that!?!? Makes me well up still :) This was an award that, had she been at school the previous Friday, she would have gotten at the Celebration of Learning assembly in front of the entire school :)

The next award was a "Gotcha". this is a little award that teachers can give to any student they see showing exemplary behaviour, responsibility, or character. Jenna got it for helping a new girl to the school. She saw her alone at recess, and played with her the whole time, showed her araound, and then helped her back to her classroom...without being asked!

Last week she came home with ANOTHER award!! This time it was a "Good Thinking" award, for finding all her vowels. I'm not really sure about this one...when I asked her, she said it was because she answered that "all the books in the library have vowels." I'm not sure...but really, who cares? My kid got an AWARD! WOOHOO!

Yesterday she came home with yet another Gotcha! For "Being a great Helper". She brought Mrs. K. all her supplies apparently, and helped her do some writing.

I swear, every time I pick her up from school my head swells a little more, and my chest puffs out bigger and bigger. Her teacher is constantly going on about what a great kid she is, and how incredible she's doing. What a great leader she is for the class, and how polite she is too :)

I loooooove this teacher :) LOVE HER!! unfortunately, and I am not sure how to prepare Jenna for this, Mrs.K is leaving Jenna's class in December. She's only covering a Mat. leave. From what I have heard, the teacher she is covering for, is nowhere near as awesome as Mrs.K. I wanted to cry when I heard she was leaving. I wonder is writing a letter to the principal will do any good? D'ya think? I told Mrs.K to throw some punches for teaching grade one next year :) Yeah, I love her :)

So, there's my over-whelming, 'my kid is a genius' post of the day :) I'm so proud :D

~Lisa~

Aidan Pictures as Promised :)

Here's my brand new boy. All round and smooth and perfect. He was 8lbs 11oz, and 22 1/2" long :)


See what I mean about being perfect :) Man, the picture quality is terrible though :(


I used to think his cheeks must hurt from trying to smile with all that chub :) This is one of my favourite pictures...he's about 5 months old here.


I can never get over how grown up he looks in this picture...he was barely ONE! (Tell me he looks like Matt Damon...no???)


He's about 18-20 months old here. I was pg with Mason :) See my belly? LOL


Just about two in this picture I believe. It's my mom's favourite of him.


So, there you go. My wee boy...he's looking soo much like a BOY now :(

From Wee to Three!!

My little boy is three today. I find it rather hard to believe. It seems more like he should be turning 4 this year :) He's so smart, and so sweet, and sooo stubborn :)

I love his expressions...Particularily this one lately...


We call it his Scowly face. usually all I have to do is give him "the Look" and his scowly face turns into this...



I love this boy to bits you know. There's some kind of special bond between him and I. I just, understand him. I often wonder if it's my subconscious way of making up for his first year. I am pretty sure that I was suffering from PPD. I don't remember much of Aidan's first year. It hurts my heart so bad. But, I got past it. And we're all so much happier now :)

My birth experience for Aidan was so much different than Jenna's. I tried so hard for a VBAC. I got the hospital 9 days after his due date. they broke my water at 8, and then we began walking. And walking. And then we did some more walking. It was awful. I walked straight for about 8 hours. And then said to hell with what the nurses think/say(They kept kicking me out of my room to make me walk more). I walked and rested intermittantly for another 3 hours, but by 8:00pm was in too much pain, and too exhausted to take another step. And besides, Survivor was on :) So, more labour, more contractions, not much progress. I made it to 6cm. That was it. By 10:45 the doctor was offering a c-section, or Pitocin and 2 more hours of labour, plus pushing. I wisely choose the section, and pretty much slept through the whole thing. Aidan Alvin Joseph was born at 11:59(and 30 seconds!)PM One of the nurses asked if we wanted his birthday to be recorded as the 6th or 7th!

I couldn't get over how smooth, and round and Perfect he looked!!


And made everyone in recovery laugh SO hard when I was overwhelmed that we had a SON! I said to Al, "Wanna hear something WEIRD? This is our SON! Isn't that strange sounding?" Yeah, I was pretty tired :)

We had a 'Diego' party for him on Saturday. That was so much fun :) I hung green streamers from the ceiling like vines, and made a Baby Jaguar cake! (for any cake makers, I used the Wilton Animal Crackers cake pan, and just built up the ears with icing to make them pointy. It was by far the easiest cake I've done. And I was thrilled with it :) (so was Aidan :))

So, that's pretty much that. Aidan is three...unless you ask him, and then he will have a complete and total meltdown, demanding that is NOT three. He is TWO AND A HALF! :) Should be an interesting year.

Happy Birthday Aidan!!

~Lisa~
(I have more pictures to add, but blogger isn't putting them in ???)

How cool is this picture!?

And I took it all by myself :)

It's my hand, Aidan's hand and the last Monarch butterfly we had. I looove this picture!!!!

~Lisa~

Am I in trouble?

When Jenna was wee, I would sing to her. She loved "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star", and "You are my Sunshine" the best.

When Aidan was wee I would sing to him. He loved "Old McDonald had a Farm" the best.

Now that Mason is wee, I sing to him. He loves "Baa Baa Black Sheep" the best.

Jenna really is a star. She's an artist, She's intelligent, and kind.

Aidan LOVES animal. Farm animals, Jungle animals, and animals he makes up.

Hmmm...Do you think Mason is going to be the 'Black Sheep' of our family??

Something to think about :)

~Lisa~

Here's the costume reveal Julie!!

Hmm..what could this be??

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"It says BUZZ LIGHTGEAR!!"

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Nuff said :)

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