So far so good!

Well, I've had a couple days with the new programs. I'm liking them! I'm pretty sure that I am taking down the data in a completely asinine way, but I'll meet with my boss on Monday to talk about any kinks like that. Henry is a little off, but that's to be expected. He and I have been doing some of the same programs for almost 2 years now. And the programs have always been run the same way. Now that it's completely different, and I am probably acting a little like a fish out of water, he's a bit confused by it all.

Any ideas on how to make reciprocating social questions fun!? LOL...he needs a little help making conversation, and the natural, basic way to encourage that skill is to ask social questions (Name, age, address, parents names etc.) He can do all of that, answer tonnes of questions, but what he can't grasp is how to ask them back. I tried to do a mock-up today where he and I were just meeting in the park, but he didn't quite understand what I was asking him, and ran around like a hooligan :) I guess I'll be needing some more thought on this one :)

I love my job you know. I love teaching, and seeing the changes in Henry. I love discovering the world of Autism with him. I cry at the same frustrations his parents cry at. I cheer when they cheer. I swear, he's like my fourth child.

On the weightloss side of things! WOOHOO!!! As of yesterday I've lost 7.5 pounds!! I can't believe how fast it's coming off! And I am having such an easy time of it! I'm still counting some points, but now that I've been doing it for almost 3 weeks, it's become second nature. I don't snack on heavy calorie filled crap anymore, I am loving the healthy stuff, and I have the BEST inspiration :) Al has been AWESOME!! He too is always looking to loose weight, and has always complained that I never help him enough to be successful. Which, for a long time I thought was crazy, since I figured it was Him that made the decisions to eat what he as eating. Well! Now that I see how helpful he is in making me healthy, low point meals, and keeping me on track, I can see how easy it was for me to sabbotage his progress all these years. I feel really awful for it. It's easy to see that he is losing weight too! He's wearing size 46 pants comfortably. When we met he was in a 44! And the year I got pregnant, when he was at his heaviest, I am pretty sure that his size 54 pants were getting tight. I am soooo proud of his progress, which definitely gives me the motivation to keep going.

Of course, I have my period this week, and the Easter bunny was pretty generous, so chances are my weight will go up a bit, but I'm honestly not too worried about it! The day after I started on my way to eating healthier, I tried on a pair of jeans I got last September. I could barely pull them up over my bum, and the button and button hole were a good 3-4 inches away from meeting. Well! On a whim this morning I tried them on again. Not only could I pull them up, but I did them up too!! button, Zipper! All of it!! I even sat down, and climbed stairs! now, there's no way in hell they are decent enough to be wearing in public yet, but man! What a good feeling it was when that button slid through the hole :)

So, that's where we're at. All is good in Dodge.

This is it!

I start full(ish) time today. I'll be home by 1:00, so I guess it's not too bad. But I am still kinda dreading it. And I am really going to miss the kids :( Really Really. Even Jenna said this morning that she was sad that she wasn't going to get to spend time with me anymore. I'll have to dream up something fun for when I get home. I can't wait for the weather to turn back into spring so that we can go to the park when I get home in the afternoons.

I'm also going to miss doing laundry! How crazy is that!? I used to be able to spread it out over the two or three whole days that I was home a week, with a couple loads on Saturday. Now I'll probably have to do some every afternoon to keep up. Blah. Oh well, I guess it's a fair trade for the fewer diapers I'll be changing. :)

I am really excited about the new programs I get to run with Henry!! There's some really fun ones. I was SO bored with the old stuff. Now I just have to learn the new style (Totally different teaching method than I have ever used before) and we'll be good to go!

Guess I'd better get back in gear so I'm not late! have a great one! If you're reading this, wish me luck :) I am going to be soo tired by the end of the week :)

~Lisa~

YA'LL!!!!!!!!!!!

You have GOT to make these cookies!!!!!!!! OMG! Best I have EVER tasted in my WHOLE life!!! I got the recipe from Allrecipes.com..it's got well over 3500 reviews, and you'll regret the day you ever came upon it, because they are sure to ruin Any diet! But wow, really, try them!!

The secret is in the pudding :) I used 1 cup milk chocolate chips, and 1 cup peanut butter chips. Yum! Also, I only needed to bake mine for 6 minutes, but my oven does tend to run a little hot. So, without further ado, the recipe!

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Award-Winning-Soft-Chocolate-Chip-Cookies/Detail.aspx

INGREDIENTS
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 cups butter, softened
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
2 (3.4 ounce) packages instant vanilla pudding mix
4 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 cups semisweet chocolate chips
2 cups chopped walnuts (optional)

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Sift together the flour and baking soda, set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar. Beat in the instant pudding mix until blended. Stir in the eggs and vanilla. Blend in the flour mixture. Finally, stir in the chocolate chips and nuts. Drop cookies by rounded spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven. Edges should be golden brown.

Seriously, try them! You'll thank me! And then you should invite me over to try them :)

~Lisa~

Scared

So, I am starting with Leaps and Bounds next week. It should have been this week, but the stupid Ministry was late sending Jenny her cheque. I am so scared about this you guys. Not the job. I am quite confidante in my abilities to do the job. It's the pay that is tearing me up inside.

The way Leaps and Bounds pays is once a month. So,my hours are due on the 4th, I will have to work all of this month, and submit my hours on May 4th. Then I will have to work all of May, and will get paid on the 4th of JUNE for the hours I work in April. They are always behind like that...which is nice for the month after I finish working for them, since I will get what might feel like an extra cheque.

But right now?? What am I supposed to do right now? I make enough now to pay the babysitter, and get the groceries. I know that we can survive grocery wise, as there's enough meat in the freezer to get us through. But I really don't know what I am going to do about the babysitter. I'll be working 5 mornings a week, meaning that I will have to pay for all 3 kids 2-3 days a week. And gas to get to work.

I hate being broke. I hate having Just enough every month. I hate that Jenny took off for 2 weeks in March with no thought to what that might do to me. And I hate thinking that, because who the hell doesn't deserve a vacation?

Ugh. Any money saving ideas for me?

Donations kindly accepted. HAHA! maybe I should get a bumper sticker that says that?? perhaps some random wealthy person will just stuff my car with money one day!? naw.

Oh well, I'm sure we'll figure it out. Thanks for letting me vent/whine.

Lisa

Like night and....dawn?

Aidan had his first dentist appointment yesterday. I'm sure you remember the torture we went through with Jenna. The screaming, the crying, the refusing to open her mouth. Ugh, I shudder to think about it.

But Aidan!!! Wow! Completely different! He even sat perfectly to have two x-rays done! And totally charmed ALL of the girls in there!! A sample if I will (Which obviouly I will!)

Sarah: So Aidan, what's your favourite show on TV?
Aidan: My favourite is DIEGO!!
Sarah: Oh! That's a good one. Do you watch Treehouse?
Aidan: *Looking at Sarah like she has lost her damn mind* "Well, Actually, Treehouse is a channel. It's not a show."

And Then:

Aidan: Hey! How did you remember my name?!

Sarah: well, uh, you told it to me.

Aidan: No I didn't. And neither did Mommy....There's a A in my name you know. Two A's. Then proceeds to 'spell' his name..."ADAN"

Sarah: Turns away to laugh histerically.

That's right. And he's only 3!

So anyway, we finally get him to stop talking (A feat in itself let me tell you!) and we get through the appointment. He has 2 cavities in his front teeth :( Dr. M says it looks like my kids must have soft, cavity prone teeth. BUT! All Aidan's other teeth look terrific. YAY! Hopefully they stay that way.

And seriously, are anyone else's kids getting up at the crack of Dawn!? I've only slept past 6:00AM ONCE this week! And that was just because I sent Jenna downstairs to watch TV alone. Ugh. I don't know what's causing it. And it's driving me nutty!! Oh well, I' sure things will improve soon.

Hope you're all doing well!!

Lisa

Look what my Grandpa made!

Well, he had help, but my Grandpa, Uncle and a couple cousins rebuilt this 1927 Buick!! I forgot to get some pictures of the inside, but trust me, it's just as gorgeous as the outside. I wish I was getting married now so that I could use it for my wedding! I just love it! And of course just had to show it off :)


~Lisa~

Doing pretty good...most days :)

So, I am pretty sure that the plan is working. My pants seem a little looser this morning, and I'm just feeling lighter in general :) It's amazing to me to see how little food I really need to get through the day. I have however noticed an increase in headaches that I am not too sure how to explain? maybe just weather related? I don't know. I had an AWFUL one yesterday, pretty much bordered on Migrane, but I took a handful of drugs(Just kidding) and it went away after awhile. Any thoughts?

I've only had two days where I went over points. One was Al's birthday, where my points total was 58 (YIKES!! BAD LISA!!) We went out for Wings for his birthday. And then on Sunday whaen we went to my Mom's for dinner. I did not too bad with the dinner, kept my portions small, and my salad big. But then she brought out the cheesecake and I was toast. Total for that day was 36.5. But, every other day has been pretty great. I figure, once I learn how to diversify my menu a little more, and get used to what to eat when, I'll be able to stop counting points, and just focus on being a healthier me.

Poor Jenna, she fell at school during lunch today and scraped up her knee something awful. The school called me and asked if I would go see her. So, I packed up the boys and down we went. I'm so glad we live so close to the school. It was a pretty bad scrape, but her teacher and I convinced her to stay for the rest of the day. hopefully she's not making Mrs. K miserable with her whining. I'm pretty sure that Mrs.K can handle it though :)

Mason has a lovely scrape on his nose. He decided to eat a little driveway when I picked him up from the babysitters on Friday :( Went down the stairs just fine, and then just seemed to tip over. It didn't seem like a bad fall, but once I got him up it looked terrible. Poor kid :( He's scraped from chin to forehead. I have a nasty feeling that he's going to be the one I sit in the ER with waiting for stitches and casts :) On the food front though, he's made some progress! He'll eat some things with a fork, his favourite food is peanut butter and jam sandwiches, AND! When we were at my Mom's he ate 1/4 of my cheesecake(Including a whole cherry!! BIG improvement!) and a date square! So, maybe not the healthiest foods, but still, there's fruit in them at least :) He also ate a good chunk of the cake I made for Al's birthday (Note to self, post pictures and link to awesome recipe!) It was a pumpkin cake...so yummy, and I don't even like pumpkin!!

Speaking of cake! JulieQ!! Al heard on the radio that we've had snow in April 65 out of the past 67 years! So it looks pretty good in favour of my getting some Chocolate cake pretty soon!

So that's pretty much the news from these parts. Hugs to all!

~Lisa~

Day One

Went pretty well I'd say! I only went one point over(I'm trying the Weight Watchers Flex Plan), but since I am allowed extra points over the week, I figure that's pretty darn good!

I drank SO much water :) I'm gonna have to take out shares in Cottonelle pretty soon! But. I know that will ease off as my body gets used to the new increase in water consumption!

I could use some dinner ideas if anyone has any. We're usually pretty healthy eaters, what I really need is ideas for side dishes.

Gotta run for now! have a wonderful day!

Lisa

P.s. Tomorrow Al turns 30!!! I can't believe it!

I'm gonna kick that pig so hard...

It won't know what hit him, or where it came from :)

I went back to work today. Jenny has a scale. A very lovely accurate one. I weighed myself. I nearly cried. 166.5. Pounds. Ouch. I was 20 pounds lighter last June. TWENTY POUNDS! How the hell did that happen!? Well, I know how it happened. Too much junk. Unhealthy snacks all the time, unhealthy meals, over-eating.

According to a random website I found through Google, for my body type and height, I should weigh about 134 pounds. Sounds right to me. Sounds positively blissful. But I Honestly would be happy at 140-145.

I knew I was gaining. I could feel it. And certainly could see it in my clothes. Especially my shirts, and jammies. I have a pair of Tinkerbell jammies that ,my MIL bought me for Christmas. they are size small. I laughed when I opened them, thinking, there's NO way. But I kept them. And I make it my goal to be able to COMFORTABLY wear those jammes on May 20th. maybe I should squeeze into them for a before picture? LOL...NAHHHH!!! (Trust me)

So, after I weighed myself, and whined to Jenny about it, we made a deal. Whichever one of us can lose 10% of her body weight first, gets a night of babysitting. Dude! I can totally use a night of babysitting! and 16 pounds...wow...hmmm...it didn't seem like much before, but now I am not so sure. That's almost all of the weight I have gained back. But! I can do it! I WILL do it!! Because I want it!! And because we have two weddings to go to in June, one for good friends, and the other for family, and dammit! I wanna look HOT! :)

I've already gone to the grocery store to stock up on fresh veggies, and SmartPop! Popcorn. I forgot to buy a case of water though, I guess I'll go green on the water, and dig out my handy dandy super-sized water bottle :)

I am going to do this.

Lisa

Ups and Downs

First the Ups.

1. Mason slept through the night last night!! He's doing SO much better since Al started the new routine. I'm very grateful. He even seems better with the clingyness during the day. I'm even More grateful than that!

2. We made it through the March Break!! WOOHOO. I am going to miss the kids, but I'm really looking towards getting back to work, back to routine, and back to a paycheck!

3. Jenna ade it through having 2 small cavities filled with NO trouble at all!! Granted, she was given Nitrous Oxide to make her feel floaty, but still, last time she needed cavities filled and they gave her the gas, she was still freaking out something awful. So this appointment was a real breath of fresh air!! Aidan goes for his first appointment on the 29th. He's Very excited!

And now the Downs.

1. My Mom has had her identity stolen. It doesn't seem to have affected too much yet, but this is probably going to plague her life for years and years to come. I just can't believe this!! My Mom is a very giving, caring person. She feels SO violated. I just can't believe it.

2. Henry has been in Florida for two weeks on a vacation I found out about less than a week before they were due to leave. And I am not getting paid any kind of compensation for it. Which, for our family, is very painful! Expecially when you throw in new glasses and an expensive dental appointment.

So, that's about all that's going on around here. I read Plum Lovin' in a day and really liked it. Nice light read. I also just finished a book called Birthright by Nora Roberts. The romance part of it was pretty predictable, but the main plot of the story had my attention the whole way through. Very good book!! I also attempted to watch The Illusionist. Not so much. I just never got into it. The illusions were very cool, but the rest of the movie was slowwwww.

~Lisa~

New pictures :)

Here's my new glasses! I like them, but they are taking some getting used to. They're smaller, and stronger than my old ones. But I do like them. And! Good news for all my friends, everything looks smaller when I look out of them, so when I say you look thinner, Love me :)

Aidan being handsome :)

This is how we see Jenna most often. Bent over paper, either colouring or drawing. Mostly drawing though :) Mostly her family, and princesses :)

Just an updated one of Mason. I really like this one for some reason.

This is Mason's new funny face. Usually his teeth are sticking out a bit farther, but I couldn't quite catch it with the camera last night.

Much Better :)

Last night I had on SuperNanny while reading my book. I caught a few moments of it here and there, but not much. Then Karen came over, and I was chatting with her in the kitchen, while Al was watching the show. Karen left, and I went back in just in time to see the parents and SuperNanny attempt to get the couple's 14 month old to go to sleep, on her own, in her crib. Hallelujah!! So, of course, they did the cry for 5 minutes, go in and soothe, and then cry for 10 minutes, then 15 etc. Exactly what I have been tell Al we should do!

So, true to himself, Mason woke up at about 2AM. And, to my surprise AL got up!! BUT! He waited, and let Mason cry for a couple minutes before going in. He laid him down, told him that it was time to go to sleep, and that he loved him, and then left the room. Mason cried and cried and cried. But we held firm, and stayed out until the 5 minutes were up, and Al went in again. Said the same things to him, and left again. And Mason cried. BUT! It was only for about 5 minutes (Felt like 20 though :)) And now, at 8:00, he is STILL sleeping IN HIS CRIB!!!! YAY! Can I get a woot woot!? LOL

I guess it took a professional to tell Al what needed to be done. even though I've told him a million times :) Like my Mom has said for years, even if it's the best idea you've ever had in your whole life, in order to get your husband to agree to it, you have to make him think it was HIS idea :) Crazy? Maybe. True? Oh Yes!!

~Lisa~

A few of my New Favourite pictures :)

Aidan and Mason clowning on the stairs :) I had to make this one B&W because Mason is wearing Jenna's PINK housecoat!

Mommy and Mason Sleeping. I swear, he would sleep there for hours and hours. Actually, I would too, given the chance :)

This is Aidan's first attempt at a family portrait :) On the bottom it goes Daddy, then Mommy, The sideways is Aidan "Laying on the couch beside Mommy" The long lines are Aidan's fingers. Up top is Mason (Who is inexplicably upside down??) and then Jenna "With her long hair". it makes me happy to see that we're all smiling ;)

~Lisa~

Ordered my new eyes.

Took a little wander over to the Wal-Mart last night to take another look at their glasses. Tried on about a million pairs. I was just about to give up when I tried on one more pair and Love them! And the good news is, No Plastic! so their breakability factor is way low :) They weren't my first choice, but Al thought the ones I liked were just too dark (They were black :)). So I'll get the new ones in about a week. Yay!

Although, I've been wearing contacts for about a week now. And I like them a lot! I had contacts about 7-8 years ago. I don't know if they just didn't fit right, or were the wrong kind for me, but I hated them! They itched, they kept ripping, and were a total PITA to get in and out. So I made the switch back to glasses as soon as I could, and stuck with them until now.

Whatever brand my new good buddy Hakim gave me are SO much better! Despite not being the right strength (as I found out on Monday when I had my eye exam done....man, I am BLIND!! -6.25 in the left, and -6.50 in the right!). I love them. Mason can't knock them off my face. They don't get finger prints, and really, they aren't that much of a bother in the morning to get in. They biggest downside I find with them, is that they can only be worn for 14 hours a day, and with the ungodly hour that my kids get me up in the morning, that doesn't give me much time to read at night be fore I go to bed :( Oh well.

I might get a pair or two in a couple months when we get the dollars back from my prescription.

I'll be sure to take some pictures of my new eyes :)

~Lisa~

On to something? Or just On Something?

So, here we are. At yet another, "oh woe is me and my child, Mason won't sleep" post. I know, it's been awhile, and I promise to try not to turn it into yet another "oh woe is me and my child won't eat" post at the same time. Maybe, if you're lucky, I will save that gem for...dun dun dun DUN...Tomorrow! Yay!

So seriously. Mason is 18 months old. Mason is NOT sleeping through the night! I am going nuts. We took away his soother a few months ago. And since then, he has stopped sleeping through the night. Every night, sometime between 12 and 3, he's up, screaming his face off for Mommmeeee!!!! I get up, bring him into bed with me, and get the crap kicked and jabbed out of me for hours. It's just not working anymore!

I'm pretty sure that what he needs are two things, One, I will probably have to get tough with him again. I'll have to go through a few more nights of him crying it out (GAH! Heartbreak!! Agony!). And Two, he needs a security item.

Jenna had a receiving blanket, first a ratty bunny one, and then a plain blue one. Which we (honest to god) forget in Timmins last summer. She cried herself to sleep a few nights, until she latched onto a teaddy bear that Aidan got as a gift from my best friend when he was born. She still sleeps with it, and cuddles it when she's tired or sad. I am totally fine with that.

Aidan hasn't formed as deep of an attachment as Jenna, but he still must have his small Winnie the Pooh pillow on top of his Spiderman pillow, and his red fleece star blanket that my SIL gave ME two Christmases ago. However, he won't have a complete meltdown like Jenna if either of those are in the wash.

Mason doesn't have anything like that. When I was breastfeeding, he had me. After that it was his soother. After that there was nothing my Mom and Dad to give him the comfort he craves. I can't help but wonder, if I find something that brings him comfort, will he sleep better? Will he be more willing to let me work in the kitchen without him constantly pulling on my clothes and pushing against me to get my attention? Will my husband hesitate to try to calm him with a cookie or treat, in favour of his new favourite thing?? I wish I knew the answers. It really saddens me that I don't.

I tried a blankie for a couple days, and while he would cuddle into it if I put it over my shoulder, he rejected it in his crib, and when he was upset with me for not picking him up for the eleventy billionth time that day. He has shown a fondness for Jenna's teddy bear lately, so I dug through the stuffies, and found a similar bear. He did cuddle up with it, and seemed genuinely happy to be holding it...so maybe I am onto something there. I just put him for his nap, and I made sure the bear was with him. We'll see what happens when he wakes up. Pray for me that he's holding that bear!!!!

~Lisa~ (Taking your advice donations daily!)

Why not politics?

Thanks JMadison for your comment...but I didn't notice an email address to reply, so here's my response!

I took a politics course in college. Admittedly, it was a mandatory course, and I did find it a bit dry. But, there were some topics that interested me. So, your comment intrigued me. Here are a few of my reasons for not going into politics...

1. It's never been overly interesting to me. There was never a big focus on Politics in my family while growing up, and while my parents would always go to vote, there was never much discussion about the event in my younger years. So I guess the groundwork for politics was never really laid for me.

2. I am more focused on my family. Politics seems to me to be more than a full time job, and I am not prepared, at the moment, to take myself away from my family any more than I already do.

3. I said at the moment...and you questioned in your comment about whether I would ever get involved at any level. I gave that some thought. I think local politics might be interesting, when my children are grown. I also think that once my three children are all in school I will become more involved on the school council. Perhaps that will pave the way towards local poilitics. I would prefer to make decisions and lend opinions about topics and issues that are closer to home for me.

4. I am quite honestly not a very good decision maker. I look to my husband quite frequently for help in making a decision. Not only because I value his opinion in everything we do, but also because I second guess my decisions all the time. So I'm not sure how valuable I would be to Politics.

I hope those are some reasons that make sense, and help out in your course. Thanks for inviting me, and for commenting. I really am a comment whore, so please, comment any time :)

~Lisa~

5 Reasons Why I Blog...

1. Because all the cool kids are doing it. No actually, it's a way for me to keep up with some friends.

2. As a reminder to me of the past. I love to go back and read the old posts and see what was going on when...

3. Because I'm a comment whore. I love comments. All 2 that I usually get :) I really need to work on commenting more on other people's blogs :)

4. Because I can whine and complain about the people in my life that don't know I blog. And I can whine and complain about my husband, who DOES know I blog, he can read it and change his damn ways LOL :)

5. Because I am not so good at figuring things out in my head or out loud, so blogging is quite the release for me when I have a problem. Sometimes I'll start a blog, figure out my dilemma, and not post because I realize how ridiculous it all was :)

Tag! you're it!

~Lisa~

Yahtzee!!!

Yesterday was such a good day! My Mom and George came over to celebrate George's birthday which was on Thursday. I made my famous meatballs, rice and veggies for dinner. Mmmm...meatballs :) Actually, they are my sister-in-law's famous meatballs, but she gave me the recipe one day so now I can claim them as my own...especially since I put a couple shakes of worchestershire sauce in them, which she doesn't...so you see? I really HAVE made them my own :) Anyway, George Loves them :) I made a cute cake too, I wish I had had more time to work on the hammpock though...it came out a little lopsided and looking like a giant smiley face :) Oh well, It tasted good! That's what really counts right? Unfortunately though, I now have half a cake sitting in my kitchen, taunting me. ugh. Must. Resist. Cake. Must!

So, after my parents left, and we got the kids bathed and tucked into bed, Al suggested playing Yahtzee. Something he really only suggests when he wants Nookie. For some reason I guess he thinks playing games puts me in the mood :) But I played anyway, because I LOVE games, and Al doesn't really, so I always jump at the chance when he asks! The first game was okay, Al won, which was good for him, since lately I seem to be on a winning streak, which I am pretty sure is annoying. So then we start on the second game. Al couldn't roll anything decent to save his soul! I on the other hand...WOW! Awesome rolls! including TWO Yahtzee's! So we get to the end, and are adding up our points, when I realize that I never took my chance, and lost out on those points...so Al let me roll for them...and I got ANOTHER yahtzee!!!! I couldn't believe it! And I though Al was going to cry, which was hilarious :) My total points for that game were 497! Can you believe that?! Poor Al got 188 :) He didn't mind so much. The Nookie probably made up for it ;)

~Lisa~

Thanks to my new good buddy Hakim!

I can see again!!

Mason broke my glasses last night. Did a nice little Karate chop on my nose, and snapped my glasses in half! I couldn't believe it! Well, I could I guess, I've had to had those frames replaced twice now, but always because they cracked on the frame where the arm is, never in the middle like that!

So, off we went to Wal-Mart where I bought them. Only to find out that the Optician was away last night. And the girl working there couldn't do anything! Not even try my lenses in another pair of frames. Why they were open still baffles and annoys me.

So, across the street to Precision Optical. They've helped me out before, so I had higher hopes for them. Unreasonable hopes I guess. The guy there told me that I had a very odd shaped lense, and that he didn't have anything that would work. When I asked about contacts, he said I would have to be re-fitted for them, and made it seem like that would be a big deal. But, he did suggest another place close by that we could try.

Which we did. Al and I were out of the car and had our hands on the back doors to release the kids, when the doors to the store were locked. No luck there. At least we hadn't unloaded all the kids before they locked the doors in out faces!

I was feeling pretty hopeless by this point. Figured I would have to wear my prescription sunglasses for work today. Not being able to see clearly at night, while driving, is Awful! Every light was fuzzy, and floating it seemed. And making me feel just terrible! I think I got a taste of vertigo, or something like it! I closed my eyes eventually and tried to get my headache to go away.

When I opened my eyes again, we were in front of the new Hakim Optical. Which was blessedly Open! However I was scared to go in. Last time we were in a Hakim was a few years ago and they wanted $600 for a pair of glasses! HA! I paid less than that for my Wedding Dress! So, Al went in, and returned a few minutes later. He said the girl inside was really nice, and had found a frame that nearly matched my lenses!! And that she might be able to help out with some contacts too! Hmm...could it be?! So, in I went, and the girl was SO nice!!! She fitted me for contacts, which took about TWO minutes. And then gave me a pair to try on, that were one higher strength from my prescription, since it was 4 years old, and I am a blind old bat :) Then we spent a little while looking for frames that would work with my lenses. We didn't find any, but the fact that she was at least willing to help was Such a nice change! And then, to top it all off, she gave me the contacts for FREE!!!!! I am totally going to be her new best friend :)

So that's the big story of How Lisa Got Her Eyesight Back.

The End.

~Lisa~

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~