Welcome Back!

So, it's been quite a while since I've used this blog, but with everyone else starting their blogs back up, I figured I'd start up again, too! :) So, from now on, I will hopefully be posting here at least once a week.

It's Election Day - GO VOTE!

Most who know me, know that politics aren't my area of expertise. I know what I believe, I research candidates, and I vote my conscience. I am a conservative through and through, with no qualms about it. And, though I'm not usually overly-vocal, I am going to have a mini-rant today.

I don't mind if people disagree with me. Honestly, a lot of people do...a lot of people I love and who are great friends of mine. And why we're able to be friends and to love each other through political arguments or debates is because we respect each other and are grown up enough to know that there is more to life than politics.

If people want to use Facebook or other social networks as a platform for their political candidates or agendas - FINE. BUT!! If you are going to post a derogatory status/update/post, realize people disagree with you. Be prepared for responses. Be able to take someone who disagrees with you. In other words, if you are going to say someone "triggers your gag reflex" or that it's all someone's fault, etc...put on your big girl underwear and deal with it when someone disagrees. It's called respect. It's called being an adult. And it's called life.

Now, that said - get out and VOTE! :) Make your voice heard. And, hey, if you want a crazy good political debate - head on over to www.babyzone.com and hit the Hot Topics board. ;)

Picking back up!

I have not been a very good blogger. I always think I have the best intentions to keep it up, and then life gets in the way. Hopefully, this time I *will* keep it up!

In the past year and a half a lot has happened!

Nikki is now 11, and in 6th grade! She is thriving in middle school, and seems to genuinely enjoy it! She had a really fun 11th birthday party. We traveled to Tulsa with 3 of her friends (Abbie, Kaity, and Breanna). We had dinner at The Cheesecake Factory, and then spent the night at the Crowne Plaza. The girls decorated t-shirts (I had appliqued their initials on them), swam, and did huge makeovers...and of course, pigged out on junk food! :)


Jason just turned 6. We are having his birthday party tonight! He chose a Phineas and Ferb theme, which is no shock! He loooves Phineas and Ferb!! Since I last wrote, so many things have happened with Jason. He has been diagnosed with Sensory Integration Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Unfortunately, the developmental pediatrician we saw was one we don't really agree with or particularly like. She refused to give him an autism diagnosis because he was too friendly. The special services director, the occupational therapist, the speech therapist, the school psychologist, his teachers, and we all feel this was wrong. Jason is a super great kid, with a sense of humor, and a sweet smile. And he is very loving. But he does not make friends with children his own age. And ALL of his tests showed him on the spectrum. So, the OT is going to be retesting him.

During his IEP meeting, we found out that Jas does not have any muscle tone on his left side, causing him some issues, which all relates to the ASD. He is starting OT and ST this year, and the school really has a great plan in place to help him! :) We are very hopeful!!

Jason is super interested in computers and anything to do with electronics. He's so funny, and is just a lot of fun to be around!



Matthew is 3 now! My baby is growing up!! He had a monkey themed birthday party, and still says "My boothday was a monkey." Silly guy. He is very friendly, and generally a very happy kid. He loves to smile and laugh! He is also a cuddly kid. He always wants hugs and snuggles. :) He is a biter, though, which I would love to break. Actually, he only bites Jason. Those boys.....



Chuck and I are doing great!! Just staying busy as always. I am planning our vacation for next year, and am having a lot of fun creating new products for my store! :)
xoxo

Oh what a summer it has been

I know the summer isn't over yet, but man, it feels like it has already been an eternity. Jason's behavioral issues are at an all time high, which is causing all of us a lot of stress. He is also having some medical issues that aren't the most fun. If anyone who reads this has the time, and wouldn't mind praying for a great little 4 year old boy, we would really appreciate it.

Matty is almost 2, and I cannot believe it! Time has just FLOWN by for my little guy! He is so active and such a fun kid! We do have a few moments of "twoness", but so far, he's been a pretty agreeable kid, lol! We are planning his party for this coming Saturday...with the dreaded Spongebob theme! I swear, that kid is addicted to Spongebob, lol!

Nikki comes home on Friday, and I am SO ready!! I have missed my little girl so much!!

Business is going pretty well. :) I have a couple of new products I am about to "launch" this week, including a Tooth Fairy Pillow and Pocket diapers. :) I am thinking they will both be big sellers! :)

Not much else going on right now. Sorry for no fun stories, lol! Maybe next time. ;)

Seriously, it takes a Rocket Surgeon...

OK, so I've been a waitress. I know it can be a tough job. I know that sometimes you'll mess up...but really, some form of common sense would be appreciated, lol.

We went to eat a few days ago at a small, local restaurant. I order and ask for "Country fried potatoes" (which I have ordered from there 100 times, lol.) When the food comes out, there are mashed potatoes on my plate. I say to her "I ordered the fried potatoes." Her response...wait for it...."Oh. You said country fried, so I thought you wanted mashed." Really? Hmm...

Now, if that wasn't bad enough, lol...

Last night the power went out for about a 100 mile radius. (Aparently a phone company caught on fire and it blew circuits or something like that....) So, we had to go out to eat. We went to this Mexican restaurant that has awesome food...and horrible service. (Seriously, worst ever, lol.) At the end of the meal I asked our waitress for a "to go Dr. Pepper". She says "You want a refill?" I say "Yes, but in a to go cup please." Why I didn't see what happens next coming, I just don't know, lol. We had also asked for a couple to go boxes. About 10 minutes later she comes back...with NINE boxes...and an empty cup. My sister and I both just look at it, and finally my sister looks at the waitress and says "Could she get some Dr Pepper in there?"

Sometimes, you just have to wonder.....

So, Graduation was a bust

So, Jason's Preschool graduation was today. I don't know what I was expecting. Maybe that he would walk down the aisle with his class, sing his song with his class, and just generally do the "norm". I can't imagine why I thought that.

Instead, I arrive at the school (at 5 minutes until 10, because despite the letters sent home saying that graduation started at 10:30, the teacher told my mom it started at 10...) and Jason is dressed in green plaid shorts with a shirt that has monkeys on it...and doesn't even remotely match. (Daddy gets the kids ready for school in the mornings.) SO, I got to go back home and get him new clothes to wear. I get back to the school about 5 minutes before the "ceremony" and get him changed. He seems happy enough at the time.

I go into the gym and sit down with Chuck, my mom, Nikki, Kaity (my niece), and Matthew. Get the camera ready and snap a few pictures. The classes come in, looking cute as can be. It appears that Jas is going to participate, and I'm thrilled! Suddenly, he flips out, starts crying and won't walk down the aisle. Nikki tries to go walk him down the aisle and he has no interest. I end up carrying him down the aisle. I get him to where his class is sitting, and instead of his teacher (well, the teacher's helper) showing me where he needs to sit, she says "Just take him back with you. He doesn't need to be up here." Nice, lady.

I take him back to sit down, and he throws a fit the whole time. He doesn't get to participate in his program at all.

Maybe one of these days we'll figure out what we should be doing....

Anyway - here are a couple of pics...

Who Needs Sleep Right?

Ugh, this week is going to be INsane. Today began the first of a looong week. I had to complete a new CPR class today, which took longer than I expected. When I got home, though, the weather was AMAZING!! So, my little niece came over and played outside with the kids! We had SO much fun!! I'll add some pics of my crazy bunch soon!

I also FINALLY finished up my first nursing covers. I had more fun choosing fabrics for these than most anything! :) Here are a couple photos for you to check out!