Happy Halloween & Updates

Hey Guys!

  Happy Halloween!  Plans have changed and my older two will go trick or treating.  My younger two are going to be watching Veggie Tales and Eric is going to bring them home a bag of candy a piece which will be spread out over a few weeks hopefully.

Moving on—

Yesterday, Eric went up to the school concerning some other matters (which I will get too) and on his list was suppose to be the lunch money situation.  He even went with another check in hand….and completely forgot about it.  Which is okay.

However, Zachary came home with another long note from one of his teacher’s in his agenda book.  I wish I would have copied it down…these teachers contradict themselves so much it isn’t even funny. 

So this morning I sent in another check in another envelope with all his important information on the front.  This time I put several pieces of folded up paper in with it so that the teacher will not throw it away.  Which is what I think Really did happen.  I have actually had it up to my eye balls with these teachers….

Which brings me to my little man Zachary.  I think I have asked for prayer before where Zachary is concerned but haven’t let on to much to the reason why.  Well, here it is…

See, I have a very special little boy in Zachary.  This kid is always one of the four bright lights of my days.  He can make you laugh, smile, and then on spin of a dime can turn into something that isn’t at all like him.  He is outgoing, loves to play, loves his action figures, loves to ride his bike and his scooter.  He loves to watch movies and his Nick shows.  He is a daredevil.  He has no fear of anything.

However he can have some serious break-down.  Breakdowns that are not just mere breakdowns but are scary for me and for him.    Scary for me…in that he is my baby and I love him dearly and want the best for him.  Scary for him….because I can tell it in his eyes that it scares him when he acts like that.

So last month when Zachary went to his doctor’s appointment he was diagnosed with ADHD.  For both Attention deficit disorder and Hyperactivity disorder.  He was on a very very low dose of Concerta.  And we have seen some improvements. 

However, the doctor did indeed up his dose of concerta to 27mg. He now has a standing monthly doctors visit that he has to go to.  The school has been notified now (this is one of the errands Eric had to deal with at school yesterday) that he is ADHD and he is on meds.  His resource teacher needed to know this as well. Because we are on the verge of asking for some more testing.

We are also scheduling Zachary for a eye appointment.  He has a lazy eye..but I also think something else is going on with his eyes just by the way he looks at things and the way one of his eyes slides to the corner of his eye sometimes.

We were going to pull Zachary from the class he is in….However, we found out that it is the only second grade class for IEP students.  So they have no where else to place him.  We are more than likely going to keep him in the second grade next year as well…However, we fear he will have the same teachers as this year.  WE just have to get a better dialog with them.

But I want to be clear.  Kids with ADHD are most of the time considered VERY intelligent kids.  I know my kid is.  Zachary is very smart and intelligent and wants to learn…he just does it in a very different special way.  Which we are trying to figure it all out now….

And he sees the world in a very different special way….Maybe even better than ‘normal’ people see it.

I love that little boy so much.    Zachary has remained very sweet and kind…..and he starting to recongize his ‘episodes’ and he tries to correct it immediately (which sometimes he does and sometimes he doesn’t get it corrected)…which is a good thing.

Zachary also has severe Eczema, and possible Asthma.  That he also has to deal with.  We have to watch what he eats.  Sometimes even strawberries break him out in hives.  He is my very special little boy.  My grandmother says, “Zachary has dreamy eyes.” and he does.  His eyes are Hazle with a blue lining. 

Anyway, I will end with a picture of Zachary that was Taken a year ago.   This was Halloween Last year.  Dress up just like Daddy used to dress.  This is also what he wants to be when he grow us.  And we know he will achieve it.

Oh, Almost forgot.  Eric did have his birthday yesterday.  He turned 42.  And he did have a great birthday.

Have a great day and take care and stay safe tonight on this SPOOKY night.

So fed up….

Hey Guys!

  Today is my RANT day of sorts…..

  Reason:  The School….once again!

Last week, On Friday October 24th.  I sent Zachary to school with a $10.00 check in a white long enevelope.  This was to be put on his lunch account because he was negative a couple of dollars.  And for us to get his report card that day. (if you have a negative balance they will not hand out report cards)  The envelope was marked with his name, grade, teachers name, lunch number and such…What they (the school) requires.

Zachary came home on Friday with NO report card.  I asked him and looked to see if he gave the envelope to his teacher.  He said he did.  But the Teacher said “There was nothing in it and through it away!!!”  I kind of passed it off as he is a kid…just saying that ….didn’t give it a thought.

Then on Monday.  Another lunch notice comes home that we owe money.  How could we I had just sent in a check.  I wrote a note to the teacher and also told her that we still didn’t have a report card.

Here is her note back to me:

We put Zachary’s report Card in his folder since you sent in money. Thank you. —Oops, we found out our bookkeeper is not here to give us the report card!  We will put it in his folder tommorrow (this is how she actually spelled tomorrow and she is a 2nd grade teacher).

Now, it is today.  And Zachary had 2 lunch notices in his folder.  Saying we owe $4.35. Then I went to look in his agenda book and there is a note from his Teacher.  This is it…

The bookkeeper said today Zachary Still has a negative balance in the cafetria.  We have turned in all money that has been sent. Thanks!

Now, I am upset!  I sent in a ten dollar check.  That should have covered Zachary for at least 2 weeks.  Even more since we pay $.40 for lunch.  And then his bill was at $2.20 when I sent in the check.  So how in the world does he not have enough money in his account.  When she said she gave all the money to the bookkeeper????

Doesn’t sound right to me.  I went to see if it cleared my bank and it hasn’t.  I am begging to think Zachary was telling me the truth when he told me that a Teacher told him nothing was in it and she through it away.  Of course it is going to be feather lite.  It was in a white protective envelope (the kind you can’t really see through.  And all that was in it was the check for $10.00.

Now, he is my other deal.  We ran out of all our bank checks.  So we had to get some of those starter checks to hold us over until our others come in.  This was on one of those starter checks.  Putting a stop payment on a check is $24.00.  Now and $24.00 when it comes in.  So it isn’t even worth doing that.

I think these teachers are irresponsible.

They even acknowledge receiving the check…..I am thinking I am going to have to call up and see what is going on.  Bit the bullet and send in another check or Have Eric go to the school drop off another check make sure it gets in the appropriate hands.

Should I send in another note?  And how would you word it?  We live on a tight budget and I just don’t want mess up our bank account by giving them another $10.00 check and then them finding the other check and bam another $10.00 is out of the bank. 

Give me some ideas of what to do and say….I am at my wits END with these couple of teachers.  I will do a updated post on Zachary Tomorrow as well.  He went to the Doctor again today.  He will be going to the doctor every month, once a month from here on out.

I hope you all have had a great day!

Take Care!

My Oldest…(school pictures)

Hey Guys!

  Yesterday, my son came home with his school pictures.  They turned out better than I thought they would.  He got to choose between 3 poses and 5 different backgrounds.  He chose the Amber background (which is what Aimee also chose 3 weeks later).  The poses to choose from was a close up setting down.  The standing (which he is doing), and another standing up but more close up.

  I even had his name added to the big wallet size.  These are going to be going into family Christmas Cards. Aimee’s and Zachary’s I haven’t even got the proofs back from yet.  Hopefully, soon.  They just took theres about two weeks ago.

It is hard to believe he will be 12 years old in Feb.  I am NOT ready for the teenage years….I can’t stop it. 

I have more recipes that I need to post on my recipe blog.  Just have to find the time to get them up.

That Is about all I have in posts.  I know I have not posted anything substainal in a while.  So sorry to bore any of you.

Stay Warm.  It got down in the 30’s here last night.

I hope you all have a great Tuesday. 

Take Care.

Family Tree of Kids…

Hey Guys!

  I have been meaning to show this for some time.  And since I had my camera out yesterday and ready…I snapped a picture of it. 

  We like to have pictures of the cousins around the house.  At least, our kids will know of there cousins.  The neat thing about this.  Is that it holds 7 pictures on the front and you turn it around and it holds another 7 pictures.  I am missing 1 niece and 1 nephew.  It’s been over 5 years since we have gotten a picture of them.  And probably vise-versa.

In the pictures as you look at them.  Daniel at the top was 18 months. To the left of Daniel and down is David.  He was about 5 months.  Then beside David is Aimee.  She was right at 18 months in her picture.

Then below David is Zachary.  He was only 3 months old in that picture.  He was my big boy.  Beside Zachary is the oldest Cousin on my Husbands side.  I have blurred him out because I don’t think there parents would want his picture posted.  As well as his sister who is right below Zachary. 

 And the little girl on the very bottom right is my niece (from my side of the family) Dayona.  I think she was approx. 2 months old maybe a little less in that picture.  I am sure my sister will let us know her correct age.

To get a better view of it….make sure you click on it.  The picture charms are approx. 2″.    It reminds us of all our family…across the United States.  On the other side, I will eventually put my other neice and nephew….And then my kids grandparents.

I actually want to find another one of these.  And put all Eric siblings and my sister.  I purchased this one brand new on eBay for $.0.99 with $3.00 shipping.  I have seen these new go from $9.99 all the way up to $19.99.

David likes to look at them and name each of them. Which I think is good…so if he ever does met any of his realtives in person then he might not be shy around them.

—Oh, I DO want to point out that David has met my mom, my grandmother, and my step-dad.  As well as an ‘adoptive’ grandmother Dixie, and He has met his Paw-Paw (Eric’s Dad).  But He hasn’t met his Gramma (Eric’s Mom) or all of his Aunts and Uncles or cousins.

He has talked with my sister on the phone.  He loves his Aunt Shawna and Uncle Jason.  I am sure when he and Dayona met they are going to have a fun time.  My mother has 3 grandchildren with names that start with the Letter ‘D’.  Daniel, David and Dayona.  And They are all quite close in spelling.  Then she has Aimee and Zachary.  The start of the alphabet and the ending of the alphabet.

He has also talk to Gramma on the phone an occasion or two.

Anyway, Just wanted to show my sweet little family tree of cousins.

I hope you all have a fantastic Monday!

Take Care!

Fall/Autumn Decor for 2008

Hey Guys,

  I thought I would show you some of my Fall decor.  With the exception of my sad wreath for the front door.  Honestly, I don’t know why I subject my neighbors the pain of looking at that wreath.  However, it is all I have for a front door wreath and I like to keep some type a wreath up because I have two LONG windows inside my door.

Anyway here is some of my decorations.  I think I purchased a lot of it off eBay.

1. My scarecrow tea-light candle holders. And my tin pumpkin candle holder.  The tea-lights were purchased in Germany and the tin pumpkin was purchased on eBay.  The Tin pumpkin is also Home Interiors.

2.  My shiny Glass Pumpkin.  This I got at Hobby Lobby 2 years ago for $5.00.  I keep it out all year long because the color matches my living room wonderfully.

3.  Okay, these aren’t really decor.  I just think they are cute.  My Pumpkin Salt and Pepper Shakers. These I purchased at Target.  I think I paid $3.00 a piece for them.

4. Home Interiors Mosaic Pumpkin tea-light Candle Holder on a bicycle.  There is a story to this.  I found this last year on eBay.  However, the one I was watching went over $75.00!  EEEK!  No way, was I about to pay that amount for it.  However, I kept on my search because I fell in love with it.  I found it again on eBay the next day with a couple of misspelled words in the Title.  It ended within 15 minutes of me logging onto eBay.  Needless to say I won it for $9.56!!!!!  I think it went so high is because it is discontinued.

The Front side:

The Back Side:

5. Tea-Light Beaded Dangling Pumpkins holders.  I purchased this from the same seller of the Mosaic pumpkin and bicycle.  These were going from $19.00 to $25.00.  I purchased it from her for $5.00.  With Shipping It totaled $25.00 for both pieces.  I think I did rather good.  And That seller is still one of my favorite sellers to purchase from.  The beaded pumpkin holders are also from Home Interiors.  The beads look different in different lighting.

Where I have it placed on my kitchen counter..

I moved it for this one..

And then a close up of the beads…(I actually kind of like this picture for some reason??)

I Love Fall.  And I love the colors of Fall.  Browns and Oranges are some of my favorite colors.  I need to find some more fall decor….maybe next year I will be able to find something to go with everything else I have.  I will leave all these up until After Thanksgiving.

I hope you all have had a wonderful Weekend.

Take Care.

Passions…What are your passions?

Hey Guys!

  I think everyone has a passion or is passionate about something.  Maybe a lot of things.  Maybe some big, some small but it all amounts to the big overall picture of your passion.  I decided that today, I would share my passions for what I am passionate about…

1. God!-Yes, I am very passionate about God.  My faith is VERY, VERY important to me.  Even in very hard times, I know he carries me through. 

2. Eric-My husband! He is SO awesome!  He is a passionate Father to our children.  Would do ANYTHING for us.  Has sacrificed a WHOLE lot of family time to do his job….being in the army isn’t all it is cracked up to be.  He is funny and lite hearted.  Talking about his children brings tears to the mans eyes….he loves them so much.  He always makes sure to ask me how my day went….and he never forgets to tell me He loves me even if it is just in a quick email or something.  His Daily poems that he sends me are just FILLED with Love!

3. My Children!  I would do anything for them.  Short of breaking the law.  I used to be shy…still am in most areas.  However, if something happens and it has to do with my kids, then it is all or nothing.  I just can’t let me children down.  My 11 year old son still loves being tucked into bed by me.  Now don’t tell his friends that but he does.  My daughter thinks I am the best mom ever…..she love it when we all act goofy.  And we do act Goofy in this house.  What is a house without any Goofiness in it?  Zachary he is my sweet boy.  And then David, he is our baby.  I just can’t believe how FAST they grow up.

4. My mom, sister, grandmother and step-dad!  Yes, I am passionate about all of them.  My mom was always and still is (I think) passionate about my sister Shawna, and I.  She was/is always there when we need her.  She gives us her advise.  Although, sometimes we might not take it.  We get it and that is good too.  My sister is 8 years younger than me.  Guess, it took my mom that long just to work up the courage of having another one.  However, I am so grateful that she did.  My sister is the perfect baby sister…both then and now.  When my sister was born, I wouldn’t let any other kids touch her.  Didn’t want them to..As she got older she became the annoying little sister….(I say this in a very good way). She made sure to keep me in line.  And she did get into my make-up on more than one occasion.  Now, I go to her for schooling advise for my children.  And she comes to me for my recipes.   My grandmother—She is a gem!  I think I got my cooking abilities from her.  I also inherited her kindness, and gentleness.  My step-dad!  Yeap, he is a keeper.  He is so awesome to be a grandfather to 5 kids. (My four and my sisters one)  He also has two grand babies as well.  He is always there if you need him.  Plus, He loves and takes care of my mom.  And he makes her happy.  Can’t beat that with a stick.

5. Cooking/baking!  Yes, I am passionate about cooking and baking.  I love to do both.  And 95% of our meals are cooked from scratch.  After Christmas, I want to learn how to make homemade noodles.  I just get the feeling they would taste much better than the bagged store bought.  And I love the fact that I have four helpers at my requesting.   I don’t even have to request at least two are right there all the time.  My 4 year old knows ALL the ingredients for Chocolate Chip cookies. He himself will gather all the ingredients and set them on the counter for me to make.  I think he is going to be a chef.

6. Music~I love music.  And I think it is just awesome.  I listen to mostly Easy listening.  Yes my brother in law is going to come back with a smart (funny) remark to that.  Aren’t ya Troy?  My favorite song of ALL time is “Sailing” By Christopher Cross.  I also listen to contemporary Christian songs.  I also listen to John Tesh!  My new favorites are….Jack Johnson, John Mayer, John Legend, oh and Micheal Buble’.  I also love listen to Jazz!

7. Bloggin’!  I love having a place to express my thoughts.  No matter how it looks in my jumbled up writing. I hope to keep this up….for a LONG time.  I think it will be neat to look back on it in a few years.

8. Time-By this I mean the time I spend with my family and friends.  Quality time.  Time is something you just can’t buy….YOU HAVE IT!  So you have to MAKE time.  I love spending time with my husband just talking.  With my kids, playing cards, talking about there day, eating dinner at the dinner table and talking about there day.  Watching Zachary ride his bicycle.

9. Friends!-Both online and in Real life.  I have two next door neighbors that I just adore.  Susan and Darcy both Adore my kids.  And, I adore theres.  They are both Christian Ladies and we all share just about the same beliefs.  They are both so easy to talk to and I know I can talk to them about anything…..with out the fear of Gossip.

What are your passions?

Have a great day and Take Care!

Let’s Get Crafty: Tulle Organza Christmas Tree Craft

Hey guys!

  Since it is getting very close to Christmas time.  I thought I would post another Christmas Craft.  My Previous Craft has received  526 hits within the last month.  You can find my Wire Hanger Christmas Tree Craft here.

Tulle Organza Christmas Tree Craft. 

This really is SO simple to make.

Materials needed:

3 1/2 yards Nylon Net–72″ wide
1 dowel stick 18″ long–1/4 diameter
1 5×5 wood block
1 cardboard circle 8″ in diameter
small ornaments, angel, bow or ornament for top
glitter

Cut Nylon/Tulle into pieces: Sizes are as follows.

Cut one strip of each:

cut one strip 15″ long x 72″ wide
14″ long x 72″ wide
13″ long x 72″ wide
12″ long x 72″ wide
11″ long x 72″ wide
10″ long x 72″ wide
9″ long x 60″ wide
8″ long x 60″ wide
7″ long x 60″ wide
6″ long x 45″ wide
5″ long x 45″ wide
4″ long x 45″ wide
3″ long x 45″ wide

Directions:

Fold strips in half starting with 15×72″, making it 7 1/2 x 72″. Run heavy basting thread close to fold 1/4″. Tie both ends of thread together as tightly as possible, tying several knots. Open material and ruffle. Slip disc over dowel stick which has been mounted in wood base. Round cardboard goes on first to support ruffle. Repeat for each strip. After all net discs have been placed on dowel stick, ruffle completely. Add small ornaments. Put glue on edges and add glitter for extra decorations.

You can use all different colors of Tulle.  These are great for weddings as well.

I hope you all have having a wonderful Day.

Take Care!

Dear Daddy (A Poem)

Dear Daddy,

Your my Daddy.
Your The Best!!
I know you’ll always get an ‘A’ on a test.
I Love You
You love me too.
When I am 18….
I never want to leave you.

Love,
Aimee

Hey Guys,

  The above is a poem my daughter wrote this past weekend to her daddy.  She did this because I told her of all the poems that her Daddy writes to me.  She thought Dad needed a poem as well.  She has her daddy wrapped around her finger.  She is such a daddy’s girl.
I did ask Aimee for her permission to post it since it is so heart touching and written just for her dad. She delightfully said “Yes, Mom please post it.”

I was never really close with my dad.  Aimee and Eric’s good relationship mean a lot to me.  I know she has no problems going to Eric with Anything as to me as well.  I think all girls need a strong daddy in there life.  It builds them up for excellent future relationships with the men that they will eventually date.  And hopefully, she will be able to weed out those guys that are not good for her.

I wish I had a stronger dad in my life.  I don’t think I would have had a couple of bad relationships that I did have.

Anyway, I thought it was a sweet poem from a 10 year old girl to her dad.  I feel so fortunate that I have a husband that is very active in his children’s lives.

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

Daniel’s School Project & Aimee’s Mile Run

Hey guys!

  Over Fall break Daniel had to complete a school project.  He finished it up around 6:30 pm last night.  He came up with some ideas.  And then our neighbor and I gave his some ideas.  And he ran with it.  He did really all of it himself. 

  His sister did help with the construction of the Mountain….but everything else he did.  He was so proud of it.  So was the neighbor and of course, it goes without saying that I was proud of him and his project.

  He came home today with his project in hand and smiling from Ear to Ear.  He received a 100% for all his excellent work.  I knew he could do it.  Now he is waiting on our neighbor to get home so he can run over and thank her as well. 

  Susan our neighbor even yelled out this morning as he was leaving to go to school “Hope you make a ‘A’ on your project Daniel.  You know parents can praise there kids and kids (at least mine anyway) love the praise we give them.  However, when it is a neighbor or someone who cares about your own children that gives them praise…they feed off it.  Susan just adores my kids.  And we adore her and her three teen daughters.

I did manage to take pictures of it this morning before he walked out the door. This is his ‘Temperate Mountain’ project.

Full view…There is even ’snow’ on his mountain.

The Tiger or Cat sitting on top of the mountain (this fell off) we are going to re glue it because we are keeping this project.

The Souring Eagle in flight…The eagle flying was Daniel’s Idea.  How we placed in on the box was our neighbors idea which turned out great!

The souring Eagle and deer!

And of course what good is a mountain without bears in it….

It is hard to tell by these pictures however there is a pull down ‘pond’ as well.  This idea was our neighbors as well and it turned out great. 

You know my neighbor just adores my children.  And I am so thankful to have her and her girls in my life.  She is the only adult that we allow our kid to call by there first name.  Except they do put a Miss in front of it…Calling her Miss Susan.  All other adults my children refer to them by  Mr._____ and Mrs.______. (fill int he blanks)…

Anyway got off subject.  She (Susan-Our neighbor) is just so dear to us.

Now on to Aimee. She came home ALL smiles as well.  She had totally forgot about a mile run test she had in PE today.  Aimee considers herself to be a ’slow’ athlete….which is the furthest thing from the truth.  She is kind of hard on herself when it comes to sports.  Anyway, she told me about the mile run and how she came in 1st place.  She beat out all the boys in her class and all the girls.  She was the only girl in the top 5.  The boy’s couldn’t believe that they got beat by a girl.  Particularly, a smart girl.  LOL 

And Zachary came home with a smiley face!  WHOOHOO! 

My kids had a awesome start back from fall break.  My older two are just fidgeting with antcipation for there report cards to come home on Friday.  We can check there grades online and I do several times a week.  Trying to be proactive in there schooling.  Some teachers update there online grading every two days while other update every 4 or 5 days.   So I sort of know where there weaknesses are through the week.  Which is good.  Particularly when you have a son that doesn’t like to bring home all his grades….even if they are good.

Anyway, I hope you all are having gorgeous weather like we have been having in our part of Tn.  Our air conditioner hasn’t been on for a week.  And I love it. 

Take Care.

I hope you all had a great Monday.

Breaks OVER!

Hey Guys,

  Fall break is over and done!  Monday the kids go back to school and Friday is first nine weeks report Card Day.  I check there grades online.  Which is new this year.  So I have at least some idea of where they are at academically. 

  Yesterday, while exercising.  I think I know I bruised my right ankle.  Thing is, I don’t remember twisting it.  It is not in any real pain.  However Today, when I looked down…I noticed a huge black, blue and purple bruise on the inside of my ankle.  Thankfully, I can walk on it with no pain.  It just looks ugly.

 Daniel is finishing up a school project that is due on Monday.  I think he is really nervous about it.  However, he is doing a great job on it.

 We have decided that the kids will not be going trick or treating this year.  We just don’t have the funds to purchase costumes.  They don’t seem to disappointed.  We might go and purchase some candy for them.  We also aren’t handing out Candy. 

I guess it is a good thing since David has a bad tooth and it isn’t getting fixed until the first part of November.

Zachary woke up sick yesterday.  He ate his breakfast and kept telling me he felt bad.  I told him to go and lay down for a bit and maybe he would fell better.  Not fifteen minutes later he he vomited–Sorry TMI (to much information)….all over his bed. 

He went to take a bath, I changed the sheets on his bed.  And he directly went from the bath to bed and slept until 1pm.  When he woke up.  He says mom, I am ALL better.  Guess he just had a little bug or something. 

Let’s see, Our remote to all of our tv’s was dropped into water.  Doesn’t work.  We have to order a new one from Direct Tv.  We had three of there remotes.  And this was the last working one we had.  Now, we have to change the channel the old fashioned way and get up and go to the television.  Oh well.

Other than that I think that is it.  Fall break was uneventful, except when Daniel was hit in the eye by a rock.  Kids got a long great for the most part.

I did purchase my Thanksgiving Turkey.  I purchased a 20 pound turkey.  I like getting them that big that way we can have left overs and sandwiches and stew meat from the turkey.  We were also given a 10 pound ham as well.  So I will be making that too.–This is a time of year that I wish I had a freezer in my garage.

Not much going on….just my everyday hum drum life.  Okay, its not hum drum.  It is actually a very happy chaotic-Controlled, life and I wouldn’t change it for anything.

Have a wonderful Saturday