Black Friday thoughts...

As Thanksgiving is tomorrow, and I will be warm and cozy at Momma's for dinner (I will only be able to hang out at Carol's for a while and won't be able to stay for lunch) and hanging out with my awesome family...I will be thinking about Black Friday. For many mixed feelings and reasons. Last year I was blessed enough to be able to finish dinner and hang out for a while before needing to head up to Walmart to catch their deal on Ipad for Jess. This year, since we have the giant money sucking trip coming up, I will not be participating in Black Friday. I am sad I won't be because again Walmart, and even Best Buy have some super awesome deals. For those with kids old enough to tell you what they want...and nothing else will do basically, the final price (either by discount or gift card bonus) of $199 for an Ipad mini is too good. Sale starts at 6pm? What in the hell were they thinking on that. Unfortunately, if it wasn't a trip year, I would find a way to be that shitty daughter who didn't come to Thanksgiving dinner and be in line for that.

Sad, yes. I think that it is horrible that companies would start sales that early. As a broke mom of 4, looking down the long tunnel of therapies and years of brokeness (heh...that sounds funny) I would sooooo be in that line to try to get my kids something they truly wanted and make them happy. As always, we have budgets for each kid, and if I can get it used...I do. I know Jess and B would be freaking ecstatic if I could pull that off. I am sad that I can't try to get in that deal for them ( I sooooo would take over her Ipad....) and get them the minis. Maybe looking towards next year, when I do get to participate in Black Friday, and can grab some deals there will be one as good...and not so dang early on Thursday. I'm also super upset with Old Navy this year...last year I was able to grab so many clothes for D and Jess on super sale...and this year cause of their million dollar give away...their deals suck. Totally suck. Since running across the Kroger parking lot and having my jeans fall completely down..I am in a position to need new jeans... and unlike last year, they're only going to be 50 percent off. Now...under everyday circumstances...that rocks..on Black Friday...not so much. No doorbusters (other than the million dollar thing) no staggering deals, nada. Just 50 percent across the board. Boooo I tell you. Give me a better reason to be at your store in the middle of the night freezing my rear off in jeans that are too big and may fall down any minute! Oh wait...that's right..y'all are starting at like 7 on Thursday too. Boo again. So..maybe they should all drop the term Black Friday in general...maybe call it...You really don't need time with your fam Thursday?! Like I titled this post, I am both sad I can't catch any deals this year (some needed, others just wished for) and relieved that I'll be at momma's trying not to scare the nephew. He is scared to death of me... but that's ok...D already made the pumpkin pies! OOOOOOoooooo I can almost taste it now...and might...if he doesn't move them in the fridge.....

Tis the season to be baking!

As my oven is now acting better (thank you internet for reset tips and tricks) D and I are in full baking/cooking mode! I love LOVE love it! I absolutely love watching him cook (or grill) and most of the time don't even mind cleaning up the disaster he creates in the kitchen when he does! This year, as always, he will be smoking the turkey for his parents house, and I get to roast (bake, whatever you want to call it) the turkey for mom's house. I did this for the first time last year, and it worked out pretty good so doing it again. Makes me so happy to actually be able to help mom with Thanksgiving dinner!
D and I really love to cook and bake stuff. Over the years I have realized some things that aren't my friend (crescent rolls, or trying to roll them and cut them cute)...as well as homemade cookies. Alot of people mention to D that he should have learned how to make homemade biscuits from his Dad, and I'm sure it has to hit a nerve. He probably thought he had more time to, and so I have been trying to get written down all of the things that my mom makes that I can't find recipes for, or she makes a different way...stuff like that. I have about 4 of 20 right now.
We love watching Food Network. Love it. We watch something, want to make it, and it normally falls between the 2 of us. Either we know that's for D or me, as we are better at different things. When it comes right down to it, we haven't tried alot of them just for money reasons...but still making a list is still fun!
Some of my favorites are Triple D (Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives) and any live shows. I am absolutely a fan of Restaurant Impossible, and Iron Chef when I can catch it. D and I both love Good Eats. Sometimes they show it on Food, but alot of the episodes we can record are on Cooking.
In my quest for recipes to try and file away for better money days, I was watching Triple D and they had the Memphis BBQ tour (focused more on where locals go) and I was super excited! Watched it, and in it was featured Cozy Corner... now I have not personally ever been there, and cannot say it is on my list anytime soon (being broke and all) BUT this little lady of fire was cooking and saying something about the chicken.. I had to rewind. She told Guy, you cook it til it's done. Now when I watch these shows they always tend to give a round about time. Not this feisty lady. And I mean that in the best terms possible. She sounded JUST LIKE MY MOM!!! If I'm trying to get a recipe, ANY RECIPE, from my mom it always ends with cook until it's done!!!!! This is too funny to me, because if I'm cooking it for the first time...I HAVE NO IDEA WHEN IT'S DONE!!!  I had to rewind that about 3 times, I was laughing so hard and to the point of tears!!!
I honestly thought before watching this...only my mom...then she said it...anybody else's mom do this?!?!
Well, time for me to get back to chores and baking. This year, the furbabies in my life are getting homemade doggie treats! Got about 12 recipes off the internet, tried 2, one came out fantastic! Owen and Cj are super happy about them, and the other...kinda flopped. Time to try out some others! Happy Monday everyone!

Isaac's neurologist visit....

Isaac had his visit today with the pediatric neurologist. Here's what we got:
Diagnosis 1: Sensory Integration Dysfunction
Diagnosis 2: Autism

If you google Sensory Integration Dysfunction..it corrects to Sensory Processing Disorder.
Apparently, Sensory Processing Disorder is NOT an Autism Spectrum Disorder. It's a disorder all on it's own.

What we have next:
~Speech Therapy: Starts Dec 2 at Germantown Language
~Appt with Psychologist
~Occupational Therapy, the in a hurry lady at Methodist Germantown told me to just fax that prescription over. Didn't want name,number or anything. This leads me to believe we'll be added to a wait list. This would be for Sensory Processing Disorder.
~ABA Therapy, or Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapy. Since this is covered by the mental part of the our insurance, not the standard like everything else, I have to call back in the morning and find out where he can go for this. And I do anticipate some kind of wait list for that too.

That's 3 different places for 3 different therapies. My wallet just cried, as I'm sure I will later.

I have read through some sites already, and am thoroughly overwhelmed at what I, in all honesty, need to know like right now. I'm extremely tired today and will just have to stop and try to do some more reading tomorrow, maybe. Sounds bad I know, but I have read a few things to try to prepare me some for how Isaac may react or do at Disney. Could be no big deal, or he could be so overwhelmed by all the people, sights, sounds and smells that he might not eat. I've also read a post or two tonight about how even with all of the senses on complete overload, children with autism have actual had miracles happen at Disney...like saying a first word. I would sob instantly if Isaac actually spoke a word. One word. It could even be "Daddy" ;) I don't plan on changing our schedule at Disney, even after today. I do however plan on taking extra things, like a big blanket that covers most of the stroller to block everything out if he gets overwhelmed, and tons of oatmeal creme pies. His favorite.

What I don't know:
~How often/frequency of any of the above mentioned therapies. Twice a week? Once a week? Every other week? Who knows. No one is giving clues.
~If he falls under high functioning, middle functioning, or low functioning. I'm hoping that the psychologist can help out with this one.
~How we're going to pay for all these appointments, one timers, or reoccurring.
~Potty training. It does not appear that Isaac will be potty training anytime soon. We were just advised by his pediatrician to not even think about it right now. Good thing I just found out that Pampers makes a size 7. It could happen in a few months...might be a year or two or ...
~How D is doing with all of this news? I don't know. He won't really talk to me about it. At all. Yeah, yeah, he doesn't talk most of the time anyway to most people, but with me it's different. When I start to talk about it, he changes the subject or doesn't say anything, or I don't know what. He's processing I guess ;)

At this point I am taking it one appt at a time, and will be doing more reading, or research if you want to call it that, as I get a few minutes. In the meantime, I will be preparing and packing to take my Autistic, fabulous, sensory issue, cute as all get out, chunky, curly haired, looks just like daddy, and full of life little man to Disney...to see his favorite...MICKEY MOUSE! 17 days. Yay!!

Christmas Cards!

The past few years, we haven't been able to send out Christmas cards. We've been focusing mostly on Santa presents and gifts we are giving. This year, even though it's tight, I'm finally able to get back into sending cards. I love sending cards. Must get that from my mom! We receive lots of cards, all types of cards, from friends and family. Most of the are the ones with the pics attached, but this year I'm going to have to separate them. While the pic ones are super convenient, I'll be filling out the cards, address and notes in the next few days and then stuffing with pics as soon as we get back. I realize that the cards..may make it by Christmas and may not, I'm just super excited to be able to send them out this year!!! I've already begged mom for her address book, and need to get my hands on Carol's too...whenever she's not doing something or out of town! It makes me smile when the princess comes in and says that we got a Christmas card and asks if she can open it. In the days of email, fb, imessage, facetime, etc...she still gets so excited about "snail mail" and loves cards too! Must be a family thing...one that I love to pieces. So please everyone, send me, text me email me whatever you want, your address! This is one of those super bright spots in the holiday "rush" or "stress" that I love to do! Sit down, and write to friends and family, pick out the (not lucky enough to be professional ;) pics and stuff the cards. Please please please send me address! I can't find any that I don't have stored in my brain! Thanks!

A letter to vent. No positives in this one.

I wish you were here, so I could yell all of this in your face. At the top of my lungs. But you're not. Why? You're in jail. Again. For who knows how long. There are so many things, but let me start with this: It's really NOT that hard to stay OUT OF JAIL. Really. It's not. Wasn't you this time? Was you this time? Don't care. No excuses. It's not hard to stay out of jail. It's really not. I had to go and tell the big kids tonight that they can't see you this Thanksgiving because....you're in jail. No one knows if you'll be out by Thanksgiving, and I would be no where in my right mind even if you did get out to let them come stay with you. Not that apparently they were coming anyway. If you honestly think that the total you have paid in child support, a WHOPPING $12 per WEEK THIS YEAR TO DATE, is enough....then wow. Even after I told you how much to come up with...and even that added up to $36 a WEEK this YEAR TO DATE, you still couldn't do it. I talked to your mom today (apparently since I know you are in jail). You put her through so much. She seemed so surprised at the small amount you had given me since I told you pay this much in this many weeks, which shouldn't have been too hard...since you've been "working" since the end of August. If your mom is surprised at this amount....then why haven't I been getting anything in weeks? Possession of a CDS. Yeah, this chick had to look that up. Controlled Dangerous Substance. Class 3 huh? Like I mentioned earlier, yours not yours. DO. NOT. CARE. You're in jail, he's in jail. Whoever or both did wrong, and the other is stupid for being around the wrong, or you're both idiots. IT'S REALLY NOT THAT HARD TO STAY OUT OF JAIL. As I want to say that your kids need you, at this point no they don't. They don't need to hear any excuses you may throw at them. TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY AND ALL ACTIONS THAT LAND YOU IN JAIL. Yes, I told them. I'm not sugar coating anything, anymore. I'm not telling them Dad said he'd send money...when the odds are way stacked against that. I'm not giving them hope that they'll see you anytime soon (unless supervised by me and D both). NO EXCUSES. IT'S NOT THAT HARD TO STAY OUT OF JAIL. Maybe if I keep repeating that, like you are really ever going to get to read this, it might sink in. Wait, am I actually trying to still change you? Ha. Forgot myself for a moment. How dare you put me in this position to have to tell the kids?! How dare you make me get this information from your mom? Oh yea...YOU'RE IN JAIL...IN NEW JERSEY.. How dare you put this emotional crap on Jessica and Brandon?!?!?! You really think they are proud of their dad being put in jail?! Yeah...cause that's something they are going to go to school and brag about.... HOW DARE YOU?! You say you are a "grown ass man", well then act like it!!!!! Act like someone who knows what's right and what is wrong! Act like a decent dad, who helps his kids out!! And can manage to 1. not break any laws  and 2. stays out of jail! I will pray for you, cause at this point I've got nothing else. I am also going to pray that until you get your life together...I mean really really really really together....you find the words, WITHOUT EXCUSES, to apologize to Jessica and Brandon.
While this blog has helped calm me down, it has also made me realize how the kids may feel embarrased by their dad right now, and sad that he's done something to be in jail. I am not posting this link to fb, but am keeping the blog post up, until my anger has died down. May take a while, I don't know. I feel horrible for my big kids right now, and I don't know what to do for them except love them and give them some space to process it on their own. Always answering any question they had about what I know, and always trying to give them enough love to not feel that void of their dad. I try, knowing it's not the same, not being able to change that...but I'm too tired to keep up false hope and saying maybe.

I finished something!! Yay!!!

Lately everything has been seeming to be seriously rushed, and it seems as though I have so many things half done or almost done. And you would think something as simple as putting up the Christmas tree would be one of those things you can just "get done". Nope. Not this chick! I do believe that right now I have about 3 to 4 different projects going on that I am desperate to finish!!! Here's the list:
1. Bows. I have made a sh*tload of bows it seems lately, and I still have about 4 more rolls of ribbon to do as well as Christmas ones. Need to really get on that.
2. April's diaper cake. (Can't finish that til find that perfect topper at Disney!)
3. Packing for this trip. (Can't finish that either, obvious reasons!) But having all the luggage in my room cause there is already some stuff in them doesn't help much. I'm ready to go!!
4. Touch up paint in the kitchen. For some lovely reason, the table is sticking to the wall peeling off paint. As before, it's taking 5, 6 or maybe even 7 coats. I'm on coat 3.
5. Putting up the Christmas tree. I started this, in what I thought was plenty of time before the kids got home from MDO, and it turns out that even with 3 new sets of lights, I am short one. Y'all! My fake tree didn't GROW over the past year!! How did this happen!!! I replaced 3 bad sets, with 3 new sets...and am still short!!! So there the poor thing sits...no ornaments, just waiting, not lit all the way to the top. Lights were bought tonight, so after the Lego awesomeness tomorrow hopefully it'll come together!
6. Shopping for Mr. E's first birthday. I have been to several stores, and it seems that none other will do for my first nephew. Disney store look out. That's my big Sunday project. After being at the mall...I'll need the rest of the day off. Seriously. And I'm only going to the one store.

As the title of the blog says, I did finally FINALLY finish something! The teacher gifts for Christmas. Since we'll be leaving early I wanted to go ahead and get these done.
TaDa!

 

 

I am not quite sure what I'm more excited about with these!! The fact that I did something new to me, the fact that I finished something, that I did something "craftsy", or that I have a SET for all 12 teachers. That's right, 12 sets, 24 jars, and comes out to about $2 a piece to make! I did have some ribbon I was going to use instead of the yarn, but at the time all that yarn was just hanging out on my counter. Thanks Carol! So maybe for an idea to sell the stuff would be a pretty ribbon and maybe cover the lid. Could still probably do it for just under $3 a jar! And these smell sooooo goood too!

Coming up tomorrow: How my princess did with the robot!!



Stress and Legos. Yep.

The past few days I have felt so much stress it is almost unreal. Fever blister- I hate you. But, yesterday Ann came by for lunch (awesome!) and we got to talk for a while. It was great! Note to self: Make more time for friends (New Year's resolution idea?!)

D has been gone the past day or so to Nashville (boo, I missed him so much) for workshops and crap for his move over to maintenance. Y'all, it is becoming apparent that when it is likely to snow and/or ice...I will not be seeing my husband for large amounts of time. He is to be at work, if not already, 2 to 3 hours before it comes/happens, and cannot leave until it is DRYING. I repeat, DRYING. Hours, days...whatever. DRYING. My poor hubby. And it looks like he might be in for more travel to Nashville. He's not wanting to tell me that...kinda have to pry it out of him. I am really really starting to feel bad for him. Come on vacation! We need family time!!!

 Jessica has been staying after school for WEEKS. She and a few other kids are working on a Lego robot that has to do stuff. Specifically with the topic of Nature's Fury I believe. So, build a robot and program it to do stuff. I could not do that, ever. Pretty sure anyway. So my smart princess will be doing her First Lego League competition this Saturday at UofM in the university center. All day event! After juggling schedules and grandparents, we have it worked out that I can be there with her. I am so blessed. Sometimes I do not think that I get to spend as much time with her (or Landon) as I would like and being able to be there with her all day makes me a very happy mommy! I cannot wait to see what this thing can do!

In the meantime I am making up the sugar scrubs and scented bath salt mixes for gifts- making my kitchen smell wonderful! And with the boys going to school tomorrow, I will add the ribbons to them to finish the jars as well as decorate the house! With all the stress and things to do, buy, pack and plan, I certainly need some cheer. Up goes the tree and anything else I have time for!

29 days...29 days...

Under 30 day countdown. Time to start getting some stuff done. In between laundry and getting Brandon going on back up homework, last night and today I have been printing, ordering, and checking stuff for the trip. Ordered our Photopass +, and it was 20 cheaper than I thought. Thought it was 169, but if ordered 14 days before your trip it's only $149 and does include photos from some of the rides too! (Thanks Christy!!)
Got the shipping notice that packet is ready to ship out! Since we haven't driven, went on and started printing out maps/directions. Since we are staying at a non Disney hotel for 2 days, I had to print those, one from hotel to hotel, one from first hotel to MK for the VMCP, and one from first hotel to Downtown Disney. Also printed our fastpass+  times from both reservation pages. I'm seriously running out of ink. It also printed out all of our dining reservations. VMCP tickets have been printed off months ago. I am so ready to start packing some of the things I know we won't be needing until then, so I might get to that tonight. Luggage tags await! Funny, since Isaac is "Mickey's guest", or free, he didn't get a luggage tag. Boo. My Disney Experience said that our Magic Bands were customizable until tomorrow, so maybe those will ship out to us soon too. I'm a little worried that since our "package" doesn't start until 2 days after we're there, we might be cutting it close for getting them before we leave. O.o
I'm trying not to go into a panic, and I've already warned D that he might have to just go on and take off that Monday so I don't lose my mind. He just grinned and said we'll see. He tends to think it's funny when I'm in a frenzy, and he always jokes around with me more then which makes me laugh despite myself. Rock star hubby is he. Really.
Did the online check in for the hotel already, fast passes done, bands done, directions done, and starting to cross things off the shopping list. Scary, yet super exciting. I'm already getting that feeling that I'm forgetting something.....and we are no where near leaving. Guess it's just I'm ready to go! Like yesterday!!! Break time and Disney Dreaming over, back to B and his homework. Have a magical day!

 

Starbucks?

After much needed hair therapy, and a much needed meeting with counselors and teachers up at the school, I have fabulous hair and direction for Brandon. These teachers are being super awesome and caring when it comes to all things Brandon. The few I thought that were ignoring me, turns out that the school has not updated their email addresses. They weren't getting anything from me. That's what I get for assuming. They are just going to cut him off on the 9th, so his grade will be based on 12 out of 12 grades, not 24 out of 24. I think this is a fabulous idea. I also got basic schedules for him. I know he has certain things every week and I also got to clean out his locker. Good God. He has so much crap. And alot of it is homework/classwork he needed to turn in. Sad thing is, it's almost done. All of it. 75% done. Ah the joys of ADHD. So, while I need to organize him, his stuff, and all the back homework he will be working on this morning, my awesome hubby has run to Starbucks for me. Yep, husband of the century right there. Love that man. We have had Starbucks once. ONCE EVER. The other day we tried a Pumpkin Spiced Latte. I almost spit it all over Target's floor. EW. I love coffee, and love it even more super sweet. So, not sure if it's cause it was in Target or not, but that was gross. Really gross. He liked it. Double ew. So today, since I'm out of coffee creamer (boo) we checked the menu online, and I found something for me to try. White chocolate mocha.

 

While I try this, as soon as he gets back, I getting more and more excited. We normally can't afford anything like Starbucks, but I've always been super tempted to try it. Anyone who has seen me drink coffee knows I like it super dark and almost half coffee and half flavored coffee creamer. So I was almost at a loss on where to start. Didn't want it just going down the drain! OOOOOO he's back! Yay! So, to my Starbucks fans, what's your favorite?!?!? And how do you like the holiday ones? Gingerbread, etc?! Well, on to the homework sorting and Starbucks. Have a feeling I'll need alot of it today! 30 days. Down to 30 days!



Stay at home mom guilt? (April..it's your finished, and almost finished cakes.)

After losing my job a month or so back, I officially became the stay at home mom with no job. I sort of had a job, if you can call it that. Watched the most precious little girl all day and got to play with all the kids. After that ended, with the Disney trip coming up (33 days!) D and I decided we'll take this time to figure out what I'm going to do come Christmas, January and beyond as far as jobs go. Pretty much would have to be all weekend job, or all night job. Gotta be here to take care of the boys all day, since can't afford childcare for them. Yep, I'm not worth more than daycare expense for the boys in terms of employment. Meaning, we'd go in the hole if I were to do a Mon thru Fri. Yes, mom might be able to keep them a day or so, Carol a day or so, but it would wear them out pretty quick and well honestly Carol has so much stuff going on... that's not that reliable on a weekly basis. So, D and I have kicked ideas around...and after Saturday's new,  we talked again about what type of job for me to get and he said..."take Isaac to appointments". I just sighed and said "yeah". One one hand, count blessings and all, I don't have a job and can be there for them and him and all the appointments we can afford. On the other....the afford. How thin do I try to stretch myself to help D. He works his ass off. And I'm not helping (financially). Bad, bad guilt here. Side note: D has a new title at work, not an upgrade, not a downgrade, just linear. He is not going to be overseeing new construction, like the finish of 385 anymore. He is going to be "KING OF THE POT HOLES"! That's what I've been teasing him with. They are moving him from new construction to maintenance. Y'all he is not happy. They are doing it cause he rocks. His patience is all the time there and he never gets upset, yells, or anything. Overseeing maintenance (potholes, broken guardrails, signs, etc) and he is not happy. King of the Pot Holes, I love you!
I have some suggestions about cleaning houses, no one likes their houses cleaned at 8pm. Really. I am horrible at in-home parties. I can sell the stuff just fine, but it's the pushing someone who doesn't want to have a party to have one (getting out of your friends and family list). Mom has mentioned the diaper cakes...gonna give that a whirl I guess. There's not a huge market for it, and it's pretty large on etsy/ebay already so I'm not sure if I'm not a few years late on it. I've done them normally only for friends as gifts, never sold them. Something to think on though. I've done the full of stuff ones, 2 tiered, 3 tiered, and this time doing something different I made April's 4 tiered and simple. Minnie's not done. Gonna get a fabulous topper at Disney World, just for her! I'll post pics of them at the bottom. D wants to make more of these guitars and sell them. He's pushing me to go on and create an Etsy store so he can start selling them. He loves his and wants to keep making them. Got my hands on homemade sugar scrub and scented bath salt recipes...that's what's for Christmas. Started a batch today for presents and it needs some tweaking, but could sell that too I guess.
After reading April's fb post about her hair, made me really want to get my hair cut and colored. I went ahead and cancelled an at home lunch date with Ann, made plans with my Aunt Sallie at Juve, and justified the money to get it done to I deserve something for me too. So sometime tomorrow I'm going to go to see my aunt, and pay probably around 30- 40 dollars to have my hair done. Yep, cost. She's doing it for cost. I don't even want to imagine what she'd charge if I weren't her niece. Really scares me. So right after texting with her, I got horrible guilt over spending the money. HORRIBLE GUILT. Tried the justifying thing again. 1. Have only gotten my hair cut once (by any kind of trained professional, like super cuts) in over 3 years. 2. Have only gotten hair cut by real professional (my aunt, and only my aunt at cost) once in the past 5/6 years. For my brother's wedding. So that's twice I've had my haircut in 5/6 years, because I can't afford it, or other things were more important. Like gas. ;) So, not to be negative...but is it worth it? Should I even have guilt? As always, hair therapy can work miracles. And maybe that's just what I need right now to turn these past few days of blergh around. And hopefully Ann will forgive me! Never get to see that non facebooking chica anymore! Justified or no? Sell on Etsy or get a full nighttime/weekender and have no time with the hubby? Decisions, decisions. Guilt, and guilt. Sheesh. I love being at home with the kiddos. Love it. Love the little breaks too, but for the most part they are my entire life, along with laundry and I don't wish to change it. Just wish there was a good way to help D out, and not feel guilt over getting my hair done at the same time.

 

The first pic is April's cupcakes (some of them) They are onesies.

Second pic is  a 3 tiered cake, before final ribbon and decor.

Third pic is April's finished pink/yellow cake (her colors, and pacifiers in pink flowers)

     and her Minnie cake. Still looking for that perfect topper.

Fourth pic is a diaper cake I did a few years ago for Ms. Susan's soon to be arriving granddaughter. That's what I meant by all done up with stuff. Most of it is normal diaper bag necessities and things and lovey blankets/animals/teethers from specific Target baby wish lists. I love personalization!

What does everyone think of the cakes? Yes or no?
Here are the cakes I did for Eli.

Crazy Days...Caution Bad Language.

As the past hour or two sink in, the whole lecture from the school counselor and are ya trying to make me feel like a bad parent crap...I am thoroughly ready to cry. Yep. Guess I'm a bit stressed. It seems as though I can't find any "fidgets" or "tangle" toys in the immediate area, which are prevalent in autism toy websites. So, gotta pay shipping. Boo to you Toys R Us, Knowledge Tree and Target. Wasn't even checking Walmart.

They have the Melissa and Doug sound puzzles at Toys R Us, but at this time it is not quite in my budget. D still thinks I might be jumping guns on this, maternal instinct is saying nope. He wasn't there for his appt, I heard what she said. On it somewhere, not maybe on it. I'm not jumping shit. And his first speech therapy appt is Dec 2. Apparently Dr Levine is all booked up for Nov and possibly Dec on the autism spectrum evaluation.  But, reason for the blog: I have already done my "thanks" for this month, and just needed to spit out some positive before the negative overcame my brain.

Jessica's blog is hilarious. Knew it would be! I love reading it and wish I had some kind of app to ding my phone when she posts another. If you don't read it, START!

Planning: I feel so retarded, yet somewhat prepared, and always excited! I have planned out who is taking what bag on our trip, and what's going in it! Got a bag for snacks, bag for each kid, D too! Bag for diapers, toys, etc. I know which camera is going where and have realized...I don't have enough luggage tags! Why oh why does Disney only send one per person! Little people come with the most crap!! ;)

I actually got so mad today that I cleaned the kitchen floor. So, positive thoughts: MY KITCHEN FLOOR IS CLEAN!~  Yay!!

Bonus positive today: Carol out of town, so had to take the boys to school. But, my awesome Mom, SUPER NANA, said she could pick them up for me today! Super Nana to the rescue! AGAIN!

In three days, the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party will start! Whoo hoo! Our tickets are for Dec 10, but still it will be awesome to see all the new pics of it beforehand on the Disneyparksblog site. That site always makes me smile, and cakewrecks.com always makes me laugh. If you haven't been to it, go. It's hilarious.

I will leave a little happier than I came, thanks for stumbling along with this one! 34 days...34 days...34 days....

Isaac and Autism

Going into Isaac's 2 year old checkup this morning, I had my list (short ones) of things to ask his dr. Developmental ones. Most of those who are close to us know most of these things, such as my baby is 2 and doesn't talk. At all. Yes, he makes sounds. But no words. None. No momma, daddy, car, dog, cat, ball, go, sip, drink, bye. Not one word. He should be able to almost string two short words together and make a small sentence by this point. Nope. After voicing our concerns, I was asked to take a small survey on a piece of paper. No biggie. Took 3 minutes. 20 questions about my Isaac. So gave it back, dr came back and had over half circled. It was an autism question screening. Dr said that the circled answers didn't meet what should normally be the other answer. Ok. Next step is phone calls. I will be awaiting phone calls this week and maybe the next. First step up...speech therapy. This is a go. First call will be coming to set up speech therapy for Isaac. Next up, phone call to get appt with Dr Levine (sp?) who is an autism specialist for Memphis Children's Clinic. Dr. Levine will be the one to tell us WHERE Isaac is on the autism spectrum. That's what I was told by his regular dr. Not if he is on it, but where. After the assessment by Dr Levine, it was advised to me from his regular dr to get on the "extremely long" waiting list (dr's words not mine) for the Boling center downtown. Regular dr said this Dr. Levine might be able to pull a string or two to get him in line sooner rather than later, but who knows on that. I don't even know what it does.

As I try to process everything, all I can think of is...I see alot of appointments in our future. Neither thinking this in a good way or bad. Just more like..I need to be prepared for doctor/therapy appointment onslaught.

I told Dennis, sent a few texts out to family about it this morning after I got home, and am still just kind of overwhelmed with what I think I should be looking up. That prepared thing again. I have no clue what is in store for my baby with speech therapy. Or any other therapy he might get/have. I'm also dealing with D, and him not wanting to talk about it at all. Didn't even want to call his mom and tell her. So I sent her a text. He says he's not in denial, just processing it I guess but it doesn't help me that he's shut up completely. I'll leave him alone for now though. Everyone processes differently ;)

So, this afternoon we are going to go shopping (Halloween clearance and all!) and just hang out, not doing anything too special. Maybe after the little ones go to bed, I'll look some stuff up, just trying to get my head around it and what we may or may not be in store for. Not one to totally freak out, but I'm also not about to take his pacifier away like originally planned either. It's breaking, last one too, and we were about to throw it away and say no more....well...now....think we'll buy another set until I know more.

Hi ho, Hi ho, it's off to Target we go! (And Michael's...did I mention Halloween clearance?! I did, ok well...just saying!)

Successfull Halloween and Days of Thanks

Halloween was a huge success for us! I still haven't managed to get us all to go at the same time, but maybe I can figure something out by next year. Jess stayed home and gave out candy for 30 min while D, Carol (MuMu..that's right..pronounced Moo Moo), Big Jack and I took the boys around the short block trick or treating. Ooooo they loved it. Landon being the vocal child, did all the talking and the boys got lots of candy! Isaac was so good about holding his pumpkin and loved the walk! We just had to keep going...no stopping for that monster! When we got back, it was Jess and B's turn. I don't know where they went but hour later they came back super excited about all of their candy too! Yay! Happy kiddos!

As a few of my friends are doing on fb, posting something they are thankful for, one day at a time, I thought I might just flip out the list in one big chunk. I'm not all that great for remembering to do stuff like that, so here it goes! These are in no particular order, some serious, some might seem silly, but they are mine ;)

1. My hubby. Always.
2. My mom. Keeps me sane, mostly.
3. My daddy. Makes me laugh when he gets all mad.
4. My kiddos. All 4 of those beautiful, wild, silly babies.
5. My big family. Don't have as many members as D, but I wouldn't trade them.
6. My furbabies.
7. The air conditioning and the heat, lately both in the same day.
8. The in laws. Yep, I sure did luck out on that one.
9. My house. Love it. Needs some more lipstick, but love it.
10. The washer and dryer. Those get serious workouts every single day.
11. Indoor plumbing. No explanation necessary.
12. My cellphone. (Cracked screen and all)
13. Internet. Just makes life easier sometimes.
14. Disposable diapers and wipes.
15. My hair straightener...ok...Jessica's hair straightener.
16. Let's just group all personal hygiene products (soap, shampoo, toothpaste. etc.)  together, shall we!
17. Our cars. Paid for and momentarily working.
18. This wonderful Disney vacation. Disney or not, but YAY IT'S DISNEY, we needed a vacation all together for a long time coming.
19. Nap time. Mine or kids or both ;)
20. Friends. New, old, renewed, lifelong, since diapers, and even only on fb.
21. Yoga. Need to do more of it, and I'm working on it, but love it.
22. DVRs. Record, pause and fast forward. NO DON'T DELETE THAT!
23. Date nights. Few and far between for us, but we do get a few here and there.
24. Getting to hear the hubby play one of his guitars. Guilty pleasure here. He hardly ever does anymore :( but every once in a while I can catch it.
25. Chinese food. Mexican food. Chocolate. Italian food. American food. Fast food. :)
26. Lazy Sundays.
27. When I don't have to cook dinner or do dishes.
28. Chore time for the kids. Brandon + Swiffer sweeper = dog hair off of all hardwood floor in 20 seconds.
29. Drinks with caffeine. Coffee, Coke, Dr Pepper. Love.
30. Last but certainly not least, GOD.