Just A Swangin'

Yes we finally have a swingset. Yes, it is a hand-me-down and NO no one really cares. So thanks to The master's old work buddy and his wife and children for passing us our newest addition to the back yard right before the munchkin's turn 5.

We took them out to see it this morning and here were some of the reactions:

(Touble is in red and Volume in the tan)









All in all, a fantastic gift with an even better price tag. Thanks all!

STEEL the show...

So I actually got from The Master's lips tonight "Wow, you really are the man in our relationship!". Would we like to know why? Someone (yes me) actually FORGOT that it is our 11 year anniversary today. A forgivable offense to some, not to most...luckily to him. EVEN THOUGH its not just our 11th wedding anniversary but 14 years since we started dating.



We go by the traditional gifts and this year it was steel. He came home and I came upstairs in a tiff and was almost demanding a break from the hellions since they didn't get to school today. Today, the day I planned on taking my break this week and their school is flooded. They may not get school tomorrow either and then be off for a week for spring break. but, I digress. I go into the bedroom to find a card and a steel teapot on the bed. You would think THIS would clue me in, but NO. I open the card, wondering what in the heck this was for...see the anniversary card and wow...I felt like a total schmuck.

At this point, I head downstairs to apologize and see if he wants me to run out and make some elaborate dinner. Realizing now why he asked if I wanted him to pick something up. Feeling like a total idiot and I burst into tears and an apology and get the "you really ARE the guy!" as he laughs. 11/14 years and I finally proved it beyond a shadow of a doubt.

So yeah...I come up to take the break anyway, at his insistence. No, I don't rush to the store, but i do hop online and search for a gift I can grab tomorrow after the dentist. Yes, I found one and yes I still feel guilty. At least my mom, AKA Drama Queen, is taking them Saturday night so I can make it up to him. (OK, shes taking them for Easter, but I can use it to make it up to him) If anyone has any grand ideas, be sure to shoot me an email! (yes, he reads my blog...I'M THE GUY, remember?!?)

Oh Mischief.....

How we love you. Can you believe he actually had the NERVE to question his nickname today? To actually tell me he was a saint. I about died laughing...and of course, sensed the sarcasm. The boy really is entertaining. My life would be less without him. Less what, we are not sure ;).

IEP day was today. Looking pretty positive on that front. I brought it home to fine took comb it and make sure its all set, but I like the new teacher. I mentioned the whole nut allergy we have going on and that some schools have and allergy lunch table. all the nut allergy kids eat there. She mentioned that no one had suggested that and that she had a big mouth and would do so. I liked her instantly, for those that know me know that my mouth is no where near small. Big mouthed teacher is a good thing :)

Oh, I also had another old friend found. One from high school that we had an on and off again friendship. I have been trying all day to think of a good nickname for her, even going so far as to think I should call her "She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named" but thats so done ;). I think, since she works in a lab now, I shall just call her Labfox. Mainly because labrat sounded too mean.

So welcome back into my life Labfox. May your stay be long and pleasant ;)

Move over Godzilla....

Here comes Trouble!

Destruction should be his middle name. Puzzles hit the floor with lightning speed and crashing sound. Books...not enough to throw those off the couch, the stairs are best for those. book and electronics make the best noise going down the stairs. Who cares that its the only working Vtech in the house?!? Its trash now! MY TRASH! Books have a tear, then its time to make about 40 more of those. Cards, I'm done with them, lets play 26 pickup! I think I can hit the windowsill with them from this couch. Its kinda fun when mom makes me pick up those six puzzles, so lets do it again and AGAIN AND AGAIN!!!!!!!!

So yeah...between that and Charlie resisting the whole "make a sentence" phase of pecs that we have been on for a month now (at least) I'm losing every ounce of patience I think I ever had. I yell, I scream, We have timeouts in my lap where nothing is fun, I run away, I cry...nothing seems to help. I want an emotion chip like Data so i can take it out about now. I ask Cite for help and they give some good advice but everything (and I mean everything) always leads to more work for me. So pardon me if I need that white jacket and those nice padded walls for a while. I didn't think I had enough to do...I need a nice rest. Scribbling with crayons and drooling sounds like FUN! *sings* They are coming to take me away hehe hoho haha!

Don't I wish ;). Its that old "I wish I'd break my leg so I could get some rest"...but no, I don't wish that. I'd be taking care of twins on crutches. Sad but true. And the phase they are going through...not a good one. Welcome to 5 years old. The odd years, folks, how we love em so.

At least I still have my sense of humor.....even if my sanity is NOT intact ;)

So I am TOTALLY back!

I found this great application that allows me to link my blog to my facebook, so this will make life SO much easier. People on facebook can read my blog should they want too and people outside of facebook can find out about my "oh-so-interesting" life. (yes that was MAJOR sarcasm there) My major accomplishment of this week was getting my second character in World of warcraft to level 70. yes, I'm that much of a geek.

The kids...trouble is SO living up to his nickname. Volume, not so much. I'm thinking I need a new one for him. Bear seems to work, since hes so darn cuddly. Or something to do with computers since he is so savvy on them. He is spelling now, that volume bear. 3-4 letter words, his first and last name. He also figured out the mouse and is now all over web sites like playhouse Disney and sesame street. Trouble has learned what loud noises are fun when you throw things down the stairs. I love them both, but he can be SO trying sometimes.

We are going to start the potty training journey, so help me God. I have a feeling this is something we will be working on for a very long time and that will require me to dig deep for the patience I seem to really lack lately. On an up note, they are going to kindergarten next year. It will be in a special class, but they get to go into the normal class with an aide sometimes (is what I'm lead to believe). I need to schedule a tour of the class and make sure they will get challenged and its not just "put them in a corner and let them stim for four hours." My boys are smart. Trouble can match all his colors and shapes (and not just triangle to triangle, its like blue triangle to pizza slice) and he can pick out which is the right animal when his teacher holds up 2 beanie babies at a time. they both know all their letters and numbers and Bear can spell and I think read some. He might even know some Spanish. (living books and sesame street) So I want them challenged. I want them taught (because they learn better from people OTHER than me). so a tour is in order before their IEP in April. If I don't like what I see...its time to push or try alternative schools. I really hope I like what I see.

Me? I'm trying to keep my sanity. I distract myself when I feel it slipping. I love my kids, but I think my job is even a bit harder some days than the parents of "normal" kids. Thank God again for my memory and organizational skills.

Thats all for now. Gonna go see if my sister, Faerie, is able to go out for her birthday lunch today. If not, I have plenty of errands and an only 1/2 clean house ;)

Peace out!

Why I'm not blogging

Well, for one, Trouble is living up to his full potential of his name. Not only has he found new and interesting ways to do so, he also keeps me hoppin all the time to make sure he's not going to hurt himself or anyone else.

The other reason I don't blog is that all of my really close friends (other than Chancy) are on Facebook. Its much shorter and easier way of keeping people up to date than a blog. A blog feels more like a journal you want people to read. Eh...not that exciting to me. I like wall messages and eggs that hatch into snakes instead.

Lastly is time. Free time is at a near summer time low of late. (I use summer because there is no school). We've gotten rid of naps and theres so much to do when they are at school....I have games to plan, house to clean, errands to run, Books to read, levels to get in WoW ;) and it really seems as though everyone who wants to know whats going on with me either calls me or joined facebook...so, no real need for a blog. Only one out there probably still reading it is Bear. And I can call him whenever I like. (almost whenever...though he won't answer when in hibernation anyway)

So...just an FYI for anyone who cares to find me..I'm on facebook. Post a comment with an email if you want a link...otherwise, pick up the phone or even *gasp* send an email or IM. I'm not hard to find ;)

Four computers and one vacation later....

So yeah, I had a bit of a computer issue in my house. 3 of the computers we use went belly up. 2 are possibly fixable, but not with a lot of TLC and we fixed the last one and gave it to Trouble and Volume. So, for a while, I was out of a computer downstairs (which is where I USED to blog). Then...Teddy Bear gave me his wife's old computer and its a laptop...so I'm back. I'm sure I've lost all 4 of my faithful readers, but I can deal. I am going to post some pics from Vacation to Gaitlinburg, but I figured I would give an update first.

Actually, come to think of it, not much going on here. Maybe its a good thing I haven't blogged in a while *laughs*. We had a visit from the man I like to call Lazarus. not just because its one of his characters, but also because every time life knocks him down, he gets back up. It was nice to see him and spend some time with him. Hes one of my bestest friends. (I can say that without him going psycho because hes a guy!) Thats really all there is to note. The kids are doing great in school.

So without further ado...here is Vacation Pics:
The whole family at the creek


Trouble loved the balcony


So did Volume


I WISH they were actually dancing. more deciding who was going in and who was going out.


Trouble and his uncles!

Just the Uncles

The creek...the park was beautiful

Can you blame the kids for loving the balcony when this is the view?


And because, yes, we are geeks


So that was our vacation in a nutshell. Well, thats a big nut, but you know.

Mischief and Coffee

So Mischief and I went out for coffee last night. I had an absolute blast! We talked about old times, new...caught one another up on the readers digest version of the past 18 years. It was good times. Panara had to kick us out and we proceeded (on that oh so beautifully weathered night) to stand by our cars for another hour chatting. He's still the same guy I went to high school with, just more mature. We still meshed like we did then. Always cool to have a friend come back into your life and realize your still friends. It was good...very good.

In other news, Trouble and Volume have started school. Trouble is seeming to do very well in his class (though he hangs on his aide, I am told...which is cute) but Volume, as usual, is needing a bit of an adjustment period. They even had to calm him on the bus yesterday. Both boys are wiped without afternoon quiet time and went down early for Dad last night. Volume has even napped on the couch one day. Good to see they are playing hard. I bet in a few weeks, Volume will be set in routine. Just in time for us to screw it all up with vacation! LOL

Vacation? (you ask) Yes...Vacation. We're off to scenic Gatlinburg with Uncle Phone and Uncle Chill. They are from California and are flying in to do vacation with us. We are ecstatic. We miss them, they miss us and the boys. Should be a good time. Plus, its the first one we have gotten to take in almost 2 years. Good times....noodle salad! (to quote a fantastic movie. If anyone can tell me that movie, you warrant me sending you a song!)

Speaking of Warrant, he's doing well also, even if we aren't playing together as much this first week. I'm sure we'll catch up soon. Get our team to level 70 in no time! *coughyeahrightcough*

Well, I'm out. Cite is coming this morning and I should do something about the state of my floors...ewwwww

Current Song: Who Knew by Pink
Current mood: Chill

Hooray for...

1. School!!!! It starts in less than a week. They explained their reasoning for wanting to put them in afternoon school and I found it sound. They also agreed to a third year if need be. We start in afternoons on Monday. And that should give me more play time with Warrant! that works for me!

2. Meds! The meds are finally starting to work and I can see the brighter side of life. so they get a mention here too.

3. Facebook! For it brought Mischief back into my life. Who is Mischief, you ask? Why he is a guy I knew in early high school years who transfered schools suddenly. I never knew what happened to him, and now I do. We're getting along as famously as we did then!

4. Maven! Who spends way too much of her precious time on the phone with me. She is a terrific friend!

and last,
5. WoW! The Kara raids have been rawkin and we are all starting to jive together better. The alt nights (and afternoons with Warrant) are sweet as well. Its just an all around good social game! (with Phat Loots!)

So thats all from me...Horray for me...Horray for you...Horray for Winnie the Pooh!

Issues

Why is it that nothing can ever be easy? I'm trying to find an advocate now because they are saying that my boys DON'T Get the option for 3 years of preschool (which I have been told is NOT true) and they have to now move not only to afternoon school but to different teachers as well. Trouble will be crushed, his teacher is his world! And Volume will not like switching classes, he was finally getting used to his. I KNOW they will have transitions throughout life, but can't we make their first 2 years of school a little easier? *sigh*

So thats my rant. There is nothing that is ever easy. The Master and I have a call into the principal who is trying to get the teachers to set up a meeting between all of us. Lets hope I can get the advocate in time.

Glimpse

Reposting

Other people's stories is fun. This one always makes me smile:

'All he needed was a Rock.'

by Kori De-Ann

A bard once asked me the meaning of life. I stared at him a moment, gave my chin a rub and then walked over to a rock. “The meaning of life,” I said, “is no real mystery. This rock knows it,” I said. And then it was his turn to stare at me, confused.

“A rock is not real,” he argued. What a smart one he was. I laughed and sat down beside the rock and the bard puzzled even more. “What’s the difference,” I asked him, “between me and the rock?”

“You’re alive.” Ahh, his wicked intelligence again. “And the rock is not.”
“How do you define alive?” I questioned, giving him a smile.

“You can move.” He answered. I picked up the rock and threw it across the road. “So can the rock,” I answered.

“You can think.”

“How do you know the rock cannot think?”

“Because it’s not alive.”

“So what makes it dead?”

“It’s not dead either.”

“So the rocks not dead and it’s not alive?”

“Right.” he confirmed with a nod of his head. “Then what is it?” I asked him. “What is on this earth that is neither living nor dead?” He puzzled a moment and then shrugged. “It is matter,” he answered at last, “it takes up space and causes problems.”

“Rocks cause problems?” I then asked. “Rocks cause problems.” he agreed. “What kind of problems?”

“It hurts when you step on them,” he told me, “and they make bumps in the road.”
“But rocks are used in tools and things like that, too, right?”

He took another moment and then gave a reluctant nod. “I suppose,” he said. “So rocks cause problems, but they’re also needed—right?” He shrugged. “I wouldn’t
say they’re needed. We only use rocks until we can think of a better option.”

“So rocks cause problems, and they’re needed until you can figure out what is better than a rock?” He nodded. “So what do you think life is?”

The bard walked off, confused. I guess he doesn’t know how smart he really is. He figured out life and all he needed was a rock.

Three and a Half Weeks of Summer Left

(this was Master holding Trouble and me with Volume at the autism children's museum night)

And can you see I'm glad? The kids are so ready to go back to school and I am so ready for that to happen. It has been a long and trying summer and my shout out today goes to Mr. Pink.

"Mr. Pink?" You say....Yes...Mr. Pink. He is my 14 year old nephew who I hired as a nanny this summer 2 days a week. Without Mr. Pink, I'm not sure I could of made it through the Volume Tummy Trials or the Trouble Destructo Phase. This summer has been blessed by them adoring having Mr. Pink here every Tuesday and Friday. He is a Godsend and I am thankful for him.

I'm also thankful for old friends finding their way back home. Its good to hear (or see) a friendly person's words. Nice to know I'm loved and supported, even if from afar. So thanks.

Also thanks to DramaQueen who is taking my children again for a weekend the weekend after this one. A much needed break for the Master who has been working non-stop, which also means I need one for then I have been working non-stop. We both are in need of some down time. And we haven't made any plans and this, I am happy about. I want some serious chill time!

Ok, back to the grind. Heard a crash and must investigate before I shower. I'll update of boy progress later...but they are each saying about 4 words, total (no, not together). So we're holding onto the shred of hope that they will one day speak.

Parent's Speak

I just got through reading "Right from the start" which is a book on ABA stuff for Autistic kids. At the end of every chapter, there is a section entitled "Parent's Speak". Some of them were the typical "rah-rah" type things, but this one, the first one at the end of the second to last chapter REALLY spoke to me:

I, too, hope to some day dance with either or both of my son's at their weddings. I, too, have had a hole ripped into my heart from this, from watching them struggle everyday. I, too, love them just the way they are, but hurt for them in the trials they have ahead. I, too, hope to one day know what is going on in their smart little minds.

That's my excerpt for today. Be glad you got one at all, and be glad someone Else's words were my inspiration. I have not found many of my own of late.

It's a love/hate kinda job

Motherhood, that is. I've decided to list out something I hate and then something I love about it. Let's see if it balances out, shall we?

HATE 1 I hate it that if no one else can/will do it, it falls back to me. If everyones too beat, too tired or too sick, its left to mom to suck it up and deal with it.

LOVE 1 I love that I am the one raising my kids and that I feel like whatever turns out, at least I was here for them when they were small. I think its so important

HATE 2 I hate always being interrupted all day and hardly getting a moments peace.

LOVE 2 I love the fact that I get paid in hugs and kisses and love and cuddles. Its the best currency ever.

HATE 3 I hate dirty diapers. Changing diapers and wiping noses and all that bodily fluid stuff. Oh, don't forget the partly chewed food spat into your hand.

LOVE 3 I love that I'm the first person they turn too all the time. That i'm their "favorite" if you will.

HATE 4 Ok, sometimes I hate being the first person they turn too, especially when I'm just trying to relax.

LOVE 4 I love not missing a moment of all the milestones they hit and all the accomplishments they achieve. I'm there for almost every one.

HATE 5 I hate it that I never get a sick day. Yeah, I get time when they are in school...but when I'm sick, I can never BE sick.

LOVE 5 I love that I'm the first person they see in the morning and the last they see at night. I love that I get them on and off the bus (and relish the school time break) and they just grin when they see me.

Ok, so its tied, for now. I do love my kids, I just sometimes wish that Mommy's got vacations from their jobs like the rest of the world!

Suddenly

Its the best word I can come up with to describe my life currently. Suddenly things happen, never gradual (at least not that I notice) and usually good or bad, yet unexpected. Like last night. The Master is packing for yet another trip out of town for the week and I go into the computer room to check my email. I sit in my chair and turn on my computer, leaning a little to the right to grab my pen and SUDDENLY *crack* I'm on the floor. The chair, that was getting a bit sad, has finally given up the ghost. Hopefully grandma DramaQueen and Grandpa Chef are coming today so I can purchase a new one.

SUDDENLY , I'm alone for the week and the only help I have is DramaQueen. SUDDENLY , The boys have started flying on the PECS system (its a great way to get chocolate and Doritos. I have to call CITE ladies today and find out if removing cards from the binder is a bad thing). SUDDENLY we are the only ones in the Fun with Food class. SUDDENLY we have a possible Nanny who may start Friday (every Friday 8 hours and one week night every other week for the summer). She will yet be named for I am not calling her tinsel mouth, despite the braces. If you can't find babysitters, pay them I guess. SUDDENLY Chancy (who I need to rename as well) and I are playing an online game together, 2 in fact since she plays WoW! SUDDENLY Other people seem to be falling from my life without much word. I'm sad, but accepting that. SUDDENLY Other people are popping back up to say they, at least, are still there. SUDDENLY my children love the backyard.

Little happenings. Maybe its because I'm depressed so I don't notice the lead up, but SUDDENLY seems to have a permanent spot in my life at the moment.

Current Mood: Don't ask
Current Song: SUDDENLY I see by Kate Tunstel

Depression

I have come to the unhappy realization that I am...depressed. I can't deny it anymore. I can't say "this is just one day I'm down" because it's every day. As soon as our insurance is switched, I will go see a doctor, but until then, every day seems a struggle. Every day, just to get out of bed, is work. To shower, to move and help my children when they ask for it...an almost overwhelming task. A normally "glass is half full" girl, finds her glass empty and I am at a loss.

Putting on a "happy" face for friends takes more energy than I can seem to find...so I'm putting it out there. If I'm down, sad, seem "off"....no, its not you. No, nothing is wrong with our friendship, everything, instead, is "off" in my life. Don't take it personal and no, nothing you can say can "cheer me up" so don't bother. I'm sure some random doctor I eventually find can help me. Anyone know any good ones? *sad laugh*

Summer Summer Summer

Looks like E is for Energy (now known as Little Guy) will be arriving this weekend to the Piglet household. I'm very excited for them. I'm also very excited to have another 4 year old around. Maybe my boys will play with him...maybe. ;)

It is summer here. We have our End of school picnic today and I'm sure it will be very sad. Once they realize no more school (probably sometime next week) they shall be heart broken. Trouble loves school more than anything and even Volume has been adoring it this year. Mommy will miss the time to herself I'm sure.

I'll hopefully be hiring a few of my nephews to come and help me this summer. babysitting and getting them out of the house. It may help save my sanity if I can keep them from fighting. ;) it's no small task! at 14 and 12, its a chore. Should be more help than hindrance though. Or I'll take them separately if they are.

We're planning a vacation for October or September. We plan on meeting The Master's brother CellPhone and his partner, Espresso, in Gatlinburg. Spend a week hanging out with them and taking turns taking care of the munchkins. Should be a nice vacation. We miss them! I hope it works out.

Well, I'm going to go get ready for the picnic. Tomorrow we have errands, Registration for "Fun With Food" and OT (YES! Back to OT). Busy busy busy!

Oh happy summer!

Spring has Sprung

and life is hectic. It's almost summer and summer means therapy around here. My little computer time has been devoted to Mickey mouse playhouse and to WoW, depending on the kids state of awakeness. Swimming lessons, Camp, Food class, Speech and OT...as well as CITE. Were busy busy busy.

On mothers day we discovered a fantastic thing! The put in a Starbucks with a drive through up the street from me! Its like a 8 min drive! The Master made me promise not to break the bank. I told him he had to worry more in the winter. *grins* I'm happy.

Shout out to Piglet (yes, you still have your name) for blogging all about me ;) and also for the count down to D-Day of the arrival of E is for Energy! Should be a fantastic and changing summer for your family. Good luck!

I won't be blogging as much as I was or as I should. Volume and Trouble are starting PECS and Volume's favorite thing to do when seeing mom on the computer is to request to play Elmo. *sigh*

Current mood: eh, so so
Current Song: American Music by the Violent Femmes

After reading my friends blogs...

my life seems calm in comparison. Things have been hectic and stressful, alright. But I don't have the whirlwind of activity that Kraft Dinner (aka Maven) and Piglet (aka Chocolateer) have going on at the moment. Not to say my life isn't busy, that it is. Trouble, especially, earned his nickname this weekend. In hindsight, The Master and I realized that since HE wasn't sick this weekend, we should of taken him out somewhere. Hindsight is always 20/20.

Volume spent the weekend with tummy trouble and is home from school today with it still. Master and I spent most of the weekend chasing them and playing WoW. Yes, were losers and like it that way. We've come to terms with the fact and accept it. In fact, embrace it.... So NYAH!

Got the kids signed up for Camp sunshine in June. They have their Fun with Food class as well. Hopefully, they can get back into therapy next week or the week after.

School ends at the end of May and thats when the real chaos begins. Kind focusing on trying to prepare for that. Knowing that Elfikins is going to school and Piglet is getting energy and Plant-Man has 3 kids of his own... I'm left with the realization that I have to rely on DramaQueen and DramaPrincess. This realization isn't a good one. So what I really have to rely on is myself. I'm gonna have to learn to get them out of the house on my own more. Its hard when they walk at different paces and like to go in different directions and are getting too big for their stroller. I see lots of grocery trips in our future. How sad is that?

So thats my life at the moment. Not very uplifting, but its mine and I think I'll keep it. Though you can come by for a trade when Trouble is at his finest. Just beware, I may take you up on it!

Mood: Eh.
Current Song: C is for Cookie by Cookie monster