Dobby Land

Season's Change

2009-12-19T19:41:00.003-05:00

It has been 2 months since I last posted on here and there is a good reason for that. Once again in this very long and painful year, my world is turned upside down again. Will and I have separated. I am currently living in New York with the kids and trying to make a go of a life up here. So far so good in my opinion. I don't know what is going to happen next or where I go from here but I know that I have a lot of friends that are supporting me through this and I know that I made the best choice for me and the kids. I will be better at keeping up with this. The name may change at some point or i may start a whole new blog all together. Time will tell on that one. For now, here is hoping that 2009 will end on a high note and I pray that 2010 will be a hell of a lot less painful then this one has been. On a side note, I do want to thank the people who have given me nothing but their friendship and love on this adventure. You know who you are!

Remembered History

2009-10-12T20:45:00.002-05:00

Today was a day for reflection (lack of a better word). Today is my mom's birthday and Saturday will mark the 8th month of her passing. So I thought I would share some of the wonderful things I remember of my short time with my mommy. We had this inside joke that I miss terribly. Ever since I was a teenager I would tell her I was "tired, cranky, and didn't feel good" to get out of school. After I became an adult I would call her an announce myself that way so she would know I needed a bitch fest. It got to where she would answer the phone saying "let me guess, you are tired, cranky, and don't feel good" with a laugh in her voice.

I remember her helping me deliver my girls. My itty bitty mom trying like hell to hold one of my mammoth legs. I almost pushed her out of the window of the hospital with Lauren. And she was gracious enough not to bring up the fact that I covered her in after birth. With Aileen, she was there the whole time and didn't get to nap. I went into labor at 10pm and had Aileen at 6am and she was right there the whole time.

When we lived in Colorado we would take road trips in out little Suzuki and Stewart and I would make up lyrics to songs and it would crack her up. She would take us to all of these beautiful places especially in the fall (her favorite time of year) to see the leaves changing.

I miss my mom. I miss her everyday. Today she would have been 58. She was taken from us way to soon. So I am tired, cranky, and don't feel good Ma, can I take my toys and come home?

Is it against the law for a 12 year old to have a job?

2009-09-06T01:15:00.002-05:00

I hope not. LOL. She had her first shift as a Junior Volunteer at the SPCA today. On her first day she was the only one to asked to stay late and she loved it. She gave me a complete tour of the facility and was showing me her favorites. She also baby-sits once a week for a sweet wonderfully adorable autistic girl down the street. Toss in managing the football team this term, playing basketball next, the one act play, followed by forensics, I am wondering if we are going to see her at all this year! Now if I could just get her to do here chores done right, I would be content to deal with the occasional smart mouth.

Grrrrrr!

2009-09-03T07:16:00.003-05:00

OK I am so tired I can't even see straight and I won't be able to sleep until 8 tonight so the EEG and the MRI better find something because I don't want to do this again. Geek squad was supposed to come out this morning to fix the TV and they ordered the wrong part so now we won't have the TV until Saturday at the earliest. Never ask yourself "What else can go wrong?" Because something else will go wrong. LOL Will is taking the Petty Officer First Class exam this morning. We know that he won't advance of this first exam but please pray that he at least passes the test :0)

How much longer?

2009-09-02T20:27:00.002-05:00

Please read and understand that this is just part of what my family goes through everyday. Ask my how you can help by the 9-9-09 campaign to the president, CDC, and the media. Also while you are reading this, you will notice that it jumps all over the place. It is like a conversation with an autistic child. If that child is verbal.

HOW MUCH LONGER?

WE WOKE UP TODAY

unsure of which issue to tackle first.

SHOULD WE WORK TO PAY FOR OUR TEENAGERS’ DIAPERS TODAY?

SHOULD WE GO AFTER FEDERAL LAWS

OR SHOULD WE IGNORE THE HEALTH OFFICIALS WHO SAY

OR WORRY ABOUT WHERE MILLIONS OF DISABLED ADULTS WILL LIVE

SHOULD WE SHOUT AT THE TOP OF OUR LUNGS TODAY THAT

should we try to prevent the next seizure today?

or work to keep more children from wandering off

AND DROWNING IN A LAKE?

after their parents are dead & gone?

PUNCHED, SUFFOCATED, OR LOCKED IN ROOMS AT SCHOOL?

GOOD MORNING.

TO PROTECT OUR CHILDREN FROM BEING

IT’S ALL JUST A BIG

coincidence?

or should we allow the harmful restraint & seclusion to continue?

REGRESSION FOLLOWING VACCINATIONS?

should we ignore the thousands of stories of

about the next child who will regress from

AUTISM IS TREATABLE &

OR SIMPLY NOD ALONG WITH THE MAINSTREAM DOCTORS WHO SAY WE’RE WRONG?

an over-the-top vaccination schedule?

SHOULD WE RAISE HELL TODAY

THEN AGAIN, SKYROCKETING DIVORCE RATES IN THE AUTISM COMMUNITY REALLY NEED OUR ATTENTION

OR SHOULD WE JUST LET IT HAPPEN?

or the ones who can’t stop hitting themselves? or the ones who don’t ever sleep?

SCREAM

should we worry about the children who will have violent meltdowns today?

or should we help the mother who is threatening suicide on this day?

better yet, maybe we should help the families who are bankrupt because

ALONG WITH THE FACT THAT “AUTISM” IS JUST A WORD

OR FIGHT FOR OUR CHILDREN’S THERAPY?

OR FIGHT FOR OUR CHILDREN’S RIGHTS?

OR FIGHT TO GET THEM

should we show up in washington today to yell about theZEROanswers our children have received from the billions spent on genetic research?

OR SHOULD WE WORK TO STOP THE NUMBERS THAT ARE NOW AT

GOODNIGHT.

SHOULD WE FALSELY AGREE THAT THE RISE IN RATES IS ONLY DUE TO BETTER DIAGNOSIS,WHEN WE KNOW

our kids weren’t smearing poop

30 years ago & banging their heads 30 years ago & flapping

ONLY TO GO UNNOTICED?

OR SHOULD WE WORRY TODAY ABOUT HOW THE AUTISM COMMUNITY IS OVERWHELMED &

underresourced

SHOULD WE JUST THINK ABOUT GOING TO BED TONIGHT

WE’LL WAKE UP TOMORROW TO FIND THAT SOMEONE FINALLY

A NATIONAL HEALTH CRISIS

A NATIONAL EMERGENCY

& THAT FINALLY SOMEONE IS SAYING ENOUGH IS ENOUGH,

or pay for the funeral of the father who committed suicide yesterday?

SOME GUY CAME UP WITH 70 YEARS AGO

TO DESCRIBE A NEW, RARE MENTAL CONDITION THAT WE’RE FINDING IS ACTUALLY MORE

ENVIRONMENTAL. so, should we fight to reclassify this whole-body condition today?

OUT OF THIS HELL?

& unable to point to an object 30 years ago & unable

bathe & wipe & feed themselves & stay safe 30 years ago

AND HOW THE SWINE FLU’S NONEXISTENT PANDEMIC IS RECEIVING OVERREACTION & “FAST TRACKED” FOCUS

while autism’s already-existent epidemic gets slow-tracked solutions and profound underreaction?

OR PRESIDENT OBAMA

HOPING TO GOD

IS DECLARING AUTISM

let’s get some answers, let’s give some aid

or should we just let every American eventually find out for themselves how bad it really is?

OR FIGHT FOR OUR CHILDREN’S CURE?

or the ones who can’t point to what hurts, so all they can do is

OR FIGHT FOR OUR CHILDREN’S EDUCATION?

BEFORE IT’S 1 IN 20 CHILDREN?

HOW MUCH LONGER, PRESIDENT OBAMA, DO WE HAVE BEFORE THE HOPE FOR AMERICA’S CHILDREN FADES COMPLETELY?

LET’S FIGURE THIS OUT

their hands 30 years ago & unable to speak 30 years ago

A NATIONAL EPIDEMIC?

1 IN 100 CHILDREN?

AUTISM IS PREVENTABLE

HEALTH INSURANCE DOESN’T COVER AUTISM?

HOW MUCH LONGER, PRESIDENT OBAMA,WILL WE WAKE UP OVERWHELMED BY WHICH ISSUE TO TACKLE FIRST?

KEEP ASKING HOW MUCH LONGER. VISIT NATIONALAUTISM.ORG.

Silance

2009-09-01T00:22:00.002-05:00

It is almost 130 in the morning and this seems to be the only time for quite. The lamp in the projection TV went out today. This shall make life interesting since the boys will not get the TV back until Friday at the earliest. I have become the master of disaster. Maybe I should work for FEMA. I was the one who figured out the code of the blinking LED light that told us what was wrong with the TV, then I ran to Best Buy to see if they can fix it (it is still under warranty) and they referred me to Geek Squad who can't get here for 48 hours. Well no one is going to be here Thursday so we had to go with Friday. Today was a good, stressful, typical day for me. It took me 17 minutes to take my Algebra exam and I aced it, English class Ryleigh and I caused our usual havoc, and my French teacher was very complementary to my pronunciation. Then I picked up Aileen, Aiden, and Lauren to BJ's (Sam's club type place that takes coupon). The total was$650 before coupons. Final total $565! Then it was off for haircuts and getting that perfect first day outfit and shoes to match (I really need to get it through Aileen that at 5'8 she does not need stilettos or anything higher then a half inch. When we got home we grabbed Will, Ryleigh and Fletcher and went to Olive Garden for dinner. I can not tell you how well behaved my boys were. We do not go out often with all of them because Fletcher and Aiden have negative behaviors that disrupt other people and no matter how hard you try to explain, people still get mean and rude with us. Not tonight, they were perfect. Fletcher didn't throw a single thing or scream once. Aiden sat very patiently waiting on more bread sticks. The girls had awesome manners. I was dreading it and ended up so wonderfully pleasantly surprised.

Tomorrow is a short day for school but I still have a million of errands to run and housework and homework to do. Aiden starts back at River's Bend Academy tomorrow. He is excited and I am as well! I am getting incredibly tired so it is off to bed I go! Night all!

Tubes, Pot, and other weird going ons....

2009-08-30T08:35:00.002-05:00

My MRI and EEG are scheduled for Thursday afternoon. I am only allowed to sleep 4 hours Wednesday night and I am allowed no caffeine after 9pm on Wednesday night. Um that one is not going to be easy for me. Hi, my name is Morgan and I am a caffeine addict. Then I went to get my eyes checked because it has been 2 years and I was informed I have the early stages of glaucoma. That is where the pot comes in. After reviewing all of the treatments, I would rather smoke pot then have wires put thru my lids or holes drilled in my iris to relieve the pressure. I wonder if the navy will go for this,. I mean it is in the American Journal of Medicine as a legitimate and less likely risk of blindness then the other treatments. It is par for the course so I am taking things one disaster at a time so that I can manage without being on a 72 hour hold.

Aileen is now a junior volunteer at the SPCA. She starts next Saturday and is very disappointed that she won't be with the really cute guy she meet. Let the games begin.

Things have been rough for Will and I. For now I will leave it at that. It is not easy to do everything we do and it is taking its toll. I think that is all for now, I will try to get some new pics of the monsters to share! Have a great Sunday!

French class comes in handy!

2009-08-27T10:56:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I finally got to see the neurologist. He is from France and had such a thick accent! He spent over an hour talking to me and Will and running a basic Nero exam. Apparently my eyes are being weird and I have some weakness in my hands. Right now we are looking at three possible scenarios ranging from OK to oh shit. I should have an EEG and an MRI done next week and we will go from there. He has started me on a seizure medication for the time being because he believes I am also having mini seizures on top of the grand Mal ones. I see him again next month to get all the test results and we will go from there.
School is going great. I love all my classes, I am getting a little behind with all that is going on but once all the kids are in school that should not be a problem. I am writing my first English paper on the adventures of being a 31 year old college freshman. Most of my teachers pick on me as I am the oldest student in all of my classes but I don't mind.
12 days and counting until they start school. Yippee!

I love the smell of sharpened pencils!

2009-08-23T19:23:00.003-05:00

It means SCHOOL! I started back on Thursday and so far so good. I have only done 2 classes, the other three will start tomorrow. It should be fun. The kids don't start until the 8th but I can't wait for them to go back. Aileen will be in 7th, Lauren 4th, Fletcher will be in the Developmentally Delayed preschool and Aiden will be going to River's Bend Academy (autistic school) in Suffolk. Will has only 5 months and he will have his Bachelor's degree.
Things have been going well as of late. Ryleigh took Will to the Creed concert last night while the girls and I drooled over the "New Moon" trailers. There have been no major medical issues with anyone and no one has been to the ER in 2 weeks! Yeah! We are in the process of hiring 2 more people for the boys. Ummm oh and we are now addicted to Facebook. I think that is all for now.

Houston, we have lift off.....

2009-08-14T21:08:00.002-05:00

Ok, I am a horrible blogger. Things have been crazy here and the first thing I neglect is the computer. Short version of events.....

Will - January and he will have his Bachlor's in Information Technology and Network Security. He has tranfered to Norfolk and hates it. They sent him to Cherry Point for 2 weeks to learn how to work on helio computer systems..... So now he works on helios, F-18's, E-2's, and some gear. And you know the navy, the more you know, the more places they will send you!

Morgan - School starts Thursday. I am taking 5 classes for 16 credits. Wish me luck! I have been thinking about my mom a lot lately and miss her more every day. Aiden feel asleep on me tonight and I remembered the last time I feel asleep on my mom. It was when I was pregnant with lauren and I was having horrible false labor. So I laid in her lap and she rubbed my hair until I feel asleep. I was 21 and still in my mommies lap :0)

Aileen - Is Twilight OBSESSED. No it is bad. Really bad. To the point that she was crying because I woulddn't take her to Pembroke Mall last night to see the guy who plays Edward's dad. I finally got her to speak to me again when we were watching "17 Again" tonight. Her room is dark, her hair is dark, all her clothes are black......Emozilla is her nickname (tall and overly emotional) at school. 37 days and she will be a teenager........

Lauren - She is my "gifted" child. She is the one that knew I was pregnant with Aiden and Fletcher before I did. She has been talking to my mom and just seems to know when someone needs a hug. Even people she just met. I love that about her. It also scares me. She gets so emotionally attached to people that when they move or whatever, it effects her for awhile. I can't believe that she is going to be starting 4th grade this year!

Aiden - He is my attachment. Where ever I am Aiden is usually within a foot of me. He has been that way since my first seizure, it got worse ofter my second even though he didn't see that one. Even when the attendants are here, he wants me and no one else. He is finally learning manners and empathy and that is a huge step for him. He is going to an special school for Autistic children this year. He is still hard to understand with his speech and is under weight but is making progress slowly.

Fletcher - He has rocketed in the past few months. He is heavier then Aiden but only an inch shorter. His speech has EXPLODED! He has about a 500 word vocab now. He is showing empathy and is realizes when he does something that is unacceptable. All of this is so amazing because a year ago he was developmentally 6 months old. This year he is developmentally 18 to 24 months. He is still behind but he now talks instead of just screams. He is still agressive but not nearly as bad as it was before. He doesn't bang his head on the wall or the floor anymore. His seizures are under control. He gets everyone backwards (I am daddy, Will is mommy, ect) but he says I love you when you say it to him. This was something that we NEVER thought would happen.

I will try to get on here a little more but with school, posts may be few and far between.......

Anniversary Trip

2009-08-09T16:08:00.002-05:00

Will and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary last week. Just he and I escapes to the Shenandoah Mountains. I will post more of the story and pictures when I m not so tired!

You have got to be kidding me

2009-06-14T19:22:00.002-05:00

Shortly after I wrote the last post, Will ended up calling 911 because I decided to go stiff, fall straight back, and start convulsing. Come to find out I had my very first seizure. After a few hours in the ER, I was able to go home but I am not allowed to drive or basically be left alone until I see a neurologist. This is where it gets sticky. The navy won't let me see one! They keep telling me that one seizure is not enough to warrant seeing a neurologist. Are you friggin kidding me? I'm sorry, my entire family saw me laying on the floor convulsing for over 2 minutes and I still was barely conscious when the firemen and the EMT's showed up. What more do you want? Will is terrified to leave me alone, Aiden thought he killed me, and I worry every day that it is going to happen again. I broke 3 toes, busted my elbow, bit my tongue straight through, and gave myself a concision on top of it all. Dear lord help me, how much more can I take?

Homeschool or not?

2009-06-11T12:20:00.003-05:00

That is the question we have been debating all year. Our reasons are all good ones in my opinion (there are at least 4 pregnant girls at Aileen's school, Laurens was in lock down 3 times this year, and Fletcher's teacher didn't know until yesterday that he was autistic, not developmentally delayed) but there are also cons to this. The biggest being my sanity as I will take on the brunt of the work. With being in school myself will I have enough time to do it all? The boys' aids can help with homeschooling them but will I be able to challenge Aileen to the level that I know she is at. Then yesterday we get a letter stating that Lauren has another audition at ODC (artistically gifted academy) for dance. What to do if she gets accepted? I am not to worried about the socialization aspect of homeschooling. Anyone who has met my kids know that they are not in the least bit shy. I would love opinions and feedback from those who read us! And as an added bonus here are some pics of the boys with their "ladies"

I know, I know

2009-05-28T18:50:00.002-05:00

I am alive and well. I have just not wanted to touch my computer lately. There are so many more things that steal my time. The kids are doing well and Will graduates Navy school in 10 days. Then he will have his Bachelors degree in January. I am going back to school in September. I am really excited about that. Hopefully all schedules will allow me to take my classes and have time fore homework. I will get better at this and hopefully have some new pictures to share as well!

More to Share

2009-04-19T19:02:00.003-05:00

Stewart, Granma, Uncle Rich, me, and Will

Stewart, midgit Grandma, and me

The snow ladies

Me and my girls

Gin, Mogie, and Bex

Dreams

2009-04-17T08:46:00.002-05:00

As most everyone knows, I have been a wreck since my mom passed away 2 months ago today. I had to share this. On Tuesday I had a whole series of dreams most involving produce (don't ask I have no clue) but I did have one dream that my mom gave me. You may not believe in things like that but I do. In my dream I was standing at my bedroom window and my mom called me on the phone from my driveway. I could see her while she was talking to me, I don't know if she could see me. She told me that she missed me and loved me. I told her how all the kids were doing and she let me know that she was OK. I needed that. I needed to know that she was OK and at peace and she let me know that she was. Then yesterday, I got a wonderful card and letter from my mom's friend Janice. And that helped even more. I just wanted to let everyone know that I am still here, I am starting to heal, and I still miss my mommy everyday.

I think I can

2009-04-09T16:06:00.005-05:00

I finally got the courage to download my camera from my mom's memorial. The first picture is of mom's best friend Jan and Aileen making Jan's famous apple pie. My mom would have loved to see this!

The next few Aiden actually took. Maybe he will be a photographer when he grows up!

Me and Will sitting in the great room

Irv's daughter Georgeanne

And one of mom and Irv's best friends Bill. We could not have gotten thru all that we needed to do that week without the support of him and his wonderful wife. Thank you Bill and Renee!

I will share more tomorrow!

Day by Day and Step by Step

2009-04-07T18:51:00.002-05:00

I think I am finally getting functional again. It is still so hard and painful but I don't fly off the handle or grab an adult beverage. I take myself out of the situation. Just give me a little more time and hopefully I will get back to some form of normal. Thank you for all the thoughts, prayers, and well wishes. Keeping them coming because it helps so much!

I can not tell a lie

2009-03-31T19:56:00.005-05:00

I have to be honest, life freaking sucks right now. I repeatedly have to tell myself that I can not call or e mail my mom. I realize that we are approaching 2 months since her passing but to me it was days ago. Maybe because we still don't have any answers to why she passed away so young, maybe because I have yet to truly grieve. I am restarting therapy and I talk to a shrink every 2 to 3 months. I am letting school go for now and taking time to heal. I think that is best for all in my life. I miss my mom so much. I know that I told her that every time that I talked to her and that I loved her. God this hurts!

How do I live

2009-03-13T12:04:00.003-05:00

Today is a bad day for me. I miss my mother so much. We have learned this week that Aiden qualifies for and aid and disability benefits, both which will lift such burdens off of us. I tried to call my mom. I don't know that I can do this. i don't know if I can live my life where I can't call my mom in good times and in bad. I and Irv were the only ones who viewed her body and yet it still isn't real to me. I miss her so much that I feel hallow and empty., I am drinking alcohol more (which is not normal for me), I have a hard time forcing myself out of bed, and I have been debating dropping school for the rest of the term. I do see a shrink and a therapist both of who tell me that this will be a long painful process but I honestly don't think that I can get through this with my sanity intact. It is the straw that broke the camel's back so to speak.

I did want to share some pictures that my wonderful Gin took while at my mom's memorial. She would have loved these. Thank you Gin. I would not have made it with the sanity I do have without you and Bex. I love you both so much!

2009-03-09T19:32:00.002-05:00

I wrote this on the plane to Oregon and when I can think straight will share more but this is still too raw and painful

February 21, 2009

Since I cannot blog from an airplane, I will write this way and post it when I can get to an Internet connection. I am currently 10,000 feet in the air, waiting on the flight attendants to bring around our drinks. At this point I am thinking that liquor sounds good. I have been crying at random moments yet still can’t get my mind around mom’s death. Will and the kids are flying in tomorrow but are going to stay with his parents for the time being so that Irv and I may have some time to get everything in order. She wanted to be cremated and nothing more, no service, no wake, nothing. We will have something for her, even if it is a pot luck dinner with all of those of us who loved her.
On the way to the airport this morning all I could think about was how she was there for the birth of my beautiful daughters. She held my hand through the horrible and constant contractions and she held that screaming pink bundle that is Aileen today. Flash forward a few years and here we are again, mom helping me bring Lauren into the world. Poor woman didn’t expect me to explode after birth on her but thankfully Stewart had a change of clothes in the car.
Stewart, now there is a whole different subject to all of this. We have barely spoken in 6 years and now we have talked almost every day. Maybe that is the light that comes out of this, that Stewart and I will be able to heal our relationship.
All I can do right now is think of my pocket mommy, pray she is in a better place and pray for the strength to get through the next few days. I never thought that at 30 years old I would be taking care of my mother’s final wishes. What a surreal thing to feel.
I should be in Vegas in a few hours, then it is on to Sacramento then Portland. As soon as I get there, Becky will drive me to Glendale. Please lord give me strength.

Sleep, eternal sleep

2009-02-20T20:09:00.002-05:00

My mother passed away today. I am numb and hallow and have no idea what to do now when i need my mommy, as i so often do. My heart is shattered into a million tiny pieces. What do I do now, where do i go from here. I am leaving for Oregon in the morning and Will and the kids will follow shortly after.

RIP mommy. I love you.

A night with the Admirals

2009-02-17T16:21:00.003-05:00

Friday Will, Lauren, Aiden, and I went to a Norfolk Admirals (AHL Hockey tear, farm team for the Tampa Bay Lightening) game. It was a blast. We got to meet the mascots and one of the players (his jersey # 19, first name Justin). Aiden loved it. He was glued for the first 2 periods. Anyway, that is all I have time for. Here are some pictures from the game!

All about Lauren

2009-02-11T19:45:00.002-05:00

Today was Lauren's award ceremony for all her certificates. Her teacher took a deep breath before getting to Lauren as she had the most awards from his class. She received Perfect Attendance, Outstanding Citizenship, BUG (Bringing Up Grade) Roll, and Honor Roll. She went up and got her awards, I took the pictures, kissed her on the cheek, and got teary. I was and am so proud of my fairy girl!

Ta da

2009-02-10T20:07:00.005-05:00

See i do exist. I apologize for the major lapse in posting but life, as usual grabbed a hold and ran with us lately. I am going to post my schedule for tomorrow (which is an about average day) then share a little of how everyone is doing. So here we go.

6am, mommy gets up and showers

645 the kids wake up and mommy leaves for math

730 Lexi takes Fletcher to ABA therapy

755 Mommy gets home from Algebra and Lauren leaves for school

815 Aileen leaves for school

845 Lauren's award ceremony

930 Mommy and Aiden leave for ABA therapy where we will pick Fletcher up and drop Aiden off.

1000 Fletcher speech therapy

1100 take Fletcher to school

1130 get Aiden from ABA

1200 Miss Heather is going to come over until 4 to help us set up an at home ABA program for both boys

245 Fletcher gets home from school

315 Lauren gets home from school

400 Miss Heather and Lexi will leave and it is time to start every one's homework

530 Dinner

600 meet Aileen at her school for the One Act Play parent meeting

700 bath, showers, story

730 in bed but not asleep until at least 10. Ryleigh leaves for the night.

800 Lauren goes to bed and mommy gets her ear talked off by Aileen while trying to work on homework.

1000 Mommy tries to get to sleep so we can start all over again

Mommy - I am doing really well is school. After 4 weeks under my belt I am a straight A student. yippee! I am exhausted but doing everything I can to stay healthy. I see my therapist once a week to make sure i don't loose to much of my sanity.

Daddy - He is doing OK in school. He seems to have a harder time devoting the time he needs to get his work done but he is doing OK. Work is work and he can't wait to transfer to Norfolk next month.

Aileen has decided that Twilight shall rule her world. She has the second lead in One Act Play this term and once again has all A's on her report card (minus the b that she is fighting). We have allowed her to color her hair to express her inner drama queen and dark looks good on her.

Lauren made honor roll this term and got an A on her report card! She had all B's last term so she is also getting an award for bringing up her grade, a citizenship award, student of the month, and perfect attendance. Our little girl rocks.

Aiden is doing well with his speech and ABA therapies. He looks forward to going. He is regressing a little with destructive behavior but we will continue to work on that. He is also seeing a nutritionist to try to get his weight up.

Fletcher said his first sentence today. "I go her" he said while pointing at Aileen on the trampoline. He knew what he was saying and what he wanted and so did I. This is amazing. I wish i could describe how wonderful that was. We were communicating without sign, or screaming or confusion. It was wonderful.

Hopefully I will be able to budget in time so that I can blog and keep up with everyone!

Autism Files Part 2

2009-01-13T22:13:00.003-05:00

Today has been overly emotional and draining and hopeful all at the same time. Aiden is not ADHD, nor does he have Asperger's. Aiden is autistic. He is on the higher end of the spectrum then Fletcher but he is mildly to moderately autistic. After crying to the point where my parents could barely understand me, encouraging text messages and phone calls, a few hugs, I pulled myself together and got on the ball. I found out about his diagnosis at 11am. By 2pm, I had a speech therapist lined up, have him on the waiting list for ABA therapy, let ECHO know to look for his packet so they can start his services, and have a preschool assessment set up for Thursday.
Today was also the first GATES (Gaining Autism Training Education and Support) meeting . The ladies were wonderful to Will and I as we struggle with this new twist to our life. We also get to have one of the top behaviorist in the nation work with the boys tomorrow and if all goes well, monthly. She is generously waiving her fee for us this month and going to help us get started on an at home ABA program and behavior modification. We learned a lot of new things that we will begin to incorporate into our vocabulary and adventures.
So if you have lost count that is 1 gifted child, 1 ADD child, and 2 with Autism. Hang on to your hats folks, it is going to be a bumpy ride!

Math is well, fun

2009-01-12T19:12:00.003-05:00

Today started my adventure as a college freshman. Today I had Algebra 1 (which is high school math). I got up at 6, took my shower, got ready, and headed off to class. I had so much fun. About 1/4 (or 25%, gotta use what I learned today) are around my age so I didn't feel too old. I was home before the girls even left for school. Needless to say they were a little jealous. I worked on my college comp class which I am doing on line and looked through the syllabus for the History of Western Civ class I am taking. And I think I can safely say that Algebra will be my easiest class. That is a scary thought. So after all that, we went to the post office, made a huge donation to the Salvation Army, got a coffee and went to pick up Fletcher. All before 10am. I am more optimistic about being able to juggle everything. But I can tell you right now, I could not do it without Will's support, our aids that help with Fletcher, and our families.

On another note entirely, please keep us in your thoughts and prayers tomorrow as we start the process of seeing if Aiden has Asperger's Syndrome (high functioning autism). We have a good idea of which way this is going to go so it won't be all that surprising to us but it will make it real. And too make a joke so I don't end all doom and gloom. If Aiden does have Asperger's, I am blaming it all on Will's DNA, my girls are perfect. LOL

What the Navy giveth, it take away

2009-01-07T22:56:00.003-05:00

For 3 years and 9 months Will has been on either mid shift or night shift. We have managed and requested every couple of months that he go to days so that we can have something that resembles a normal life. But nope, instead they offer him supervisor for the shift, then production supervisor, and on and on it goes. So when I signed on for my classes I took only the ones available in the wee morning hours (my math class starts at 7am) and made sure that none of them conflicted with his schedule. Guess what they told him today.....

asshats.......

A New Year, a New us!

2009-01-02T19:49:00.002-05:00

So Will and I decided we wanted to start the year off in a different way. We decided to quit smoking before the first. Tomorrow will be a week and everyone is alive. Some feeling have been hurt and some mean things said, but what do you expect from a 2 and 3 year old. Aileen's resolution is to try to be nicer to people (so far, not so good). She is rude intentionally, she just says what she thinks when she thinks it so it causes some issues! Lauren's is to eat healthier. Mine is to stay smoke free and maintain a B average in school and Will's goals are to be smoke free and to be less of an A$$ hole. His words, not mine. So wish us well on our endeavours!

PS Mom and Gram, you thought I forgot didn't you!

Merry Christmas

2008-12-28T19:25:00.004-05:00

I hope everyone had a good Christmas. Ours could have been better as Will had watch all freaking day. So we got up at 4am so the kids could open their presents while daddy was home and all of us could have breakfast together. The kids had a great time playing with all there new toys and I got some peace and quite. After Will got off of work, we had dinner with Deanna and Nate and their 3 kids and Mike, Carmen and their 2 kids (one of which is a 4 month old baby boy whom I held for hours). Here are some pictures for Christmas eve and Christmas day!

Aillen was very excited with all her "Twlight" stuff and Lauren loved the jewlery and clothes that she got. Fletcher got a personalized workstation with chalk and crayons. He is loving it and Aiden got a lego set that can transform from helicopter to airplane.

Take it back Mommy, I scared

2008-12-20T21:55:00.002-05:00

Oh dear lord. I got 2 of my college text books. Can we say sticker shock? Financial Aid only covered 2 of the 3 books I needed because the damn French text book is $240.00 No I am not kidding. My Algebra book is thick and heavy and has all these scary numbers and stuff in it and I don't want to do it mommy, just 5 more years please?

Mortal Peril

2008-12-18T14:10:00.000-05:00

This was too damn funny not to share!

more animals

All in a days work

2008-12-16T19:34:00.002-05:00

I got my student id today. I am so excited and the picture came out decent. Yippee!

Aileen has a nifty hole in on the side of her nose as they removed the mole there. It is at pathology now being checked for cancerous cells.

Fletcher's MRI results showed temporal lobe damage but supposedly it happened while I was pregnant with him. Still waiting on the definitive answer on the Rhett's syndrome testing. Should be 3 to 4 weeks.

I have had 5 great days, feeling fine and now I am starting to feel like crap again so we will see! Hope everyone is doing well!

More pics so enjoy. I love the one of the girls. That was taken today.

New Family Member

2008-12-15T21:00:00.004-05:00

This is Ally, the newest member of our family.

Ooops, I did it again

2008-12-15T19:55:00.002-05:00

I have done worn my butt out again. I took advantage of the past few days of feeling good and over did it. Hopefully this doesn't end me up back in bed!

Life in LaLa Land

2008-12-14T19:34:00.003-05:00

Today is my beautiful Lauren's 9th birthday. It seems so long ago that my mom and my brother were listening to the evil doctor yell at me and tell me that you can't push and scream at the same time (wanna bet). And yet it seems five minutes ago that I brought this pink pissy ass little baby home with me. I have watched her grow into this wonderfully flaky imaginative girl. She is friends with everyone and everything. She is talkative and smart and pretty and hilarious.

We had a small party for her today. She was disappointed that only 4 of her friends were able to attend. It is like this every year, people have parties, functions, and shopping to do so we do our best to make a huge deal out of her day. Here are some pictures from her today. I anxiously await the next 9 years!

Money Money Money

2008-12-10T15:19:00.002-05:00

Whoohoo! Finacial aid will cover all of this term. Including books. Doing my best Erkel dance from a prone position. I am so excited I can't wait until January!!!!!!!

Will is fully covered as well! Yippee!

So the drama

2008-12-08T20:30:00.004-05:00

OK this is a vent post. I graduated high school 12 freaking years ago and it seems that I have stepped right back into it. My little neighborhood that I loved so much has changed so much in the past year. I am so sick of people talking behind peoples back, making comments about my kids (particularly Aileen) and not talking to me about it. I get shit for being a strict parent and don't let my kid run all over gods green earth. I am termed a bitch because I don't want to listen to everyone elses drama 24/7. I love trying to help and lend an ear but come on. Enough is enough all ready. You don't trust your husband, fine go to marriage counseling. You don't like the fact that your children are a**es, discipline them. You are worried that your kid might be a danger to herself, TAKE HER TO THE FRIGGIN SHRINK! But don't sit there and bad mouth me because my daughter doesn't want to hang out with your kids. If she feels they are a bad influence on her, I support her in that choice. That does not make me a spiteful bitch who thinks Aileen can do no wrong, it makes me her parent and a damn good one. When your child is encouraging mine to not listen to her parents, to do whatever the hell she wants to do, I am damn proud of her for sending a respectful not asking to not be your friend anymore. Most of all, don't kiss my ass while you are trashing me the minute I turn my back. I have bent over to help you for years. I missed my daughters birthday to help take one of you to the ER. I took another ones kids in when you od'd. And to the last one, I have been a door mat long enough.

I am a damn good parent and a fantastic friend to have. I guess you all will notice when I am not here to help you all out anymore. PS My husband is not a tool you can borrow for hours on end when we have enough things to do. Once in awhile, ok. Every friggin day, NOT ok.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T19:02:00.002-05:00

Our Thanksgiving was good and fairly quite. Since I am a modern version of the walking plague, the 2 other families we were having dinner with opted to avoid us. Can't say that I blame them, I wouldn't want to expose myself to me. So we cooked a 26 pound turkey for the 6 of us and a friend of Will's from work who is family-less (he and his wife are finalizing the adoption of their son so she and their daughter are in Tennessee). The turkey came out perfect and the gravy sublime. I out did myself! And no burnt water :0)

Will's assessments for school are going really really well. Hopefully he will get everything complete so that he can start the Jan term. I have Freshman orientation on Thursday and am very very excited!

The kids got their Christmas present from Dad and Denise on Tuesday and since then we have not been able to keep the kangaroo's inside. They got a trampoline and they LOVE it! I will hopefully be ab;e to post some pictures tomorrow. We are avoiding the black Friday rush and just hitting to commissary and the post office so I can start mailing Christmas cards, tis the season!

Mono?

2008-11-24T11:21:00.002-05:00

I have been nasty sick for a week now. Finally got into the doctor on Sunday and I have dual ear infections, one in my mouth, and freakin MONO! Seriously, this crap could only happen to me. So i am under quarantine from the kids so Kate and Laura will be getting more hours this week. Laura and Kate are Fletcher's aids and they are awesome! Laura is a college student and a semester away from graduation as an occupational therapy assistant. She is very mellow and works wonderful with our little man. She is great at engaging the other kidlets as well. Kate is 19 and has Aiden's energy. So she works very well with the crazy hours in our house.

So I get to wear a mask to Thanksgiving dinner and while I am cooking it. Anyone wanna kiss? LOL

Overachievers Anonymous

2008-11-20T13:22:00.003-05:00

Yeah because everyone who knows us, knows that we don't do things the easy way around here. The road less traveled and all that. I take my assessment test tomorrow to see where on the "how many brain cells have you fried since high school" scale. Writing, reading, and math. Starting to get that "what the hell was I thinking" feeling in my chest. Wish me luck, say a prayer, something so that I don't end up in middle school algebra with my 12 whipping the pants off me.

Will has decided to go higher with his education as well. He only has so much time before his GI benefits run out so he will be starting school again in January as well. Toss in the rest of our lives and you have the makings of "Is it happy hour yet?"

We have 2 aids to help with Fletcher and Aiden is content to nip at our heels with puzzles and play dough while we fill out the endless amounts of paperwork.

Why do I hear the theme to Jaws..........

SLOW DOWN

2008-11-13T15:00:00.003-05:00

OK seriously, I need to pause the kids life for a few and hit play on mine again :0) And that is sort of what I am doing. Starting in January, I will be a college student. I know that it is alot to handle with the way our lives are but at the same time, if I don't have or do something for me I am going to start to get angry and bitter instead of rolling with the punches and doing what has to be done. So I am hitting play on my life again and the kids will keep right on with there high power social active lives! Here are some new pictures and hopefully later tonight I can give you a sample schedule!

Pretty......

2008-09-08T20:24:00.002-05:00

Pics is all I have time for at the moment. Maybe boys will allow me time on Thursday.....

Time management

2008-08-25T09:21:00.003-05:00

The title is a huge issue for us. Take today (or so far of it) for example. Up with the boys at 630. Get breakfast for boys, coffee for mommy and daddy. Wake girls. Hand boy duty over to them so we can get dressed. Boys decide they want to get dressed at the same time we do so as we are putting on our clothes we are also aiding them (you try dressing an autistic 2 year old that HATES shirts while only one arm and your neck is in yours). OK boys and parents are dressed. Now the girls, and if you thought the first set was insane we then have the showering, blow drying, lip gloss applying Malay of the girls getting ready.

Once we are all prepared to leave our comfort zone, Will loads Fletcher and his Mickey Mouse back pack into the Neon and I load Lauren, Aileen, and Aiden into the truck. Off to CHKD for Fletcher and the clinic on Oceana for us. Aileen's doctor filled out the wrong physical form and try outs for football start today so we have to get this done now. Quickly learn that the doctor that originally signed off on her physical is no longer there so we scramble to find someone to sign this new form. 45 minutes later we are told the doc will get to it in an hour or so. Nice. We leave to come back home where I write the budget for next month (OUCH) and get all the checks ready to mail. At 1030 Will and Fletcher still aren't out of CHKD yet and we are supposed to be in Chesapeake at 11. Will pulls up at 1040, we transfer Fletcher, leave Aileen with Aiden and off we go to Carolina mobility to get Fletcher his custom stroller. After insisting the nice man give Fletcher a ride in his wheel chair (no I am not kidding) and a screaming, head banging fit later, Fletcher is measured and ready to order his new stroller/wheel chair thingy.
Home we go and it is naps for boys and Will to work and me back to Oceana to pick up the physical. Get that, run to the NEX and the commissary, and back home I go. Will calls to let me know he is now production supervisor (Yippee). Boys wake up and I take my itty bitty 9 pound baby girl to football tryouts for middle school. Welcome to my life. Let's see what tomorrow brings.

Looky what I found

2008-08-23T10:44:00.002-05:00

Time to get on here and blog for a few minutes. The short and sweet version before the boys realize where I am. LOL

Aileen. Starts football tryouts on Monday and starts 6th grade on the 2nd taking all advance placement classes and 2 foreign languages (and she went for Japanese and German). We have a date on Friday with Deanna and Yvette to get pedicures and go get that perfect first day of school outfit. Jonas brothers has invaded her heart and I worry we may never find the walls in her room again.

Lauren. Has mastered the scooter and can ride for minutes now without jumping or falling off. We are very proud of her. She is also our exterminator. If there is a bug she will remove it no matter what. Did I mention how much I love this child?

Aiden. He is reverting and picking up some of Fletcher's behaviors which we really need to squash and quickly. He also has mastered the scooter and is attempting a skateboard now. ER here we come.

Fletcher. Has now been diagnosed with epilepsy on top of everything else. He will do ABA therapy 4 days a week, 3 hours a day starting the 2nd. And he will have speech and occupational therapy once a week. He finally said his first word and it was "Bubbles" That is the prettiest word I have ever heard!

Will. 1st round of orders was denied, we should find out about this cycle the first week of September. He is starting his business up so now that very pretty bachelor's degree is not just for show anymore :0)

Morgan. What to say about me? I am having an invasive procedure done on my neck next month which is completely unrelated to the Parkinson's but the procedure should help with the pain and muscle issues form that as well.

Oops I have been spotted! Here are some pics / I will try to squeeze more time on here later.

Project Lifesaver

2008-08-01T17:00:00.003-05:00

This is a program that puts tracking devices onto autistic children, alzhiemers patients, or people with down's Syndrom. Will and I have been looking into for a few weeks because we realize that fletcher has a tendancy to wander and can open all the doors even when locked (Aiden trained him well). After last night it is no longer a discussion but a must.

Will left for the airport to pick up the girls and 10 minutes later there is a knock on my bedroom door. It is Deanna and Nate, HOLDING FLETCHER. He apparently left his room, went downstairs, undid the dead bolt (the top lock wasn't engaged so Will and the girls could get in), and walked his chubby butt out of the front door. by the grace of God, they were outside smoking and brought him in. He was standing right outside the front door, apparently looking for me as he kept signing "Mommy".

We called today and will hopefully have him enrolled in the program by the end of next week. If you know of anyone willing to sponsor an autistic child for this program, please let me know. there are plenty of families out there that need this and can't afford it. And it is tax deductable. We are working on getting sponsors now so we don't ever have to worry about these kids wandering off and ending in serious danger.

http://www.projectlifesaver.org/site/

Battle of the bulge

2008-07-29T14:18:00.002-05:00

The bulge meaning the disk in my neck that has decided to cause me to wait to find the nearest guillotine just for some relief. I go to see the pain management specialist soon so hopefully relief with come in the form of injections to my neck. Just what I always wanted.

The girls have been in Vegas for the past week with my Dad and Denise and they are having a blast. Lauren finally got to ride the roller coaster at New York New York so that made her whole trip right there. I did get a call from my dad saying that "you told me she got moody around this time of the month, not f**king bi-polar". Sorry dad, I tried to warn you. Here are some older pics of the kids. Will is working on our post for all of our summer activities.

As the World Continues....

2008-07-26T16:45:00.004-05:00

As the world continues to turn, we have found ourselves traveling down a tunnel that never seems to open back up. Sure we get the occasional window for fresh air; however every time we look through it, we find another hurricane coming right for us. It is true that we continue to travel through each day with only enough supplies to last tomorrow, however we as a whole have found a drive that seems to not fail. There is the temporary speed bump that sends us for a ride, but the strength this family finds while standing together continue to get stronger.
We have found that there is hope for our dear Fletcher, as he prepares to begin the long journey through ABA therapy; we find that he begins to grow in his thought process and verbal language. Although he is growing, the growth is very slow and very difficult. On the plus side, he does understand the phrase; “You want a piece of me?” which he learned from his brother and has pieced it together to mean: “Beat Daddy until he cries like a girl!” The other day during speech therapy, it took a lot of time and repeating, however we finally got him to say “ball.”
Aiden has been getting a little more understanding that his brother is not what would normally be called normal. The other day Fletcher was in his room crying by himself. Aiden went and stood outside the door to there room and would not leave until Mommy came up to help Fletcher. Aiden just stood there and called and called for mommy saying that something is wrong with Fletcher. I thought that was the best thing I had heard about the two of them together in a while. Aiden has been showing an enormous amount of love for Fletcher, even when Fletcher only wants to hit and beat on him. Aiden has also been showing signs of a hyper active personality that would give the energizer bunny a run for his copper-tops. I have never seen a three-year-old with so much energy that just never seems to slow. Granted he is the cutest thing that most people would clam to have seen, but WOW. It does not matter if there is something for him to climb or not, he has become out little spider man and has the wall climbing thing down to prove it. He even tells us that his name is not Aiden, but that he is spider man. GO WEB GO!!!!
Lauren Lauren Lauren. What can we say about that child that has not already been said? She still has this look of complete loss in her eyes, and the concentration level runs about the same at this point. I have to say that she is still the little sweetheart that makes everyone fall in love with her. She still is the innocent one in that family, and right now that is something we really need. Her singing though, WOW. She is not like her sister yet, but the passion she shows is remarkable. She has recently found her mp3 player again, and can be found all around the house dancing around in circles with her eyes closed and her trying to sing. It really is quit funny from time to time. She still manages to find every little crack to fall over too. I think in the last month or so she has tripped going up and down the stairs, fallen at the park, and needed about a pack and a half of band aids. I find my self wondering how a child so innocent can find the power to remain as happy as one can possibly be even in a time of so much hard ship.
Aileen is the attitude we all have inside; however she has not quite learned how to control it just yet. Her mouth can go a mile a minute, and can somehow come up with the intelligence to defend it. I think she gets that part from her mother. Aileen has recently hit the level of maturity that no father wants to see in his daughter, and yet as I sit here thinking about it, it really is not as bad as I thought it would have been. She is getting ready for the sixth grade now, talking about boys, wanting to know how to sew, and growing in her tastes from the little girl she once was to a full blown 18 year-old. Don’t even get me stated on her clothes selection either. There is only so much change that I can handle at one time and I think she passed the point a long time ago. Even with all these changes and her parting from us more and more, I have to say that I am proud of the woman she is becoming. With out her, I would have to say that the tunnel would never end simply because Morgan and I would never be able to get anything done at all. She is the chain that allows this roller coaster to get up those really steep and tall hills. I can not begin to thank her enough for all the wonderful help she offers and gives us on a daily basis. I hope you (Aileen) enjoy your little vacation away from home when you go to Las Vegas.
As for Morgan, I am going to have to save her for another post. There is a lot to cover there and I am not sure I will be able to find all the right things here to say. So this is the story for now. The following addition will include all the fun things we have done in the last week or so. This will include a trip to the Children’s Museum, the Aquarium, and the Monitor/Merrimac Museum.

From the Lighterside,

Will

As the autistic puzzle piece turns

2008-06-26T14:01:00.003-05:00

The past month has been really rough on our family. Not just us but our extended family as well. Jerry and Brandy lost there house to a tornado, Irvin lost his warehouse to a fire, and we learned that our baby boy is autistic. We knew something wasn't right but never in our wildest nightmares did we envision that he would rank 4.5 out of 5 on the Navy's scale. He is severely autistic. We have been told that he may never be able to communicate or be "socially acceptable". Trying to get all the benefits and therapies together that he needs is just a horrendous battle that Will and I wage on a daily basis. I don't know where to start with all of this and I don't know how much time I will get to be on here so I will start from the beginning and go from there and add more as I get the time. I am going to start with the older bunch since so much of our lives are consumed by Fletcher right now that I need to acknowledge there amazing ability to adapt.

Aileen scored a 600 out of 600 on her SOL's this year. She graduated the fifth grade and is going to middle school and taking all advance placement classes. She was on honor roll all year and wrote the funniest yet most disturbing story I have ever read. Kind of reminded me of the "Walrus and the Carpenter". This summer she wants to get as involved with Fletcher and his therapy as we will let her. I don't know how we will tell her that he will never be "normal", then again, she isn't either :0) She has also decided after a lot of consideration that she wants to be a vegetarian. this should get interesting.

Lauren was our little star. She was the star in a school play and of an Egyptian themed musical this year. She has dramatic flare. She passed 2nd grade with flying colors and is very social. At least 4 times a day there is some kid at our door wanting to know if Lauren can come out and play. She loves making Fletcher laugh and reading to Aiden. She is still the sweetest girl I know and will do anything to help anyone. I hope she never loses that. She wants to get back into horse back riding and if we can qualify Fletcher for Equine therapy I will do my all to get her to be a part of that.

Aiden, my dear, loud, overly hyper Aiden. What can I say? The energizer bunny has nothing on him and I mean nothing. Eventually batteries die, this kids energy and personality do not. His imagination has kicked in full force and it is hilarious. Yesterday he and I had some mommy/buggy time in the pool and he kept telling me there was something on his foot. I looked and nothing was there. He told me that there was a shark on his big toe. LOL We went to Ocean Breeze water park a few days ago and the boy had no fear of any of the water slides. The wave pool would knock him down and he would get up laughing hysterically.

Will has been on leave for the past three weeks (thank the lord for that). He went back to work yesterday to find that he has been personally offered an instructor billet. There is no way we can take it but he if flattered none the less. He is doing the best he can with all that is going on. I had to permanently let go of my job as Fletcher has therapy 5 times a week and all the other appointments we have to attend to for him and the other kids. So he is stressed over the face that we are financially sinking but who isn't right now? I think that is all for the moment. Fletcher is up and getting antsy. I will try to share more about this all in the next few days. Just bear with us as we adjust to a radically new life.

I'm Old Enough to Drive...... At 1

2008-05-28T21:58:00.000-05:00

So today was a very busy day! We knew that the truck was having issues with the battery, however never knew how bad it was till today. I decided to take the battery to be charged and find out how well it would hold a charge. Boy was that a mistake!!! While I was going to pick up the battery, my son (Fletcher) decided to play in the truck. From what I gathered, this is what went through is mind:Cool, I get to play in mommy's truck again. La De Da, Voom Voom, OH LOOK, KEYS!!! Cool. Lets see, 7-11 is that way. Humm, yup, I think this is the key mommy and daddy use. Lets try... Cool, it fit. Now what is next?? Oh, turn the key!!!! Nope no power. That's ok! 7-11 is only right there....... Ok, pull this stick and move down. That looks right..... YES!!! I did it. Here we go moving back down the drive way. Wonder how far mommy will let me get!!! Ooops! Not far enough, mommy caught me. Quick sis, where is the gas??? Stop screaming for mommy, we'll be right back. Never mind, we are already on the street. Hi mommy, sis said she wanted a slurpee. Well be right back! What do mean move. Oh, you want to go too. Come on! Wait.. (bump) Speed bump. Wonder when they put that in. Well, its about time. MOMMY, why did you stop us? We were making great time!!!! What do you mean I am too young to drive, I am a whole 1 Years Old. No, no inside, 7-11. Fine you win. Oh no, better run, she has the phone and I bet she is calling daddy.Yes, Fletcher did get the truck out of the drive way and on the street without a battery. Go figure. Well, I got the new battery after taking Morgan to work, and now the truck starts good. In the words of my text to Morgan; The Truck Lives!!!! Well, stay tuned for more to follow. Luv LotsFrom The Lighter Side Of Dobby Land,Will

Succulant and mule?

2008-04-28T19:52:00.000-05:00

Thanks Gin, this is so what i wanted to be notorious for!

www.dobbyland.blogspot.com

WANTED FOR THE SUCCULENT TOUCHING of an AWESOME MULE

$2600

What's Your Blog Wanted For?

Instant Circus...Add kids

2008-04-23T19:38:00.002-05:00

I could never begin to claim boredom with this life, I really couldn't. Since Friday Aiden has Sharpied my house, gotten out on to the roof, thrown all his pillows and books out of the window in the pouring rain, and aided in the shattering of most of Aileen's pirate collection. Do not ask what has gotten into him, we have no clue. A priest, a bible, and holy water may be needed.

I started back to work today. Mine is the only job where you can be out for 5 weeks and get promoted the day you return. LOL I am now the assistant front end manager or AFEM for short. I am really excited about this and I can't wait to get on to a regular schedule. That may be a little more difficult as appointments seem to be 2 or so a week.

Lauren has a performance in May where she is a mummy and has a solo, Aileen will be Indiana Jones in the same play. I am sure there is more to share but I am whipped. Enjoy some pics from our outside time today!

Morgan, You want to see my duck?

2008-04-21T18:02:00.002-05:00

I promise by the end of this post, the title will make sense.

Friday was spent as usual hanging out with Ry and G ( I am shortening them to save time. LOL). Ended up playing poker with Nate and Deanna as well and Ry got bit by the poker bug. She kicked our butts that night.

Saturday G's fam had us over for their family night and Ry the poker bug asked to play again. Between G's parents and brother, we were out of chips in less then an hour but it was so much fun. Until the text messages started coming in. First it was Aiden colored his self with a sharpie, then the walls were colored. Next message was that Aiden had spilled soda all over our bed. So we raced home (not a quick trip). Garrett being the sweet guy that he is offered to come home with us and help with the clean up from Typhoon Aiden. Came home and not only is Sharpie on the wall but also the floor, the counters in the bathroom, the doors and on the floors. Soda was not cleaned up off the bed so I ended up not going to bed until 2am.

Sunday G, Will, and I tackled the house and got it all clean by noon. Will went to work and Ry came over. Chilled until bowling where I am so proud to say that I bowled my third 400 series and also bowled a 164!!!!!!! Yippee. It was just easier for G to stay her last night again so we did that.

Today I was up with the kids while the guys slept (G on the couch) where I learned that my adopted brother talks very clearly in his sleep. After scaring the crap out of me and the boys by yelling, he proceeded to, in a dead sleep, ask "Morgan, do you want to see my duck"? Ummm, ok I didn't know you had one....

I went back to the doc again today and he didn't up my meds, he added some (Yeah cause 18 a day weren't enough). He also sort of cleared me to go back to work on a very limited basis. I will share more of that drama tomorrow as I am not allowed to share that just yet. And I had to promise not to drive after my second dose of the nasty med. So that is all from me for now. I will share more tomorrow after my meeting. Night!

Tea anyone?

2008-04-17T16:43:00.002-05:00

I can not begin to tell you how excited I am! Deanna and I have been bull shitting around the idea of the 2 fams taking a trip up to Salem Mass together. For the past 2 years it has been back and forth on when we would like to go, where we would stay (as there are 11 of us total), what we would like to see, how long we should stay, ect. So today we were talking about it again and I remembered that my dad is supposed to be up there in early June, so I call him, get the dates, check everyone calenders and YIPPEE! We are heading North for 5 days baby! I can not begin to tell you how much fun this is going to be. I booked the hotel just minutes ago. We have adjoining rooms with 4 beds, 2 couches, and a kitchenette. We are going to spend a day with my dad and Denise, and the rest of the time checking out the history of this great nation! I need to get film, lots and lots of film......

Ever the Same

2008-04-15T19:43:00.002-05:00

The first time I heard this song I thought of Will. Now I hear it and it is more appropriate then ever.
Ever The Same
"We were drawn from the weeds
We were brave like soldiers
Falling down under the pale moonlight
You were holding to me
Like a someone broken
And I couldn't tell you but I'm telling you now
Just let me hold you while you're falling apart
Just let me hold you and we'll both fall down
Fall on me
Tell me everything you want me to be
Forever with you forever in me
Ever the same
We would stand in the wind
We were free like water
Flowing downUnder the warmth of the sun
Now it's cold and we're scared
And we've both been shaken
Hey, look at us Man, this doesn't need to be the end
Just let me hold you while you're falling apart
Just let me hold you and we'll both fall down
Fall on me tell me everything you want me to be
Forever with you
Forever in me
Ever the same
Call on me I'll be there for you and you'll be there for me
Forever it's you
Forever in me
Ever the same
You may need me there
To carry all your weight
But you're no burden I assure
You tide me over
With a warmth I'll not forget
But I can only give you love
Fall on me tell me everything you want me to be
Forever with you
Forever in me
Ever the same
Call on me
I'll be there for you and you'll be there for me
Forever it's you
Forever in me
Ever the same
Forever with you
Forever in me
Ever the same(Ever the same)

Different Day, Different Reaction

2008-04-15T17:44:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was a great day for me. today started out similar. Deanna and I went to get our toes done (this used to be a twice a month think for us, our version of coffee house chat). I adore the place that we go. The people there know D and I, know what we like, what we don't and are just generally fantastic. If you are ever here, the place is called Nails Only. Anyway, we did that and my toes look fantastic! Went to dunkin Doughnuts and then to the store that Deanna is the front end manager of (same company I was/am book keeper for). Got some ribs that they had on sale, had a lewd conversation via text message with Will (something about a toe fetish). Came home, took my pills and that was it. I have been having muscle pain and weakness. Dizzy spells and really irritable. How can I feel almost normal one day and like absolute ass the next. I don't understand it and I hate it as now my life and that of my family is starting to revolve on how mommy is feeling and it shouldn't be that way. I am a prisoner in my home. I called in a favor to my dad to see if he can't help me out with a new stroller so that I can at least walk if I need to go somewhere. Hopefully that will be an option. Alright enough bitching. Rumor has it I might have new foot wear here soon :0) And that is always good for a smile!

I am a phonebooth away....

2008-04-14T19:59:00.004-05:00

This weekend was great. Sort of. Friday Will knew I was getting down with all that has been going on so he and 3 friends dragged my ass out to bowl. I had a blast. After that um insanity we all came back here and watched "I am Legend". Freaky movie. I think I flew out of Will's lap a few times.

Saturday was house cleaning day and I really think it is a moot point with tornado Aiden and Hurricane Fletcher. Blink an eye and they will have cereal all over the floor, Tupperware scattered from the upstairs down and toilet paper artistry to rival any Halloween prank. Today it was to turn the kitchen into a gold fish tank. I am talking about the cracker, not actual fish. I had those gold suckers all over the place. Oh well, they are fairly cheap entertainment.

Sunday the pills kicked my butt (I am posting a picture of what I take so you all will have an idea) but was able to recover enough to bowl while extremely high. Did pretty damn good in that condition. Maybe because I was focusing on making sure I didn't fall flat on my face and didn't really care where the ball went.

Today was payday so Will and I went and bought our groceries. It takes 2 carts and an average of $300 to feed us for 2 weeks. This does not include the every couple of day side trip for milk, bread, liquor, you know, essentials. Fletcher decided the didn't want to sit in the cart, he wanted to fly it (he held onto the handle while Will held him around the midsection, thus becoming Super Widget). Aiden helped shop. He bought vacuum bags (we don't own a vacuum since we have all hard wood floors) and soy beans. What the hell am I going to do with those?

I have had a very good day. Not too high and minimal pain. I have been able to clean, cook, and play with the kids. Hopefully this means I am adjusting to the meds and can get back to the life I miss so very much. Here are some pics of our crazy weekend!

Tiny Tank by the Sea

2008-04-10T19:14:00.004-05:00

Fletcher had a one piece romper last summer that had that sentiment on it. And today he proved it. He had his 18 month well baby check today and our pocket tank weighed in just shy of 39 pounds. He has officially passed Aiden in the weight department. There are some other not so good things that happened with him today, like he is now being evaluated for Autism. Nope, our plate wasn't full enough with all that we have going on, we are going to add that little nugget on in there. Tomorrow the referral should be in the system so that we can schedule him with the pediatric behavioral specialist. I'll keep you all updated as we fight this battle.

My war has been extended. After another visit with yet another specialist, my medicine has been quadrupled and DMV called to put a hold on my licence for the next 8 weeks. I get to do 2 sleep studies, more blood draws and probably more MRI, CAT, PET, whatever scans. If I happen to smile a coy smile at you, I have developed the ability to see thru your clothes and I know you have care bear undies on......

Alice thru the Looking Glass

2008-04-06T14:37:00.002-05:00

Friday was an interesting day in Dobby Land. First there was Lauren's student of the month breakfast (she was awarded it for cooperation, oh the irony). We were giving the boys jelly beans and doughnuts to keep them calm during the proceedings. From there we headed to one of my 2 doctors appointments. Will got called into work so he dropped me off and took the boys in with him. No US Navy equipment was destroyed during this visit. Senior Chief took a liking to Aiden and was giving him a tour followed by cake and was kind enough to bring Fletcher back a piece as well. Doc F decided that I am not improving enough on the current dosage of meds that make my head spin like I spent a weekend at a Frat Party (also makes me weave and tilt like a ride in an amusement park, both of which make me want to blow chunks) so he doubled it. No that is not a typo, he DOUBLED my meds. It gets better. I am doubling them again next week. So still can't go back to work, still can't drive, and now can't stand without feeling like a disco ball.

Appointment number 2 was the annual torture of blood work, pap, breast exam, and the lectures of drinking more water, exercise (apparently he doesn't read the chart before the exam) and all that fun.

Came home and played outside with the kids and some how a water fight ensued. Then it became a neighborhood water fight. After we were all dried we went bowling with our adopted siblings and had a blast. Apparently playing I-Spy in VB, you can only spy trees (this according to Will and Garrett).

Saturday was spent cleaning and running errands (I found a pasta press for $30, yeah home made ravioli, yummy) and Will and I challenging Aileen to High School Musical Karaoke. She kicked our butts.

Today was spent in rest for me as the meds are not making life off the couch or out of bed easy. The tremors are still here but the locking up has decreased. Today it is just my hip.

This week brings more appointments and we start to find out if Fletcher has behavioral issues. Wish us luck, say a prayer, what ever you do. But we should could use it now.

The power of positive thinking

2008-04-01T21:17:00.003-05:00

I have wanted to keep this positive and fluffy but if I am going to actually share the real things that go on with the 6 of us I need to start sharing more about my "illness". I know that I told you all that I am on a medical leave of absence. I am going stir crazy with that, toss in the loss of my driving privileges and I am going stark raving mad.

Today has been a bad day. I woke up to the world spinning and then I tried to move. That was my first mistake. Have you ever had those dreams where you were paralyzed and couldn't move for a few seconds or so after waking up? That was me for a good 5 minutes this morning. When I was able to convince my body that I was not ready for the lack of use of my limbs, my back locked up. OMG, that is not a warm fuzzy feeling. No, it was like 30 samurai swords were slammed into my back. Then my hip locked up so I was walking like I had a peg leg. Call the doc cause this is scaring the shit out of me and I am told that since I have an appointment on Friday I am unable to be seen but I am welcome to go to the ER. YEAH RIGHT! So I doubled my dose of pills and that cut my pain and allowed me more mobility. Then I fell UP the stairs. yup, these meds are so FUN!

Aileen came in with an issue with her home work and my hand locked up while holding a piece of paper. She freaked. tears, sobbing wrenching crying. I tried to calm her down and my beautiful 5 foot 4 11 year old crawled on my lap like her baby brother. It broke my heart. I don't think she believed me when I told her that I will be fine as soon as the doctors figure out just what is wrong with me. I only have days like this once a week or so but the pain is always there, the muscles locking happen every day. It scares my kids, terrifies Will, and mortifies me that they have to go thru this. I am doing my best to stay positive but it is getting harder and harder. The loss of my income, the fear that is palpable in this house, the pain, the fact that I am a prisoner in my house and can't go any where with out a chauffeur and adult supervision is just tearing me down. I pray for guidance and I know that God won't give me more then I can handle but I think he is giving my girls and Will more then they can.......

Fair Winds...

2008-03-27T18:47:00.004-05:00

Today was my first time attending a retirement ceremony. I know, shocking. You would think that growing up a military brat then marrying it twice I would have attended one before now. So my expectations were that it would be sterile and some pomp and circumstance. Boy was I wrong. It was funny and light. Serious and proud. Twice the entire chapel was in tears as Pat presented a flag to his father and read "The Navy Wife" to his wife. There wasn't a dry eye before the lord at that moment. Will and Nate included. After all the sniffles faded and Pat and his family were brought "ashore" we all ran home, changed, and headed over to Pat and Arlene's for great food, funny stories, and everyone's favorite past time, teasing Will. It was a great afternoon and we lost a great sailor to the civilian world today. Fair Winds and Following Seas Rowland Family!

Happy Retirement?

2008-03-26T21:28:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow we are attending a friend of ours retirement ceremony. Lt. Cmdr. Pat. We bowl with him on Sunday nights are wallops are ass on every occasion that we play his team. So this impending celebration has me contemplating the rest of our military career. Do we do the 20? Do we let my recent medical drama effect where we go from here? Can the Navy please give us food rations for our large brood that can eat a paycheck in a matter of days? All important questions. Now we need some answers. Will post some pictures tomorrow as we are dressing formal for this as a sign of respect and honor for Pat. Fair winds and following seas friend.

American Idol

2008-03-24T20:24:00.003-05:00

Aileen was selected to be a part of Virginia Beach All City Chorus this year. Now mind you this is a child I have heard sing since she could speak and well, I encouraged singing in the shower and out of ear shot for a few years. After talking to her choir teacher Aileen is a rarity in the aspect that she can hear a note, read a note and sing it PERFECTLY. This is coming from her teacher not me mind you. Anyway, I know this isn't the best picture but it is the only decent one off the digital. My baby looks so grown up!

Did one better

2008-03-24T20:12:00.002-05:00

I thought I should share some video of the younger monkeys in our zoo. The temps have been really off around here. One day it is in the mid 70's the next we can't get out of the 40's. Friday was nice so we took the boys behind the house to practice there golfing technique. They really do golf like there daddy! LOL

I told you so

2008-03-23T21:49:00.003-05:00

See, I am trying to improve on my blogging. I have free time now that I am on a medical leave from work. Doctor is tinkering with my medication and this new stuff has some whoppers when it comes to side effects. I have started having tremors so he decided to up the dosage of one and add another. This one causes narcolepsy, fainting, dizziness, vomiting, and zombie like behavior. FUN! I have been on it since Thursday and have experienced all the above mentioned symptoms. Will was a little upset that I feel asleep mid conversation with him this afternoon and then again in the shower this evening but hey, the tremors have lessened and the locking hasn't gotten to the point where I wish I was an amputee rather then suffer through an attack.

OK I am going to stop bitching now, a good friend of mine just called to let me know that her grandmother has passed. Thanks Lord, message received loud and clear.

So much for improving postings.

2008-03-17T22:25:00.002-05:00

I know I say I am going to get better at this and I never do so I am not going to say that I will. Things have been well here. I am burnt out on work, Will can't wait until we transfer, Aileen was PHENOMENAL in the all city chorus, Lauren is doing great, Aiden has decided to be a ham, and Fletcher's temper increases every day.

I am still working but am in desperate need of a break. Full time for both me and Will, 4 kids, and all the things that go with them (doctors, dentists, extra-curricular activities) doesn't leave much time for Will and I as a couple much less down time alone. As I type I have a cat in my lap. See, no time alone. LOL

Rumor is Will is going to a more human shift of nights but that is a rumor. He has been told this before and the date keeps getting pushed back so we shall see. He is up for orders in May and reenlistment in June.

Aileen was a leading Alto in Virginia Beach All City Chorus. 6 students are selected from each elementary school and she was one of them. The concert was amazing and the kids sounded, WOW. Really, I was impressed. We are waiting to see what school she is accepted to for middle school. She is hormonal and moody, getting more and more like a teenager.

Lauren is growing up a little more which is GREAT! She is acting more and more like an 8 year old so we are thrilled. He has mastered her scooter and loves to play outside with the boys. She is doing really well in school and excels in reading and writing.

Aiden is so damn funny and so damn cute to boot. His latest thing is to show off his under wear to any and every one. He got himself Transformers and Spiderman underwear that he loves.

Fletcher has the temper of his daddy but is adorable so we forgive him. He has finally decided that mommy is OK to love on so I am taking full advantage of all the hugs and kisses. He has mastered the stairs and sleeping in a toddler bed. Hard to believe he is going to be 2 in a few months!

That is all for now from my neck of the woods. Hopefully will find time to take some new pix of the kidlets so I can share. Talk to you soon.
Love,
Us

Insanity, party of 6....

2008-01-27T21:02:00.000-05:00

I really don't know how we go from day to day with our insanity intact. A lot has changed over the past few months so I will give the Cliff Notes Version and you can decide for yourself. Around Thanksgiving I was given the opportunity to become a full time book keeper at another Bloom store. I took it, knowing full well that I was walking into a mess and expected to clean it up. So after 7 weeks of working 50 or so hours a week, I finally had my first day off since Thanksgiving on Friday. It has been a lot of hard work and a ton of patience but I have managed to get things where they needed to start to get all the issues corrected. Around the same time Will was given the opportunity to become supervisor at work as well. The only glitch was that is was for mid shift (10pm to 6am). After a lot of conversations and a WHOLE lot of bitching from me, he took it. So know both of us work 40 hours plus a week on completely opposite schedules. We see each other in passing as he is getting home when I leave for work and goes to bed when I get home. It sucks but we are doing our best to make it work. Will also had to opportunity to go to Wisconsin for the NFC Championship game. He went with my dad (as he is a Giant fan and apparently it is appropriate to take a member of the opposing team with you). They both had a blast and of course Will is still getting crap for that pretty interception Brett Farve threw. In happy news for me. I bowled my first 400 series tonight!!!! I am so proud of me!

The kids are all well. Aileen has applied to most of the gifted middle schools in the area (most students are only allowed to apply to one) and has been selected for all city chorus. She demands that we get her physical done for sports so she can try out for the football team. And she has written her own version of high school musical. There is no slowing that child down.

Lauren is still doing well in school. I just wish we knew how to correct her behavior at home. We will get thru it though! She has dance auditions later in the year of the gifted "art" students. I guess she shows coordination at school rather then home :0)

Aiden is going to be 3 in a few weeks. I can't believe how time has just flown by. He is completely potty trained all on his own. His favorite thing right now is to be naked at all times. Does not matter where when or temp, he wants to be naked. I am going to be arrested for allowing my son to strip in public. He likes to challenge Will by saying "you want a piece of me"? It is adorable and Lord help anyone who gets in the way of his mommy. He is very protective of me to the point where if Will kisses me in front of him, he will push Will away yelling "GET OFF MY MOMMY".

Fletcher is well odd. He loves to hit, pinch, and bite....EVERYTHING. We are not sure if this is a phase or something that we will have to have him "researched" for. But it is getting to be my bed time. I will get better at writing and posting pictures as this maybe the only way to communicate with the outside world for the moment! For now, here are some pictures from Will in Green Bay!

As the family turns, rotates, spins out of control

2007-11-04T14:48:00.000-05:00

Alright my turn to update you all. It has been a long week. Last weekend was the MRI from hell for me. Monday had to be better right? Whatever. The school calls and tells me that Lauren is bleeding from her ears. I have never moved so fast in my life. Take her to the clinic and they can't seem to find her ear drum and she has no hearing in that ear. So we go and see the ENT on Friday (the ninth). Tuesday I work, Wednesday take a field trip to Norfolk with myself, Terri, and 5 kids. We think it will be a good idea to go to NOB's commissary. We were wrong. Get home, make dinner, fix the Halloween decorations and pull of Will's surprise party, get the kids costumed and out the door and park myself in our graveyard to hand out candy. Thursday Will pulls a double at work, Friday I pull a double at work, Saturday work was long and disaster filled. I get off at 330, come home, start dinner and Lauren comes home crying because she hit her head on the pole at the park. I think nothing of this until she can't tell me her name, is slurring her words, and vomiting. Yup, she had a concussion so we spent a few hours and a cat scan at the ER. Oh yeah, this has been a fun week that I wish not to repeat.

Next week is more work and parent teacher conferences and all the doctors appointments. I really wish we could stop with all the torture of me. I will try to squeeze a few minutes out during the week to let you all know how things are going but I think Will and I are going to alternate this weekly update. Love to all and enjoy the pics!

Long Over Due Update

2007-10-26T21:25:00.000-05:00

Aiden has started using the potty all by himself. We are so proud of him. One day he decided he wanted to use it, without us asking. He is also being really helpful with the house chours. He will help pickup the trash all by himself, and will help get diapers for his little brother.
Fletcher is cute, however so much worse then his brother. He will look us straight in the eye and laugh while climbing onto the table. He has also developed this temper that included hitting himself or banging his head on the floor. It is so funny yet so wrong. Today he attempted to bang his head on the floor, however he was on a blanket that was making it difficult. As he attempted to scoot forward, the blanket followed which just make his temper worse. The poor boy.
Lauren is having some issues with her ear, however none of the doctors seem to think there are any issues. I will have to include more as it comes up. She is doing great in school though, and loving ever moment of it.
Aileen is growing up too fast, and that is becoming an issue for me, as with all dads. She is still working really hard to improve her science grade, however because of the silly grading scale in the state of Virginia, I think that is going to be a little impossible. Boys are becoming more and more of an issue for me. She is such a great help though, and we would not be able to get through the day with out her help.
As for Morgan, we are still unsure of the issue with the legs locking up, and work is crazier then Grand Central Station. As the completion of transfering from Food Lion to Bloom, the computers and new systems are nothing but issues. But we are making due with the information that we do have, and she is going in for some more tests tomorrow. As information comes up, we will let everyone know. But it is a little late, so I will attempt to update this within a few days.

Zoo Keeper de jour

2007-07-13T08:08:00.000-05:00

I love my job. No really, I do. I have so much fun working and the people I work with are great, funny people. Last night was defiantly a night that I felt like the zoo keeper, of the monkey house in particular. There was jumping of doors, plastic bag doo rags and plastic bag made bras (this on someone who says he wants to get into politics and I have the one picture that can ruin his campaign). Now at night I work with mainly teenagers who have adopted me as mom or girlfriend of lesbian side fling (there are questions there I know you are dying to ask but we will leave it as a running joke that started due to the fact Deanna and I refer to each other as our wife). But if I come home with poo flung on me, you all know where it came from!

The "Lighter Side" of Dobby Land (Jul 10)

2007-07-10T20:37:00.000-05:00

As you have all read by now, things here in Dobby Land continue to rise and fall on the roller coaster of life. Seeing how the days change at the came rate as Virginian weather, we never know how the day will end.

Our youngest son, Fletcher, has learned that screaming like his brother when he doesn't get his way will get someone to jump through hoops like the puppies in the Circus. Lets take his brothers juice cup for example. Today, Aiden was sitting on the couch watching his favorite movie; (will explain soon) when Fletcher finds that he can't find his juice cup. Low and behold he crawls to his brother like the wonderful Flash Lightning and grabs for his brother's cup. Then the thunder of Aiden's scream rattles through our ears like a pack of nails on a chalk board. Next you can hear mommy yell over the storm for Aileen to get Fletcher a juice cup quick. Next things we know, all is quite as both boys are happy again, for the second.

When Morgan says Aiden is learning how to be a mechanic, she does not mean that daddy and Aiden get out the tools, lift the truck onto jacks, and the lay under the truck talking about all the nuts and bolts. What she fails to mention is that Aiden is sitting under the truck with Daddy demanding he stop pulling on the break lines or the light wires. Then, before Daddy can even get under the truck, we hear from the lovely two-yers-old; "Shot! Shot! Shot! Shot!" For those of you who work on cars, you know that "Shot!" equals $$$$$; and lots of it. Daddy, trying to explain that nothing is shot, the truck works fine, then has to pull the little one from the truck before something really becomes; "SHOT!"

"We love Lauren! We LOVE Lauren! WE LOVE LAUREN!" Yes, I must continue to say this through out the day to keep from tying here up by her toes and feeding her to her brothers. I never thought I would have to repeat the same instructions over and over and over ten times, and the task still not get done. I know that with kids you have to expect some delay, however sounding like a broken record that you can't shut off or throw out the window gets a little old fast. Especially when playing the record backwards comes out to "Can I play on the PlayStation now?" I love the fact that children can remember when the want to play games all day long, however can't remember to clean their room for five minutes. Need I say it again? "WE LOVE LAUREN!!!! REALLLLLYYYYYY!"

I am starting to fear for my own life here. As the days go on and on, Aileen has become more talkative about the boys around the neighborhood. Apparently Daddy saying that Home School is just around the corner is not getting thru her head. She does not seem to understand that all this "boy" talk is making her daddy want to by a shotgun that much sooner. On top of all that, my little girl is not being cooperative. Her body is developing at an insane rate, and her daddy does not know how to handle that just yet. Someone tell him it will all be ok. On second thought, save yourself and buy some body armor. I hear the local police will be willing to donate to the needy, and the world will be in need here soon.

Morgan has always been her little own puzzle, however when the experts (doctors) can't seem to find the edge pieces, you start to wounder if they will ever figure out that the picture they are putting together is supposed to be an angel, not the fourth circle of hell. On the plus side, we will always know that the messed up picture will land her with friends. Her loving husband (according to him) tells that he will be there for her no matter what. But sources (Morgan's head) suggests that he will always be there as long as a beer and a game controller is involved. BTW, Morgan, The Game will be available only on the LIFE CONSOLE in late 2009 and will be rated NC-25 but the Federal Gaming Commission. Reserve your copy today by calling 1-888-462-4355. Check your local phone for spelling. Also, Morgan will be starting her book soon. It will be titled "Things You Never Thought You Would Say To Your Kids!"

Will, a.k.a. Little Princess, has received the newest addition to his electronic family. The newest member arrived in the mail the other day, and he has not put it down just yet. Someone remind him to call the shipping company (his parents) and thank them for not leaving breathing holes in the box for the 36 hour trip across country. Work for him has been a lot of laughs here and there. He finally found the light at the end of the table which holds with it an inspector's stamp where he will be responsible for the overall integrity of the equipment leaving the shop. God help the pilots who dare fly in that plane. He is getting ready to meet the USS Lincoln, however is still looking for a way to get someone to take his place. At this moment, it looks like everyone is watching their own back. It is just a matter of time before they look to moving to the West Coast again, where the people are normal, (well, somewhat) and the cities aren't so A$% backwards. Wish them luck.

Well, that concludes this issue. Look next month (or so) for the next issue. Direct all questions to Morgan. Thanks

Bloodsuckers

2007-07-10T20:25:00.000-05:00

One of the other things that have come out of all my blood work is the possibility that I have diabetes (among other things but we will tackle them one at a time). So this morning was my fasting 2 hour glucose test. Castro (no joke, that was his name) knows me well by now so he does my initial base line draw and tells me to have a seat. 45 minutes later, I get to down this most awful tasting anti freeze. An hour after that another blood draw and then I sit again. After many conversations, ADD from conflicting radio stations, and being vomited on by a pregnant woman I had one more blood draw. I now look like the poster child for a crack addict with all the needle track marks on my arms. I go back on Monday to find out those results. Oh happy happy joy joy!

Paging doctor who am I seeing today?

2007-07-09T17:12:00.000-05:00

Today was another visit to Dr. Farland. He apparently has given me a nickname, his "puzzle girl". He told me today I am out of his league with this and will be handing off my "P" care to the head docs but wanted to work on some of the other issues that showed up in the myriad of tests he and Dr. Barnette ran. Apparently, I have or have had mono. Don't remember that but OK. My cholesterol is thru the friggin roof as was my blood sugar so I get to go in for a 3 hour long diabetes test tomorrow. Joy, just what I wanted, more needles. So for now, we are managing my symptoms with 4 different meds which make me sleepy and the side effects can be hostility and loss of coordination (isn't that what I am taking them for, hmmmm). So as I am falling down and cussing, don't mind me. Or I could fall down swinging and swearing. LOL

Needles and doctors and pain oh my

2007-07-08T17:29:00.000-05:00

I know that I have not been well at posting. For awhile (since Will's graduation) I have been swamped with work, the kids, and life in general. Then 6 weeks ago I went to the doctor to finally figure out what the hell has been going on with my legs. They have been cramping since my pregnancy with Fletcher. And it started to spread up my legs to my back, feet, hands, and neck. It is painful and interferes with day to day life. So after 10 vials of blood drawn and a misdiagnoses of restless leg syndrome, I know have a preliminary diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. Now I still have an appointment tomorrow and I have 10 visits to a civilian neurologist (starting on July 30th) but my regular doctor is fairly confident as to that is the issue. So now we get to add that in the mayhem of our daily existence. I will try to get better at posting as to all that is going on. Tomorrow I go again to get the latest round of test results.

Will got the wonderful news of going to the USS Lincoln for a month. He leaves in 2 weeks. On the plus side he will get to see Washington and see if it is some place that he would like to move in 18 months or so.

The kids are all great. Fletcher is trying to walk, Aiden is learning to be a mechanic, Aileen and Lauren are the social butterflies of the neighborhood. I will try to get better at this I swear!

Insanity at its best

2007-05-29T12:59:00.000-05:00

The past few weeks have been crazy around here. I only have a few minutes as I took on a second job as babysitter for Jorja during the day (I know, I know, I am insane), so here are the highlights.

Aileen had her appliance removed because it was too small for her mouth and it kept popping off. She gets the new one in on Thursday.

Lauren needs to have her hearing tested again as she seems to not hear anything again.

Aiden is still my terror. He climbed his bog yard toy the other day and jumped the fence. The toy was relocated.

Fletcher is trying so hard to walk. He has the cruising stuff down but he is still like Bambi on ice when it comes to free standing!

Will's graduation was fantastic. Remind me to limit alcohol consumption for all when family is all together.

Me, well showing that you are more then capable to do a job and do it well will get you called in on your days off. I worked 53 hours in 6 days and this is supposed to be a part time gig. My feet, legs, and back are killing me but I love the job :0) Here are some pics and I will try to make time for this a little more often :0)

Houston we have lift off

2007-05-03T08:05:00.000-05:00

Since Saturday my wonderfully stationary child has decided he has had enough of this baby nonsense. He is now crawling, pulling himself up on things, holding his own bottle, and drinking from a cup. It is official folks, I will be committed in the next few weeks.

On a better note, I am back to contributing to the nations work force. That is right peoples, I have a job. I will be office personnel and lead cashier at food lion part time. I may go full time depending on how well the rest of the family handles the change. Let me rephrase that, it will depend on how Will handles it. The girls are excited for more daddy time. I know the boys will be confused as to why mommy isn't helping to put them to bed but I think they will get used to it rather quickly. Will is terrified as this is the first time since we have had the boys that I have been working so he has never not had me there to help him out. On the positive side, his husband (Nate) will be right next door to help him out. Nate is in the same situation as Deanna works nights as well. I start on Sunday. Yippee!

Patience

2007-05-02T10:05:00.000-05:00

is one of my virtues when it comes to the kids. When it comes to everything else, I am the most impatient person you will meet. Well Will and I applied for a consolidation loan yesterday and the computer says it is still in review (I am hoping and praying that "in review" is a good sign). I have a job interview today. I need the time away from the house and well to be frank, we need the money. Aileen's braces have pushed us to where we have no extra funds and with Will's student loans coming due in a few months, well I'd rather work opposite of Will then eat ramen or tell the kids "we don't have the money for that". Wish us luck on both endeavors. If I get this job, Will's life is going to get a lot more interesting!

Attack of the 6 foot lobster

2007-04-30T09:12:00.000-05:00

So Will and his husband (Nate) decided to take advantage of the weather and mine and Deanna's patience and go golfing on Friday and Sunday. Sunday Will came back a little burnt on the neck. A few hours later his arm, back of his legs and the front of his arms were toast. That'll teach em!

Before.

2007-04-26T11:37:00.000-05:00

Here is a profile before of Aileen. Can you see the difference?

And the insanity continues.

2007-04-25T18:43:00.000-05:00

This morning started out with the usual morning mayhem of Aiden screaming the house awake at 6am. He is better then any alarm clock and unfortunately doesn't stop when you hit him like you would the snooze button. After breakfast, showers, and shuttling Lauren off to school, I tasked Aileen with watching the boys so I could get the mountain of laundry we have folded and put away. After Mt. Dobson was folded and Will came home, Aileen and I headed to the ortho for her install. And WOW! What a difference that appliance makes. The concept is to force her bones to regrow where they put the appliance so we avoiding having to break her jaw. This sucker moved her bottom jaw forward at least 2 inches, possibly more. She is a little uncomfortable and it is hard for her to talk and chew as her mouth has to relearn all of this with her new jaw placement. She has pistons to help her move her mouth like she used to. So far, I am impressed. Here is today's profile.

After we got home from that Deanna spoiled me by taking me to have my toes done. Little did I know that is was prepayment for the torture she was about to put me thru. Our toes all sandal ready, we headed to Target to find a gazebo and things to redecorate her back yard. Now either she trusts me and loves me to death or she is as crazy as I am but she let me well basically shop for her. After a lot of money, a long wait, and a slow ass stock boy we got the goodies in the car and headed home put all this together. Now remember Nate and Will took 2 hours to put together the grill. Deanna and I built a 10 by 10 gazebo, put together a fire pit, and arranged all the pretty furniture in 2 hours and we didn't have to redo anything! Of course she tried to gouge out my eyes with a support beam but I digress. We rocked.

So dinner was sandwiches as now I am exhausted then I put thing one and thing 2 in the bath and got soaked. 3 kids are down, one to go. Then we are roasting marshmallows in the fire pit! Yippee!

More phrases to add

2007-04-23T09:34:00.000-05:00

to the "I thought I would never use in a sentence" category.
"Aiden, get out of Daddy's gas tank"

Boy meets Grill

2007-04-22T14:13:00.000-05:00

It is a beautiful sunny day here so Will and Nate decided to take advantage of the weather and go golfing taking Aileen and Shyanne (one of there twins). Well 2 courses later, it wasn't happening as everyone wanted to golf today. So instead they went grill shopping (2 men unsupervised in Home Depot is NEVER a good thing). Came home with a whopper of a grill for Nate and Deanna. And the may lay ensued as it was unassembled. I took my perch as direction reader and supervisor and of to work they went. the directed stated estimated assembly time was 50 minutes. It took us just under 2 hours. Sad. So after much cussing, throwing temper tantrums and wondering why they didn't just pay the extra $10 to have it assembled, this is the end result.

And of course the adorable picture of Daddy giving Aiden a ride on the scooter!

Interview me - Ginny

2007-04-22T10:54:00.000-05:00

I found this interesting thing on Ginny's blog (and as soon as I get her to teach me how to link in blogs you can get to her through me). So here are her interview questions and my responses.

1. If you could swap places with anyone in the world for one day who would it be and why?
I would trade places with a career woman with no children. Just to see if I was missing anything!

2. What might be the zaniest thing you have ever done as a mom?
Had more then one. No, just kidding. I think the zaniest thing I have done is when an old friend of mine and I packed up her van and our 4 kids and drove from Washington to Vegas spur of the moment. The kids had a blast!

3. What is your hardest challenge in being a military wife versus being a civilian wife?
I could write a novel on this one. A civilian wife has a general idea of what the next few months holds, a military wife has no clue. And that could be anything from moving to another country to a uniform change and the next 3 months of income is spent on that. A civilian wife can ask her husband to take the car for a tune up, a military wife HAS to know how to get all things done in all aspects of life. You are mom and dad, husband and wife, mechanic, secretary, book keeper, the list goes on.

4. What do you think is often some one's biggest misconception about you. (Like they think you're a snob but you are a nice Mr. Rogers serial killer. Joking!)
That I am a bitch. I come across that way not because I am trying to hurt some one's feelings or that I don't like someone. I just say what I mean and mean what I say. It is easier to ask forgiveness then permission. Deanna says it is that I look intimidating but I am the biggest pushover. Thanks Deanna!

5. If someone handed you a million dollars tomorrow what all would you spend it on and why?
I would take a Mediterranean cruise with my husband for 2 weeks. Take my kids on a cross country trip to visit friends, family, interesting places. I would buy a van due to the fact my truck is no longer practical. I would pay for the kids and myself to go to college. Finally I would buy a house close to our families. And I would do it all in that order!

Don't forget to add the rules at the bottom:If you want to continue, here are the rules:
1. Leave me a comment saying, "Interview me."
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

And last place goes too....

2007-04-21T20:24:00.000-05:00

The Sandbaggers. That is our bowling team name. A little history. Last year we bowled with Kathryn and Rob and had a blast. It involved a lot of humor, the name "spare change", and an easy button from staples. Rob went out to sea this year so we bowled this season with our neighbors Deanna and Nate. And while the 7 of us are basically attached at the hip, as a bowling team, we suck. We are in week 30 of a 34 week season and we are (and have been all 30 weeks) in last place. Now we have so much fun with this. We hold last place with a sense of pride because we know that no one could do it better. Week after week we have out butts handed to us and the next week, we are back smiling, joking, cheering the other team on to victory. I am the well, I am the handicap player. They keep me around because I add 103 pins to our score no matter what I actually bowl. Anyway, here is a pic of the lousiest (but most fun) team in AMF history!

Left to right: me, Will, Deanna (I don't know why Will is trying to lick her) and Nate.

Adventures in orthodontia

2007-04-19T14:25:00.000-05:00

Last week we started the long, painful, expensive process of Aileen and her braces. She believes that we are torturing her and that we have implored the ortho to use means of dentistry that are now considered barbaric. Last week she had her spacers put in. Today she was fitted for her brackets and appliance and next week she will have her appliance installed (she is starting to sound like a washer that Sears should be taking care of). When she was done with her medieval shop of horrors today she came out of the room red and teary eyed and proceeded to explain to me in front of the receptionist and the ortho's assistant that "these people hurt her more then was needed and she didn't like them very much." And this is only her second appointment!

I had these kids why?

2007-04-18T07:47:00.000-05:00

Don't get me wrong, I adore my sons. No really, I do. But there are things I say to them, I never would have thought would be a sentence in my vocabulary. Examples:

Said to Aiden this morning "Don't drag your brother and the playpen around the house."

Said to Aiden last week: "Don't drink water from the sidewalk or the cooler that has been outside for weeks"

"Don't lick the cat"

See a trend here?

Or Fletcher: "Brother is going to hurt if you grab that" (this said last night while the boys were in the tub and Aiden was standing in front of Fletcher trying to grab his bits and pieces).

On to the other members of this crazy household.

Will has 5 weeks until he graduates. I am so proud of him. This has been a long process but we see the light at the end of the tunnel. He has been given the job of shop supervisor a mere 3 months after making 2nd class. And so far, all are impressed with him.

Aileen is being tortured (her wording, not mine). She had her spacers put in last week. This week she gets fitted for her bands and the following she gets her appliance put in, that God willing, will prevent us from having to break her jaw in a few years.

Lauren went a whole month without getting a note sent home for her talking in class! We are really proud of her. I was looking thru her returned papers last night and I noticed that she is no longer writing Snow as her last name. She is writing Dobson. At dinner I asked her when she decided to change her name and why. Her response was "Remember when we went to Dairy Queen and I was in the warm jammies? That is when I decided (this was in January I think). And I like Dobson cause Daddy plays with me and I love him so much" I though Will was going out right then to buy her her own stable, stocked with all the horses the girl could want.

Me: I'm here and hanging on the best I can. These lunatics keep me busy and on my toes 24/7. I could really use a break. My body has decided to freak out with my thyroid and PCOS so we are tinkering with my meds and diet and it sucks. Well that is about all I have time for now. I will try to get a few more posts in when the boys give me the time!

Hands of time. Or is it sands....

2007-03-29T12:16:00.000-05:00

There is never enough time in any of my days. It starts at 630am when the girls get up and the boys follow as soon as they hear the alarms go off. From there on it is nothing but sheer chaos. If I sit down it is to feed someone (not usually myself). I have learned to hold the urge to pee in until someone or thing is down for a nap so that I don't have to have 2 children in the bathroom with me.

Here are some new pics of the kids. Hope you all enjoy!

Almost

2007-02-26T16:00:00.000-05:00

My darling terror aka Aiden will be 2 on the 2nd. In less then 5 days. I can't believe how fast these 2 years have flown by. While he drives us to heavily medicate ourselves he can also be so sweet. This weekend he curled up with me on our bed and feel asleep watching cartoons. Or his newest fetish of raiding my closet. He loves shoes. So much that is what he is calling everything right now. He loves to take his Nemo push car and use family members to arrange an obstacle course. Last night Mommy was the over pass, Daddy was a road block and sisters were cones (Note to self: he is NOT to get a drivers license....EVER). He adores Aileen, could care less about Fletcher, and for some reason no one knows, can't stand Lauren. No really, she looks at him and he screams like he is being murdered! He is Mommy's boy and Daddy is his jungle gym. I can't wait to see what this next year brings with him. Potty training, more words to scream at ass, new ways to make Mommy lose what little brain cells she has left. Wish us luck and send liquor, lots and lots of liquor!

Family pictures

2007-02-10T21:35:00.000-05:00

We went and had our family pictures taken today. What could have wound up a major disaster turned out very very well. Other then Aiden molesting the photographers boob that is. Here is the result!

Randon photos

2007-02-08T12:43:00.000-05:00

I realized that there are no recent pics up! So here you go!

No really, anyone want him?

2007-02-08T11:08:00.000-05:00

Deanna was nice enough to sit with Fletcher while Aiden and I ran to the store. He got a free cookie cause this store (Farm Fresh in case you are wondering) rocks. They even have a Starbucks. We do our shopping and they tell me my deli order will take a few so I go and get me my one true love. Venti Rasberry Mocha. OMG, orgasm in a cup. Get my coffee, get my deli order and go check out. We are standing in line and I am unloading the cart. Onions, milk, tomato sauce, all pass by. Then I here the words I dread. "uh-oh". Aiden had swiped the coffee off the belt and spilled it all over the floor. The coffee was full. Not anymore. He didn't get any on him, but covered mommies from knees to toes.

Toddler for sale

2007-02-08T09:39:00.000-05:00

Adorable red headed 23 month old. Can be sweet when he is in trouble or wants something but has a tendency to engage in the following activities:
I will just cover today's events up to now and you will see why my toddler needs to be ebayed! Breakfast went fine. At 830 I feed Fletcher again and Aiden takes full advantage of when I feed the baby. Today he climbed to the top shelf of the linen closet (it is 7 shelves high) and got the extra deodorant that is up there. He proceeded to paint the walls and the stairs with deodorant. So I finish feeding Fletcher, clean up that mess and while I am cleaning that up Aiden climbs the cabinet on to the counter and proceeded to take the old coffee grounds out of the coffee pot and throw them around the kitchen. I clean that up and he climbs onto the kitchen table.
Must be a loving parent with no child younger then Lucife...I mean Aiden. Have big back yard and rubber room. Comes with toys and certificates of authenticity. Please contact ASAP if interested.

Straight jacket required

2007-02-01T15:36:00.000-05:00

I have said it before and I will say it again. Boys are foreign creatures. They have search and destroy programmed into them. Here is an example for you. Today is payday. We also get our taxes back tomorrow. So it was time for a huge trip to BJ's (Costco/Sam's club type place). 2 kids and a warehouse. Right there I should have stopped. But no, I wanted to spend time with my family tonight, not be out braving the masses. The cart is getting heavier and heavier and Fletcher decides he doesn't want to sit, he wants to be carried. It went down hill from there. Aiden proceeded to reach behind him and start emptying the contents of the cart onto the floor. Dealt with that mess and managed to make it out of there with my sanity intact. Ran home, dropped off the massive amount of stuff it takes to feed and keep my family clean. Then it was off to Target and the grocery store. Again Fletcher insists on being held and now Aiden wants to be held as well. This is one of those times a third arm would be great. He is screaming, Fletcher is whinnying, and all I want is to get what I need and get the hell out. This very patient cashier tries to help me by putting the bags in the cart for me. Yeah, Aiden picked up and dumped the bags before I could get the word "NO" out of my mouth. Tonight we are going to try going out to dinner with the Bjorn clan (3 kids for them so 7 kids total). Wish me luck!

I know, I know

2007-01-30T09:59:00.000-05:00

I fully realize that it has been 3 months since I have posted but things are insane here! Will has 6 more weeks until he graduates and that can not go fast enough. He has been given the title and job of production supervisor at work so this means longer hours at work, fewer for school and even less for us. We are managing. I don't know how but we are.
Aileen is writing for the school paper and trying to be 16.
Lauren had surgery on Thursday to try and correct her hearing loss. We go back on the 6th, then again the 20th.
Aiden is so sweet when it is just me, him, and Fletcher. Throw in the other 3 members of our family and the horns and pitchfork come out. He has a whole new list of words. the oddest of which is "help".
Fletcher still isn't sleeping thru the night. We have tried everything but to no avail. So we shall be sleep deprived until he decides to sleep all night long. But he is 21 pounds. Only 2 pounds shy of Aiden and he loves to stand and jump. Won't crawl but that is becasue he refuses still to be on his stomach. It hurts him. That is about it for the moment. I know there is more but I am using the TV to babysit Aiden for the moment and it worries me that I haven't heard a peep from him!

Welcome Fall~

2006-10-16T21:54:00.000-05:00

Yipee! It is the best time of the year. The bugs are dying, the leaves are changing, I don't walk out the door and get covered in sweat and the kids are back in school! We went to Taylor Farms this weekend. We petted some goats, went on a hayride, Aiden ate a pumpkin like it was an apple, Aiden tried to hijack the tractor... Oh yeah, it was a whole lot of fun keeping him under control.

They are coming to take me away. Please

2006-10-09T17:03:00.000-05:00

Really, I do have the good intentions of posting more but the kids and husband and chores and pets and cars don't allow the time. In a day I do at least 2 loads of dishes, 4 loads of laundry, yell "Aiden, NO" at least a dozen, change 3 diapers, dress 5 people, feed 6 people and the dog, and this is all before noon! Now on a good day both boys will nap at the same time and I can drink myself into a stupor *kidding* and maybe catch one show of the 36 on the DVR. Then it is feeding, changing, cooking, yelling, reading, arithmetic, and all the other stuff that goes into the end of my day. When Fletcher finally lets me go to bed at 11 pm, I pass out. I don't fall asleep, I die. Then at 4 am it starts all over again. I need a nanny!

Neptune Festival and Halloween

2006-10-01T21:12:00.000-05:00

This weekend was a busy one in our household. Friday was payday so we had to brave the commissary and make our measly military pay stretch in ways God never intended. Saturday was the Neptune festival which is Virginia Beach's official end of summer celebration when the locals take back the beach. Unfortunately all 1. Something million of us in the Hampton Roads area seemed to go. There is a phenomenal sand sculpting contest every year and I am sharing some of those. And also a picture of Aiden and Jorja (our next door neighbor's daughter and Aiden's girl friend) traveling in style in the safari wagon we bought when we learned I was pregnant with Fletcher.

After the festival we came home and decorated for Halloween with Deanna, Nate and there family. We share a yard and at times a brain so it worked out well. We have a very interesting graveyard! As soon as that was done it was off to bowl.

Today Will went golfing with Nate and I cleaned the house and decorated the inside. My Bears are the Sunday night game and are showing Seattle what a defense and an offence look like so I am thrilled. Oh and I lost my pants in the middle of the Navy Exchange parking lot. I don't know if I should be thrilled that I am to the point that my pants are falling off or mortified that at least a dozen people saw me in my panties with my jeans around my ankles?

Fletcher has started sleeping from 10 to 6 again. We are hoping that this sticks. He is in the crib sharing a room with Aiden and it is working better then we could have ever asked or hoped for. His starts physical therapy for his neck Tuesday. Enjoy the pics and I hope to share more soon!

Beantown

2006-09-27T21:37:00.000-05:00

We left early on Friday morning to head to Boston. Nothing to eventful until we hit the Delaware and Jersey boarder where we took a wrong turn and drove in circles and paid tolls twice to figure out where we went wrong. A navigator, I am not. Finally get on the Jersey turnpike and head to NYC. Aileen loved seeing the New York skyline, I was pretty impressed myself. Then we hit the New York traffic. After 2 panic attacks, 3 near accidents, and a want for 4 margarita's we got out of there in one piece. We made it to Boston in 13 hours. The kids did great. The best $200 we ever spent was on DVD players for the car. Get to the hotel and my dad informs us that we are heading to my uncle's in 15 minutes. Not what we had in mind because that was another 40 minutes in the car. But we went and we had a good time and Aiden enjoyed terrorizing a new house and Aileen and Lauren had a blast playing with Pete's step daughter Ali. Got back to the hotel and we all fell asleep hard. Got up the nest morning and headed to Marblehead where my Grandparents used to live and we would spend summers. My family got to see our old house, the cemetery Stewart and I played in and the school I used to go to. We went down to the pier, had lunch at Maddies (a family institution, every James has worked there at one point or another and my cousins work there now while attending college), went to the lighthouse, then headed to my uncle's for my Dad's party. There was a lot of beer, a lot of people, a ton of food, and more laughter and jokes then should be allowed. I learned things about my dad and uncles as teenagers that is maybe best left unknown (something about a magic bus). We left the party and Stewart took the girls swimming at the hotel pool. Again we crashed hard. Sunday we got up and loaded the truck up again. By this point Aiden was done with the whole get in the truck thing. So the 10 hours home sucked. Aiden whined and fussed (Fletcher did too) the whole way home. We had a great time and really enjoyed seeing everyone again. My godmother held Aiden for a good 2 hours and he loved that, then she stole Fletcher so I was really grateful to have some time with everyone without worrying about what Aiden was into. We are supposed to do it again in November.

Party girls

2006-09-16T20:45:00.000-05:00

Today we had a party for Aileen's 10th birthday. 8 girls all dressed to the nines for Aileen's tea party. She choose the whole tea party theme. The made a photo album, played bingo, and acting like 10 year old girls. She cleaned up in the Hello Kitty department. Her absolute favorite gift was a gift from Daddy. It is a Build a Bear Hello Kitty. It says I love you and we got her an outfit for it and Deanna got her jammies for the Kitty. She has not let that thing go since Will gave it to her. I believe the sun rises and sets on him more then it did previously. LOL Here are some pictures of the day.

Also are some pictures of Aiden with his best friend!

My bad

2006-09-11T19:05:00.000-05:00

Oops, it has been almost a month since I posted. Life has gotten more hectic, not less so. The girls have started school, Will worked the biggest air show on the eastern seaboard, I broke a finger, and Will got pneumonia. It has been an adventure. Let me go person by person here. Youngest to oldest.

Fletcher - aka Widget. Fletcher has slept thru the night for a week now. By thru the night I mean 11 pm to 5 or 6 am. I am in love with my son! He is cooing and smiling so much more now. He makes faces at daddy (there is picture proof, see). He goes in for his 2 month well baby check tomorrow.

Aiden - aka Bug, Devil, Lucifer (you get the hint). Aiden had his 18 month check up today. He is 24 pounds and 32.5 inches. The doc gave me crap because by there standards he is under weight. Well if you were into trouble 24/7, you would burn all of your calories too. Here is more photo proof. I was cleaning the laundry room, tuned around and found him IN the dryer. Got him out and he proceeded to drink the dogs water, like the dog. He is keeping me on my toes to say the least. We moved him into a toddler bed last night and he is doing great! He points to body parts when he asked (really fascinated with his penis though, the girls were never like this).

Lauren - aka Fairy girl. Lauren is loving school. She is in first grade now and doing great. Not really much to tell about her except she has a pirate tooth *her word* (a silver crown).

Aileen - Aka Bean. She is in fourth grade now and still in the gifted program. On the SOL tests she missed 2 questions ON THE WHOLE TEST!!!!! She surprises me and scares me too. We went to the orthodontist today and it looks like braces will be on before the end of the year. She has 2 of her 4 12 year molars. The ortho told her she is the only kid he has ever seen get her teeth so quickly.

Will - he got to work the Oceana air show this weekend. He loved it the first 2 days (he drove a bus for 13 hours) and was miserable the last. He got pneumonia (we have no clue how that happened) and well they haven't kept him on the same schedule for more then 34 hours. So he is miserable.

Me - With Will working the weekend, I got a bug up my butt and redid the boys room and painted the toddler bed. On the way up the stairs, I slammed the bed into the wall and broke a finger. Ain't I special.