Sunday, October 21, 2007

Where did the time go?

I checked on this blog and I couldn't believe that it was over 2 months since my last post. Where did the time go?
1. I now work part-time.
2. I went back to school and am taking 9 credits this semester.
3. When I am not working or studying I am with the children or my hubby.
4. My son is having many more behavior-educational problems this year that are really making me rethink his behavior plan and our parenting of him at this time.
5. My daughter is in full time kindergarten and I volunteer at her school when I can.
6. I am volunteering in the school health room once a month.
7. Hubby and I are planning to remodel our home and we are drawing up plans and meeting with contractors.

As you can see, things are busy. and when I do have computer time it is usually spent looking up research papers or online discussions with other students. (All of my classess are online and I love it. )

I'll try and post when I can. In the mean time, do you know that I have to take a statistics class and it scared me to death. I am now really enjoying it and I have found that even though it makes my brain hurt and I sometimes start crying when I study, I am challenged by this class and am even getting a B in the class so far. It goes to show, you are never too old to go back to school.:> One of my classmates said her goal is to get her PhD by the time she is 60. Sounds like a good plan.

Thursday, August 16, 2007

The end of summer vacation

The summer is winding down. The kids went to the zoo with a aunt yesterday. This will probably be the last time of the summer. We will be off for a few days of camping next week before school starts and we have a rush of haircuts and doctor appointments before the end of vacation time.
The garden is growing like a weed- or maybe it is a weed! Really, I weeded the vegetable garden last week and now I can see where the cucumbers and tomatoes are. This is a great time for the garden. I am sick of zucchini and I wonder why I plant three plants when one is all I need. Anyone need baseball size overgrown zucchini? But I love making fresh cucumber salad, garlic and butter roasted beans and fresh cherry tomatoes.
And remember those little chickens we got in spring? They are now 10 fat and happy hens with free range all over my property. They should start laying in 2 weeks. Then it will be eggs, eggs, eggs all of the time.

Saturday, August 11, 2007

My Anniversary

Today is my 17th wedding anniversary. The kids are with an aunty- my sister, and hubby and I spent the day at the Wisconsin State Fair.
Really, I loved it!

Thursday, June 21, 2007

The new me.


I 've decided to show you the new me. Last year when I was ill for a while, I didn't keep up with coloring my hair. After a while I decided to grow out my coloring to see what it really looked like. I was pretty grey but hubby liked it so I kept letting it grow out. Well, after the last of it was cut off I'm left with a beautiful head of mostly grey hair. At first I wasn't sure if I wanted to keep it up but now I really like it. And it's really nice not to color any more. My hair seem much healthier, also. I did get a funny comment from my daughter asking me why her mom is a old grandma. What!!!:) But after explaining that kids have all different kinds of ages of moms, she is ok.

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

End of the school year.

The kids will be done with school tomorrow. I know it's late but they needed to add extra days to make up for the lost snow days. We had my daughters branching out yesterday. This is a little ceremony when the K4 children branch out to their new elementary school. Very cute! I have the summer activities planned. So that my son continues to learn and not lose what he has learned, I have decided to home school during the summer. I have a set schedule for Monday thru Friday and it includes 2 hours of school per day. It also includes crafts, lost of art and plenty of fun outside play. Both of my children benefit by a routine and I believe this will work for them. Let's see!

Thursday, May 24, 2007

What is spring for?





Spring keeps me busy. In addition to working part time, keeping the home as best I can, playing with and teaching the children, helping hubby as needed with his work, ...I love to garden.

The poppies are starting to bloom, the bridal wreath is in full bloom. The nepeta, iris, euphorbia are blooming. I have planted my annuals for the year. Only $200 worth. I can usually spend that much or more on the front alone. I saved up and had a rummage sale for my annual flower cash. In fact, the Salvation Army truck came today to haul away the left over rummage stuff, they are great! And I always look for ways to help the Army. A few dollars for the bell ringers at Christmas, donations for their stores. I once was a scared 20 year old in Calcutta, India on my way to volunteer for Mother (now Blessed) Theresa and the Salvation Army gave me a place to stay. I've always been grateful.

But I digress, ...the garden. I planted a large cocoa liner basket on the fence with shady flowers and sweet potato vines. I planted celosia and petunias, geranium and Red Fountain grass (annual) in the planter beds in front of the Boxwood hedge. I do love my garden. I'll have to shoot some before and after photos later this year to show how everything fills out. Oh, and I added some more Pink Knock Out Roses since they are soooo fabulous and bloom all summer (with lots of feeding, Osmocote is what I use).

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Not blogging lately.

I don't know why I'm not blogging lately. I am busy with my new work routine and schedule. But mostly I think it's because it's spring and my free time is spent outside. Unlike the other 6 months of the year that I am more sedentary, May is my month to plant, clean and start the year new.
The kids are busy, and I don't have much to say.
Sorry.

Sunday, April 22, 2007

Box load of chickens





Hubby cleaned out the old chicken coop yesterday and said "Let's get some more chickens." Well, we have had chickens before and I'm surprised he wanted them again but the kids love it and if we don't over winter them it won't be too expensive. I agreed and we went to the Merton Feed Mill for a box load of chickens. $1.25 each. 10 in all. Little brown chicks for big brown eggs. We'll free range once they are able to get out side in 8 weeks or so. We are leaving them on the porch for now since the weather is too cool. I put them in a big plastic bin so the kids cane watch them and run to tell me when they need more feed or water.

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

My first day as a soccer mom.

We had our first soccer practice for my daughter today. All day I heard " I'm sooo excited, I can't wait to play soccer." My daughter is a 5 year old jock. She shouldn't be, with her eyesight and chance of retinal detachment. But she is a strong energetic girl who loves sports and being physically active. She has her protective eye wear and she has the approval of her pediatric opthamologist but it still worries me that she needs to play so rough. This is baby soccer, indoors with 4 & 5 year olds but still she charges around playing aggressively, pushing boys over to goal. I'm actually not embarrassed of her just proud that she is assertive and takes charge of everything she does. I'm kind of a loud assertive gal so it feels right to me:)

Thursday, April 12, 2007

Another day on Easter break.

Well, the days are a bit slower. The kids are getting bored. We did art projects, a reading work sheet, ran to the store for more construction paper and pipe cleaners, more art projects, lunch, outside time to play in the snow, more art and more art. At least they like art:)

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

April Snow Storm




We are in the midst of an April snow storm. Looks like 5-10 inches. The kids are on Easter break so we are having a fun indoor day with breaks for the kids to run outside and romp in the snow. We decorated paper bag puppets that I found on this site. and they had a puppet show and played dress up.

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

New special needs blog and website

Here is a new blog I found about Specail Needs. I love the name...
Shut up about your perfect kids.

Sunday, April 08, 2007

Happy Easter!


He is Risen. Alleluia!

Saturday, April 07, 2007

Easter Candy in the snow




We took the kids to the Sussex armory for the annual Easter Candy handout. Cooooold!!! We made a mad dash for the goods and got back in the car to warm up.
We had a lazy afternoon. The kids played dress up Batman and Robin, played cars, and with blocks.
I read a book and thought about cleaning the house but reconsidered.
The book was so enjoyable.

Easter Weekend

It's Easter weekend and I have some nice quiet time with the family.
Of course this is Wisconsin so it just started to snow again. I was hoping for a little gardening, maybe start fertilizing and putting out my peony cages, but I have to settle for a walk around the garden with my winter coat and mittens. Easter Mass tomorrow and lunch at my sisters. It should be nice.
I sent an email newsletter to all of the Mommy Time moms. If you didn't get one, email me and I'll add you to the list.
Have a wonderful weekend!

Monday, March 26, 2007

My new life.

I've changed a big part of my life recently. I went back to work. Part time but still a big change. I've been a stay at home mom for the past 3 years and I had gotten so used to the home routine. Working for someone else is a new challenge.
Right now I'm still in orientation so it's full time for 3 weeks and very hard on the kids. I'm lucky that hubby is in Real Estate and has such flexible hours. The kids are always with a parent or family except when at school so they are coping.
I guess I'm lucky that I chose nursing as a profession oh so many years ago. Nursing has given me the luxury to choose my specialty, hours, quit for years and step back in. All great things to have. This job is days and I will be gone while the kids are in school so it shouldn't impact them too much. The only sad part is the weekend rotation but people are sick 24/7 and I chose a specialty that has patients every day, night and weekends.

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Wisconsin Fish Fry


It's Lent in Wisconsin and I love this post from Tom McMahon.
Fish fry in Wisconsin is sacred stuff and every friday in lent and all through out the year folks stand in line for a great fish fry. Cod or Perch?
I'm a cod girl myself.

Friday, March 09, 2007

Sample Letter of Intent

I read this article from Parenting Special Needs and found this sample letter of intent to be a useful tool for parents of all children.
If my husband and I died suddenly, I have a great family to care for my kids. But what do they really know about the day to day life of the kids?This tool would clarify doctors names, activities they are involved in, school routines and plan for the future.
I want to make sure that I write one of these letters for each of my children. But I'll pray that no one ever has to use them.

Thursday, March 08, 2007

How to stock a pantry.

I like to keep an organized home and I am proud of my well stocked pantry. As someone who loves to cook, I need 2 things to function in the kitchen. The Joy of Cooking Cookbook and a pantry which will provide the basics for any good meal. I think the list from this blog site will give you a great starter on the basics of your pantry or kitchen.

Wednesday, March 07, 2007

New IEP today.

I had a lengthy and involved IEP meeting for my son today. I have to credit the Hamilton school district for the wonderful professionals that worked with my son and evaluated his needs.
I was asking for additional evals for emotional and learning disabilities and found that he doesn't need these services. We will continue his speech, add OT and a psych component to his education but he has made so much progress by the half day schedule and working to redirect misbehavior.
Of course the medications have helped greatly and the time to allow him to know and feel safe at school.
He is now back on track to full days and hopefully advance to first grade next year. I feel very hopeful!

Would you want this mom?

I read about this woman who went to have an abortion, the abortion didn't work and she ended up having the baby. She is now suing for damages to pay for the child rearing costs of this little girl. How ghastly!
This poor child will find out she was to be aborted and that her own mother wants damages for the act that she survived! The best thing this mother could do is let this child be adopted to a family who loves her dearly and places her needs above theirs.
I dearly pray this mother finds unconditional love for her daughter or someone else that can provide it for her.

Sunday, February 25, 2007

These women should never vote!

When I see a video like this, my conservative side kicks in and I don't want anyone to vote unless they are at least 25 and own property. Women! You are smarter than this!

I'm finally logged in.



I had a terrible time getting into my blogger acccount to make posts. Google let me use the old version of login for a while but they finally made me switch to the new version of Blogger. Since then I have been unable to login. Until today.

My whole family is home sick and snowed in. We have had the flu for the past week. We didn't get flu shots and it has been so long since any of us had the flu I think we forgot how tottally wretched it is.!!! Both myself and my husband have had trips to the ER to get fluids and in my hubby's case antibiotics for now a new pneumonia.

We also have had over a foot of snow in the last day and we are snowed in. I called and had someone plow out the driveway since neither of us has the strenghth to snowblow. And the snow is the heavy wet kind that will cause heart attacks all over town from unhealthy folks trying to clean up when they should leave it for someone younger or healthier.

Friday, February 09, 2007

Hunkered down

The arctic blast continues and the kids are going stir crazy and looking for any opportunity to move. We went for an errand to Walgreen's this
morning and my daughter asked me to park really far away so she can run. I did. We have been mall walking and looking for places to go and get out. The average temp should be 31 not 10 and I'll be very happy when we warm up.
There was a rash of discussion about school closings and cold weather. My children were off this week for 2 days because of the cold.
I guess we are all a little wussified and we forget that when it's cold, dress warm and in layers. I won't start with the stories of how I walked to school, but things were different then. Now the news exaggerates every change in the weather so that every new weather pattern is the worse we've ever seen. I'm to blame also. The cold affects me more as I've gotten older and I don't want to spend time outside. I'm sure my children hear me and hubby complain so they don't want to go out when it's really cold. Well, I have to stay positive and think that every day is closer to spring.
I brought some potting soil inside and had the children pot up starter seeds. Maybe watching them grow will help us feel better.

Sunday, February 04, 2007

-12 degrees. Where is the global warming when you need it.

-12 degrees and it's not fun. We live in an old farm house and the insulation is almost non- existent. We had the walls filled with blown insulation when we bought this home 12 years ago but I'm sure that it has fallen down the walls.
The windows are old and our dear old oil furnace is chugging along without a break. Once in a while I will hear it stop, only to hear it start up again.
The kids have three comforters on the beds. I have a electric blanket on my bed.
The kids are going stir crazy because they can't play outside. Even I, who believes in daily outside play time, won't subject them to such cold.
Now I might just sound like a big waa waa, especially to my Fargo moms,
but it's cold.

Wednesday, January 31, 2007

TB Scare

We just had a TB scare at my home.
When my children were adopted 3 years ago, I didn't do a full post adoption work up. They had so many other health care issues that I put it on hold.
I decided to have a full work up done late this past year and I'm so glad I did.
I found out my son was anemic and I was told my daughter had latent TB.
What a scare. I understand how she got TB. The conditions of the orphanage were ripe for the transmission of many diseases, but I was still in shock. On one hand I was glad it wasn't active and contagious TB and she didn't have any symptoms. But with latent TB, the child still has to be treated for 9 months with medications to completely kill the disease. That's a lot for a child to go through.
But we heard about the quantiferon blood test to double check the PPD and we did it. Yes, she had to have blood drawn but it was well worth it. We just got the results back and she is negative. Yeah! A big scare but I am so grateful that we had the tests done to confirm the diagnosis.

Saturday, January 27, 2007

Registration for Mommy Time

I think the problem with registration is resolved. For the time being, when registering on Mommy Time, I need you to fill out the registration page, accept terms and wait for the Welcome email. This email will link you back to fill out your family names so that I can complete the background check.
I hope to get the process back to one step soon but for now at least it's working and you can have access within one day.
Now for those of you already registered, email a mom and get yourself some Mommy Time!

Friday, January 26, 2007

My birthday.

Today is my birthday. I wanted to write a long thoughtful post about my life as it is at this time. Unfortunately, today is so busy I can barely find time to post these few words. Maybe tomorrow.

Thursday, January 18, 2007

Read this if you plan on registering.

To all of the moms registering at this time, I am having some site problems. If you register, try to complete all of the pages right away. Registration, terms and family name info. It looks like if you stop after the first page and try to complete later, the site may not let you in. I have someone looking into the problem and it should be resolved soon. For those who can't get in at all, email me with your name, address and family names and I'll manually enter you. So sorry!

To those of you who have emailed the last 2 days, I have returned all of my mail. The family was at the Kalahari Water Park in Wisconsin Dells for a winter get away.
I usually like this place but today the water was COLD. My 6 year old was shivering after a few minutes and I who has ample body fat was shivering as we floated down the lazy river. Not good. And the internet access was $5 per every 15 minutes so I waited until we came home.

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Save Baby Gavin

I received this information and wanted to share it with everyone.

I am writing to you about a 10 month old baby named Gavin Winslow. My hope
is that you can help us save Gavin by posting the attached flyer at your
place of business. I received your name from the business directory on
Milwaukeemoms.com.

Gavin was born with Congenital Kidney Failure. Without a kidney transplant,
Gavin will not survive. Sadly, without a payment guarantee, a child cannot
even be placed on an organ transplant waiting list. That is why his family,
in conjunction with the Children's Organ Transplant Association (COTA) has
started a fundraising campaign, in his honor, in which they are trying to
raise $100,000.

To help reach this staggering amount of money, I have organized a Children's
Concert and Kids Fest featuring award winning children's artist Jim Gill.
Your support advertising this concert would be appreciated.

A CONCERT OF MUSIC AND PLAY WITH JIM GILL
Sunday, January 21, 2007
3:30 pm (doors open at 3:15)
Sheraton Brookfield Hotel in the Brookfield Ballroom
Purchase tickets at: www.savebabygavin.com or call 262-548-0614

Activities after the concert:
Pictures with Elmo
Magician
Balloon Artist
Face Painting
Tattoos
Silent Auction with great family and children items for bid

Again, I would sincerely appreciate your support advertising this concert
with the attached flyer.

One hundred percent of all funds raised are used for patients' transplant
and transplant-related expenses. COTA's priority is to assure that no child
is denied a transplant or excluded from a transplant waiting list due to a
lack of funds.

To follow Gavin's story, please visit www.savebabygavin.com.

Gratefully,

Samantha Christiansen

Sunday, January 14, 2007

24 is here!

Well, the new 24 is here and I just sat through the first 2 hours. I warned hubby that I will be unavailable except for emergency's from 7-9 pm and I even got the kids down to bed with 3 minutes to spare!!! Yipee!!!I have to say, I don't know if I'm tired tonight or Jack is just getting a little too predictable. Of course I love 24 and will watch every episode and all of the reruns I can find on cable. Channel 9 in Chicago has them on regularly for my 24 fix. It just seems like how many bombings and how many presidents are we going to have? And how did Wayne get to be president?
All right, I must just be tired and I'll be perched on the edge of the sofa tomorrow at 7 pm for another 2 hours.

Saturday, January 13, 2007

My Thinking Spot



Just like Pooh Bear- my daughter needs a thinking spot. I found her climbing into the small cupboard that has my rags in the utility room. She said it's a quiet spot and she likes to go in there when the wash machine is on.
We all need a place to get away and I'm glad she found hers.

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

It's 3 am, what are you doing?

Well, this 3 am and the kids are having a party. Actually my son woke up and couldn't sleep who in turn woke up my daughter and their playing woke up the dog who woke me up and now after getting everyone settled, I'm the one who can't sleep.
Good thing I have nothing scheduled for tomorrow. It's going to be a sleepy day.

Saturday, January 06, 2007

The world will stop until you do.

I'm sitting here in my sons bedroom while I wait for him to clean feces off of a bookshelf. He just had a rage with hitting, spitting and kicking. Not a good day. He refuses to clean but he knows the mantra "The world stops until you do" No playing, no music, TV, bike or computer until the job is done. He swirls the sponge around in the bucket, rage filled eyes and I ignore him. He may throw the bucket, he might spill it but he knows I'll just get another one. He also knows not to say the bucket is too heavy since I will only add water to it. Wait, he is finally washing.
"Done!" he says, but I ignore him. "I'm Doooooone!!!!!" I ignore. "Mom, I'm done now with washing." OK, I look. "That's done, please start removing the crayons marks from the walls." I sit and write. I see that the sponge isn't working on the crayon so I send him downstairs to get the Magic Eraser."Ok, put your blinders on" and he places his hands on either side of his eyes. "Blinders on, run and get the Magic Eraser from under the sink, no distractions, no talking to your sister or dad, just run."
Wow, he's back in less than a minute and back to scrubbing walls. "See mom, it's working" His eyes are soft and he smiles. The rage is over. He'll finish his task and we will have weathered another post adoption attachment storm.

Happy Birthday Bailey!


Today is our dog Bailey's 9th birthday. The children wanted to have a party and Maria made cookies for him in the Easy Bake Oven and he had a special treat.

He may be the stinkiest dog I know and shed a lot but just like Old Yeller he's the root'n toot'nest dog in town!

Thursday, January 04, 2007

Mommy Time for Free!


I want to announce that Mommy Time registration is now free!
I really want any mom who needs us to register and I don't want cost to be an obstacle. Now that we are advertising regularly, I can use the advertising revenue to offset the cost of the site. So, please patronize our advertisers. Order merchandise through the site, visit the directory or advertise in the directory and then choose these businesses and help me keep the site free.

What kind of mom I am.


I saw a Google ad stating "What kind of mom are you? and I had to respond.
Like all moms, I wish I was a better mom. When we adopted our children, I thought because I was in my 40's I would be more patient and laid back. I don't think so. I work hard to be patient. My husband and I never yell or shout at each other but I sometimes shout at the children and wonder where that voice came from.
I am an affectionate mom. We cuddle and kiss a lot.
I am a cooking mom. We love to cook and we spend most of our time in the kitchen.
I am a reading mom. I love to read and I want my children to understand the gift of reading.
I am a gardening mom and I want my children to love and appreciate nature.
I am a firm but kind mom and I believe in disciple and consequences.
I am a Catholic mom and I want my children to have a strong faith filled life.
I want my children to care for the least of our neighbors and see God in everyone.
I want my children to be well educated, smart and useful but I would rather they be the best garbage collector than a thieving CEO.
I want my children to have love of a family to help them and as a mom I try to show an example of a loving family.

Tuesday, January 02, 2007

Back to school.

Back to school for the kids today. My daughter is happy, excited and eager to resume school and learning. My son was complaining, negotiating and asking to stay home. After school it looks like my son may need a few days to adjust to the school routine again. He was distressed and complained about the noise levels. I think noise triggers anxiety for him and he just can't function. A lot of cuddles and a quiet night and he looks much better. We've been trying the Meletonin at night and it really works to relax him and allow him to sleep. And no night terrors.

Monday, January 01, 2007

Happy New Year

Happy New Year to all. We are house cleaning, organizing tax info, Ouch! and playing outside. Such unseasonable weather and sun even has hubby smiling:)