Well I tried my first gluten free, casein free recipe yesterday. It was a basic white bread.
The recipe looked good and fairly easy, and it talked about how soft this bread is. Well, I messed it up! My loaves turn out more like dark little bricks than soft yummy loaves.
I think I figured out what I did wrong, the recipe calls for tapioca starch and I could only find tapioca starch flour. I am pretty sure now, that they are NOT the same thing.
But, my grocery store, even thought they carry lots of gluten free products, doesn't seem to have the tapioca starch. I will have to go back and ask specifically for it.
Bread is the one thing I think I really need to be able to master. The gluten free loaves at the store are super tiny and cost $5.00!
I think I am going to go online today and see if I can't find most of these things in bulk, so they are less expensive.
Wish me luck!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Movie Thursday!!
I have a WONDERFUL movie to tell you about today. It is called "The Express" ---Go and watch this trailer, even if you don't usually like to, go!
This is the story of Ernie Davis, a young black man who played college football in the 60's. But more than the story of an African American during the civil rights conflicts, it is a story of inspiration and hope.
Never too "in your face" about the race social situations at the time, no name calling, which I absolutely hate, just small glimpses of the behaviors we find mind boggling now. --At least I do-- How can someone, anyone, a child of god be treated and spoken to as if they were less than an animal simply because of the color of their skin??!!
But this movie is a football movie! A feel-good, inspirational, we can all do better, movie.
Ernie Davis was a man who chose to do his talking on the football field. Maybe we all need to work a little harder to become an inspiration to those around us.
Rob Brown, is the quiet excellent actor we came to know in "Finding Forrester", he does an outstanding job as Ernie---And he really plays football!
Dennis Quaid is the coach that helps Ernie become an even better player!
This movie was EXCELLENT!! I watched it, loved it, and watched it again with the commentary!
Go out and rent this one, you won't be sorry!
This is the story of Ernie Davis, a young black man who played college football in the 60's. But more than the story of an African American during the civil rights conflicts, it is a story of inspiration and hope.
Never too "in your face" about the race social situations at the time, no name calling, which I absolutely hate, just small glimpses of the behaviors we find mind boggling now. --At least I do-- How can someone, anyone, a child of god be treated and spoken to as if they were less than an animal simply because of the color of their skin??!!
But this movie is a football movie! A feel-good, inspirational, we can all do better, movie.
Ernie Davis was a man who chose to do his talking on the football field. Maybe we all need to work a little harder to become an inspiration to those around us.
Rob Brown, is the quiet excellent actor we came to know in "Finding Forrester", he does an outstanding job as Ernie---And he really plays football!
Dennis Quaid is the coach that helps Ernie become an even better player!
This movie was EXCELLENT!! I watched it, loved it, and watched it again with the commentary!
Go out and rent this one, you won't be sorry!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Weight-Loss Wednesday and an update
So, first and most importantly, I reached my goals this week!!!
189!!!! I lost 3 lbs. Down 26 lbs since I started exercising, down 51 since Archer was born!!!!
It has been SO long since there was a one at the beginning of my weight and even longer since 8 was the second number. Yea!! Can you tell I am excited!??
I am finally moving down pretty quickly again. I did really well during June, July and then we went on a two week vacation in August, and I seemed to stall totally after that. (Even though I only gained 3 lbs during that two weeks, I just couldn't get the "ball rolling" again. So this last couple of weeks since I started posting about weight on my blog, and have gotten the kick in the booty I needed!
Updates!
Adam went to his first day of school today. I didn't think that it would be a big deal at all for me, but it was!! Dropping him off, I had tears in my eyes and I had a bad stomach ache. The teachers are all wonderful and the head teacher was waiting there in the hallway to greet Adam and run me through the check in procedures and to go over his paperwork. He is familiar with all the teachers because most of them he sees nearly everyday at the Rec Center in one way or another.
After I finished talking to his teacher I took him into the room and set him with a teacher he knows for the "Good Morning song". Then I quickly headed out. He calmed down pretty quickly, because I was listening in the hallway for a minute.
I thought about him many times during my workout, wondering if he was crying, if he was being good, if he was having fun. I even refrained from going and peeking in the door, on the off chance he accidentally saw me, and would get worked up again.
When I picked him up, he came right out and gave me a big hug and got his coat and backpack. The teachers said he did VERY WELL for a first day. WHEW!! I am so relieved and so proud of him!
He seemed to have fun. They were having "Teddy Bear Picnic" day. They all had their animals they read "Goldilocks and the Three bears" and made chocolate pudding and finger painted bears, and had teddy grahams for a snack. So fun!
House Update......
Well, the real estate agent sat on our offer long enough he got another one, from a person who has never even seen the house. This other guy offered $530,000 I think he might be a little disappointed when he finally get into the house, it needs quite a bit of work. But from what I understand, he wants to use it as an income property, so I doubt he will do much fixing. Oh well! It was a good plan. To bad the agent was a dishonest little bugger!
But we have decided to start looking at houses for ourselves. We talked to an agent that lives near us and she sent me the listings for several houses, and we are going out to look on Saturday, then if I find something I really like, then we will drag Rob out to it. There are quite a few houses in our neighborhood that have come down in price far enough we can actually afford them now. We are so excited and relieved. This was the plan when we moved here about a year and a half ago, to rent for a couple of years, let the prices fall, fall, fall...... then we would buy. Well, we have decided to jump in. Hopefully this is a good time.
189!!!! I lost 3 lbs. Down 26 lbs since I started exercising, down 51 since Archer was born!!!!
It has been SO long since there was a one at the beginning of my weight and even longer since 8 was the second number. Yea!! Can you tell I am excited!??
I am finally moving down pretty quickly again. I did really well during June, July and then we went on a two week vacation in August, and I seemed to stall totally after that. (Even though I only gained 3 lbs during that two weeks, I just couldn't get the "ball rolling" again. So this last couple of weeks since I started posting about weight on my blog, and have gotten the kick in the booty I needed!
Updates!
Adam went to his first day of school today. I didn't think that it would be a big deal at all for me, but it was!! Dropping him off, I had tears in my eyes and I had a bad stomach ache. The teachers are all wonderful and the head teacher was waiting there in the hallway to greet Adam and run me through the check in procedures and to go over his paperwork. He is familiar with all the teachers because most of them he sees nearly everyday at the Rec Center in one way or another.
After I finished talking to his teacher I took him into the room and set him with a teacher he knows for the "Good Morning song". Then I quickly headed out. He calmed down pretty quickly, because I was listening in the hallway for a minute.
I thought about him many times during my workout, wondering if he was crying, if he was being good, if he was having fun. I even refrained from going and peeking in the door, on the off chance he accidentally saw me, and would get worked up again.
When I picked him up, he came right out and gave me a big hug and got his coat and backpack. The teachers said he did VERY WELL for a first day. WHEW!! I am so relieved and so proud of him!
He seemed to have fun. They were having "Teddy Bear Picnic" day. They all had their animals they read "Goldilocks and the Three bears" and made chocolate pudding and finger painted bears, and had teddy grahams for a snack. So fun!
House Update......
Well, the real estate agent sat on our offer long enough he got another one, from a person who has never even seen the house. This other guy offered $530,000 I think he might be a little disappointed when he finally get into the house, it needs quite a bit of work. But from what I understand, he wants to use it as an income property, so I doubt he will do much fixing. Oh well! It was a good plan. To bad the agent was a dishonest little bugger!
But we have decided to start looking at houses for ourselves. We talked to an agent that lives near us and she sent me the listings for several houses, and we are going out to look on Saturday, then if I find something I really like, then we will drag Rob out to it. There are quite a few houses in our neighborhood that have come down in price far enough we can actually afford them now. We are so excited and relieved. This was the plan when we moved here about a year and a half ago, to rent for a couple of years, let the prices fall, fall, fall...... then we would buy. Well, we have decided to jump in. Hopefully this is a good time.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Foodie Friday
I have been reading up more and more about Gluten Free and Casein Free diets. Mainly for Adam's benefit, but I think I am going to move the whole family into this eating pattern.
Basically there are some proteins that are harder for our bodies to break down into amino acids. And two of the most complicated protein chains are from gluten which comes from the grass family of grains: wheat, barley, oats, semolina, bulgar, couscous, graham flour, groats, malt.
And the other is casein which is found in mammal milk and milk products, including cheese, yogurt, sour cream, ice cream, butter, etc.
When a person's body cannot properly break down these chains into the "links" the amino acids, they can stay in the large intestine and eventually leak into the blood stream. They can cross the blood-brain barrier and have an opiate like effect to that person's brain. Those with Autism and ADHD seem to be particularly sensitive to the gluten and casein and have negative effects on their brain processes and behavior. "These opiate-like peptides mimic the effects of drugs like morphine and have been shown to react with areas of the brain that are involved in speech and auditory processing. Opiate-like effects on the brain could also result in social withdrawal. A child may "zone out" or "be in his/her own world." He/she may laugh or giggle for no apparent reason. In addition, a child may have a high pain tolerance since opiates, like morphine, are excellent painkillers" ---Quote from The Kid-Friendly ADHD and Autism Cookbook
By removing the offenders from a person's diet their brain does not continue to have the same short circuits that negatively effect, behavior, speech and other stereotypical behaviors associated with Autism and ADHD. This book and a couple of others I am in the middle of really make a lot of sense to me. There is actual science to back up these claims, as well as hundreds of "real life" examples of children whose autism symptoms nearly disappear when kept on this diet.
I am looking forward to implementing this more fully in our family and look forward to the results I hope to see in Adam. And the rest of the family too. I think we will have happier, healthier kids as a result. Don't worry, I will keep you up to date!
Basically there are some proteins that are harder for our bodies to break down into amino acids. And two of the most complicated protein chains are from gluten which comes from the grass family of grains: wheat, barley, oats, semolina, bulgar, couscous, graham flour, groats, malt.
And the other is casein which is found in mammal milk and milk products, including cheese, yogurt, sour cream, ice cream, butter, etc.
When a person's body cannot properly break down these chains into the "links" the amino acids, they can stay in the large intestine and eventually leak into the blood stream. They can cross the blood-brain barrier and have an opiate like effect to that person's brain. Those with Autism and ADHD seem to be particularly sensitive to the gluten and casein and have negative effects on their brain processes and behavior. "These opiate-like peptides mimic the effects of drugs like morphine and have been shown to react with areas of the brain that are involved in speech and auditory processing. Opiate-like effects on the brain could also result in social withdrawal. A child may "zone out" or "be in his/her own world." He/she may laugh or giggle for no apparent reason. In addition, a child may have a high pain tolerance since opiates, like morphine, are excellent painkillers" ---Quote from The Kid-Friendly ADHD and Autism Cookbook
By removing the offenders from a person's diet their brain does not continue to have the same short circuits that negatively effect, behavior, speech and other stereotypical behaviors associated with Autism and ADHD. This book and a couple of others I am in the middle of really make a lot of sense to me. There is actual science to back up these claims, as well as hundreds of "real life" examples of children whose autism symptoms nearly disappear when kept on this diet.
I am looking forward to implementing this more fully in our family and look forward to the results I hope to see in Adam. And the rest of the family too. I think we will have happier, healthier kids as a result. Don't worry, I will keep you up to date!
Book and Movie Thursday
Okay,
I have read quite a bit again this week. There are three books and a movie to tell you about. So, lets get going!
The easy one first, the movie" The Duchess with Keira Knightly
Based on the true story of Georgiana the Duchess of Devonshire. An amazing woman ahead of her time. Makes a "good" match to the Duke and begins a married life to a man who does not love her and only cares for her to provide him with an heir. Many years and a couple of daughters later he moves his mistress into the home with them.
The Duchess becomes quite involved in politics and helps reshape England just after the United States has won the revolution.
There is much heartbreak in her life included the death of children and her love for a man that is not her husband, whom she can never really have.
I really enjoyed this movie, there was much sadness, but the life of this incredible woman is worth looking into. (On more than just a movie screen) I am reading up on the Duchess of Devonshire, what an interesting woman!
Now for the books!!
I have read three this week. The first, was one Rob was really irritated that I brought home. (He can't understand how I have any interest in watching a family with tons of kids running around, when I already have it at home!)
Multiple Blessings by Jon and Kate Gosselin
This is a more in depth look at the Gosselin family from the TLC show "Jon and Kate plus 8" this family has twin daughters then sextuplets. The story is told by Kate and takes you through the family story from the beginning and in more detail than is covered on the show. You get raw emotion and the grittiest feelings as this little family expands, quite literally.
I really enjoyed this book. It is well written, but is a quick easy read. (I read it one evening in about 3 1/2 hours) There is also so much more of their faith. There are many scriptures quoted and you get much more understanding of their religious convictions. If you like Jon and Kate, you should definitely get this book. Happy Reading!
And two more David Baldacci books:
Saving Faith and Split Second
Both of these books were written a few years ago. In '99 and '00 I believe. You can tell they are earlier works from this author if you read his books much. But they are both really good stories.
Saving Faith is set in Washington DC and revolves around the political games and behind the scenes operations in DC. A young woman who has worked as a lobbyist for many years finds herself running for her life after she tries to do the right thing and contacts the FBI. But is it not the FBI that wants her secrets to remain silent. David Baldacci is a favorite of mine, because he can always keep me guessing. I liked this one so well I am reading it again.
Split Second is the story and back story of two characters Baldacci uses in many more books to come. Why each of them is no longer in the secret service, the bumps along the way that led them to each other. Sean King and Michelle Maxwell end up opening a private investigative firm together. This book was great! I loved the twists and turns to bring us to the climax of the story.
And having read more recent books, it was nice to see King and Maxwell get their start.
Happy Reading!!
I have read quite a bit again this week. There are three books and a movie to tell you about. So, lets get going!
The easy one first, the movie" The Duchess with Keira Knightly
Based on the true story of Georgiana the Duchess of Devonshire. An amazing woman ahead of her time. Makes a "good" match to the Duke and begins a married life to a man who does not love her and only cares for her to provide him with an heir. Many years and a couple of daughters later he moves his mistress into the home with them.
The Duchess becomes quite involved in politics and helps reshape England just after the United States has won the revolution.
There is much heartbreak in her life included the death of children and her love for a man that is not her husband, whom she can never really have.
I really enjoyed this movie, there was much sadness, but the life of this incredible woman is worth looking into. (On more than just a movie screen) I am reading up on the Duchess of Devonshire, what an interesting woman!
Now for the books!!
I have read three this week. The first, was one Rob was really irritated that I brought home. (He can't understand how I have any interest in watching a family with tons of kids running around, when I already have it at home!)
Multiple Blessings by Jon and Kate Gosselin
This is a more in depth look at the Gosselin family from the TLC show "Jon and Kate plus 8" this family has twin daughters then sextuplets. The story is told by Kate and takes you through the family story from the beginning and in more detail than is covered on the show. You get raw emotion and the grittiest feelings as this little family expands, quite literally.
I really enjoyed this book. It is well written, but is a quick easy read. (I read it one evening in about 3 1/2 hours) There is also so much more of their faith. There are many scriptures quoted and you get much more understanding of their religious convictions. If you like Jon and Kate, you should definitely get this book. Happy Reading!
And two more David Baldacci books:
Saving Faith and Split Second
Both of these books were written a few years ago. In '99 and '00 I believe. You can tell they are earlier works from this author if you read his books much. But they are both really good stories.
Saving Faith is set in Washington DC and revolves around the political games and behind the scenes operations in DC. A young woman who has worked as a lobbyist for many years finds herself running for her life after she tries to do the right thing and contacts the FBI. But is it not the FBI that wants her secrets to remain silent. David Baldacci is a favorite of mine, because he can always keep me guessing. I liked this one so well I am reading it again.
Split Second is the story and back story of two characters Baldacci uses in many more books to come. Why each of them is no longer in the secret service, the bumps along the way that led them to each other. Sean King and Michelle Maxwell end up opening a private investigative firm together. This book was great! I loved the twists and turns to bring us to the climax of the story.
And having read more recent books, it was nice to see King and Maxwell get their start.
Happy Reading!!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
An Adam Update
We had a very nice lady from the county come to the house yesterday and do some follow up testing on Adam. These are not medical tests but tests that see how well his cognitive functions are functioning. :) These tests were designed to check on everything from attention spans to intelligence to how he problem solves or processes information.
And it pretty much looks like playing.
She was really nice and Adam took to her right away. She understood his speech VERY well. Better than anyone but me! It was truly amazing to have her sit on the floor with him and have him answer questions and do tests for her. She was so easy going about everything. If he didn't want to do something and told her "no thanks" she would just move on to something else that caught his attention. If he wandered off, which he did several times, she just observed him and took notes and talked to me about things she was seeing or asking me questions about how he acts in certain situations.
At one point he even headed upstairs to play with the girls, and she was not stressed at all about having him hurry back to her to move on. Eventually he came back and joined right back in with what she was doing.
She picked up on so many things just by playing with him and watching him interact with the world around him.
She of course, is not there to make a diagnosis, she said, that is for the doctors to do. But she shared some of her wonderful knowledge with me. She says that she doesn't think he is "classically" autistic. She said he seeks out interaction and affection, which is absolutely opposite what most children with autism do. The are typically very withdrawn, wont make eye contact, avoid touches at all costs.
She said, though that she does think he is on the autistic spectrum, just really high functioning. More than anything she thinks he has sensory integration problems. (Which he certainly does!) It is essentially that his brain and nervous system cannot process the senses the way most people do. Light, is extra bright to him, loud noises cause physical pain to his ears. Having a haircut and having all the tiny stray hairs on his face and neck feel like needles poking him. Standing in the shower hurts. And there are many more examples. She referred me to a web site and book from a leading authority in this field. I went to the web site and read around some, and it is ADAM! So I ended up ordering several books and plan to read up as soon as they get here.
Another thing she observed was that he cannot really answer questions. I have known this for quite a while and have been trying to work with him on it. She thinks there is some cognitive issue (she had a fancy name for it, that I can't remember) that essentially means his brain cannot figure out what you are asking and how to answer. Right now he has "echodidactic" speech, which pretty much means he will repeat back the last word or phrase that was said to him.
Like if you ask, "Adam, what color is that?" He will answer, "color" instead of red. But he is VERY intelligent, he knows his alphabet and all the letter sounds and is trying to sound out words, he can count and recognize numbers up to about 20. He knows most shapes, even more complex ones like octagon and hexagon. And his knows his colors well, even white, black, gray and pink. She said being hyper intelligent is actually pretty typical for some kids on the autistic spectrum.
She also suggested that I should look into and research a gluten and casein free diet. She said that 10 years ago she would have totally passed that off as a bunch of garbage, but she said that she has observed children before and after being started on a gluten and casein free diet and has seen "miraculous" improvement.
So I have found some books to read up on it and a cookbook to help us get started. I think it will be good for all of us. We are going to start avoiding High fructose corn syrup as well.
So hopefully I will have wonderful results to report back on soon!!!
And it pretty much looks like playing.
She was really nice and Adam took to her right away. She understood his speech VERY well. Better than anyone but me! It was truly amazing to have her sit on the floor with him and have him answer questions and do tests for her. She was so easy going about everything. If he didn't want to do something and told her "no thanks" she would just move on to something else that caught his attention. If he wandered off, which he did several times, she just observed him and took notes and talked to me about things she was seeing or asking me questions about how he acts in certain situations.
At one point he even headed upstairs to play with the girls, and she was not stressed at all about having him hurry back to her to move on. Eventually he came back and joined right back in with what she was doing.
She picked up on so many things just by playing with him and watching him interact with the world around him.
She of course, is not there to make a diagnosis, she said, that is for the doctors to do. But she shared some of her wonderful knowledge with me. She says that she doesn't think he is "classically" autistic. She said he seeks out interaction and affection, which is absolutely opposite what most children with autism do. The are typically very withdrawn, wont make eye contact, avoid touches at all costs.
She said, though that she does think he is on the autistic spectrum, just really high functioning. More than anything she thinks he has sensory integration problems. (Which he certainly does!) It is essentially that his brain and nervous system cannot process the senses the way most people do. Light, is extra bright to him, loud noises cause physical pain to his ears. Having a haircut and having all the tiny stray hairs on his face and neck feel like needles poking him. Standing in the shower hurts. And there are many more examples. She referred me to a web site and book from a leading authority in this field. I went to the web site and read around some, and it is ADAM! So I ended up ordering several books and plan to read up as soon as they get here.
Another thing she observed was that he cannot really answer questions. I have known this for quite a while and have been trying to work with him on it. She thinks there is some cognitive issue (she had a fancy name for it, that I can't remember) that essentially means his brain cannot figure out what you are asking and how to answer. Right now he has "echodidactic" speech, which pretty much means he will repeat back the last word or phrase that was said to him.
Like if you ask, "Adam, what color is that?" He will answer, "color" instead of red. But he is VERY intelligent, he knows his alphabet and all the letter sounds and is trying to sound out words, he can count and recognize numbers up to about 20. He knows most shapes, even more complex ones like octagon and hexagon. And his knows his colors well, even white, black, gray and pink. She said being hyper intelligent is actually pretty typical for some kids on the autistic spectrum.
She also suggested that I should look into and research a gluten and casein free diet. She said that 10 years ago she would have totally passed that off as a bunch of garbage, but she said that she has observed children before and after being started on a gluten and casein free diet and has seen "miraculous" improvement.
So I have found some books to read up on it and a cookbook to help us get started. I think it will be good for all of us. We are going to start avoiding High fructose corn syrup as well.
So hopefully I will have wonderful results to report back on soon!!!
Weight loss Wednesday--
So Weight loss Wednesday.....
I did not complete any of the goals from last week. BUT I still managed to lose another pound, 192 today, even after eating a slice of combo pizza from Costco for lunch. So I probably did lose that 2 lbs, that was my goal, but since I had a full tummy it tipped the scale up, (do you buy it?)
Well I am going to blame my not getting to the gym 5 times on the kids, it is all their fault, yea, I have no control, yea.... why should I take responsibility for myself?? (But I did make it 3 times)
And I didn't keep that food journal worth beans! (They are really cheap, so you can guess how well I did!) I know that I will do significantly better in my weight loss, if I just record what I am eating...... but here I sit!
So for this week:
Lose 2 lbs.
Get to the gym 5 times! --No excuses!
Get to writing down that blasted food!!
So my tip for this week: Eat like a kid.
No, I don't mean throw a fit and complain about everything but Macaroni and Cheese or Chicken Nuggets.
Eat small meals and snacks often.
When you are hungry get a little something good to eat.
When you are full....... STOP eating no matter what is left on your plate, and yes, I know all about starving children in Africa.
Use little bowls, cups and plates. It is amazing that you can still feel satisfied eating a child size bowl of cereal instead of something you should mix cake batter in!
Don't drink you calories! Water is good for you, and it has no calories! Drink water with your meals and you save at least 100 calories if you usually drink milk or soda.
Okay so that is it for WLW!
I did not complete any of the goals from last week. BUT I still managed to lose another pound, 192 today, even after eating a slice of combo pizza from Costco for lunch. So I probably did lose that 2 lbs, that was my goal, but since I had a full tummy it tipped the scale up, (do you buy it?)
Well I am going to blame my not getting to the gym 5 times on the kids, it is all their fault, yea, I have no control, yea.... why should I take responsibility for myself?? (But I did make it 3 times)
And I didn't keep that food journal worth beans! (They are really cheap, so you can guess how well I did!) I know that I will do significantly better in my weight loss, if I just record what I am eating...... but here I sit!
So for this week:
Lose 2 lbs.
Get to the gym 5 times! --No excuses!
Get to writing down that blasted food!!
So my tip for this week: Eat like a kid.
No, I don't mean throw a fit and complain about everything but Macaroni and Cheese or Chicken Nuggets.
Eat small meals and snacks often.
When you are hungry get a little something good to eat.
When you are full....... STOP eating no matter what is left on your plate, and yes, I know all about starving children in Africa.
Use little bowls, cups and plates. It is amazing that you can still feel satisfied eating a child size bowl of cereal instead of something you should mix cake batter in!
Don't drink you calories! Water is good for you, and it has no calories! Drink water with your meals and you save at least 100 calories if you usually drink milk or soda.
Okay so that is it for WLW!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Monday update!
Well the last week has been full of sick little ones, lack of sleep, and the whirlwind of buying a house.
Sick kids, so sick! This last round of junk was pretty yucky! Some cold symptoms, runny nose, cough. But BOY OH BOY the fevers!! Everyone had terrible fevers. I was just trying to keep a head of the heat by alternating Tylenol and ibuprofen and they would still shoot up unexpectedly. Adam's got up to 106!! Yes, you read that right 106!! We stripped him and threw him into a lukewarm bath. Thank Heavens his fever came down really quickly. Down to about 101. Thankfully the terrible fevers only lasted a couple of days.
And the lack of sleep was, of course, from the sick kids. It seemed like someone was coming in every 20 minutes every night for about 10 days! They don't all get sick at the same time. It seems to stagger itself out over several days. Thankfully we had Avalon feeling better by the time Adam and Archer really started feeling yucky!
Well the house buying whirlwind. We have our contract signed on our end and have given the earnest money, but guess what....... the good for nothing realtor has not presented it to the seller and the bank yet! We signed all of our stuff on the 6th!! And he is still sitting on it! We think he thinks he has a higher offer soon to be coming so he is trying to "slow walk" it. But he has never dealt with me before! I called immediately after I faxed it to make sure he received it. And also to make sure he received the copies of licenses and the deposit check. They were sent in a PDF file to his e-mail. He says, "I don't check my e-mail much." WHAT!!!???? This is 2009 and you don't check your e-mail!!?? What a joke. Unfortunately we cannot change Realtors, this is the guy the bank has chosen to represent and sell the house because it is a short sale. Well I had better see some action ASAP or his butt is mine!
So now that you are getting a small glimpse of my feisty temper are you going to run away?
Be afraid, be very afraid! j/k
Sick kids, so sick! This last round of junk was pretty yucky! Some cold symptoms, runny nose, cough. But BOY OH BOY the fevers!! Everyone had terrible fevers. I was just trying to keep a head of the heat by alternating Tylenol and ibuprofen and they would still shoot up unexpectedly. Adam's got up to 106!! Yes, you read that right 106!! We stripped him and threw him into a lukewarm bath. Thank Heavens his fever came down really quickly. Down to about 101. Thankfully the terrible fevers only lasted a couple of days.
And the lack of sleep was, of course, from the sick kids. It seemed like someone was coming in every 20 minutes every night for about 10 days! They don't all get sick at the same time. It seems to stagger itself out over several days. Thankfully we had Avalon feeling better by the time Adam and Archer really started feeling yucky!
Well the house buying whirlwind. We have our contract signed on our end and have given the earnest money, but guess what....... the good for nothing realtor has not presented it to the seller and the bank yet! We signed all of our stuff on the 6th!! And he is still sitting on it! We think he thinks he has a higher offer soon to be coming so he is trying to "slow walk" it. But he has never dealt with me before! I called immediately after I faxed it to make sure he received it. And also to make sure he received the copies of licenses and the deposit check. They were sent in a PDF file to his e-mail. He says, "I don't check my e-mail much." WHAT!!!???? This is 2009 and you don't check your e-mail!!?? What a joke. Unfortunately we cannot change Realtors, this is the guy the bank has chosen to represent and sell the house because it is a short sale. Well I had better see some action ASAP or his butt is mine!
So now that you are getting a small glimpse of my feisty temper are you going to run away?
Be afraid, be very afraid! j/k
Monday, January 12, 2009
Sunday is certianly not a day of rest!
Well, Adam had is first day in primary yesterday. This was his first week in the older kids class. The 3 year olds. He missed last week because the kids were all quite sick.
So yesterday, we had to get everyone bathed in the morning, because for some inexplicable reason I totally spaced out getting things ready the night before. So the day started a little before 6 AM. Rob and I got showered and I got my hair done and headed down to make breakfast. Rob got the boys up, because they were both awake and still in their rooms. He got them bathed while I started the bacon and mixed up the pancake batter.
So here is the recipe!!
Buttermilk Pancakes----recipe by Rosalie Peterson
2 c. White Flour
2t. Baking Powder
1t. Baking Soda
1t. Salt
3T Sugar
2 Eggs
3T Vegetable Oil
About 2c. Buttermilk
For my own variation that has progressed over the years, up the sugar to about 1/3 c. and I also add about 2t. Vanilla this makes them extra sweet and delicious. Besides, who doesn't love a little more "cake" flavor in their pancakes! --If you don't have buttermilk, I usually don't, just sour regular milk with about 2 tablespoons of vinegar. Pour the milk into a measuring cup and add the vinegar, let it sit while you mix up the dry ingredients and it is ready to go when you are ready for the liquids.
They turn out delicious every time!! We love them and eat them about once a week. Sunday mornings are pretty typical. They are so good, and everyone eats them well and it helps us all make it happily through church!
Well, after a quick ramble (or not so quick!) Back to church.
Adam had a pretty bad day. Bad, bad bad. I had such high hopes of him being with the other kids and being willing to sit in the tiny cute chairs, built just for little bums. But NO! He was having none of it!
He didn't want to sit with the class. Couldn't be distracted and entertained with Bro. Giles' neat toy. Didn't want to sit with me and my class. Didn't want to sit with his sisters. Didn't want anything to do with this new situation! NOTHING! So pretty much the whole 40 minutes-Singing time and sharing time, he tried to escape the various people trying to help him get the hang of this new place. He has spent the last 2 years in a class where playing is the norm, and he was more than okay with that! But time marches on and you have to move up and grow up a little too. It is just hard sometimes. Hard on us all. I spent the whole time crying, feeling like my heart is being ripped out. So sad for my little boy who struggles so much. Hard for the wonderful ladies who run the primary, who were trying to include Adam and help him to see that it is not such a scary place. Hard for his terrific teachers who have their hands very full with a big class.
And especially hard for Adam who can't process this chaotic, noisy, strange place.
So here's hoping the next few weeks will be better. Hopefully I can learn how to better help him adjust. And maybe just maybe he will learn to love primary. I am sure he will!
So yesterday, we had to get everyone bathed in the morning, because for some inexplicable reason I totally spaced out getting things ready the night before. So the day started a little before 6 AM. Rob and I got showered and I got my hair done and headed down to make breakfast. Rob got the boys up, because they were both awake and still in their rooms. He got them bathed while I started the bacon and mixed up the pancake batter.
---Quick sidetrack----
These pancakes are SO yummy! The base of this recipe came from the mom of one of the missionaries that Rob and I were friends with back in our Rhode Island days when we were first married. These two particular Elders: Peterson and Tomlinson were quite literally our best friends in those first few lonely months in a place very far from home. We had them to dinner at least once a week. Every Friday night. We jokingly called it "Date Night" because most families in the ward were not interested in having missionaries over on Friday night, so that became our night. We went out to eat tons. What can I say we were newly married with pretty cheap rent and too much money to spend. Oh! Those were the days! :) We would often eat in too, and one night these wonderful friends decided they wanted to cook for us. So Elder Peterson had me call his mother and get a recipe for her delicious buttermilk pancakes. (I think it might have been just a tiny bit of a ploy to get a call into the mom, but I'll never admit that!---Love you Aaron!)
So here is the recipe!!
Buttermilk Pancakes----recipe by Rosalie Peterson
2 c. White Flour
2t. Baking Powder
1t. Baking Soda
1t. Salt
3T Sugar
2 Eggs
3T Vegetable Oil
About 2c. Buttermilk
For my own variation that has progressed over the years, up the sugar to about 1/3 c. and I also add about 2t. Vanilla this makes them extra sweet and delicious. Besides, who doesn't love a little more "cake" flavor in their pancakes! --If you don't have buttermilk, I usually don't, just sour regular milk with about 2 tablespoons of vinegar. Pour the milk into a measuring cup and add the vinegar, let it sit while you mix up the dry ingredients and it is ready to go when you are ready for the liquids.
They turn out delicious every time!! We love them and eat them about once a week. Sunday mornings are pretty typical. They are so good, and everyone eats them well and it helps us all make it happily through church!
Well, after a quick ramble (or not so quick!) Back to church.
Adam had a pretty bad day. Bad, bad bad. I had such high hopes of him being with the other kids and being willing to sit in the tiny cute chairs, built just for little bums. But NO! He was having none of it!
He didn't want to sit with the class. Couldn't be distracted and entertained with Bro. Giles' neat toy. Didn't want to sit with me and my class. Didn't want to sit with his sisters. Didn't want anything to do with this new situation! NOTHING! So pretty much the whole 40 minutes-Singing time and sharing time, he tried to escape the various people trying to help him get the hang of this new place. He has spent the last 2 years in a class where playing is the norm, and he was more than okay with that! But time marches on and you have to move up and grow up a little too. It is just hard sometimes. Hard on us all. I spent the whole time crying, feeling like my heart is being ripped out. So sad for my little boy who struggles so much. Hard for the wonderful ladies who run the primary, who were trying to include Adam and help him to see that it is not such a scary place. Hard for his terrific teachers who have their hands very full with a big class.
And especially hard for Adam who can't process this chaotic, noisy, strange place.
So here's hoping the next few weeks will be better. Hopefully I can learn how to better help him adjust. And maybe just maybe he will learn to love primary. I am sure he will!
Friday, January 9, 2009
Foodie Friday--Food Storage
This year I am going to try diligently to build up a food storage and start using that storage. I have to figure out what to do with most of those things before something bad happens and I HAVE to know how to use them.
Recently I ordered the Comp II emergency kit from Emergency Essentials. It is a really great set with a big hiking size back pack and a much smaller day pack. It has all the basics in there, food and water for two people for two days as well as shelter, warmth and sanitation. All in all I am feeling better about life.
The plan is to have these be our "evac packs" They are packed and ready to go in case we have to evacuate in a hurry. I still need to get clothing set aside for everyone that is easily accessible too.
So on to the food of Foodie Friday, and sticking with the food storage theme, I just received a can of Mountain House Granola with Milk and Blueberries and a can of Vegetable Stew with Beef, also from Mountain House.
I opened both cans just to see what they look like inside. And I must admit, not to bad! The fruit and veggie pieces have retained their color and even look appetizing, even before mixing.
I mixed up a serving of the Granola and it is really good. The milk takes on a purple hue from the blueberries, and it tastes great! Avalon, just came in and asked what I was eating, she said, "Purple??" (In a curious but unsure way) After I let her try a bite she asked if she could finish it all! So, I guess it is a hit!
Recently I ordered the Comp II emergency kit from Emergency Essentials. It is a really great set with a big hiking size back pack and a much smaller day pack. It has all the basics in there, food and water for two people for two days as well as shelter, warmth and sanitation. All in all I am feeling better about life.
The plan is to have these be our "evac packs" They are packed and ready to go in case we have to evacuate in a hurry. I still need to get clothing set aside for everyone that is easily accessible too.
So on to the food of Foodie Friday, and sticking with the food storage theme, I just received a can of Mountain House Granola with Milk and Blueberries and a can of Vegetable Stew with Beef, also from Mountain House.
I opened both cans just to see what they look like inside. And I must admit, not to bad! The fruit and veggie pieces have retained their color and even look appetizing, even before mixing.
I mixed up a serving of the Granola and it is really good. The milk takes on a purple hue from the blueberries, and it tastes great! Avalon, just came in and asked what I was eating, she said, "Purple??" (In a curious but unsure way) After I let her try a bite she asked if she could finish it all! So, I guess it is a hit!
So, here's the Flip
Here is a link to the house we have a contract on.
The plan is to fix a few things, paint the whole interior, lay new carpet, refinish the hardwoods, and update the kitchen. Plus a few touches outside, general clean-up, some new plants, and some mulch and we should be on our way.
This is the house.
Now before everyone freaks out about the price, we are getting if for $399,900. That is with a $30,000 allowance for the fix-up, plus the seller is contributing $14,000 for closing costs! We are getting this house for $7.49 out of pocket! Pretty cool, eh!
Yes, it will take a lot of work, sweat on my part mostly! The couple we are doing this flip with, currently live in the house but will soon be moving. --Not soon enough for me-- The quicker they move the quicker I can get over there and get busy!
We have a huge list of things that need worked on while they are still in the house, but I have a sneaking suspicion that it probably will not happen. So I am pretty much planning on doing most of the work myself. ---The only problem is............my kids! What am I supposed to do with 4 young children while I am spackeling, sanding, cutting, hammering, etc!??
We close on February 20th, and I was hoping to have lots of the work done before we even close. That way I can get it back on the market ASAP!
The plan is to fix a few things, paint the whole interior, lay new carpet, refinish the hardwoods, and update the kitchen. Plus a few touches outside, general clean-up, some new plants, and some mulch and we should be on our way.
This is the house.
Now before everyone freaks out about the price, we are getting if for $399,900. That is with a $30,000 allowance for the fix-up, plus the seller is contributing $14,000 for closing costs! We are getting this house for $7.49 out of pocket! Pretty cool, eh!
Yes, it will take a lot of work, sweat on my part mostly! The couple we are doing this flip with, currently live in the house but will soon be moving. --Not soon enough for me-- The quicker they move the quicker I can get over there and get busy!
We have a huge list of things that need worked on while they are still in the house, but I have a sneaking suspicion that it probably will not happen. So I am pretty much planning on doing most of the work myself. ---The only problem is............my kids! What am I supposed to do with 4 young children while I am spackeling, sanding, cutting, hammering, etc!??
We close on February 20th, and I was hoping to have lots of the work done before we even close. That way I can get it back on the market ASAP!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Book and Movie Thursday
So my plan for Thursdays is to give a review or recommendation for a book or movie,
So today I actually have 3 things I wanted to tell you about.
My movie of choice this week: Seven Pounds Starring Will Smith. ---SPOILERS---
Some may say that it glorifies suicide, and it does, a little. But I think to good message and the way it makes you think about how fragile life is, counteracts all of that!
Basic story line--a brilliant young man makes a stupid mistake and causes a car accident where 7 people including his fiancee are killed. He is obviously devastated and longs to make restitution. The way he decides to do this are to give "seven pounds" of his own flesh. Now, before you get all grossed out, read on. He has decided to give a gift to better the lives, in truly life changing ways, of 7 people. One for each person who died. One of his gifts is financial, but the others are sacrifices of his own body for them. Some of the gifts he can supply while he is alive, some others have to happen after he has died.
The movie made me laugh and cry. Mostly cry! It was heart wrenching to see this man struggle with what he had caused and his ultimate struggle to find those he would try to help.
It made me appreciate how truly fragile life is. How quickly things can change. How one single decision, not only effects your life but can effect so many others.
So should you go see it? ---YES---
If you don't want to spend $20 to go to the movie, at least keep it in your memory banks for the video store in a couple more months!
Here is a link to the trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9nn0eKwxHY
I think Will Smith is one of the greatest actors of our generation. And I think he is largely overlooked because of some of his action movies that don't seem to take much acting skill, or too many people cant get past "The Fresh Prince", but this movies shows what a terrific actor he truly is!
Okay, now on to the books!!
I have had a sore back and had a couple of days to read while I rested. I read two really good books in that two days.
The first is from one of my favorite authors David Baldacci: Divine Justice, this is his latest novel and continues the story with the characters introduced in the Camel Club.
I absolutely loved Divine Justice, it was an original plot line, that had many twists and turns and had a great ending. I love this author, I always look forward to his next book!
Here is a link to another review, that gives a bit of the plot! Happy reading!
Amazon Link: Divine Justice
The other book was from an author I had never read before. His name is Jeffery Archer and quite honestly just picked up his book because his last name is the same as my son's name. I read the dust jacket synopsis and thought it sounded good, so I gave it a whirl!
IT WAS SO GOOD! It was the tinest bit hard for me to get into for the first 50 pages or so, then it just caught my interest and I couldn't put it down! I loved it! It reminded me a lot of "The Count of Monte Cristo" but much more modern and easily relateable. The book is called A Prisoner of Birth.
A young man is convicted of a murder he did not commit and goes to prison for 20+ years leaving behind his pregnant fiancee. He is assigned to a cell with a man that will truly change every aspect of his life. He manages to escape and begins to exact revenge on the men who did carry out the crime, and all lied to send him to prison. It was terrific! Go read it! Happy reading!
So today I actually have 3 things I wanted to tell you about.
My movie of choice this week: Seven Pounds Starring Will Smith. ---SPOILERS---
Some may say that it glorifies suicide, and it does, a little. But I think to good message and the way it makes you think about how fragile life is, counteracts all of that!
Basic story line--a brilliant young man makes a stupid mistake and causes a car accident where 7 people including his fiancee are killed. He is obviously devastated and longs to make restitution. The way he decides to do this are to give "seven pounds" of his own flesh. Now, before you get all grossed out, read on. He has decided to give a gift to better the lives, in truly life changing ways, of 7 people. One for each person who died. One of his gifts is financial, but the others are sacrifices of his own body for them. Some of the gifts he can supply while he is alive, some others have to happen after he has died.
The movie made me laugh and cry. Mostly cry! It was heart wrenching to see this man struggle with what he had caused and his ultimate struggle to find those he would try to help.
It made me appreciate how truly fragile life is. How quickly things can change. How one single decision, not only effects your life but can effect so many others.
So should you go see it? ---YES---
If you don't want to spend $20 to go to the movie, at least keep it in your memory banks for the video store in a couple more months!
Here is a link to the trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9nn0eKwxHY
I think Will Smith is one of the greatest actors of our generation. And I think he is largely overlooked because of some of his action movies that don't seem to take much acting skill, or too many people cant get past "The Fresh Prince", but this movies shows what a terrific actor he truly is!
Okay, now on to the books!!
I have had a sore back and had a couple of days to read while I rested. I read two really good books in that two days.
The first is from one of my favorite authors David Baldacci: Divine Justice, this is his latest novel and continues the story with the characters introduced in the Camel Club.
I absolutely loved Divine Justice, it was an original plot line, that had many twists and turns and had a great ending. I love this author, I always look forward to his next book!
Here is a link to another review, that gives a bit of the plot! Happy reading!
Amazon Link: Divine Justice
The other book was from an author I had never read before. His name is Jeffery Archer and quite honestly just picked up his book because his last name is the same as my son's name. I read the dust jacket synopsis and thought it sounded good, so I gave it a whirl!
IT WAS SO GOOD! It was the tinest bit hard for me to get into for the first 50 pages or so, then it just caught my interest and I couldn't put it down! I loved it! It reminded me a lot of "The Count of Monte Cristo" but much more modern and easily relateable. The book is called A Prisoner of Birth.
A young man is convicted of a murder he did not commit and goes to prison for 20+ years leaving behind his pregnant fiancee. He is assigned to a cell with a man that will truly change every aspect of his life. He manages to escape and begins to exact revenge on the men who did carry out the crime, and all lied to send him to prison. It was terrific! Go read it! Happy reading!
Weight loss Wednesday!!
Okay,
So here is my attempt at some accountability!
It is weight-loss Wednesday and here we go!
Today I weighed 193 lbs. that is down from 215 when I really started exercising and trying to feel better at the end of May. So that is a loss of 22 lbs.. The day that Archer was born I was at my all time heaviest 240! So since Archer was born in August of '07 I have shed 47 lbs.
Not bad, but not terrific either.
So my hope in posting weight loss information here, (not to mention my true weight!!!) is to have a major since of guilt when I want to skip the gym that day, or to pig out on cake, cookies, chips, Carmel popcorn, etc! ---What am I mentioning all of my trigger foods!!????
So my goals for this week:
shed another 2 lbs.
keep a food journal perfectly!
make it to the gym 5 times.
So to make Weight-loss Wednesday more than just a listing of stats, I will try and post some tips, tricks or exercises that I have tried and liked.
So for today, the awesome BOSU! It is essentially a ball cut in half that you can stand on to exercise. It is a very dynamic surface. It helps with balance and strength training because you have to engage your core muscles to even stand still on it. You can do so much with it, squats, lunges, crunches, v-sits, or even to just stand or kneel on it to lift hand weights.
So here is my attempt at some accountability!
It is weight-loss Wednesday and here we go!
Today I weighed 193 lbs. that is down from 215 when I really started exercising and trying to feel better at the end of May. So that is a loss of 22 lbs.. The day that Archer was born I was at my all time heaviest 240! So since Archer was born in August of '07 I have shed 47 lbs.
Not bad, but not terrific either.
So my hope in posting weight loss information here, (not to mention my true weight!!!) is to have a major since of guilt when I want to skip the gym that day, or to pig out on cake, cookies, chips, Carmel popcorn, etc! ---What am I mentioning all of my trigger foods!!????
So my goals for this week:
shed another 2 lbs.
keep a food journal perfectly!
make it to the gym 5 times.
So to make Weight-loss Wednesday more than just a listing of stats, I will try and post some tips, tricks or exercises that I have tried and liked.
So for today, the awesome BOSU! It is essentially a ball cut in half that you can stand on to exercise. It is a very dynamic surface. It helps with balance and strength training because you have to engage your core muscles to even stand still on it. You can do so much with it, squats, lunges, crunches, v-sits, or even to just stand or kneel on it to lift hand weights.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
General Information
I am going to try and not share too many personal details. I am not a sharer. But, what is the point of a blog if you don't share some things?!
We are doing wonderfully. We are early to bed and early to rise.......but that does not necessarily make us healthy, wealthy or wise. But I would like to think that we are working on all three.
Rob, continues to do wonderfully at work. They love him and are not afraid to let us know. It is wonderful to feel somewhat secure in a very volatile time in our economy. ---Now I am not saying this to brag in any way, and Lord please don't send extra trials just because I am shooting off my mouth!
Rob studies hard and continues to earn certifications and professional accolades. He earned his CCIE in 2004 and it has continually brought respect, job security and great pay. I am so proud of his ambition. I appreciate so much his hard work and diligence in propelling his career forward. And his wonderful ability to provide for our family.
He is a terrific husband and father. The kids are always so excited to see him at the end of the day. They all scream "DADDY, DADDY, DADDY" and full out run to the back door to throw their little arms around him and welcome him home! --he loves it!-- It makes him so happy when the kids want to sit and talk with him, or have him hold them. It makes me grin to see how much they all love each other. We are truly blessed!
Well I am keeping busy with the house and kids. Four little ones 6 and under is a wild ride. Though, I must admit that it is much easier than it was even a couple of years ago! I try and tell myself that I have it all together, even if it doesn't feel like it most days! I am trying to make sure I am taken care of as well as the family.
I have been going to the gym most every day for the past several months. I LOVE it. It feels so good to get out and have the kids watched in a place that is safe and stimulating and where I can sweat for an hour! It is my Prozac..... I feel so much better about every aspect of my life when I am active and strong. I am going to keep you updated and have some accountability on Weight loss Wednesday.... so stay tuned.
Another adventure that is soon to begin........ I am going back to school! Yes, even with four young kids, I can do it! I have signed up for Biology 101 and Psychology 202, and both my classes start next week! I am very excited! The Biology will be on campus and the psych class will be online. I am looking forward to challenging my brain in a new way again! The proposed goal right now is Nursing. It is something that I have thought of for a long time, and can totally picture myself doing. Not to mention that health care is one of the fastest growing career options out there. My plans are to take things nice and slow. Just a couple of classes each semester and move at a nice easy pace, as to not upset the dynamics of the household!
Avalon is now 6 years old. I cannot believe my tiny dark haired beauty is so big. She is so smart and articulate. And she can talk the ears off anyone who will listen! She is very obedient and helpful. I think she is a lot like me, with a great mix of some of her Dad's best qualities, friendliness and extroversion! The extrovert, I am not! We have been homeschooling Avalon for the last couple of years. She is just now age qualified to go to public school, because of a late birthday. But she was ready and willing to start school a couple of years ago, so we have been schooling her at home. She has done beautifully and gets tons of social interaction at the gym and in the classes she takes away from home. (Dance, gymnastics, art, cooking swimming, etc.)
For the coming school year we have applied for her to get into a local charter school. It is an excellent school with terrific teachers, test scores and parental involvement. I am hoping beyond hope that she will get in! We decided to see if another option other than homeschooling will fit our families needs because of newly added stresses. (More about that in Adam's paragraph) So hopefully she will get in, and then I will have some more time to focus some other things. If she doesn't get in, ( I don't even want to think about it!!!) then for now we will look into some local private schools or continue to home school. We will have to see. If any of you feel like you can, please send up some extra prayers that she will get in. :) --And not to mention, once one of your kids are in, they save a spot for upcoming siblings! It is just what I am looking for!
Alana will be 5 at the end of March and is such a sweet little girl. That is, unless she is tired or hungry or upset for some other reason, then she can be a bit of a feisty bug! She has always been a tad on the emotional side, and boy oh boy does it show sometimes! --Can we say drama queen?!--
Alana has joined us for schooling this year. She loves to learn and has been doing very well. She learns very quickly and never ceases so amaze me! She is beginning to read and is a whiz at math! It has been really fun and challenging to have both the girls schooling this year. I am not sure exactly what my plans for the coming school year are for Alana, if Avalon gets into the Charter school, I think I am going to find a private Kindergarten for Alana until she can join Avalon as she moves up to 1st grade. (This particular school starts at 1st grade and goes through 8th.)
Alana has and probably always will be a big Daddy's girl. She and Rob have such a sweet special bond. It is so fun to watch them together. Their personalities are SO similar!
Adam turned 3 at the beginning of October. He is such a handsome little guy. Light blond hair and big blue eyes, I still get stopped in stores for people to tell me how cute he is. He is MY boy, he is wonderful about giving hugs and kisses and telling me "I love you!"
He still struggles greatly with his speech. He is severely delayed in that regard and a few others. We are in the beginning stages of having him tested and diagnosed with Autism. We have been suspecting it for about a year and a half, but have been somewhat in denial because he does not have many of the Autism markers, but he definitely has more than a couple. He is very high functioning, but people who are around children a lot can definitely pick up on the signs. This is the added stress I mentioned in Avalon's paragraph. He has lots of appointments for testing and treatment so homeschooling on top of all of that is proving to be too much. Another reason we want Avalon to get into the Carter school is that they have the staff and resources for help Adam and deal with his special needs.
He is now the age to move up to Primary out of the nursery class at church. Hopefully the transition will go smoothly. The teachers for that youngest class are wonderful and will really be good for him.
Archer is 16 months old and is such a sweet wonderful baby! Though, I can hardly call him a baby anymore! He started walking a few days ago and is off and running!
He has taken his merry sweet time deciding he can walk. He has been running around with a train walking assist-type toy. (Can't think of what they are called!) He has even been standing still unassisted, until he realized that he wasn't holding onto anything, then down he goes. It was really funny to see him standing there, drinking a sippy cup or playing with a book or toy, only to look down and realize that no one was holding onto him or that he wasn't leaned against the couch and he would immediately sit!
Well, I started this post yesterday and didn't get a chance to finish it, and since that time, we have decided to go ahead and buy a house, more on that later! And we have also decided that my going to school right now, may not be the best plan. We have been discussing the school issue for several days and just this morning decided that trying to home school the children, take care of everything else, and do a flip on a house, that adding school may not work out well. So, sadly, I canceled my classes this morning and returned my textbooks and parking permit. It is bittersweet for me. I was definitely looking forward to school, but at the same time thinking about all the stress it would add for me and the family, maybe it is the best thing.
We are doing wonderfully. We are early to bed and early to rise.......but that does not necessarily make us healthy, wealthy or wise. But I would like to think that we are working on all three.
Rob, continues to do wonderfully at work. They love him and are not afraid to let us know. It is wonderful to feel somewhat secure in a very volatile time in our economy. ---Now I am not saying this to brag in any way, and Lord please don't send extra trials just because I am shooting off my mouth!
Rob studies hard and continues to earn certifications and professional accolades. He earned his CCIE in 2004 and it has continually brought respect, job security and great pay. I am so proud of his ambition. I appreciate so much his hard work and diligence in propelling his career forward. And his wonderful ability to provide for our family.
He is a terrific husband and father. The kids are always so excited to see him at the end of the day. They all scream "DADDY, DADDY, DADDY" and full out run to the back door to throw their little arms around him and welcome him home! --he loves it!-- It makes him so happy when the kids want to sit and talk with him, or have him hold them. It makes me grin to see how much they all love each other. We are truly blessed!
Well I am keeping busy with the house and kids. Four little ones 6 and under is a wild ride. Though, I must admit that it is much easier than it was even a couple of years ago! I try and tell myself that I have it all together, even if it doesn't feel like it most days! I am trying to make sure I am taken care of as well as the family.
I have been going to the gym most every day for the past several months. I LOVE it. It feels so good to get out and have the kids watched in a place that is safe and stimulating and where I can sweat for an hour! It is my Prozac..... I feel so much better about every aspect of my life when I am active and strong. I am going to keep you updated and have some accountability on Weight loss Wednesday.... so stay tuned.
Another adventure that is soon to begin........ I am going back to school! Yes, even with four young kids, I can do it! I have signed up for Biology 101 and Psychology 202, and both my classes start next week! I am very excited! The Biology will be on campus and the psych class will be online. I am looking forward to challenging my brain in a new way again! The proposed goal right now is Nursing. It is something that I have thought of for a long time, and can totally picture myself doing. Not to mention that health care is one of the fastest growing career options out there. My plans are to take things nice and slow. Just a couple of classes each semester and move at a nice easy pace, as to not upset the dynamics of the household!
Avalon is now 6 years old. I cannot believe my tiny dark haired beauty is so big. She is so smart and articulate. And she can talk the ears off anyone who will listen! She is very obedient and helpful. I think she is a lot like me, with a great mix of some of her Dad's best qualities, friendliness and extroversion! The extrovert, I am not! We have been homeschooling Avalon for the last couple of years. She is just now age qualified to go to public school, because of a late birthday. But she was ready and willing to start school a couple of years ago, so we have been schooling her at home. She has done beautifully and gets tons of social interaction at the gym and in the classes she takes away from home. (Dance, gymnastics, art, cooking swimming, etc.)
For the coming school year we have applied for her to get into a local charter school. It is an excellent school with terrific teachers, test scores and parental involvement. I am hoping beyond hope that she will get in! We decided to see if another option other than homeschooling will fit our families needs because of newly added stresses. (More about that in Adam's paragraph) So hopefully she will get in, and then I will have some more time to focus some other things. If she doesn't get in, ( I don't even want to think about it!!!) then for now we will look into some local private schools or continue to home school. We will have to see. If any of you feel like you can, please send up some extra prayers that she will get in. :) --And not to mention, once one of your kids are in, they save a spot for upcoming siblings! It is just what I am looking for!
Alana will be 5 at the end of March and is such a sweet little girl. That is, unless she is tired or hungry or upset for some other reason, then she can be a bit of a feisty bug! She has always been a tad on the emotional side, and boy oh boy does it show sometimes! --Can we say drama queen?!--
Alana has joined us for schooling this year. She loves to learn and has been doing very well. She learns very quickly and never ceases so amaze me! She is beginning to read and is a whiz at math! It has been really fun and challenging to have both the girls schooling this year. I am not sure exactly what my plans for the coming school year are for Alana, if Avalon gets into the Charter school, I think I am going to find a private Kindergarten for Alana until she can join Avalon as she moves up to 1st grade. (This particular school starts at 1st grade and goes through 8th.)
Alana has and probably always will be a big Daddy's girl. She and Rob have such a sweet special bond. It is so fun to watch them together. Their personalities are SO similar!
Adam turned 3 at the beginning of October. He is such a handsome little guy. Light blond hair and big blue eyes, I still get stopped in stores for people to tell me how cute he is. He is MY boy, he is wonderful about giving hugs and kisses and telling me "I love you!"
He still struggles greatly with his speech. He is severely delayed in that regard and a few others. We are in the beginning stages of having him tested and diagnosed with Autism. We have been suspecting it for about a year and a half, but have been somewhat in denial because he does not have many of the Autism markers, but he definitely has more than a couple. He is very high functioning, but people who are around children a lot can definitely pick up on the signs. This is the added stress I mentioned in Avalon's paragraph. He has lots of appointments for testing and treatment so homeschooling on top of all of that is proving to be too much. Another reason we want Avalon to get into the Carter school is that they have the staff and resources for help Adam and deal with his special needs.
He is now the age to move up to Primary out of the nursery class at church. Hopefully the transition will go smoothly. The teachers for that youngest class are wonderful and will really be good for him.
Archer is 16 months old and is such a sweet wonderful baby! Though, I can hardly call him a baby anymore! He started walking a few days ago and is off and running!
He has taken his merry sweet time deciding he can walk. He has been running around with a train walking assist-type toy. (Can't think of what they are called!) He has even been standing still unassisted, until he realized that he wasn't holding onto anything, then down he goes. It was really funny to see him standing there, drinking a sippy cup or playing with a book or toy, only to look down and realize that no one was holding onto him or that he wasn't leaned against the couch and he would immediately sit!
Well, I started this post yesterday and didn't get a chance to finish it, and since that time, we have decided to go ahead and buy a house, more on that later! And we have also decided that my going to school right now, may not be the best plan. We have been discussing the school issue for several days and just this morning decided that trying to home school the children, take care of everything else, and do a flip on a house, that adding school may not work out well. So, sadly, I canceled my classes this morning and returned my textbooks and parking permit. It is bittersweet for me. I was definitely looking forward to school, but at the same time thinking about all the stress it would add for me and the family, maybe it is the best thing.
So.... I guess I'm a blogger.......
Well, here we go.
I have been thinking and thinking and trying to decide if I am brave enough to put myself out there for the whole world..... Or at least for a few family and friends.
I am not a big talker. I pretty much keep to myself. I am not a sharer, is that a word??
But I need to have a good way to keep up with friends and family, since we have lived so far away from most of you for many years.
I pretty much decided to take the plunge because I enjoy reading others' blogs. I have a big list off the the side where many of you may find your blog listed, and you didn't even know I was reading........again with the keeping to myself and not sharing!
Please feel free to pass this on to your friends and family who may know us and want to keep track.
So here is the plan. I am going to make this a mix of truly selfish look at me, look at me, look at me posts and general family news and events.
I am not trying to be the funniest blog around, because, lets face it, I am not that funny! I am not trying to gain a bazillion readers, because I don't care to have tons of strangers knowing my business. I am not trying to compete in any way. This is just a fun, creative outlet/ family journal. Since I suck at journal keeping and scrapbooking, I thought this might be the solution I am looking for!
THE PLAN
Mondays for the mundane...... catching up on the things we have been up to.
Tuesday .......... catching up on our history.
Weight loss Wednesday......... Update on my constant battle to slim down!
Thursday .......Movie and book day.
Foodie Friday.........a post about a yummy new reciepe we have tried or a new book or website.
That is about it, I reserve the right to change "the plan" at any time for any reason, so don't get your used to anything. I seem to change my mind on a pretty regular basis.
I have been thinking and thinking and trying to decide if I am brave enough to put myself out there for the whole world..... Or at least for a few family and friends.
I am not a big talker. I pretty much keep to myself. I am not a sharer, is that a word??
But I need to have a good way to keep up with friends and family, since we have lived so far away from most of you for many years.
I pretty much decided to take the plunge because I enjoy reading others' blogs. I have a big list off the the side where many of you may find your blog listed, and you didn't even know I was reading........again with the keeping to myself and not sharing!
Please feel free to pass this on to your friends and family who may know us and want to keep track.
So here is the plan. I am going to make this a mix of truly selfish look at me, look at me, look at me posts and general family news and events.
I am not trying to be the funniest blog around, because, lets face it, I am not that funny! I am not trying to gain a bazillion readers, because I don't care to have tons of strangers knowing my business. I am not trying to compete in any way. This is just a fun, creative outlet/ family journal. Since I suck at journal keeping and scrapbooking, I thought this might be the solution I am looking for!
THE PLAN
Mondays for the mundane...... catching up on the things we have been up to.
Tuesday .......... catching up on our history.
Weight loss Wednesday......... Update on my constant battle to slim down!
Thursday .......Movie and book day.
Foodie Friday.........a post about a yummy new reciepe we have tried or a new book or website.
That is about it, I reserve the right to change "the plan" at any time for any reason, so don't get your used to anything. I seem to change my mind on a pretty regular basis.
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