Sunday, November 29, 2009

emotions

Emotions are I guess just a sign of living. You are breathing, you have things in your life that happen that is exciting, bring sorry or joy, sadness, calm moments, fearful moments. Emotions sometimes comes from the heart, but also from the head. There are things that can bring on an emotion and then right out of the blue, something may or not happen, and the emotion is changed.

Sometimes when this happens I don't know how to handle things. I don't know what to say, I don't know what to feel. The emotions are outpouring and sometimes explosive. You know that you need to tell someone, and it's easier to tell those who you do not think will judge you. Sometimes you wonder if you should say anything at all, after all do they really need to know?

There are many many changes going on in my life and a lot of different emotions happening- and not just one emotion at a time. That does not help with co-dependant people - people who depend on how others will react if and when they learn of specific things.

There are times that emotions take over and you are all happy, sad, feel like crying, feel like screaming, feel like asking "what the hell was I thinking???!!"

I need those emotions to calm down to think. I need to be able to work through those emotions to make the best possible choices. I also need to understand that what's done is done and if things have come to what and where they are there is a reason.

I believe I need to just remember ONE DAY, one FEELING, one thing at a time. Life has it's ups and downs and I need to go with life. If it were always like an eagle soaring through the clouds, then how would one learn how to live? How would that eagle be able to soar when he is tired and needs to land.

I am rambling, and I know it's been a while since I have posted, don't know if anyone will understand any of this, but it's good to get it off the chest!

Tina

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

A look at Google calendars

I just found out that google came out with a calendar for it's members. Yes, I stumbled upon it and yes, I am trying it out. So far it looks pretty cool and with the phone that I have I can pull it up whenever I need it.

http://www.google.com/googlecalendar/about.html is a place to find out more about it.

I found it by visiting a website I usually visit every few days. They actually put it up on the website and I found that you can sync theirs into yours. I saw that and I actually have a google account, so I figured I would give it a try. With everything I am involved in I am hoping that it helps me to stay on top of everything.

I only wish that it would sync with outlook or even the calendar on my phone. I am hoping to find more info on getting all of my calendars to work together. I also noticed that there is a way to get it to work offline also.

Hope this helps someone out there!

Tina

Saturday, May 9, 2009

8 days old.

It's been a hectic 8 days let me tell you! Between the wheel coming off of the Jeep (while in process of getting Fireman home), repairing the Transfer case from the Jeep hitting coming down and cracking it upon the rotor's impact from the tire being thrown about 250-300 yards away, Meeting with the school and a rush to the hospital I have been checking on the babies. Here are some of the latest shots taken today at 8 days old. Their eyes should open on Monday, at 10 days old.


This first photo shows three of them sleeping. This is usually how you see all of them bundled up in their nest made out of straw and fur that was pulled from their mother.

In this photo you can see how they all like to be together. If you get one away from the others they will go searching for one of the siblings to cuddle with. You also can see the various colors in the litter.

Just another shot as a couple extend their heads up to try to find it's spot among it's siblings

We love having babies here at the house.. they are sooo much fun. The fun with get better when they have their eyes opened and start eating pellets with mom.

Tina

Sunday, May 3, 2009

It's been an exciting few days


The excitement has been fabulous around here. Bunnies were born! One of our rabbits, a broken otter (an otter is usually solid black with brown/white belly, brown tufts at the top of the head and around the ears and brown around the nose, black eyes, a broken is two colors and white/brown belly and little brown around the top of ears and nose - at least this is how I have learned this to be)to be exact, had 7 kits (name for a baby bunny). They actually look wild the day of birth. They are usually hairless but their bodies kind of give away what colors they will be. Today is day three of their lives and they are well fed and starting to get hair. Their eyes will not open until around day 10. It is amazing how their little bodies transform and how they start beginning to look like bunnies. We bred two does around the same time so that the kids will be able to show Jr.s at the fair for 4H this year.

We took the kits out to the adviser's house so that the whole family could find out what kinds and colors we may have. We were too excited to wait and actally find out as they grow. Yea, I am very impatient, and I wanted to see what colors there was involved. I went out to make sure the kids fed and watered them and to make sure the bunnies were okay, and it seemed like one was actually like a lilac or a blue color. Well, after the adviser saw them, we definitely have blue, maybe a broken sable and possibly a broken black and what looks like could be a broken blue otter or broken blue and the possibilities of a solid blue. We are very excited!!!!

Now I will be more curious as to the definitions of all of the different colors and the things that the advisor stated, so I will have to start checking more out on the web. I'll be excited to see if they are show quality also, and we just may have more Jr's going to fair than what we thought!

The most important thing right now is that these babies are a sign to me- a sign that things begin anew every single day. A sign that life is ever replenishing themselves, bringing joy and happiness to those who look for the joy and happiness within things. Sometimes we need to see the flower growing in between the sidewalk, the cry of a newborn, and yes, watching the fur grow on the bodies of bunnies awaiting the opening of their eyes. This waiting and daily checking shows how things change quicker and how things in life need to be cherished in the light of the day, and not lived through and ignored.

Tina

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Wishful Wednesday

Here's a website that many of you may be interested in. http://www.allfreecrafts.com/ebooks/index.shtml Here is a listing of all kinds of Free E-books that are packed with information. Two books I have already checked out - Self care cards for Busy Moms and 64 bath and body recipes. Some you may need to buy a book for, but for the most part they have the recipes and they are very easy to follow from what I see.

As mothers we tend to forget to take care of ourselves. The self care cards have some good ideas on them and I hope you find them as useful as I think they will be helpful to me.

Go on, check it out, I think you may find something interesting if you are frugal about caring for yourself like I am.

Tina

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Thoughtful Tuesday

I am not so sure if there is a such thing as a thoughtful Tuesday. We will try it out. I am taking my frustrations out on all of you.



10 things that verify teenagers are coming...


10. You find clothes spread from head to toe on every stitch of furniture and floor/carpet
9. It's been forever since you had to go searching for a training bra and your daughter is going to be needing one like last week.
8. They sit there and tell you "but mom! It's been three weeks since I took a shower and I really don't need one again! (Of course I am exaggerating, LOL!)
7. Your food bill has Quadrupled and your electric bill octopled(is this really a word?)
6. Your husband prefers to work extra shifts so he don't have to come home.
5. They come home and tell you about the boyfriend/girlfriend of the day.
4. Thoughts race through my head thinking that I can maintain the dog house, run electric out to it and live there until they move out of the house.
3. Everyone knows when the kids are home.... how can they drown out all of the yelling and screaming?
2. They start telling you that they want one specific item to wear... EVERY SINGLE DAY!
and

#1.....

You start checking out what kind of job you can work as a second job to afford the military schools you are inquiring about shipping the kid off to.

Ah okay, we are just in the beginning years of the teens. I know there has to be more better ones out there, lets hear them!

BTW... Fireman is applying for a corrections officer position. I think it will be good training with the kids, don't you? Gotta keep them inmates (AKA the lovely dear children) in line!!!

Tina

Sunday, April 19, 2009

a mindful way of life from the Brat factor

This list has been falsely credited to Andy Rooney. He is not the author, rather it is a compilation of many from age 5 to 95. (Snopes)
I've learned that~
~the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.
~when you're in love, it shows.
~just one person saying to me, "You've made my day!" makes my day.
~having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.
~being kind is more important than being right.
~you should never say no to a gift from a child.
~I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.
~no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.
~sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.
~simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.
~life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.
~we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.
~money doesn't buy class.
~it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.
~under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.
~to ignore the facts does not change the facts.
~when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.
~love, not time, heals all wounds.
~the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.
~everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.
~there's nothing sweeter than sleeping with your babies and feeling their breath on your cheeks.
~no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.
~life is tough, but I'm tougher.
~opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.
~when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.
~I wish I could have told my Dad that I love him one more time before he passed away.
~one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.
~a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
~when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, you're hooked for life.
~everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.
~the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.


Saturday, April 18, 2009

Spring cleaning begins.

Oh, ok yeah it's been a while since I have REALLY done this. It is a pain in the neck! With working as much as I have been, chasing kids back and forth for school and all the fun things starting up with spring coming into season I have had the urge to do this. I have started in the living room of my house. Instead of having a bucket of water, I mixed up some spic n span in a spray bottle and I absolutely love the idea! I don't have to travel up and down the ladder to wet my cloth and I only have to go up wash the wall and come back down to move the ladder after hitting the bottom portion of the wall. I really want to declutter the living room too, one task that I would rather not do, but if I don't it's still going to be a mess. I think I am going to have to use a laundry basket to fill goodies that I no longer love and want to give away until I get over to the recycle center to get a giveaway box. I am going so far as to actually wash down everything in the process. After that I think it will be a good time to hit the carpet with the carpet cleaner. I am hoping to get all of the dust and allergins out of the house the best I can.

I'll update you on how well I am doing. I really don't have the energy to do this, but I can have the windows open and get the fresh air in as well. A local club is doing a spaghetti dinner, so I think I will treat them with the presence of my family as a gift to myself (I won't have to cook dinner!) The fireman works tonight, so hopefully I can work diligently into the night to get this done. yes, I have a lot of clutter in this room!

~Tina~

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Bribery will get you.......

A CLEAN HOUSE!!!!!!!


Yes, you did read this right! Okay, I have to explain... the kids got a boat load of candy from an Egg Hunt at the local community event. When I say a boat load, I am talking enough for three children to have a piece of candy every day for at least a year. it was fun watching them collect the eggs, and then return only to start popping the eggs apart to go through and see if they won a really cool prize (well, to them they were really cool, some may have possibly ended up being a parent's worse nightmare). Needless to say they had enough candy between all of them that they really did not care if they won the prize. Half way through opening eggs, they were excited to see all of the different candies that were inside the eggs, that they really weren't interested in the prizes by that time. (hmmm could this be because my kids have been deprived of candy???)

Mr. Firefighter/EMT ended up having to go to work tonight, so he stopped at another community happening, the local fish fry held by the Lyons Club. He picked up his dinner and the plan was that I was going to take the kids up for dinner later. I got a hold of one of the members and pre arranged to have a dinner done early so that he could pick it up on the way into work. too funny, I got the text message that his dinner was ready only 30 seconds after he left to stop up there! Anyhow, I with the 3 children went up for dinner at the local fish fry. This was cool. many people I saw there I knew and we stopped and talked for a while after dinner was completed for both parties. I feel that I am starting to know the community that we have only been in for the last 2 - almost 3 years. It is awful nice to have a smile from people who are nice, caring and honest. Good townspeople. Staples of the community.

Anyways, after the nice peaceful outing, I came up with the plan. THE ULTIMATE PLAN!!!!!
And you would never guess, but IT WORKED!!! I told my kids on the way home that I had a surprise for them. I would actually leave the huge bowl of candy out for them to eat IF they would help me tackle the house. They were so estatic that I believe if they were not sitting in the seat and actually buckled in that they would have fell out of the seat. As I pulled the van into the garage for the last time tonight, they were all laughing, giggling, and getting along with each other. As we are getting out of the van, they were hopping skipping and jumping all the way into the house and asking what they could start doing immediately. The catch? Yeah, us mom's have to have a catch ya know, but the catch is that they could not have any candy unless they were actually working on a task. :O)

All I can say is WOW!!! I stopped for a periodic sit down and had to post this because I am hoping an idea like this can help other moms. I still have to put everything off the couch, still have to get the laundry into the laundry room, but I will have the kids sort it into piles for wash tomorrow, and really the only room I have to do is the kitchen which I can get done in about 15 minutes with all of the new found help I am now receiving!

Yep, Bribery can get you a clean house!
It can also get a bunch of bouncing kids that I will now have to put a good movie on for and have them lay down and watch it to calm them down for bed. This may be ending up to be a wild task to do but it's way better than cleaning the house hours on end to get it completed.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Long time no blog!

Okay, so I have not been the best blog upkeeper like others. I'll admit it!
Since coming down sick, I have lost 15-20 pounds. I also had to jump in head first to get the things done that needed done while down. I am still working on getting the cough gone, getting work done and up keeping the house. While I have been working hard to get this all done, I have failed to up keep my blog. I am truly sorry for not writing more.

The kiddo's are on spring break- that means I have to re-arrange all of the things that I do so I can get them done. More battles with the kids to help out around the house, and more food to purchase to keep their little bellies full.

Spring break is also less time for things such as blogs. With me trying to fit work into my schedule full of children, less time is available for other things. Hmmm thinking it may be a good time to scrub walls and declutter too!

Off to get busy and get the kids moving! I will write again! I promise!




Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Supermom... the Sicko



Okay, I actually did go to the docs. I could not take it anymore! My house is a disaster and I was actually following doc's orders to let it go and actually REST!!! I have work that needs to be taken care of, and I really did not want to go around delivering it to everyone while dispersing the bug I am under the weather with. I actually think that tomorrow I will be able to get out and get it all done and taken care of. What a relief that will be. I really feel terrible I have not got it taken care of yet.

DH and son came down with the crud now, which in my eyes gives me the "all clear" ring a ding ding in my head, saying that I cannot lie around here following doc's orders. Someone has to be in control around here and while DH really does not get sick often, I know he needs his break to start feeling better also. I am impatiently watching s-mann because I am starting to think he is feeling better, just not sure if the 101.5 fever has broken yet. I am blessed with the fact that both boys usually do not get sick and when they do it is usually half of the time I am down.

I am hoping that by tomorrow this crud comes out of my chest so I will be able to breathe again, so that I can take over better and get the germs out of the house. DD6 was out all last week with this, and I was actually combating it last week, though Sunday night I came down with it harder than what I could imagine.

So enough about the sicko's here, it's time for me to don my cap and find my supermom energy and start getting this house in order, and my work dropped off!

SHHHHWOOOOSSSHHHHH!!!

Monday, February 23, 2009

Typoglycemia

I got this in an email from the Bratfactor. I thought it was pretty interesting to share here.


I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht
I was rdanieg. But beuasce of the phaonmneal pweor of the
hmuan mnid (aoccdrnig to a rscheearch taem at Cmabrigde
Uinervtisy) it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers
in a wrod are witrten, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht
the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The
rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a
porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey
lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Such a cdonition
is arppoiately cllaed Typoglycemia :)-

Amzanig huh? Yaeh and yuo awlyas thought slpeling was ipmorantt.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Exciting news


Happy Anniversary DH! Thanks for the wonderful 12 years!

Friday, February 20, 2009

Thoughts regarding schools

Here is a topic near and dear to my heart. As some of my readers may already know, I have a child with Asperger Syndrome. This diagnosis comes with social issues. I have many people who try to turn me on to educating my child through the computer because of his issues. While this may work well with other children, I feel that these "computer schools" would actually be a draw back for my children.

Children need to learn how to get a long with people. They need to have social lives, and they need to know how to approach people. I believe that the "computer schools" would not provide this for my children.

Another issue I am facing is the fact that with going to school, they need to learn organization. If they cannot learn this now, how are they supposed to grow up knowing how to do this. I feel there are many many issues that going to school will help with- it's just how the parents deal with it. On the very first day that I have met each child's teacher(s), I have told the teacher that if they have any problems with my children to contact me. I am a firm believer that children are never perfect. I will deal with issues at home, and if the school also hands out discipline

Interim reports came out today. I made a vow to leave my 6th grade to be in control of all of his homework and to make sure it gets done and turned in(and the grades prove that we need a lot of work on this!). We have been trying to deal with the issues of 1. not turning in homework on time, 2. not completing homework 3. not bringing home the homework needed.

I told my 6th grader last week that I am working with the teachers and they are reporting to me ANY homework that is not being turned in on time. He likes a particular show, and I have told him that for every homework assignment missed I delete a show that has been recorded without him watching it. After seeing his report card today, he has now lost not only his DS(gone for almost 6 weeks already), but in addition to all of his Pokemon cards, his x box and if he continues to stay up playing with his cars his cards will be gone as well. He really needs to learn how to control himself and to take action for the things he needs to get done at school and also he needs to be held accountable for his actions at school.

I am seriously considering talking to the school and asking them to start handing out detentions to him for being late to class, not turning in homework, and for not finishing his homework when it's n0t done to his potential. I really hate to do this, but I really do not know what else I can do to reinforce these habits. He is sluffing off, and even though he may be on an IEP, that does not give him the right to not learn how to work up to his potential, not to show up on time, and not to learn how to organize and turn things in. To me all of the above are essential for work ethics that he will soon need in less than 6 years.

I may not share views with each and every person who views this, but I know deep down in my heart that sometimes tough love is better than doing for them. What else can I do? I have to look down the road and prepare him for the rest of Jr. High as well as High School. I have to prepare my children for living life on their own, taking care of their needs, College if the possibility arises (and I hope it does!) and the most important is working and holding a job. If I don't do this now, what is it going to be like down the road? Are they going to actually be able to hold down a job?

I may sound mean. It may hurt to say these things. It is my responsibility as the mother to teach them. If I let this continue, I am only hurting them.

Enough on the soap box, I am stepping down now.



Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Let the tourney's begin


DH and K-bug, the basketball Duo. Yes, I believe that K-bug is doing very well for her first go round for basketball.

Two weekends ago was the birth of a sportsmom. K-bug along with her 8 partners-in-crime took to the court. They practiced many months, and they won their first game- the first game they ever played as a team. She's got the bug! DH is the assistant coach. The poor guy misses playing so much that there are times he gets out there and patters on the ball too. The girls all love playing around and trying to get the ball from him. Yes she's smiling! Yes she has fun! She has practiced hard and we are very proud of her. She got a taste of what it's like to swoosh the basket. She's got a taste of winning, but also losing like a winner too. The team bounces back up and comes back for more. They work well as a team and I hope to see them stay together going through school. I know my daughter has many talents - basketball, baseball, showing rabbits and coloring, but I am truly happy to see her out there pounding the court showing everyone what she is made out of.

The last game they played was exciting. They got to play in the High School Gym where the last Tourney was held. They actually got seats to sit in instead of sitting on the front row of the bleachers. The game started out gruesome, 16 point scored against them by the half. Those girls came out of the half after talking with their coaching staff like someone lit a match. they actually scored more than the other team the second half, mostly because they kept getting the other team to foul. I know it must have been a rough game to go into with the other team towering over our own. K-bug has earned her new name - "The Aggravator". They started putting her up front so when the other's teams dribbler came across the line with the ball... the Aggravator was in her face! It's actually good to see her put those special tendancies into play for a good reason.

What amazes me the most? This is a team of girls.. Girls who work together, with their atittude and support and they are the team. You don't hear all of the other things you would normally hear - how much better my child is compared to yours. They all come in and give 110%. It's wonderful to be able to sit back and see your child enjoying herself while doing something that she really has an interest in.

I hope that every child gets to find their niche and feel what my daughter feels while out on that ballcourt. I hope you do as well!



Tuesday, February 17, 2009

A boy and the Starfish




One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.
Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”
The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean.The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”
“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!”
After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said… “I made a difference for that one.”


A couple of years ago I stood before a crowd of participants at the local college. They were all there for a sleep out. The sleep out was to help those without housing and to promote the awareness of homelessness in the United States, possibly the world. I stood in front of those eager to learn from what I had to say. I spoke with tears because of the assistance I had recieved while trying to build my home with the help of our local Habitat Affiliate and also what I was moving out of and into.


After building my home, getting the hours that were required, paying our downpayment only days before our dedication, and continuing the house payments that I had agreed to make on my home, I still gave back. I felt with the help and support of all of the classes, the board members, and all of the homeownership classes I recieved was wonderful, and I too felt like one of the starfish that was saved. my family and I were blessed with this wonderful home. I continued to volunteer. I continued to give. But this story was not to tell others what I did. It was to let those who give and volunteer that the little boy in that story was them when they did something to help.

Issues at home began to make it difficult for me to give what I could, but I have still continued to volunteer when possible, in my own ways. I still want to be that boy who makes a difference in this world. I often feel terrible, not being able to do as much as I want, but I have an issue. When I get pulled into helping, I tend to over-do what I am helping with.


I have been watching how much I help, but I still have an urgancy for me to be involved and to volunteer for things that I feel very important. It's not that Habitat is not important for me at this point in time, it's just that if I get involved again, it just won't be the same for me.


As some of you may know, another passion of mine is historical. I spend hours researching my heritage. about 7-8 months ago I got to attend a local Historical Society. While sometimes I have a problem getting to the meetings due to DH's work hours, I have been able to assist them with at least getting a blog of historical information started, and as I continue to save information on the history of some of the people and the Township in which I live I feel like I am giving back to my community. I am hoping to be able to learn how to put a website together and give them a better site full of more information.


I feel that God has brought me to the place I am today. He opens the doors/windows/ peeks of light through which when we find the opening, it is up to us to recognize this and to use those to go in the direction of which we are destined. Yes, I was destined to do all of the things that I have done and yes I believe I am destined to do the things yet to come before me. You cannot have high points without the lows. You cannot learn that the good things that have happened without having the lows, or how would you know the difference? Both give you good lessons in which you may or may not want to happen- but if you look at what just happened and learn from it, that's the best part. It also teaches me that the old can also learn from the young.


I wanted to share this story about the boy and the starfish with you for a reason. There are very many lessons to learn here, but you have to want to learn from it. Like I said, I have used this in a presentation and it has a very special meaning to me. I felt I needed to share this with you - not only for you to come to know this beautiful story- but to remind myself of what I have came through and what I have accomplished within my life- Also to remind myself that I must always give back, no matter how difficult it is. There are little things that one may not realize that may save someone, and you just may not realize it.

Friday, February 13, 2009

My japanese name...

if your a girl your name is:Rin And if ur a guy your name is:Seiko
Rin means dignified,severe,and cold your respected and admired and people might be a little scared of u:) And Seiko means force and truth so you like the truth even if it hurts and your honest with almost everyone.

HMMM... think it fits?

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Life at this moment


I know I am not the only person faced with this dilemma. As you may knowI have three kids, 11, 9, and 6. For many years I have let my children run my life. I have really not "worked" since the 9 year old was born. I have done jobs that I could do with the kids. While this still remains true, I find myself needing to have a job. I have lost who I am, what I am to myself, and most importantly I seem to have lost what I used to know that I liked. I find that I have a need to become my own person, while realizing the kiddos will not be ruined in the process. I believe my kids need me to go back to work so that I can show them my values. I believe that it may actually teach them to be more self serving, and that they will have to help out around the house. I also take them to work with me when DH is working and they get to see how I, their mother can help make things happen. They may be focused on their Nintendo games at that time, but I really don't feel like I am hurting their little minds.

I have been working on projects that right now need my full attention. Yes, I will admit that I have not had much time to actually keep up on the house, but like tonight, I had everyone pitching in to help. I have learned that I cannot do it all myself and also that if I want to teach my kids lifeskills they can use everyday, I have to have them pitch in.

Yes. I need to work. I am not only a laborer, I am a mother, a teacher, a friend, a nurse, taxi driver, cheerleader, and I am very mean at times (just ask my kids!). I am a house maid, laundry keeper, file keeper, manager, accountant and I could probably go on and on. But right now, I am me. For my sake, and for my children also, I need to find me. If I continue to stay living with my kids being my WHOLE life, I am not teaching them anything. They need to have a mother who is home and capable of assisting them, but they do not need someone who hates who she could beccome.

This has been a big learning experience for me. I have finally come to the realization that I need me. I need to learn who I am and learn to live life to it's fullest, one day at a time. I realize that I know more about my kids than I know about myself. I need to have a job so that I can know what my capabilities are, just as much as my kids know what they can do and not do. They are getting to the age that they need responsibility and I need them to take it on.

A special Thanks to Amber from www.comeherelittlebug.wordpress.com for making my brand new tag name for the bottom of my blogs. Thanks Amber!! <> Go check out her site for some more wonderful words.


Sunday, February 8, 2009

What an EGGselent find!


At the end of the school year, K-bug was in the third grade. Right before the end of school, I allowed K-bug to be put in a drawing at the end of a 4H/school project. I had to send in a letter of intent, making fully aware that we must have a plan of action and the school wanted to make sure they would not be made into dinner. K-bug, of course, was drawn to bring home 2 chicks. Chicks must come in pairs, they are a type of animal that must have a partner, whether it be opposite sex or not.

We had a plan with the chicks, I emailed my cousin and Farmer who was looking for chicks to help keep the population of the flies down on their farm, and asked her that if we get these chicks if she would be able to take them once they were old enough for the farm. They agreed and also brought more chicks in that were a little younger and raised them too. They unfortunately had to keep them separated until they were used to each other. They did have some older chickens that did not use the chicken coup so much because they liked sleeping up in the trees, which one was a runaway chicken we saved almost 2 years prior that crawled under our van while driving, known as the rescue chicken. They also have a chicken inherited when it ran away from another nearby farm.

Dear cousin also found 2 geese to keep on the farm, as they heard that they keep the racoons and other varmit away. Their names: Duck Duck and Goose. Duck Duck protects the blue truck that they use for the farm. He also ran for President, though I did not see his name on the ballot when it came to voting day. I really think he was a good choice too. His running mate was his new best friend, Goose.

Anyways, a day came not too long ago that while taking the eggs out of the chicken coop, which now contains all of the chicks - now all together except all the tree nesting chickens - they were overcome with the size of one egg. The photo they sent announcing the egg's arrival is above.

There was talk all around as to what eggactly did this egg contain. It was put up for public viewing. Farmer and wife were so proud! they knew that this did not come from the geese, but from one of the new chickens in the coop. They did finally open the egg to find it's contents....


Yes, the egg was opened, and this is the photo that came with the announcement to all who inquired as to what the egg contained. We knew that the geese were not allowed in the chicken coup, but I bet there were jokes if it was actually a chicken or a goose egg.

It actually contained 2 Yolks. The photo took us all by surprise, but....

All Yolks aside, it was probably the best egg found in the area in a while!

T.

Friday, February 6, 2009

All's well that ends well...

I'm Back!

Whew!
What a trip! We left for a convention pertaining to the job. It was hectic getting everything together. Ended up not needing 1/4 of the stuff I packed for a three day/ two night stay. Oh well. At least I had it all.

The kids survived, DH survived. I survived, though there were a couple of moments that I thought my roomie might try to spike my pepsi just to get me to shut up!

I laughed more these last couple days then I have in a while. I came home loaded down with giveaways from all of the venders and from the first night there.

The first night, we got down to the hotel, loaded our belongings into the room, went back down the register and walked through the venders available. They had goodies and info galore! We loaded up two bags of information as well as squishy balls, pens pencils, tons of candy, calendars, catalogs, info on health care, anything you can imagine for a small town government may want or need. We had a load of fun walking around gathering information and checking out everything while dodging all of the other on-lookers.

We got to eat at a indoor barbecue. pretty cool! food, banjo, band, lots of carnival games. Lots of free prizes!!! Kinda brought the kid back out of you. A lot of socialization between other people from townships from all over the state.

There were lots of classes on new issues that have been passed or changed. With only having a short amount of time per class, they gave just enough information to give you some knowledge of the topic, but now I have to go searching for websites to investigate more into the topics.

Home for just about an hour and a half, we've already dispersed all of the goodies out. We had a good freeforall throwing all of the little balls at DH and Dh throwing them back at the kids and I.

I'm Home!
T.

Saturday, January 31, 2009

The metamorphasis of the girls bedroom

Okay, I totally forgot to take pictures of the room before.. but just imagine writing with marker on the ceiling and on the walls, dents from throwing things, and an eggshell white on the walls with black scuff marks here and there. Also, a burgandy scarf hanging over the window, actually making the room look darker.

I began last week with ceiling paint covering up all of the marker on the ceiling. The paint on the ceiling actually brightening up the room, especially with the burgandy scarf down.

With DH being off this weekend, it only seemed fitting that I would have enough time to get this done, I mean I have only had all of the stuff to get it done for about a year now~ including the border that I got for .50 cents each roll, for a grand total of 2.00. The paint I actually found on the mistint shelf and I believe I had maybe 15.00 into just the 3 gallon cans of paint. I had it pictured in my mind.... I just needed to get the motivation to get my tush moving and get it going.


This is probably the best photo of the color in the room. It is supposed to be a lavendar, chosen for a bedroom in the other place before moving here, and never was used, so after seeing the colors in the border I thought it may work well. I found the green and mixed it with Faux glaze, making the green a little more transparent and easier to work with while sponging it on the wall. Funny thing- While I was shaking the 1 gallon container the lid popped off and I had paint all over the kitchen.. Good thing it was in the kitchen and not over carpet! It cleaned up easily though. This is a photo of the lavendar before I began on the green sponge painting.



DD9 was given the opportunity to go through the room and put markings on the wall so I knew exactly how high I had to sponge the wall. I started sponge painting with a natural sponge, starting right next to the door and working counter clock wise through the room. Here is a photo taken by DD6 while I worked. Her job was to wipe off the wood work in the room after I painted near it. The paint fumes were nasty and working with all of the girls stuff in the middle of the room, Mr. Migraine started to visit. I got the room done within an hour and a half. Then the waiting game began. I had to wait for the walls to dry so I could put the border up.

Except for the room needing a really good de-cluttering session along with a really good cleaning the room is put together. I have some things that I need to put up on the walls, but I really don't want to put them up until the paint has really cured. I have a whiteboard/corkboard that I am going to paint the outside wood on and find some fabric over the cork that I will put over the dressers or in between the door and closet. I am looking for nylon butterflies that I can make a hanging doo dad to put on the hook in the corner of the room. I am also thinking about taking pink, purple and yellow and making a template to stimple onto the lavender tops on the walls. I will look for other ideas to bring it all together also. The curtain is green, however they have little opalescent pieces sewn into the fabric to glisten and they have butterflies and flowers sown into it. I am thinking about adding another panel to it just to cover over the window more. I had to replace the mini blind also, but I actually found one that would fit into the window opening, the only problem being the wood around the window was beveled and we had to cut wedges of wood to go in behind the hardware that holds the blind in place. I'll get a better photo of the border and actually show photos after the room is decluttered and cleaned tomorrow.


I am not really a good person to ask about color, so I am unsure if the colors actually go together, but my girls adore the room and I actually liked how the lavendar stands out in with the green sponge painting. I have found that the green is a popular color. I wanted something that would take the kids into the tween years, since DD 9 will be there shortly. We will see how long I can keep it.

T.

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Please be kind to others- Remember to clean off your cars after a big snow!


Hi everyone! Well, I had to venture out today, and they are still trying to clean up the roads here. We got a lot of ice here and it's all built up on the streets. More importantly, it's built up on the cars.

I was not happy on my venture.

I am sure no one appreciates an accident. Not the persons/vehicles/loved ones. Please remember to clear all snow off your vehicle.

Today I almost plowed into two cars while out and about. I was just driving down the road, watching the vehicle in front of me. There was no warning that they had their brakes on. Wanna know why? Because that driver never thought about cleaning off the back of the car, more importantly the rear lights on the car. I really wish I were someone who could have done something about it rather than just slam on my brakes. Not good for my vehicle! It certainly would not have been good for the car in front of me either. Now what if I would have hit that car? I would have hit the car, the snow would have fell off and there would be no clue that the other car did not clear off the back of his car enough for me to tell he had his brake lights on.

I wonder how many times this happens? It would be an interesting study.

I also noticed how many cars that did not uncover the back window of the vehicles also. I really am more of a defensive driver and I absolutely hate having my window covered. I am always checking my mirrors. How are you supposed to back up with ice on your mirrors and back window?

I am only mentioning this to help others out. I don't mean to put anyone down, I just want to make sure you are all driving safe and sound. Please, for your sake as well as others, please clean off the vehicles!

T.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Did someone ask for more SNOW??


Yep, someone in this world asked for it... more snow! Yup, we got their request. I can't believe how much it's coming down. Sitting here and looking out the front windows, It reminds me of pillow fights where the pillows have been ripped apart and the feathers are lightly falling to the ground. I keep wondering when the feathers will actually rest and it will be headed out of our area. From the reports on the news, there are a ton of roads closed.. mostly up near the lake. I certainly hope that is the case because DH has to work tonight! By the photo you can slightly tell that he went out and shoveled the walk off, but there has to be 2-3 more inches out there since he did this and will be needing done again. Jeff said that it is a very heavy snow- nothing like the past snow falls. It finally turned to spitting the fluffier snow this morning about 8 AM. I watched the news last night in hopes that they closed schools early so we could sleep in, but it did not really help my cause. I woke this morning at 5:30 and came out to check, with the TV on and the school closings running through their alphabetical orders. There were so many! I ended up going to their website just to find out faster. As soon as I checked, saw that the school once again was closed due to the storm, I went to bed. I tossed and turned some, then ended up getting up again, only to find upon returning to my computer that if I would have waited 5 minutes and checked email I would have found an email from one of the new channels in the area telling the tale of our school closure.

I am happy to see that the school was closed. It's a nasty mess out there. DH got toned out for a call for the Fire Department and I have not heard from him. Thank goodness for 4X4, at least I know he's got a better chance than most. I am hoping he either returns soon or calls to let me know things are well.

The kids were not happy when I put my foot down and made them go out and feed the animals. Oh well, I guess we won't be sled riding anytime today! They complained about how cold it is and how we were so mean making them take care of THOSE animals.. Their animals for 4H. They reluctantly went out and did it, only to return back to the house with little red faces and hands.

The news is saying that it will soon be over- 4PM at the latest. DH made it home safe and sound, only to come in the house, ask for his gloves and cell phone to call work. He went out to start clearing the snow from the walk and drive now.


Now here's a little accomplishment for our 2 year old baby... the black stallion. He loves hanging out in the garage, but we bring him up into the house and we are trying to teach him "in house" manners. He adores the whole family, but you can tell that DH's his owner. He will listen really well to DH. he was very appreciative to having heat for a while. He got bored and started heading back to the garage. Before returning back to his domain he had to have a wrestling match with dad. This was actually about a week ago.

Well, if we are sharing the snow with you, best wishes for a safe and comfy home and don't go out unless you have to!

T.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

I know this is making my readers wonder "Why is this here?"
Please let me explain! I have a few friends online that I really feel this could be us. I could actually see us doing something like this if we did not have so many miles between us. I am grateful for my friends and the relationships that I have made with them. All I have to say to those I consider my friends.... Thank you for being there and making the best out of everything... the good, the bad, the ugly, the "oh Craps", and just for sitting and listening. You know who you all are!

T.

Sunday, January 25, 2009

The following is the philosophy of Charles Schulz, the creator of the 'Peanuts' comic strip.
You don't have to actually answer the questions.

Just read straight through, and you'll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.

3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant.

4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.

5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for
best actor and actress.

6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.?



How did you do?

The point is , none of us
remember the headliners of yesterday.

These are no second-rate achievers.


They are the best in their fields.


But the applause dies..


Awards tarnish.

Achievements are forgotten.

Accolades and certificates
are buried with their owners.?

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special!!

5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
?
Easier?

The lesson:

The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials..

the most money...or the most awards.

They simply are the ones who care the most.
?

'Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia!'?





Thursday, January 22, 2009

BOLO: searching for Not me, other culprits: I did n't do it, don't ask me!

Okay your privileged... two blogs- 1 day!

Yes you read correctly, we are still searching for not me. We have also found evidence of I didn't do it and Don't ask me!. We found this last night, while getting book bags ready for school. My DD9 has been told time and again that the nintendo DS and the MP3 player are totally not allowed to go to school. Not only did I "NOT" find these items in her book bag, I also did "NOT" find a whole Tupperware container full of homemade candy.

We had to have a good consequence for this action. She took these items to school one time, and I certainly do not contemplate me nor her father allowing it one more time. I "tried" to talk to her about these things... with her screaming all the while. I ended up looking at her and just pointing to the door. After a battle royal, she ended up on the door until she quit the screaming. After bedtime, I called DH and let him know what I had found.

The verdict: no nintendo DS or MP3 for a while, to be determined by HER actions. Once the 'tude is gone, we'll talk about it. This is one action that will be difficult because I give the ds's out when I have meetings for work and I have to take them with me to the meetings to keep them quiet. The other option - and actually this was a big one on us, the parents part- We cleaned up their room, taking all electronics out. Last night I was thinking about it and decided that my girls had it way to easy... why should they have a 27 inch tv in their room when we have a 13 inch? That was removed and taken to our room this afternoon. We tore apart the beds- finding they had way too many stuffies in them, and therefore since the majority of the room has been stripped we moved things from the walls and washed down the walls getting ready for a painting expedition. I am tired of the room looking like shambles, so the first step, give it a new look. Tomorrow will be time to paint the ceiling, possibly the closet, and patch up the holes in the walls (actually just dents) and get the walls sanded and ready for prime and paint. Did I mention that as soon as they came in the door from school that they were made to make their beds and to go through stuffies? They are now only allowed 5 stuffies on their beds, with the remaining put either on the dressers or in the "animal toybox".

Anyways... I bet your wondering how this all worked out... I have not heard Not me, I did n't do it, he did it/she did it, or don't ask me! (yay!!!) The 'tudes have calmed down, the villiage has been quiet, beds have been made, homework and chores have been done, and I am assuming by the looks of tonight that all's well that ends well.

Obviously I am not going to be really searching for Not Me around here... and I really am hoping that I can keep him away. I don't want to have to pay to get and eviction notice made out for NOT ME posted on my door. I could hear all of the neighbors now. But if that is what it takes, maybe I need to get creative and post one on the front door for the kids to see when they walk into the door. It may be a good laugh!!! But it may just back fire and move him in again. If I end up doing it I will get a photo and post it.

T.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Destiny, here this moment

Is it Destiny that I am sitting here blogging? I think so. I think that there are many things I have been destined to do. I believe this with my whole heart. I do not think that God will put you through something that you cannot handle if you turn to him and just ask for his guidance. Sometimes I believe he leads us to this point so that we remember to keep him in our lives.

There are many things that leads us to where we are. There are good choices, bad choices, and those choices we have chosen to ignore. There are things that happen that we played no role in choosing.

Yes, I have three children. I chose to have three children. I cannot choose for them how and why my children do the things that they do. I cannot help how they were born. I can help and guide them in their paths of life. My destiny is to provide them with a nurturing, caring home while trying to teach and enable them to lead good worth while lives. While raising my children I must remember my Destiny.

I am married to a wonderful man. He is probably the greatest thing that has happened to me besides my children. I vowed to always love and "honor" my husband almost 12 years ago. It was destiny. We actually met one day before I was actually divorced from my ex-husband while I was visiting my mother at her place of work. Years later, after my divorce that took around 10 months to complete, while walking into a karaoke bar and trying to obtain a seat, there he was. At no time during my stay there and not until a couple weeks later, while talking with my mom about him, did I find out that I met him before. Destiny. Destiny that I had no choice in meeting him again, but Destiny that I could make was the decision to be with him and raise his children and stand beside his side.

I find that destiny can leave you with a child with Asperger, very bright, sometimes very diligent, sometimes very stubborn. At first you hate this destiny, you have to live with it in your eyes and within your life every single day. You cry when your destiny first hits you smack dab in the face the very first time you recieve your child's diagnosis- and again after the 2nd diagnosis and even after the 7th diagnosis. It's a destiny that sometimes you think back and think to yourself "what if I would have done this", or "What if I would have done that?". But then remember God does not put you through something that you cannot handle without his help. Living within the realm of this destiny, you learn to improvise, to take the situation and look for ways to accept it, but yet to see what you can do to make things better. Better for you, your child, your family. Reality is that once you recieved this news, you actually go through the emotions- Denial, shock, relief of an actual diagnosis that gives you insight as to how many problems you have had, and also the acceptance. I can tell you that if I had it all to do again, I would not change 1 thing about my dear Aspie child. My destiny has brought this to me, willingly or unwillingly, and we are doing what we feel best to work with God to bring us through it.

Destiny still gives us other situations: How to raise a child with Asperger's, while still raising 2 not on the spectrum. We are not a family who has children knocking on our doors to spend the night very often. Sometimes we feel like we are the oddball family who stays to ourselves. Sometimes I feel starved for friendships for my children who can actually understand what our Destiny has brought to our family or for that matter don't really care and able to accept us for who we are. I have to look my Destiny into it's face everyday, with the eager knowledge that I have to accept it for what it is, live with it, ask god for guidance, take it for what it's worth, ask God for encouragement, and live for the moment, seize the day.

Destiny can make us bigger, stronger, more beautiful than that I have never been. Live the day's ahead like you have no tomorrow. Use today like you have no tomorrow. Live out your Destiny.

T.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

If I find not-me, he's evicted!

Okay, Honestly I really have the not me running around here. I have three kids who know him really well. Every time I see something and ask "who did this?", by the time "th" in this comes out of my mouth I am already regretting my opening my mouth. I really should know better than to ask this! I honestly do know better, I gather it's just a force of habit for me to ask this question.

For example, I caught food out of the kitchen. Hidden of course.. First response out of the mouth that deserves a big old shoe? "Okay Who did this?" Of course, all three wonderful dear children answer all at one time "NOT ME" But then all of the pointing to one another starts. "He did it, she did it, No she did it, No I don't like cheese!"

I guess for me to actually get not me out of the house I need to remind myself to actually abstain from using the who did this verbage. So What can I do instead? HMMMMM pondering. Got anything you can throw at me? Leave your comments for me! Stay tuned for the verdict.....

Sunday, January 18, 2009

What's in a name?

I have to dedicate this to my grandparents above: Earl Osborne McCracken and Irene Dixie Detamore, not to mention
all of my other grandparents, as neverending grand as they may all be.



What is it exactly that's in a name? Names have meanings to everyone. Even animals! LOL.. Seriously though, a name.

Many people buy the baby name books in the stores while pregnant, trying to choose the perfect name for their little package. These books give the special meanings of the names and also types of spellings. From the website: http://babynamesworld.parentsconnect.com/ My first name Tina means follower of Christ. Renee, my second name is also a form of Irene and means Reborn.

Others take names from their past ancestors and either completely use both names: EX: Frederick James. So if the father's name was Frederick James, they would add the Sr. after the name and the child with the same first, middle and last name would be copied from the father- all except the Sr. would change to Jr.

There are some that skip back to generations past, using those names as well. They sometimes go to the grandparent many generations back and use this name. What happens when you have 5 children and each of those 5 children actually have the same first name (at least!)?? What if others like cousins use that name as well? You may end up with 25 people with the same name descended from one person who by this time knows nothing about the person which the people were named for.

To a Historian, it's pure hell. Do you know what it's like to try to keep all of the information straight? Yes, I am guilty of naming my children after people. Yes, it will probably come back and haunt whom ever decides to follow what I am doing and playing the role of historian. S-man got his name from a combo of his Grandfather's name and Hubby's middle name. K-bug got her name a little differently - She got her first name 1. because we liked the name and it sounded Irish. 2. After choosing the name we figured out that her first name fit from DH's Aunts and grandmother, just another form of the name. Her middle name is directly from my grandmother, though we also figured out after choosing the name that it also fits from another of DH's aunts. And well, the last name, it kinda had to be. Now for the B-meister, her name was chosen because the name that we had for the two that miscarried, well, we thought that they may be a jinx and did not want to even consider it for her. Also, I am not sure if it is just me, but I have noticed that people with the same name act a lot alike too.

So, back to my question, do you know how to keep them straight? I will say that I have found more information regarding past family members through the census, draft cards, marriage records. So usually for generations past it is easier to find information for people of the past. They have the census up until 1930 online now. There are tons of information available through churches like LDS, mormon groups, books created pertaining to family histories, township histories, state histories. There are tons of information on many of the different websites, one of the biggest being ancestry.com, genweb just to name only a couple that are out there. Google is a great place to begin as well. Public libraries also carry information, though I have found that the college libraries may carry more. There are information on books, cd's, microfilm, old archives from the newspapers. In order to keep them straight you must watch for parents names, dates of birth, weddings, and deaths. When you can find the social security number that helps now that we have that information also, though it does not do much at this time unless you are contacting the government.

I myself have been researching my mother's side of the family, which started out on one portion of her tree being the Frederick Horn. I do not have a middle name for him. I thought I had found information showing that he was the Jr, and having a Sr. as the father. At the time that all of this information was created (the point in which they were living their lives) some of the information disregarded the fact if they were a Jr. or Sr.. I mean how many people live their lives knowing that they would be a Sr. and even if they did, maybe at one point they were a Jr. that becomes a Sr. at the birth of their child (Am I confusing you yet?? LOL!!). The family tree jumps around tons now, but when you add about 10 people to the tree with the same first names, some not even knowing their middle names, it can get to be a catastrophe.

One thing I can say is that it sometimes is easier if the families keep names running through the family. The hard part is trying to figure out where they got it, because sometimes people aren't even named for a family member, it could be after a friend of the family or someone they wish that child would follow and become like. Some use it at times such as the death of a loved one, the upcoming event of losing a loved one, or even just in memory of a loved one past. In my case, My K-bug's middle name came from a grandmother that I dearly would have wanted to know, but I was born 13 month past her death. I named her middle name her first name so that I will always remember her through the photos and stories that I have held in memory and now every time I hear her name I still feel close to her.

I would have to say in closing, I just needed to have a good rant and rave over the name issue. Unfortunatly there is nothing that can be done. I myself, I like to see names repeated through the generations. To me it defines that one or maybe more than one of those ancestors must have been great, showing great strength and ability, showing the love and devotion to their family, and being a wonderfully missed person. The ability for a child to be named after them is the greatest gift to the person the child has been named for.

T.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Cold enough for school?


While everyone in counties around us are told to keep their kids home due to the cold artic air that has decided to lay over our state, in our county there were only 1 school closing. I was awoke hearing the phone ringing from my dear ole DH calling to let me know he was on his way home. We talked for a while, waiting and listening to see if school was called off or to hear the bus crew on the scanner. Right on time, the scanner was buzzing with bus drivers asking for things to be done to the buses, while others were barking info to other drivers. School was on and then my games at the house was called to order.

While trying to get S-man up and ready for school, the grand ole Jeep blew a hose while DH was trying to get her home. Fortunately he was able to pull over, turn around and go find a business that was open that early in the morning. I was fretful that I would have to run and get parts and grab tools I thought he would need to remedy the situation. I got all three kids up, while my wanna be a teenager 9 year old was screaming "this is ridiculous! Everyone else has no school! It's too coooollldd!"

While I was getting kids into moving, DH called and found a mechanic walking into the store that he was willingly allowed to take refuge in and of course had hot coffee going. The coffee was the save all, distintively calling the mechanic who has a shop across the street over for the warmth to start the day. The clerk at the store graciously introduced the mechanic to Dh, DH willing to pay for coffee to see if Mechanic could look at the situation. He willingly researched the problem with the help of coffee in hand, and found that he had the part he needed to get DH up and running. Within minutes, the Jeep was put into the saving bay of Mechanics safety land and shortly thereafter with a hose in place and antifreeze and water installed, she was back up and running. Jeep is a wonderful grand 230,000 + more miles on her and she still runs like a top! For her to break down like this is just not her style.

Meanwhile, I got the beast of Van out of the garage. I thought she may feel a little slugish with her held hostage in the garage. She started right up, eager to complete the task she was called to. She handled the snow and ice like a top, while others were slipping and sliding. She is the queen of vans, with the traction control she proudly wears, and her heart loves to show her bravery while kicking it into use. She answered the call, the S-man safetly delivered! She was a grunt who was anxious to get out in the elements and she drove it well.

Dh got off easy on this one. Yes he froze his tushie off, but even more so his feet. Yep, he is home, we got the kids off to school. Hubby has since warmed up in the hottest bath possible and I think he hears the bed calling him.