HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
This is a hard one to write......
My two oldest boys are like night & day different. They look different (to me- although some people have thought in the past that they were twins.) They have different personalities. One thing they both have in common is being extremely intelligent. But, none of that matters when it comes to love. I love them both, equally, but differently. Because they each require things that are different, when it comes to what they need.
My oldest son is extremely gifted. He's so smart about so many things, but specifically his strengths are in reading, science, computers/technology and math. I mean, the child reads on a college level since 5th grade (and he's in 6th now.) This child is far more intelligent than I am. (He gets it from Big Daddy.)
Our 2nd son, he's also very smart. He is a Math Whiz!! His teachers have always commented on that and his outstanding artistic abilities. But, he's a completely different child than his brother. He seems to have trouble focusing his attention sometimes, unless he's extremely interested in it, and then you can't seem to break his concentration. He's quite immature for his age, still throwing the occasional tantrum. He will pout for a long time when he doesn't get his way and he can hold a grudge to punish you for quite some time. In addition, he still wets the bed. (now, he probably got this from me.....as I did this till the 5th or 6th grade. I'm just saying, another immaturity issue...) But, he's also fun and sweet and loving.
So, since our child began Kindergarten, there has been something that hasn't quite been right, regarding his learning. About 6 weeks into the Kindergarten school year, his teacher called me at home to talk. She expressed to me her concern about J's phonics on phonemics skills. She was concerned that he was very inconsistent from one day to the next about which letters/sounds he knew...then, seemed no to know. Like I said, inconsistent. And then, there were his struggles with reading. If you don't know phonics and phonemics, then you can imaging how hard reading would be.
And of course, as his Mother, all I wanted to do was help him. The teacher suggested that we put him in an after school tutoring program, funded by the state. So, Jensen went to tutoring after school, 3 days a week for about 5 months. In addition to this, we took him to our beloved pediatrician for advice. He had us and the teachers fill out some questionaires that are to help pinpoint what his difficulties were. In part, this was a screening for some common learning issues, such as ADD or ADHD. But, these were ruled out. We were sent for hearing checks. Eye checks. A speech evaluation. And nothing, nothing, nothing. Basically, at the Kindergarten level with the extra help, he eventually made it to a passable level, although, not necessarily where you would hope he'd by.
Then, in First grade, we got a wolf in sheep's clothing a.k.a. the dud teacher. She was not what she seemed to be. The entire year Jensen struggled, but when I specifically asked her, she always assured me he was caught up and doing fine. Before I knew it, it was Christmas Break. When school started up again in January, Jensen's shortcomings and struggles were becoming more and more evident to me. By March, I had serious concerns. I emailed the "dud" inquiring about his progress, specifically in reading and spelling. At home, Jensen was becoming more and more difficult when it came to homework and reading with us at home. I expressed concern about how he would ever be able to pass the CRCT tests. (the test they use in GA, associated with No Child Left Behind laws) But, she assured me that he was doing fine. (BUT.....when I went to pick up his report card 3 days after school got out.....another teacher that I knew said to me....I didn't realize Jensen was your son. Then commented how much fun they had together. Ummmmm.....excuse me?!?! I said, "What fun?" She said, "Oh, the fun I had tutoring him for reading and spelling for the CRCT." UMMMM.....EXCUSE ME?!?!
I HAD NO IDEA WHAT SHE WAS TALKING ABOUT!!!!!
Apparently, after I expressed concern about Jensen being behind.....she placed him in tutoring. Now, I don't have a problem with him getting extra help. But, I DO HAVE a problem with being lied to about it. (omission is lying, in my book!) So....I was not happy. I guess after I pointed it out....she caught on to the fact that he was struggling and tried to cover her own ass.
But, when the test results were given to us, he FAILED the reading comprehension portion of the test and only passed the entire reading section of the test by one point. ONE POINT!
And they also gave them a Lexile reading test score. (A lexile score is a rating system to help match books to a person's reading level. It starts rating books at 10L and goes all the way up to Adult levels. For instance, Green Eggs and Ham is a 30L book level.) And Jensen's score on the Lexile was BR. Um...what does that mean? All the information that they sent home for interpreting the scores... the scores were numbers, not letters. So, I had to do research to find out what those numbers even meant. I thought for a while, it was maybe even a mistake. Nope, no mistake. It's just that my angel boy was so far behind that at the end of 1st Grade, he was reading at the BR level. BR=Beginning Reader He could not even read the simplest of the Dr. Suess books or a Clifford the Big Red Dog book.
I. was. heartbroken.
I felt completely and totally betrayed by this teacher. I trusted her and she let me down, but more importantly, she let Jensen down. I was completely devastated.
So, Jensen started 2nd grade behind. And just like in years past, his teacher in GA recognized a problem very early into the school year. She contacted me and suggested, again, the after school tutoring program. The conversation between she and I was like a flashback to 2 years earlier, when Jensen was in K-garten and the teacher first called me.
More inconsistency. More stuggling. Reading level that is at grade level 1.4 which equates to 1st Grade, 4th month, when he's in 2nd grade, 2nd month. (so almost a full year behind) Spelling tests were a disaster.
I went back to my now beloved pediatrician, who recommended that we go to a Child Psychologist for testing. We tried, but our insurance refused to cover it. And because Jensen is very smart in Math, the school wouldn't do anything for us. So, it was back to the eye doctor, ear doctor and the Speech Pathologist. All determine again, he is normal. So, we head to the Child Psychologist.
Before we go, I spend days and weeks on the internet looking, searching for answers. All I can find are more questions. Dyslexia?? Maybe. Unnamed Learning Disability? Possibly? ADD or ADHD? Maybe. I just don't know. At some point it all becomes so overwhelming as a Mother, that your ability to look at the situation becomes hard to see clearly.
After several appointments for evaluations. After having teachers fill out forms about him. We commence in having the testing done. The testing is supposed to look for learning disabilities, ADD, ADHD, etc. The testing pinpoints nothing. We are told. He's intelligent, but perhaps just immature. No specific learning disabilities found.
So, I figure, this is the expert, so this is the end of it. At least, what else can we do? So, we continue going to after school tutoring and we see the pediatrician who helps me monitor the progress, or shall I say his lack of progress.
Then, earlier than we thought, Big Daddy starts seriously looking at jobs in October of 2006. So, we know that we will be moving most likely before March '07, as we originally thought. When school lets out for Christmas break, Jensen is still behind, but doing a bit better. And Daddy moves on Dec. 30th. So, I am left in GA w/ 4 kids and a house on the market.
The tutoring doesn't start up again, until late January, the week we moved to Kansas.
We get to Kansas and things seem fine. Jensen has a nice teacher and due to all the extra tutoring, he's not terribly behind. But, in the teacher's defense, it's often hard to pinpoint these things when the student is new to you in February, with only 3 months of school left.
So, fast forward to this year. Jensen started 3rd Grade this Fall. And 1 week ago, Jensen's teacher informs me that she is recommending him to an after school program, called SuccessMaker. It's a computerized program and it is supposed to pinpoint his weaknesses and hopefully help him catch up. He is still reading nearly 1 year level behind. And his spelling, well, he's really having trouble. (She has cut his spelling list from 20 + 5 bonus words to 15 words.) We'll see if it helps. It's too soon to tell.
At this point, I am going to really push for some assistance. I want him tested again. Clearly, there is a problem. I'm just going to have to be persistent enough to figure out what it is. I at first assumed that I would have to get private testing again (which is super expensive and the insurance will not cover it - just like last time.....it cost us hundreds) But, my pediatrician here assures me that there is a law that requires the school system to test Jensen, as long as we put it in writing that we are requesting the testing be done. So, we're doing that, for sure.
In the meantime, we are trying to get a spot for the SIT (student improvement team) meeting on Nov. 28th. This is when the Principal, School Psychologist, School Counselor, classroom teacher and parents get together and discuss what the child needs to be helped and to be successful. The teacher has already warned me that the school psychologist will insist he doesn't need to be tested, since he's not that far behind. Well, screw that. If this was her child or grandchild, I'd be willing to bet she'd be singing a different tune!!! And most likely she'll be telling me about the rules and guidelines for testing and not to take it personally. But, you know what.....this is my baby and IT IS PERSONAL!!!! It's my job as his mother to get him the help he needs and that's exactly what I intend to do.
At this meeting, I plan to lay out my argument, regarding Jensen and his deficits. He clearly has a long history of problems and it's time to figure out once and for all, what the problem is and how to help him.
Have any of you had any situations similar to this and what would be your advice to me? Are you aware of any resources I should know about? My baby needs help and any information you might have would be greatly appreciated.
And....if not, thanks for listening......
roxann
My oldest son is extremely gifted. He's so smart about so many things, but specifically his strengths are in reading, science, computers/technology and math. I mean, the child reads on a college level since 5th grade (and he's in 6th now.) This child is far more intelligent than I am. (He gets it from Big Daddy.)
Our 2nd son, he's also very smart. He is a Math Whiz!! His teachers have always commented on that and his outstanding artistic abilities. But, he's a completely different child than his brother. He seems to have trouble focusing his attention sometimes, unless he's extremely interested in it, and then you can't seem to break his concentration. He's quite immature for his age, still throwing the occasional tantrum. He will pout for a long time when he doesn't get his way and he can hold a grudge to punish you for quite some time. In addition, he still wets the bed. (now, he probably got this from me.....as I did this till the 5th or 6th grade. I'm just saying, another immaturity issue...) But, he's also fun and sweet and loving.
So, since our child began Kindergarten, there has been something that hasn't quite been right, regarding his learning. About 6 weeks into the Kindergarten school year, his teacher called me at home to talk. She expressed to me her concern about J's phonics on phonemics skills. She was concerned that he was very inconsistent from one day to the next about which letters/sounds he knew...then, seemed no to know. Like I said, inconsistent. And then, there were his struggles with reading. If you don't know phonics and phonemics, then you can imaging how hard reading would be.
And of course, as his Mother, all I wanted to do was help him. The teacher suggested that we put him in an after school tutoring program, funded by the state. So, Jensen went to tutoring after school, 3 days a week for about 5 months. In addition to this, we took him to our beloved pediatrician for advice. He had us and the teachers fill out some questionaires that are to help pinpoint what his difficulties were. In part, this was a screening for some common learning issues, such as ADD or ADHD. But, these were ruled out. We were sent for hearing checks. Eye checks. A speech evaluation. And nothing, nothing, nothing. Basically, at the Kindergarten level with the extra help, he eventually made it to a passable level, although, not necessarily where you would hope he'd by.
Then, in First grade, we got a wolf in sheep's clothing a.k.a. the dud teacher. She was not what she seemed to be. The entire year Jensen struggled, but when I specifically asked her, she always assured me he was caught up and doing fine. Before I knew it, it was Christmas Break. When school started up again in January, Jensen's shortcomings and struggles were becoming more and more evident to me. By March, I had serious concerns. I emailed the "dud" inquiring about his progress, specifically in reading and spelling. At home, Jensen was becoming more and more difficult when it came to homework and reading with us at home. I expressed concern about how he would ever be able to pass the CRCT tests. (the test they use in GA, associated with No Child Left Behind laws) But, she assured me that he was doing fine. (BUT.....when I went to pick up his report card 3 days after school got out.....another teacher that I knew said to me....I didn't realize Jensen was your son. Then commented how much fun they had together. Ummmmm.....excuse me?!?! I said, "What fun?" She said, "Oh, the fun I had tutoring him for reading and spelling for the CRCT." UMMMM.....EXCUSE ME?!?!
I HAD NO IDEA WHAT SHE WAS TALKING ABOUT!!!!!
Apparently, after I expressed concern about Jensen being behind.....she placed him in tutoring. Now, I don't have a problem with him getting extra help. But, I DO HAVE a problem with being lied to about it. (omission is lying, in my book!) So....I was not happy. I guess after I pointed it out....she caught on to the fact that he was struggling and tried to cover her own ass.
But, when the test results were given to us, he FAILED the reading comprehension portion of the test and only passed the entire reading section of the test by one point. ONE POINT!
And they also gave them a Lexile reading test score. (A lexile score is a rating system to help match books to a person's reading level. It starts rating books at 10L and goes all the way up to Adult levels. For instance, Green Eggs and Ham is a 30L book level.) And Jensen's score on the Lexile was BR. Um...what does that mean? All the information that they sent home for interpreting the scores... the scores were numbers, not letters. So, I had to do research to find out what those numbers even meant. I thought for a while, it was maybe even a mistake. Nope, no mistake. It's just that my angel boy was so far behind that at the end of 1st Grade, he was reading at the BR level. BR=Beginning Reader He could not even read the simplest of the Dr. Suess books or a Clifford the Big Red Dog book.
I. was. heartbroken.
I felt completely and totally betrayed by this teacher. I trusted her and she let me down, but more importantly, she let Jensen down. I was completely devastated.
So, Jensen started 2nd grade behind. And just like in years past, his teacher in GA recognized a problem very early into the school year. She contacted me and suggested, again, the after school tutoring program. The conversation between she and I was like a flashback to 2 years earlier, when Jensen was in K-garten and the teacher first called me.
More inconsistency. More stuggling. Reading level that is at grade level 1.4 which equates to 1st Grade, 4th month, when he's in 2nd grade, 2nd month. (so almost a full year behind) Spelling tests were a disaster.
I went back to my now beloved pediatrician, who recommended that we go to a Child Psychologist for testing. We tried, but our insurance refused to cover it. And because Jensen is very smart in Math, the school wouldn't do anything for us. So, it was back to the eye doctor, ear doctor and the Speech Pathologist. All determine again, he is normal. So, we head to the Child Psychologist.
Before we go, I spend days and weeks on the internet looking, searching for answers. All I can find are more questions. Dyslexia?? Maybe. Unnamed Learning Disability? Possibly? ADD or ADHD? Maybe. I just don't know. At some point it all becomes so overwhelming as a Mother, that your ability to look at the situation becomes hard to see clearly.
After several appointments for evaluations. After having teachers fill out forms about him. We commence in having the testing done. The testing is supposed to look for learning disabilities, ADD, ADHD, etc. The testing pinpoints nothing. We are told. He's intelligent, but perhaps just immature. No specific learning disabilities found.
So, I figure, this is the expert, so this is the end of it. At least, what else can we do? So, we continue going to after school tutoring and we see the pediatrician who helps me monitor the progress, or shall I say his lack of progress.
Then, earlier than we thought, Big Daddy starts seriously looking at jobs in October of 2006. So, we know that we will be moving most likely before March '07, as we originally thought. When school lets out for Christmas break, Jensen is still behind, but doing a bit better. And Daddy moves on Dec. 30th. So, I am left in GA w/ 4 kids and a house on the market.
The tutoring doesn't start up again, until late January, the week we moved to Kansas.
We get to Kansas and things seem fine. Jensen has a nice teacher and due to all the extra tutoring, he's not terribly behind. But, in the teacher's defense, it's often hard to pinpoint these things when the student is new to you in February, with only 3 months of school left.
So, fast forward to this year. Jensen started 3rd Grade this Fall. And 1 week ago, Jensen's teacher informs me that she is recommending him to an after school program, called SuccessMaker. It's a computerized program and it is supposed to pinpoint his weaknesses and hopefully help him catch up. He is still reading nearly 1 year level behind. And his spelling, well, he's really having trouble. (She has cut his spelling list from 20 + 5 bonus words to 15 words.) We'll see if it helps. It's too soon to tell.
At this point, I am going to really push for some assistance. I want him tested again. Clearly, there is a problem. I'm just going to have to be persistent enough to figure out what it is. I at first assumed that I would have to get private testing again (which is super expensive and the insurance will not cover it - just like last time.....it cost us hundreds) But, my pediatrician here assures me that there is a law that requires the school system to test Jensen, as long as we put it in writing that we are requesting the testing be done. So, we're doing that, for sure.
In the meantime, we are trying to get a spot for the SIT (student improvement team) meeting on Nov. 28th. This is when the Principal, School Psychologist, School Counselor, classroom teacher and parents get together and discuss what the child needs to be helped and to be successful. The teacher has already warned me that the school psychologist will insist he doesn't need to be tested, since he's not that far behind. Well, screw that. If this was her child or grandchild, I'd be willing to bet she'd be singing a different tune!!! And most likely she'll be telling me about the rules and guidelines for testing and not to take it personally. But, you know what.....this is my baby and IT IS PERSONAL!!!! It's my job as his mother to get him the help he needs and that's exactly what I intend to do.
At this meeting, I plan to lay out my argument, regarding Jensen and his deficits. He clearly has a long history of problems and it's time to figure out once and for all, what the problem is and how to help him.
Have any of you had any situations similar to this and what would be your advice to me? Are you aware of any resources I should know about? My baby needs help and any information you might have would be greatly appreciated.
And....if not, thanks for listening......
roxann
Saturday, October 27, 2007
The *kindness* of others....
So....when I started this Weight Loss Journey.....
...it was hard. REALLY HARD.
Every time I turned around I was looking for support.
Lots of support.
Support I could get. Support I could give.
Well, during my search, I came across a delightful lady named Patter who lives in TX.
She's sweet. (super sweet!)
She's a phonomenal scrapbooker. (just look at her pages...)
She's a mother of triplet girls. (I am so in awe...)
She's a remarkable Christian woman. (truly "lives" it)
Patter was taking over this "Dealing Myself the Weight Loss Hand" challenge
(you know all the cute cards I've been designing based on the challenges?)
after the original leader turned up preggers!
So, as a motivating RAK....Patter did a drawing for chipboard for completing a certain challenge. Well, since only 2 of us did it and were in the drawing, she decided to "reward" us both. Doing 2 RAK's instead of 1. (I told you she was sweet?!?! )
Well, fast forward to today!!
I go to the mailbox and to my delight, my package from Patter is here!!!!!!!
WOO HOO!!!
So, I don't even make it back to the house before I have that baby 1/2 ripped open and
WOW!!!!!
YOU SHOULD SEE ALL THE YUMMY CHIPBOARD GOODNESS SHE SENT ME!
(and a handwritten note, too!!)
She is very generous, especially since she sent 2 of these packages out!!!!
LOOKIE WHAT I GOT:
Note to Patter:
I must know where that chipboard board book came from!!! I've never seen one exactly like it!! It's just like all the board books we have for my daughter.
I have a zillion ideas swirling around in my head about how to use it. I can actually make a "storybook" for my daughter, all about her!!! How awesome is that?!!? So, I am really in the mood to scrap now! And make something fabulous with all these yummy pieces she sent me!!!!
THANKS SO MUCH PATTER!!!!!
YOU ROCK!!!!!!!!
...it was hard. REALLY HARD.
Every time I turned around I was looking for support.
Lots of support.
Support I could get. Support I could give.
Well, during my search, I came across a delightful lady named Patter who lives in TX.
She's sweet. (super sweet!)
She's a phonomenal scrapbooker. (just look at her pages...)
She's a mother of triplet girls. (I am so in awe...)
She's a remarkable Christian woman. (truly "lives" it)
Patter was taking over this "Dealing Myself the Weight Loss Hand" challenge
(you know all the cute cards I've been designing based on the challenges?)
after the original leader turned up preggers!
So, as a motivating RAK....Patter did a drawing for chipboard for completing a certain challenge. Well, since only 2 of us did it and were in the drawing, she decided to "reward" us both. Doing 2 RAK's instead of 1. (I told you she was sweet?!?! )
Well, fast forward to today!!
I go to the mailbox and to my delight, my package from Patter is here!!!!!!!
WOO HOO!!!
So, I don't even make it back to the house before I have that baby 1/2 ripped open and
WOW!!!!!
YOU SHOULD SEE ALL THE YUMMY CHIPBOARD GOODNESS SHE SENT ME!
(and a handwritten note, too!!)
She is very generous, especially since she sent 2 of these packages out!!!!
LOOKIE WHAT I GOT:
Note to Patter:
I must know where that chipboard board book came from!!! I've never seen one exactly like it!! It's just like all the board books we have for my daughter.
I have a zillion ideas swirling around in my head about how to use it. I can actually make a "storybook" for my daughter, all about her!!! How awesome is that?!!? So, I am really in the mood to scrap now! And make something fabulous with all these yummy pieces she sent me!!!!
THANKS SO MUCH PATTER!!!!!
YOU ROCK!!!!!!!!
Friday, October 26, 2007
IF I EVER......
IF I EVER.....
....mention a plan to have a sleepover with SEVEN 3rd grade boys........
....please remind me of the INSANE birthday party of Oct. 2007.
***also remind me to up the alcohol budget for said party to go from $0 to about $100 for Ike and I.
Enough said.
....mention a plan to have a sleepover with SEVEN 3rd grade boys........
....please remind me of the INSANE birthday party of Oct. 2007.
***also remind me to up the alcohol budget for said party to go from $0 to about $100 for Ike and I.
Enough said.
diets....
Diets....well, they don't have the word "die" in them for nothin'!!!!
As you all know, I've been doing weight watchers. And I finally made my 10% goal, confirmed by my doctor at my check-up 2 weeks ago.
So, ya wanna know what's "killing" me? Well, quite frankly, it's the weighing and measuring (which I really don't mind......) but it's trying to do all that weighing and measuring and still cook somewhat normally for my family. kwim?
For instance, if I make spaghetti. First, I have to weigh "my" pasta portion. Then, after cooking the meat, I have to weigh out my 3oz. portion, before adding the sauce to the meat. (which of course, I have carefully already removed my 1/2cup portion of sauce.) Now, if I get distracted at all.....I have forgotten to remove my meat before adding the sauce and I'm screwed. See what I mean?
So.....it's "killing" me! The drama of it all. The extra steps. The remembering to do it before.... Pretty much all of it. I need to find ways to make my life easier, not harder. I found some crock pot recipes....I hope they help. I'll let you know.
Anybody have any suggestions for making this easier?!?!
As it stands right now, I suck at this diet these past 2 weeks. The only thing that saved me was food poisoning!!! (and that's sad!!!)
So, I'll be weighing in tomorrow. It will suck. I'm gonna pay w/ a weight gain, I'm sure. But, it might be enough to get me back on track. (or perhaps it was that unfortunate picture of my ass that I saw this week..........yikes! 30 lbs. lost helps, but seriously......)
Anybody have WW recipes they like??
Help me! Save me from myself!!!!
AND WHILE WE ARE AT IT.....
...if my WW leader heard me call this a diet, she'd probably die! After all, my leader says, "It's a LIFESTYLE CHANGE, not a DIET. And the other one she loves to say is, "you can't CHEAT on a LIFESTYLE CHANGE." Well, leader, I love you and all. Your 75+ pounds you lost last year really inspires me, but really, you can cheat....no matter what you call it!!!!!
Trust me, I know!!
As you all know, I've been doing weight watchers. And I finally made my 10% goal, confirmed by my doctor at my check-up 2 weeks ago.
So, ya wanna know what's "killing" me? Well, quite frankly, it's the weighing and measuring (which I really don't mind......) but it's trying to do all that weighing and measuring and still cook somewhat normally for my family. kwim?
For instance, if I make spaghetti. First, I have to weigh "my" pasta portion. Then, after cooking the meat, I have to weigh out my 3oz. portion, before adding the sauce to the meat. (which of course, I have carefully already removed my 1/2cup portion of sauce.) Now, if I get distracted at all.....I have forgotten to remove my meat before adding the sauce and I'm screwed. See what I mean?
So.....it's "killing" me! The drama of it all. The extra steps. The remembering to do it before.... Pretty much all of it. I need to find ways to make my life easier, not harder. I found some crock pot recipes....I hope they help. I'll let you know.
Anybody have any suggestions for making this easier?!?!
As it stands right now, I suck at this diet these past 2 weeks. The only thing that saved me was food poisoning!!! (and that's sad!!!)
So, I'll be weighing in tomorrow. It will suck. I'm gonna pay w/ a weight gain, I'm sure. But, it might be enough to get me back on track. (or perhaps it was that unfortunate picture of my ass that I saw this week..........yikes! 30 lbs. lost helps, but seriously......)
Anybody have WW recipes they like??
Help me! Save me from myself!!!!
AND WHILE WE ARE AT IT.....
...if my WW leader heard me call this a diet, she'd probably die! After all, my leader says, "It's a LIFESTYLE CHANGE, not a DIET. And the other one she loves to say is, "you can't CHEAT on a LIFESTYLE CHANGE." Well, leader, I love you and all. Your 75+ pounds you lost last year really inspires me, but really, you can cheat....no matter what you call it!!!!!
Trust me, I know!!
THIS made me cry.......
Copied from Tam's blog:
I would like to nominate http://therealroxann.blogspot.com/ for the following award:
I would like to nominate http://therealroxann.blogspot.com/ for the following award:
How many have you inspired to create a blog?
Quite a few
How many people check your blog and then go dust off their Scrapbook supplies and create a page?
ME for one and I know there are countless others!
How many others are following your weight loss and are inspired by this?
Me again
You are an inspiration on so many levels that I can not even list here and you deserve this!
Seriously.....how sweet is this?!?!
Thanks, girl!
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Out of the Mouths of Babes.....
Oh. My.
HOT DOG?!?!?!?!?!One of my pet peeves is using the Lord's name in vain.
I just don't like it.
I will 99.9% of the time say
Oh. My. Gosh.
or
Oh. My. Goodness.
or
some other spin on that.
So, today Griffin is looking out the window and he says....
Mom!
Oh. My. HOTDOG!!!!
Look at the............(finish story only exciting to 4yr. old here!)
How funny is that?!?!
At least he didn't use the Lord's name in vain!!!
Pumpkin Lessons!
To make a pumpkin like the one on the clipboard.....here are the steps!First, get your pumpkin colored cardstock:
And grab your Coluzzle knife, mat and oval template.
Cut out 3 ovals, the size you want your pumpkin.
(I used the 2nd groove for these...)
Then, once you have them cut out, grab your
Colorbox Cat's Eye ink in Chestnut Roan (my and Amber's favorite!)
And ink up those edges:
Put 2 of the ovals side by side (or slightly overlapping, depending on how fat your want your resulting pumpkin to be.)
Flip over the 3rd oval and apply adhesive to the back of the oval.
(I used Tombow Mono Adhesive here....)
Then, take that 3rd oval and center it over the 2 bottom ovals.
Press down to stick all 3 ovals together.
To make the vines and stem:
Vines: Cut a very thin piece of dk. brown cardstock with your trimmer.
I just break it into a shorter length and curl the end between my fingertips.
Repeat with 2nd piece, rolling it the opposite way.
Stem: Then cut a small stem from dk. brown and cut it diagonally w/ scissors.
Flip pumpkin over and glue stem in the center and the vines, one to each side.
Flip pumpkin over and admire your work!!!!
(you can also make this pumpkin using an oval punch, which is how I had seen it made before.)
(you can also make this pumpkin using an oval punch, which is how I had seen it made before.)
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
I've been GIVEN an award by a stranger!!!!!
...and I am so *excited*!!!
This award was given to me by...
TINA
at
TwinkleScrapbooks
So, click on her link above and check out her cute blog!!!!
(THANKS SO MUCH, TINA!!!) :-)
So...the rules are...I am supposed to Award 5 Bloggers with this
Creative Blogger Award!!
So, without further adieu....I award the following 5 Bloggers:
1. Tammy @ MommaSong
(this blog belongs to my good friend, Tam, who is not only funny, but a really talented writer!!! Her blog is new....like barely a month old. So, show her some BLOG LOVE and leave her a comment!!! ALL BLOGGERS LOVE COMMENTS!!)
2. Kerry @ Curly Girl
(I have been a fan of Kerry's blog for about a year now. She is so, so funny! And a good scrapbooker, to boot!! The best of both worlds!!! And she's super sweet!!!! I love her views on things and she tells such good stories!!! Kerry....you rock!!! Go now & check out her blog!!)
3. Hunzer @ Comfortably Numb
(I love this girl!!! She is funny. She is blunt. She tells it like it is w/ colorful words. ---if you dislike profanity you should probably skip this one--- This girl is awesome!!! She is the most honest and unapologetic friends I have made on the net and I wouldn't have her any other way!!!
Keep rockin' it ~S~ you are the bomb!!!! :-)
4. Jamie @ Savannah Scrapbooking
(I am so happy to call this girl my friend! Miss ya, J! So.....whenever I need some inspiration...I go look at Jamie's blog, her archives and her online albums! I just love her work!!!! If she'd submit her stuff she'd be published alot and famous!!!!! And, her blog posts are mixed with scrappy posts and posts about her life. Sometimes funny, sometimes serious, but always in Jamie style. Read her blog....you'll love it! And if you go to Savannah, GA....go check out her FABULOUS NEW STORE LOCATION!!!!! J--is your online store up now?)
It's always sooooo hard to fill the last spot, because it's a decision between many........I suppose if I receive the Creative Blogger Award from someone else I'll be able to finish my list, which is definately longer than 5!!!
5. Amber @ Albums by Amber
(this is another fabulous girl I am happy to call my good friend! Amber is funny, kind and talented! She makes LO's that I love. And she has a heart of gold. What's not to like?!?! And did you know she was the winner of the Carolee's Scrapbook Apprentice contest from last year?!? So, she's a published scrapbook designer, as well!!! Like I said, talented!!)
So....thanks again TINA~~ and I love your blog, too!!!
This award was given to me by...
TINA
at
TwinkleScrapbooks
So, click on her link above and check out her cute blog!!!!
(THANKS SO MUCH, TINA!!!) :-)
So...the rules are...I am supposed to Award 5 Bloggers with this
Creative Blogger Award!!
So, without further adieu....I award the following 5 Bloggers:
1. Tammy @ MommaSong
(this blog belongs to my good friend, Tam, who is not only funny, but a really talented writer!!! Her blog is new....like barely a month old. So, show her some BLOG LOVE and leave her a comment!!! ALL BLOGGERS LOVE COMMENTS!!)
2. Kerry @ Curly Girl
(I have been a fan of Kerry's blog for about a year now. She is so, so funny! And a good scrapbooker, to boot!! The best of both worlds!!! And she's super sweet!!!! I love her views on things and she tells such good stories!!! Kerry....you rock!!! Go now & check out her blog!!)
3. Hunzer @ Comfortably Numb
(I love this girl!!! She is funny. She is blunt. She tells it like it is w/ colorful words. ---if you dislike profanity you should probably skip this one--- This girl is awesome!!! She is the most honest and unapologetic friends I have made on the net and I wouldn't have her any other way!!!
Keep rockin' it ~S~ you are the bomb!!!! :-)
4. Jamie @ Savannah Scrapbooking
(I am so happy to call this girl my friend! Miss ya, J! So.....whenever I need some inspiration...I go look at Jamie's blog, her archives and her online albums! I just love her work!!!! If she'd submit her stuff she'd be published alot and famous!!!!! And, her blog posts are mixed with scrappy posts and posts about her life. Sometimes funny, sometimes serious, but always in Jamie style. Read her blog....you'll love it! And if you go to Savannah, GA....go check out her FABULOUS NEW STORE LOCATION!!!!! J--is your online store up now?)
It's always sooooo hard to fill the last spot, because it's a decision between many........I suppose if I receive the Creative Blogger Award from someone else I'll be able to finish my list, which is definately longer than 5!!!
5. Amber @ Albums by Amber
(this is another fabulous girl I am happy to call my good friend! Amber is funny, kind and talented! She makes LO's that I love. And she has a heart of gold. What's not to like?!?! And did you know she was the winner of the Carolee's Scrapbook Apprentice contest from last year?!? So, she's a published scrapbook designer, as well!!! Like I said, talented!!)
So....thanks again TINA~~ and I love your blog, too!!!
Oh. My. Gosh....this is so funny!!!!!
So, I'm surfing around this morning and I find this letter. And it is hysterical!!! I seriously laughed out loud. I did not write it, I only find it incredibly funny!!! I hope you think so, too!!
And as far as my opinion on Always....I just hate that brand. And I just had no idea about the printed "messages" on them. I'm guessing in the throes of a bad period, I'd be pretty put off by their sentiment, as well.
So, read on......for a good laugh!!
And as far as my opinion on Always....I just hate that brand. And I just had no idea about the printed "messages" on them. I'm guessing in the throes of a bad period, I'd be pretty put off by their sentiment, as well.
So, read on......for a good laugh!!
Dear Mr. Thatcher,
I have been a loyal user of your Always Maxi Pads for over 20 years and I appreciate many of their features. Why, without the LeakGuardCore(tm) or Dri-Weave(tm) absorbency, I'd probably never go horseback riding or salsa dancing, and I'd certainly steer clear of running up and down the beach in tight, white shorts.
But my favorite feature has to be your revolutionary Flexi-Wings. Kudos on being the only company smart enough to realize how crucial it is that maxi pads be aerodynamic.? I can't tell you how safe and secure I feel each month knowing there's a little F-16 in my pants.
Have you ever had a period, Mr. Thatcher? Ever suffered from "the curse"? I'm guessing you haven't. Well, my "time of the month" is starting right now. As I type, I can already feel hormonal forces violently surging through my body. Just a few minutes from now, my body will adjust and I'll be transformed into what my husband likes to call "an inbred hillbilly with knife skills." Isn't the human body amazing?
As Brand Manager in the Feminine-hygiene Division, you've no doubt seen quite a bit of research on what exactly happens during your customers' monthly visits from "Aunt Flo." Therefore, you must know about the bloating, puffiness, and cramping we endure, and about our intense mood swings, crying, and out-of-control behaviour. You surely realize it's a tough time for most women.
In fact, only last week, my friend Jennifer fought the violent urge to shove her boyfriend's testicles into a George Foreman Grill just because he told her he thought Grey's Anatomy was written by drunken chimps.? Crazy! The point is, sir, you of all people must realize that America is just crawling with homicidal maniacs in Capri pants... which brings me to the reason for my letter.
Last month, while in the throes of cramping so painful I wanted to reach inside my body and yank out my uterus, I opened an Always maxi-pad, and there, printed on the adhesive backing, were these words: "Have a Happy Period."
Are you f**king kidding me? Does any part of your tiny middle-manager brain really think happiness - actual smiling, laughing happiness is possible during a period? Did anything mentioned above sound the least bit pleasurable? Well, did it, James?
FYI, unless you're some kind of sick S&M freak, there will never be anything "happy" about a day in which you have to jack yourself up on Motrin and Kahlua and lock yourself in your house just so you don't march down to the local Kmart armed with a hunting rifle and a sketchy plan to end your life in a blaze of glory.
For the love of God, pull your head out, man! If you just have to slap a moronic message on a maxi pad, wouldn't it make more sense to say something that's actually pertinent, like "Put Down the Hammer" or "Vehicular Manslaughter Is Wrong", or are you just picking on us?
Sir, please inform your Accounting Department that, effective immediately, there will be an $8 drop in monthly profits, for I have chosen to take my maxi-pad business elsewhere. And though I will certainly miss your Flex-Wings, I will not for one minute miss your brand of condescending bull shit. And that's a promise I will keep. Always.
Best,
Wendi Xxxxxx
Austin, TX
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
THE obligatory "CKC Happenin's" POST!!!!
Well, so I set off for Kansas City....
running late (I know, I know big shocker!
Shut up.)
AND
without printing any mapquest directions! (super dumb)
So, you know I left town somewhat frazzled.
Plus, directly before I left....it was POURING DOWN rain and freezing, so I got soaking wet and I had to go attend parent/teacher conferences with 4 of Logan's teachers, Jensen's teacher and the school counselor looking like a drowned rat! Needless to say, it was long and some of what I heard was concerning. (now don't go thinking my kids are terrible, they are not. But one is having some issues with reading and spelling......but more on that in the next post, I hope.....)
So, once I got on the road, I was constantly on edge trying not to get lost. And I did fine, until I took a wrong turn. I figured it out within 5 miles (it was dark....give me a tiny break) and turned back around to head the other way.
When I FINALLY reached Downtown KC, I was so confused.
And of course, it is huge and has roads closed for road work. I seriously wanted to cry I was so lost. Kara was waiting on me and although I met her in Tulsa, we are still in "getting to know you" phase. So, I wasn't sure if her phone calls trying to help me were to help me or because she was irritated I was lost and late. But, in the end, it was her info about a tower very near our hotel, that led me to our hotel! Thanks, Kara!! And thanks for not being upset with me!!!! ;-) AND Ironically, I have figured out the tower I was following was the KCTV news channel tower!!!! Ha! I cannot escape the media wherever I go!!! (in addition, on Friday....I am pretty sure I was on tv somewhere. A camera guy was filming me......) Oops, I skipped ahead. Back to Wednesday night......
So, I finally arrived and Kara and I got into our red Hummer H3 that our boss rented for the weekend! I had to call Ike and tease him not to be jealous if we picked up some guys in out totally *rockin'* Hummer!!! HA HA HA!!! As if.... NoT!
So, the word is, you don't do Kansas City w/out doing the BBQ! So, we went to a little BBQ joint downtown. We got a combo platter and Kara and I shared it. It was a bit of a letdown, because we expected it to be better than it was. You know the BBQ isn't good, if the best thing on the plate was the steak fries!
(on the good side, we had enough food for both of us with leftovers!)
So, we went back to the hotel. Got dressed for bed and we were talking and laughing and hanging out. K and I found out we enjoy the same type of music, so that was fun...sharing our tunes!! (reminiscent of trips in the church van on spring break, where you use a splitter and can listen to the same Walkman at the same time!!) Anyway, one ear bud for Kara....one for me! Both of us getting our groove on and singin' like fools!!
So, at one point, I go to the window to check out the KC skyline and you'll never believe what I saw!! (I screamed and started cracking up......so Kara and I had to run downstairs to take pics of this one..........) THE OSCAR MAYER WEINERMOBILE!!
HEE HEE HEE!!!! I touched the weiner.
So, that led to more goofy photos....and this one of Kara and our RED HUMMER H3 is
AWESOME!!!!!!!!
So, Thursday was "set up" day. For those that don't know....that means work your booty off to get the booth assembled, set-up and looking perfect!!! And, it's hard work. And I love it!!!
So, we get to the convention center and when we pull in,
I see this:
Just the sight of it, my heart starts racing!!!
If I saw it traveling down the road, I would have to seriously
fight off the urge to beg the driver to pull over and see what goodies were inside!!!! LOL!!! :-)
So, to set up for convention......you start with this:
a concrete floor, some tables and booth supplies (what a mess!!) and when you're done....you have a mobile scrapbook store!! Here's the booth, only partially done..... 
Amazing!!!!
(in fact, the setting up of the booth brings out the inner "Gap window girl" in me.....did I ever tell you I used to dress the windows at the Gap?) Anyway, I really like it! I like things to be organized and pleasing to the eye....
so this job is perfect for me!!!!
(and can you believe all that stuff was in these 2 containers... aka the pod and the palatainer??)
So, here I am showing you the Fancy Pants.....
mmmmm...
I love me some Fancy Pants, don't you?!?!
And let's hear some ahh's and ohh's for the Junkitz!
And have you seen these yummy Junkitz Halloween papers?!? So stinkin' cute...and this is only part of them....
On Friday the show starts...... and in my normal fashion...I sold all the purple cow trimmers. Even oversold them.
Yea, I rock.
Unfortunately, I have no pics to share because I took no pics at the show at all. I didn't even take my camera because I knew I wouldn't be able to watch it like I wanted to. And if someone stole my precious Nikon D-SLR camera....I would be soooo upset!!
Here's a pic of me one of the mornings before we left. Don't ask me which day......I have no idea!!!
Can you see my pinkish hair?
After it was all said and done.....Kara and I were exhausted!!
Here's our goofy butt picture of that....
I was feeling reallllllly crappy when we took this pic. I was super nauseated. And it just kept getting worse. By the time Kara and I went to Panera for lunch (I didn't eat) and I got on the road, I was reallllly feeling questionable.
Well, I didn't even make it back into Kansas before I puked all over KC, MO and to my horror, in front of about 15-20 drivers whizzing by on the interstate! HOW EMBARRASSING!!!! But, that just tells you exactly how sick I was!
I booked it home and made it in record time. I had to get home and I had to get home right. now. as. soon. as. possible!!
At first I was unsure, but after a full-day of ugly sickness....and then feeling a bit better, Big Daddy and I are fairly sure I had food poisoning. So, in the interest of learning,
according to the internet
running late (I know, I know big shocker!
Shut up.)
AND
without printing any mapquest directions! (super dumb)
So, you know I left town somewhat frazzled.
Plus, directly before I left....it was POURING DOWN rain and freezing, so I got soaking wet and I had to go attend parent/teacher conferences with 4 of Logan's teachers, Jensen's teacher and the school counselor looking like a drowned rat! Needless to say, it was long and some of what I heard was concerning. (now don't go thinking my kids are terrible, they are not. But one is having some issues with reading and spelling......but more on that in the next post, I hope.....)
So, once I got on the road, I was constantly on edge trying not to get lost. And I did fine, until I took a wrong turn. I figured it out within 5 miles (it was dark....give me a tiny break) and turned back around to head the other way.
When I FINALLY reached Downtown KC, I was so confused.
And of course, it is huge and has roads closed for road work. I seriously wanted to cry I was so lost. Kara was waiting on me and although I met her in Tulsa, we are still in "getting to know you" phase. So, I wasn't sure if her phone calls trying to help me were to help me or because she was irritated I was lost and late. But, in the end, it was her info about a tower very near our hotel, that led me to our hotel! Thanks, Kara!! And thanks for not being upset with me!!!! ;-) AND Ironically, I have figured out the tower I was following was the KCTV news channel tower!!!! Ha! I cannot escape the media wherever I go!!! (in addition, on Friday....I am pretty sure I was on tv somewhere. A camera guy was filming me......) Oops, I skipped ahead. Back to Wednesday night......
So, I finally arrived and Kara and I got into our red Hummer H3 that our boss rented for the weekend! I had to call Ike and tease him not to be jealous if we picked up some guys in out totally *rockin'* Hummer!!! HA HA HA!!! As if.... NoT!
So, the word is, you don't do Kansas City w/out doing the BBQ! So, we went to a little BBQ joint downtown. We got a combo platter and Kara and I shared it. It was a bit of a letdown, because we expected it to be better than it was. You know the BBQ isn't good, if the best thing on the plate was the steak fries!
(on the good side, we had enough food for both of us with leftovers!)
So, we went back to the hotel. Got dressed for bed and we were talking and laughing and hanging out. K and I found out we enjoy the same type of music, so that was fun...sharing our tunes!! (reminiscent of trips in the church van on spring break, where you use a splitter and can listen to the same Walkman at the same time!!) Anyway, one ear bud for Kara....one for me! Both of us getting our groove on and singin' like fools!!
So, at one point, I go to the window to check out the KC skyline and you'll never believe what I saw!! (I screamed and started cracking up......so Kara and I had to run downstairs to take pics of this one..........) THE OSCAR MAYER WEINERMOBILE!!
HEE HEE HEE!!!! I touched the weiner.So, that led to more goofy photos....and this one of Kara and our RED HUMMER H3 is
AWESOME!!!!!!!!So, Thursday was "set up" day. For those that don't know....that means work your booty off to get the booth assembled, set-up and looking perfect!!! And, it's hard work. And I love it!!!
So, we get to the convention center and when we pull in,
I see this:
Just the sight of it, my heart starts racing!!!If I saw it traveling down the road, I would have to seriously
fight off the urge to beg the driver to pull over and see what goodies were inside!!!! LOL!!! :-)
So, to set up for convention......you start with this:
a concrete floor, some tables and booth supplies (what a mess!!) and when you're done....you have a mobile scrapbook store!! Here's the booth, only partially done..... 
Amazing!!!! (in fact, the setting up of the booth brings out the inner "Gap window girl" in me.....did I ever tell you I used to dress the windows at the Gap?) Anyway, I really like it! I like things to be organized and pleasing to the eye....
so this job is perfect for me!!!!
(and can you believe all that stuff was in these 2 containers... aka the pod and the palatainer??)
So, here I am showing you the Fancy Pants.....
mmmmm...
I love me some Fancy Pants, don't you?!?!And let's hear some ahh's and ohh's for the Junkitz!
And have you seen these yummy Junkitz Halloween papers?!? So stinkin' cute...and this is only part of them....
On Friday the show starts...... and in my normal fashion...I sold all the purple cow trimmers. Even oversold them.
Yea, I rock.
Unfortunately, I have no pics to share because I took no pics at the show at all. I didn't even take my camera because I knew I wouldn't be able to watch it like I wanted to. And if someone stole my precious Nikon D-SLR camera....I would be soooo upset!!
Here's a pic of me one of the mornings before we left. Don't ask me which day......I have no idea!!!
Can you see my pinkish hair?After it was all said and done.....Kara and I were exhausted!!
Here's our goofy butt picture of that....
I was feeling reallllllly crappy when we took this pic. I was super nauseated. And it just kept getting worse. By the time Kara and I went to Panera for lunch (I didn't eat) and I got on the road, I was reallllly feeling questionable.
Well, I didn't even make it back into Kansas before I puked all over KC, MO and to my horror, in front of about 15-20 drivers whizzing by on the interstate! HOW EMBARRASSING!!!! But, that just tells you exactly how sick I was!
I booked it home and made it in record time. I had to get home and I had to get home right. now. as. soon. as. possible!!
At first I was unsure, but after a full-day of ugly sickness....and then feeling a bit better, Big Daddy and I are fairly sure I had food poisoning. So, in the interest of learning,
according to the internet
THIS
--------------------->
is the germ
responsible
for my misery!!
It even looks disgusting!
(no wonder it made me sick!!!!)
is the germ
responsible
for my misery!!
It even looks disgusting!
(no wonder it made me sick!!!!)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
My Art
Subscribe To
Posts
All Comments
