More On LOST

Just after I typed the last post, I found this:

Top 5 Reasons To Watch LOST.

Couldn't have said it better myself.

Tonight...

...the withdrawal pangs will subside.

LOST is back!

And, for those who have never watched, ABC will be airing a one hour retrospective of the past three seasons which promises "to catch new viewers up" and reveal new secrets to current viewers.

Check it out...you won't regret it!

And Jen, if you are reading this....YAY for LOST being back!

GO PATS!

This is so stupid, it's almost laughable.

The obvious parts are funny. Emotional stress, over-eating, smoking and boozing can possibly cause a heart condition? Your kidding me...I never knew that. It's not like millions upon millions of studies have been done supposedly confirming this already. What I'd like to see is a study that confirms this: sometimes, even if you are stress free, smoke free, alcohol free, and over-eating free, you could still have a heart condition.

Even funnier than that though? The things it says not to do/to do while watching the Super Bowl.

-Don't eat fatty meals. Anyone who has ever watched a Super Bowl knows full well that not eating fatty meals during a Super Bowl would be illegal, or sacrilege, or something.

-Get a good night's sleep. A good night's sleep? What the hell is that?

And ladies and gentlemen, my favorite thing not to do while watching the Super Bowl?

-Try not to get angry with the refs (insert, loud, robust laugh). That would be like saying try not to watch the commercials. It isn't gonna happen people. Not now. Not ever. Getting mad at the refs...well now, that's part of the fun, isn't it?

Brittany Spears

Would y'all just leave her the hell alone? Seriously, it's obvious to anyone with half a brain that the girl has issues. What apparently isn't obvious is that this intense scrutiny probably isn't helping matters.

That, and when I look at or listen to the news, I would like to hear, you know, real news. Brittany being transported to the hospital for a psychological evaluation just doesn't cut it for me.

Sheesh.

Food, Cooking, Recipes Etc.

I have lamented on this blog before about how much I loathe cooking. Mostly, I do it because I have to. It's not like we could actually afford to order out every night, and, despite my hating to do it, I do usually do a pretty decent job of it. I suspect part of my hating to do it involves the lack of variety. I just get so sick of cooking the same things time and again, and, when I find a new recipe to try, the motivation to cook usually increases ten-fold.


One of my favorite places to get recipes is from Kraft Food and Family Magazine. Best of all? It's...100 % free! It's always full of recipes. I have cooked many delicious meals from recipes I have taken from it. It comes once each season.

Anyway, I finally got around to looking at my winter issue. I had been planning on food shopping last night and for once, actually gave some thought ahead of going to the store about what I wanted on the menu this week. I have found several new recipes that I plan on cooking this week. I went out last night and purchased all of the necessary ingredients. For your enjoyment, I have listed the recipes here, which you can then look up at the Kraft website linked above (hey, you never know who else may in a cooking "lull" and looking for inspiration).

Tangy Pork Chop Stuffing Bake
Slow Cooker Orange BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich
Double Cheese Chili
Bruschetta Chicken Skillet
Taco Bake
Nacho Chicken Bake

Note: I don't always use all of the "name brand" stuff they mention. Such differences usually don't bother me (for example store brand sour cream tastes the same to me as name brand) and, it keeps way down on the costs.

Anyway, I will post and let you know how they all come out as I make them.

Julia Update

Double ear infection. Yuck.

She was so funny at the doctor's. When he walked in to the room she said, "Doctor, I'm sick." Then, a few minutes later when he was listening to her chest she said, "Doctor, can you please fix my ear, it's broken." When he was all done she thanked him for fixing her ear and then asked him for medicine so she "could feel all better."

Anyway, we got her prescription filled when we left. Hopefully, she will be back to her usual self soon.

On the books for today we have...

...a trip to the pediatrician for Julia. She seemed, for a brief period yesterday to be getting better when her teary eyes and runny nose that had previously been running like a faucet, shut off rather abruptly. She felt feverish so I gave her Motrin, and for a little while there, she actually played with some toys, albeit not too enthusiastically. But alas, she has woken up this morning, with a fever and, when asked what hurts, points forcefully to her left ear. Apparently, she has an ear infection. She has been sleeping through the nights though, so I am guessing her tolerance for pain must be high.

Motrin though? It rocks. Almost turns a sick kid back to their normal selves for a while.

Plural Words: Understood

A few minutes ago, I was getting ready to shower and I asked Julia to, "go in the living room and play with your sisters." I thought both Emily and Katherine, who have the day off of school today due to a Professional Development Day, were in there.

She looked at me and said, "Mom, there's just one sister in there."

Turns out, Emily had gone upstairs.

Funny.

How To Get My Kids To Eat Peas And Other Food Related Items

Snap peas. I bought a veggie lovers salad mix thingy a week or two ago and it had snap peas in it. I gave them each one (each being Katherine and Emily as Julia eats anything), didn't tell them what it was until they ate and loved it. So, I bought more (just the peas not the salad mix) and it has been the snack of choice since. They have never liked peas in any other way.

In other food related news, I am looking for suggestions on how to "spice" up regular boxed macaroni and cheese. I have made my own mac and cheese before but, in order to save time tonight (we need to eat dinner by 4:30 because the kids have their gymnastics class at 5) I am just going with the boxed version. I had ideas of adding garlic to the mix maybe some of the Pampered Chef Italian seasoning to it. Then I thought of adding a cup of salsa. That could be good too. There's always the option of adding ground beef but, alas I don't have any on hand.

So, does anyone out there have any other ideas?

Casino

I haven't blogged about this in a while. It hasn't been for lack of interest; I have been following the news regularly.

One of the big topics lately has been in regard to Middleboro representatives joining a regional task force whose purpose is to study potential impacts on the surrounding communities of a casino being built in Middleboro. The task force was formed after Middleboro, without giving any consideration to other surrounding towns and how a casino would affect them, signed an agreement not only welcoming the casino, but, promising to support and promote the idea. Now, Middleboro wants part in a group, representing communities who will no doubt be affected by a casino, and weren't even considered by the town when all of the talk was going on, or when the agreement was signed. True, if the casino comes to town, those surrounding communities will be able to negotiate with the state but I don't blame them for not feeling neighborly to Middleboro. Not at all. And, while I can see Middleboro's input being beneficial to the task force as a "direct connection" to the tribe, I don't think they deserve a spot. Too little too late, if you ask me.

Poor Julia has the cold...

...from hell. She started with a slight cough I noticed on Saturday night, that continued in to Sunday. While the cough it self sounded bad, it was occurring very infrequently...more like a mild annoyance than an actual cold. Today, the cough is still present in that mildly annoying kind of way, but has been joined by a horribly runny nose, the sneezes and the "I'm sick" look.

She fell asleep on the couch a little while ago and is tossing, turning, snoring, and sneezing in her sleep. I think it is going to be one of those nights for her. Poor kid.

*UPDATE* She slept straight through the night, until 8:30 this morning.

Ugh...

You know, for the amount of $ we would have to spend on medical bills in this household if we didn't have insurance, I guess I really can't complain but, I got a bill in the mail for $130 for Julia's physical in July. I was confused because it said the reason for non-payment by the insurance company was "services not covered by plan." I called BCBS and was informed that after a child turns 2, it is only covered once a year. Here I am thinking that I am being a good mom, you know taking my daughter for her check ups when the doctor requests them (which for the record is once a year after they turn 3) and then I get a bill, because I had the nerve to bring her in for a 2 1/2 year check up in January, and then again for a three year in July. It's so damn aggravating. I might try and fight it, just because. Somebody needs to stick it to the insurance companies...may as well be me.

Reason number...aw hell I lost count...

...why we are so in for it when Emily really hits the teenage years (you know, instead of just pretending at the age of 10 that she already is one).

The other day, I glanced in the rear view mirror and noticed that her bangs, which she is growing out, hanging in her face. I said, in a perfectly calm manner, in a normal tone of voice, "Can you please tuck your hair behind your ears?"

Before I continue with her response, please be aware that this was the first thing I had asked her to do, all morning. Not a single thing had been asked of her.

She answered with this: "God, Mom what do you want me to do next, balance an elephant on my back?"

I kid you not. I couldn't even correct her or reprimand her for being fresh because I was afraid if I opened my mouth, the only thing that would come out would be laughter.

Can we say hormones?

Pictures

Julia and Jack cuteness. One of these days, we might have to tell them that they're, you know, cousins.






We braved the snow and went over to my parents today to spend some time with Jack who was visiting while my sister went to a baby shower. I took all of these pictures today.

Home Alone

We bought it for Emily and Katherine for Christmas, after they were watching it with my father one day and busting out in to hysterics. After Christmas sometime, Ryun mentioned to me that the girls were watching it upstairs and I commented jokingly that Emily was probably taking notes.

Fast forward to today. Katherine just came in and said, "Mom, we are watching the special features on the Home Alone DVD and Emily said maybe we can come up with our own prank."


Did I call that one or what?!?!

FYI

Confessions Of A Stay At Home Mom has been updated.

Underlying

One of the big themes behind many articles I have read regarding the choice to stay at home or work is how thankful Mom's that stay at home should be. That's a no brainer...I have yet to meet a mom that wasn't thankful for that choice. The part that always bothers me is the part that isn't said, which is this: not only should a stay at home mom be thankful, but she also has no right to voice any concerns or complaints she has as a result of being a stay at home mom. She made this choice, didn't she? It's not often that you hear about a mom who chose to work (or had to) get criticized for complaining about her job. Perhaps life circumstances force the decision to work but, why is it ok for a working mom to complain and considered ungrateful or wrong for a stay at home mom to complain? And, lets face it, if we, as stay at home moms are honest and upfront about our stay at home "momhood" we recognize this - stay at home motherhood while it is humbling, inspiring, rewarding, and fun, it can also be exhausting, boring, limiting and banal.

So the questions begs, why, are we expected to act and feel like every single minute of every single day is is perfect and wonderful?

Julia

Here she is, reciting a poem from her latest television obsession, "Zaboomafoo."





"I feel different, not the same,
this kind of feeling I can't explain.
There's only one thing that I can do,
I feel ticklish, how about you?"

Julia: The Silly Girl Edition

First up...last night Ryun called me in to see Julia, who was copying his position on the couch.

This is how I found her this morning. I have no idea how she manged to get up there but, apparently the climbing stage has (finally)begun.

And finally, this is what happens when you let two older sisters play dress up with Julia.

Going Old School

This is me, in about 1st grade I think. For the record, I would KILL to have that hair again.

If I was going to pick...

...my best sleeper of the three kids, it would be Katherine by far. It's not that Emily and Julia are or ever were "bad sleepers," Katherine has always just been the best.

Even now, she is. She goes to be by 7:30 every night without any argument. She sleeps through the night (to the point of sleeping right through the need to urinate, which is another entry all together and probably TMI).

Anyway, as a baby and toddler, she had this blanket we called her "night-night." One day, after she had started kindergarten, she decided she didn't want to be a "baby" anymore and told me to throw it out. I did, but not before I cut a small section from it to save for sentimental reasons (you know one of those things you bust out in her teen years/early adult to embarrass the hell out of her). Besides that though, me being me, I knew that it would make a fantastic addition to a scrap book layout that I would complete someday. Someday has come.

When Katherine was little, she used to fall asleep anywhere. Sit down on the couch to watch a movie? Like the flick of a switch, she was out like a light. A short trip to my parents in the car? Katherine was snoring away (a trait she inherited from me according to my darling husband). And, again with the me being me, on many occasions, the camera was out, snapping away. I have collected these pictures and will be completing the scrapbook pages this weekend, at a day long crop on Saturday.

And, for your viewing pleasure, I have decided to share some of those photos here. I am not going to lie, looking at them got me a little teary eyed with the "Oh My God, how did my baby get so big?" emotions running through me.

Highly Reccomended

The Jason Bourne Trilogy. All three of them, but especially The Bourne Ultimatum.

Great story lines, good action scenes and Matt Damon. What more do you need?!

Mood

Sometimes, I get in to a frame of mind that is so focused, so directed that even something like going to the bathroom is a major annoyance (how dare natural bodily functions mess up my groove). These moods are far and few between of course, because my natural way is to lose focus and get distracted or wait until the last possible minute to get whatever done. So, when these focused and directed frames of mind take hold, I try hard not to let them pass by and actually use the time to get something productive done. Today is one such day. The "I must get something productive done" and the ability to concentrate are present. Unfortunately, it's the external forces (being you know, the kids and husband) that are messing it all up. It's not Ryun's fault really. It's the kids, having one of those "high needs" kind of days (all three of them at once of course) and for some reason, when my physical body is actually in the house, Ryun becomes invisible to them. It is only I that can mediate all conflicts, determine if it is "snack time," dress a doll, help the youngest with the whole bathroom thing, etc., even if I have made it perfectly clear that I am not to be disturbed. And, it is partially my own fault because, even if Ryun steps up to the plate and helps them with whatever needs helping and they cry or yell for me, I would rather just break away from whatever I am doing then listen to the battle between him and the kids. It's giving in to some degree, maintaining my sanity and keeping the peace to another degree, but most of all it's enabling. If it doesn't stop, eventually the kids will learn (and to a point they already have) that Mom can and will do it all, and it will allow Ryun, not to do, well anything. If I don't do it all, someone else will have to, right?

Mood

Sometimes, I get in to a frame of mind that is so focused, so directed that even something like going to the bathroom is a major annoyance (how dare natural bodily functions mess up my groove). These moods are far and few between of course, because my natural way is to lose focus and get distracted or wait until the last possible minute to get whatever done. So, when these focused and directed frames of mind take hold, I try hard not to let them pass by and actually use the time to get something productive done. Today is one such day. The "I must get something productive done" and the ability to concentrate are present. Unfortunately, it's the external forces (being you know, the kids and husband) that are messing it all up. It's not Ryun's fault really. It's the kids, having one of those "high needs" kind of days (all three of them at once of course) and for some reason, when my physical body is actually in the house, Ryun becomes invisible to them. It is only I that can mediate all conflicts, determine if it is "snack time," dress a doll, help the youngest with the whole bathroom thing, etc., even if I have made it perfectly clear that I am not to be disturbed. And, it is partially my own fault because, even if Ryun steps up to the plate and helps them with whatever needs helping and they cry or yell for me, I would rather just break away from whatever I am doing then listen to the battle between him and the kids. It's giving in to some degree, maintaining my sanity and keeping the peace to another degree, but most of all it's enabling. If it doesn't stop, eventually the kids will learn (and to a point they already have) that Mom can and will do it all, and it will allow Ryun, not to do, well anything. If I don't do it all, someone else will have to, right?

Cross-posted fromConfessions Of A Stay At Home Mom which, by the way, has been updated a couple of times since I last linked from here.

What is it...

...about the phone, that through generations and generations of kids, going back to when the phone was invented, signifies to them that as soon as that phone is placed by Mom's ear, WW III should commence?

I'm just curious. Not like it's ever happened in this house or anything.

Sibling Support...

...and one of the many parts of Emily I just adore.

Today at school, Emily was in the cafeteria and happened to glance out in to the hallway and see Katherine on the way to music class. Katherine had a very sad expression on her face and looked like she was about to cry. Emily asked the teacher on duty in the cafeteria for the "girl's pass" and "walked really fast" down the hallway to catch up with Katherine. Then asked the music teacher if it was okay if she gave Katherine a hug. She did and then went back to the cafeteria.

Turns out some dirt bag kid was giving Katherine a hard time about something. I HATE kids sometimes (not my own of course, but you know what I mean). Why do they have to be so damn mean?

Umm...Ok

Julia walked in to my office with a small hand held American Flag. This is how our conversation went:

Me: "Julia, do you want to say the Pledge of Allegiance?"

Julia: "No thanks, I said that at school and then I had bad dreams."

Uh-huh. She says these off the wall kind of things all of the time. I think it's her escape if she doesn't want to do something or doesn't know the answer to the question. It's like she thinks saying something, no matter how off the wall or silly is better than not answering or just saying she doesn't want to or doesn't know the answer.

She's funny though.

FYI

Adventures In Education has been updated, with an excerpt from and email I sent to Governor Patrick, The Department Of Education, and Mass 2020.

Extended Learning Time

Rather than typing an entire entry, I have decided to copy and paste an excerpt from an email that I sent to Mass 2020, the governor, and the Department of Education.

I have been researching through the Mass 2020 website, as well as other resources the many benefits of expanding learning time for our school children. Overall, the idea seems like a good one to me. I can definitely see how providing more time to learn, as well as differentiated instruction and cultural enrichment opportunities would benefit our children and better prepare them for their future. One of the areas in which I have found little to no research on is how this expanded learning time has affected (in those school systems that have already initiated ELT programs) activities out side of school such as sports, Girl Scouts, or any other extra curricular activities students may be involved in. Have students still been able to participate in these activities? I was also curious regarding how this affected homework. If the students are in school for more time, do they have less homework? On a personal level, as a parent of three school age children, I am having a hard time imagining fitting it all in (an extended school day, outside activities, homework, dinner, showers etc.) and still having the kids in bed at a normal hour. Perhaps my biggest question is in regard to how this is all funded. I am assuming expanding learning time would involve spending money above and beyond what is spent in a non-ELT school to pay for additional supplies, salaries for teachers, building maintenance and other related costs. Do towns that have an ELT schedule receive more state and federal funds to help offset these costs or, is the town expected to come up with the money? As it stands in Middleboro right now, our school budget was cut drastically last year, and this year it is not looking like it will be any better.

I am not completely convinced that extending learning time is the way to go yet but, there certainly seems to be some benefit from it. I am anxious to hear back and will post here when I do.

FYI

Confessions of a Stay At Home Mom has been updated...twice!

I expect a few more, "I have been keeping these entries in my head for months" posts over there very soon, so keep checking back...if of course you're are interested!

Currently reading...

..."The Price of Motherhood: Why The Most Important Job In The World Is Still The Least Valued," by Ann Crittenden. Review to come, just as soon as I finish it!

FYI

Other things I am hoping to include on this blog include...

...articles and opinion regarding the "stay at home or go to work" controversy.

...actual confessions, as the title implies (you know like, yes, I actually do watch Days Of Our Lives a couple of times a week (and by the way what the heck is up with the whole John Black thing?)).

...personal stories about my own experiences as a Mom, my kids, and whatever else seems to fit here rather than in one of my other blogs.

I would just like to say publically...

...that I think that the amount of money the federal and state government take out of Ryun's check is...disgusting.

Last years combined withholdings: just over $25,000!

Do you know what we could do with that money? It's crazy.

*And no, before you ask, I have no idea what has gotten in to my system and made me go all political lately.*

FYI

Confessions of a Stay At Home Mom has been updated.

Putting It All In Writing

Just for kicks, I decided to make a list of my responsibilities. I have occasionally felt a bit overwhelmed by it all, and now, I can see why. I don't know of any other "job" that has so many responsibilities, so,why do I feel less than perfect if I don't accomplish every single one of these (which, of course I never do)?

...be a good Mom.

...raise kids to as perfect as possible.

...Have smart kids.

...have well-mannered kids.

...be the kind of mother my mom wants me to be.

...feel lucky for all of my options.

...deal with most if not all of baby duties.

...plan activities, classes and play dates.

...achieve balance.

...have well adjusted, socialized kids.

...look healthy and fit.

...be or at least look happy.

...feel fulfilled.

...have it all.

...spend quality time with the kids.

...spearhead household chores.

...make all doctor and dentist appointments.

...oversee homework, go to parent teacher conferences, and keep up with school activities.

...organize birthday parties.

...buy kids clothing and shoes.

...bathe kids.

...put kids to bed.

...arrange and manage child care.

...manage family relationships and gatherings.

...keep the house in order.

...make sure grandparents regularly see the kids.

...decorate for the holidays.

Ladies and Gentlemen...

...may I direct your attention, and formally introduce you to the latest of my blogging endeavors...

Confessions Of A Stay At Home Mom

Expectations:The Insane Expectations Of Being A Modern Day Mom

A quote from "I Was A Really Good Mom Before I Had Kids" sums it up nicely I think:

"Ultimately, I am not the kind of mom I thought I'd be. I pictured myself baking cookies and singing songs with my sweet girls, and my house would be perfectly organized with color-coordinated bins. Instead, I'm kind of in this fuzzy haze of I don't know what. I don't remember what I did yesterday."

It's time to be honest about the reality behind the insane, sometimes unspoken expectations of a mom in today's world. It's time to be honest about what really matters, and it's not whether or not your kids behave perfectly, or your house is shining like the top of the Chrysler Building. It's not about having your child involved in every extra-curricular activity known to man, or about concealing all mood fluctuations from...well everybody. It's about re-defining yourself, and recognizing that you, not society should be setting your own expectations of what defines a good mom.

So think about that, and stay tuned for more!

Reccomended Reading

This book, if not for the title alone.

A must read for modern mothers, and in part, the inspiration for this blog.

Seriously, check it out, and, if you happen to be local and I happen to know you in person, feel free to borrow it!

Hit Home

I recently finished a book that drew me in from the first paragraph.

Here it is:

"When you're five, you know your age down to the month. Even in your twenties, you know how old you are. I'm twenty-seven you say. But then in your thirties something strange seems to happen. It's a mere hiccup at first, an instant of hesitation. How old are you? Oh, I'm-you start confidently, but then you stop. You were going to say thirty-three, but you're not. You're thirty-five. And then you're bothered, because you wonder if this is the beginning of the end. It is, of course, but it's decades before you'll admit it. "

-Water For Elephants-
Sara Gruen


You can see why it drew me in immediately, can't you? That situation has happened to me more times than I can remember...no pun intended!

Hi!

"Motherhood is like Albania...you can't trust the brochures, you have to go there."

~Marni Jackson~

I found this quote and thought it would be the perfect way to start the first entry on this new blog, because really, no one could possibly give you a clear picture of what motherhood is like before you become one. If you're a mom, then you know exactly what I mean.

Anyway, more on that later. It's time for me to get this site in order, and officially announce its' existence.

If someone could please assure me...

...that Mitt Romney will not be the next President of the United States, that would be great.

Take it from someone who knows...he did a crappy job being in charge of one state, let alone the whole country.

Better

I am feeling a little bit better today (although far from 100 %). In other sick related news, and it maybe TMI, but, I think Julia may have a bladder infection. Fun. I feel bad for her, really I do, but if I have to take this kid to the bathroom one more time, I might die. Every 10 minutes and she goes maybe a drop. Anyway, if this keeps up for the day (and it seems as though it will) a trip to the doctor's office may be in order for tomorrow.


`

Immune System: Shot To Hell, Apparently

I don't know what the heck is going on with me this winter, but, I have been sicker than I ever have been in my entire life, I think. I am (or I guess used to be) one of those people that rarely, if ever, gets sick. When one person would get the worst cold ever, I only got a minor one. When one person would get a stomach bug, I would not get it at all, or only get it to a much lesser degree. This year, so far, I have had pneumonia, a funky, " I am losing my voice thing" that lasted for 2 weeks around Christmas and made me feel not great but not completely awful and never amounted to anything else, and now, I am about 90% sure that I have a sinus infection. WTF?

Being sick is just annoying. Having it interfere with my never ending list of things I need or want to get done is killing me. Feeling like my head might explode from the pressure of it all (both the literal pressure of the sinus infection and the pressure to you know, cross at least an item off of the list) is enough to drive me to...to...to...bed.

Night.

Julia

It has been quite awhile since I have done a "catch all" Julia update. Time is short, so, I am going to do this one in list form.

Gross motor: Her legs have gotten considerably stronger and this shows when she does things like walking up and down stairs, or just walking, running or jumping in general. Stairs are still an effort for her (going up the effort is in pushing off and carrying her body weight and going down it's more of a balance and coordination type of effort). Still though, she has gotten "good enough" on the stairs that I am fully comfortable with her going up and down mine (well as fully comfortable as one could be going up and down mine...my stairs are not a good barometer on which to measure anyone's gross motor skills). She hasn't mastered alternating feet going up and down yet, but it is something we work on all the time at home and at school. She is definitely stronger with her left leg than her right.

Sensory: Most of her "issues" in this area are in regard to "spacial awareness" and fine motor skills. She still seems to have a little trouble with balance and coordination which is all part of the spacial awareness thing but it seems to be improving. They work on all kinds of balance type things at school, which I think will help. her fine motor skills are coming along nicely, and she can even print her name now by her self! It's as legible as one would expect a 3 year old's writing to be, but it's definitely her name she is writing.

Academic: While this area has never really been a concern, her academic skills are noteworthy just the same. For a long time now, she has recognized all of her shapes and colors. She also recognizes all of her letters, both upper and lower case. She recognizes a few words as well, including her name, her sisters names and Mom and Dad. As mentioned above, she can print her first name as well. She's funny...every time she sees a "J" anywhere she says, "That's J for Julia!" She can rote count to 17 before she starts confusing the numbers and can actually count small objects until about 5 or 6.

Speech and Language: I know that some people that know Julia might wonder why she would ever need speech services. The girl can talk, let me tell you. Julia's area of concern is in the are of comprehension and attention. To give an example when asked to point to an object in a book, she doesn't always understand the direction given, and sometimes can't seem to focus on the task at hand. She seems to be coming along in this area as well.

Overall, to sum it up, she is doing quite well. School has been a wonderful addition to her life, and has really helped her socially as well. She stills has those, "I am completely overwhelmed by this thing called life" moments but, they are becoming far and few between.

Good News

Ryun had a follow up with the doc yesterday regarding his blood pressure. It has gone down considerably( from 140-150 /90's to 129/80). She was impressed with the changes he has made (less red meat, more fish, less snacking etc).

YAY!

So much to blog about...

...so little time.

In the very near future though, here's what to expect...

...an update over at Adventures In Education regarding the possibility of an extended school day, and just exactly how I feel about that.

...an announcement regarding a new blog I am starting, just as soon as I get it all together.

...an update on Julia's progress lately.

Don't you just love previews?!?!?!

New Party

In reference to my last post regarding who you would vote for, I have decided that I think a new political party needs to be formed. It could be called the "Repubocrats." It would be a decent combination of both current major political parties, the Republicans and the Democrats.

This is where they would stand on the issues.

Education: Believes to NCLB is not working and that the states should be in charge of testing. Also believes that any federal money that is sent should be done with fewer strings attached.

Abortion: is pro choice.

Immigration: Believes in a path to citizenship for those already in the country, but also supports tightening border security.

Economy: supports fair and equal trade and keeping American businesses competitive.

Energy: supports renewable energies and reducing foreign oil dependence.

Foreign Policy: supports more monitoring of nuclear technology.

Climate: agrees that the planet is warming, but is skeptical about whether or not the cause(s) are man made.

Gun control: opposes most, if not all restrictions.

Social Security: opposes any plan that cuts benefits, is skeptical about (but willing to discuss) privatizing.

Same Sex Marriage: supports it. No questions asked.

Embryonic stem cell research: supports it. No questions asked.


At least then I would know who to vote for. I guess in the end, it is highly unlikely that there would ever be a single person who would fit the mold of what I think a president should be. It probably comes down to finding the one or two issues I am most passionate about, and finding someone who fits that mold.

*Update* Silly me forgot to include one of the major issues being discussed in this campaign...health care.

Health care: agrees that everyone should have access to health care/insurance, but doesn't make not carrying insurance a crime.

Just Becasue I Am Curious

If you were forced to vote for one of the Democrats running for President right now, who woudl you vote for?

If you were forced to vote for one of the Republicans who would you vote for?

Progress

I still have a million loads of laundry to fold( but, hey at least it's clean now), and the office, my bedroom and upstairs to clean but so far I have...

...done four loads of laundry.

...cleaned the kitchen. Really well, including the usuals like wiping down the counters and table, doing the dishes, and sweeping the floor, but also including the complete re-organization of all of my cabinets, cleaning the backsplash on the counters, and the scrubbing the hell out of the entire stove top.

...cleaned the living room which involved re-organizing all of Julia's toys, putting out the "regular" decorations I took down to make room for the Christmas stuff, dusting all "dustable" surfaces, rearranging the couch pillows and blankets, and vacuuming.

...cleaned the bathroom downstairs, including cleaning out the vanity and washing the vanity cabinets.

...re-organized the "entryway" which included rehanging all of the coats that had fallen, matching up all shoes and putting them back in the basket, matching all winter gloves and relocating the container of "snow" stuff (boots hats etc).

So YAY! And, back to work!

On the books for today we have...

...seriously large, giant, huge amounts of laundry and housework, if I actually, you know, get off my butt and get going. First though, another cup of coffee.

Monitor Mayhem

Our house isn't that big, but the set up makes it so we need to have a monitor on upstairs, in order to hear anything that goes on (a kid crying or Emily if she should ever happen to have a seizure again). Our bedroom is in the way back of the house on the first floor, and the kids bedrooms, especially Julia's are all toward the front of the house on the second floor. Unless a kid was screaming bloody murder, we wouldn't be able to hear at all, and even then it might be tough.

So anyway, the monitor is set up in Julia's room. It pretty much picks up all sounds up there, even if they are coming from Katherine's room, which is the one furthest from the base. It works well in that regard, you know, doing what it is supposed to, but it also has an ungodly amount of interference that it picks up, and sends through to our unit in our bedroom. Picture a tv, going to all snow, on the loudest volume possible, and you will gt a pretty accurate description of what it sounds like, even if the volume setting on the monitor is fairly low. Needless to say, it is quite a distraction when it comes to sleeping (or anything else for that matter) and some nights, against my better judgment, I end up turning the darn thing off altogether. I have tried moving both our monitor and the one up stairs, and nothing seems to work. In my room, we have moved it from the floor next to the phone jack and cordless phone, to my nightstand next to the alarm clock, and finally to the bureau, next to nothing even remotely electrical. Upstairs, it has been in all three bedrooms and the hallway. I know we didn't pay a lot of money for it, and, in fact it is probably bottom of the line as far as monitors go but, I certainly don't feel like going out and buying a new one. Does anyone have any suggestions? Even Ryun (who is usually good with this type of thing) seems top be at a loss.

Funny

My mother got me this really, fancy shiny, shimmery shirt for Christmas, to wear to an upcoming formal family party. It's sort of a "baby doll" style shirt, which typically doesn't look good on me, and in fact, can actually make me look pregnant when I am not. So, I had this conversation with Ryun:

Me: Do I look pregnant in this shirt?

Ryun: No, but you look like if Barry Manilow were singing, you'd be pulled up on stage.

Me: And that would be a bad thing, why?