Ohhh Mylanta! I am so proud of my son!!!

Ok, so I wanted to take this oppurtunity to brag up my son!!! We've been having severe behavioral problems with my oldest child, in my opinion although I will admit not nearly as bad stories I've read in books, magazine, online & in newspapers but none the less it's been a nightmare for us living with him. Anyways, yesterday it came up that I was going shopping with his little sister so he asked me if he could play the computer while we were gone to which I agreed. Side note: we have a kid's computer schedule and it was not his turn and the standing rule is that there is no swapping, trading, ect. of computer time. He went to get on and Jerry told him that he can't be on because it wasn't his turn. I overhear this as I'm trying to get out the door. Now, I fully anticipated and excepted my son to EXPLODE!!!! Anger is the main things we've been working on with him and something like this would have set him off to Nuclear Level as we refer to it. I expected cuss words, slamming of doors, destruction of his toys/furniture.....I think you get the picture. What we experienced instead was....calm!!! He walked downstairs to watch TV and although I could see on his face he was not happy about it, he remained CALM!!! This is such a huge victory!!!! I explained to Jerry that I ok'ed it, and he ended up playing on the computer. We took time at dinner to tell him just how proud we were of him and much to my surprise Jerry gave him an extra hour of computer time that night for his excellent self restraint - he wants David to know that there are good consequences for our choices as well. Jerry also told him, that even though we greatly appreciated his wonderful choice of how to deal with his feelings, another option would have been to say, "Stepdad, Mom said I could since they were going to the mall. If it's ok with you may I play?" That is step two of the plan --- to teach him how to problem solve but I can not express in words just how extremely proud of him I am!!!! He was upset but dealt with it without becoming out of control. Praise God, thank you for helping us help him!!!

Well, here it is in a nutshell.

Chief is in the hospital, the good news is he's not "actively dying" *I am not sure what that means*. The bad news is because he's in a posey bed, which is considered a restraint, there aren't any options as far as his care except coming home. I'd love for him to come home but there are complications with that. One is Mom. She's not mentally strong enough to take any more and physically, she's a tiny little doll next to him. Two, is the kids. Noise aggitates him. How do I tell the kids to not make any noise? The upside is he will get the best care here at home and it will be the most economically option for them financially.

Now keep in mind, this is coming off being told that he has only a few days left to live so this is quite a shock to us as we have all prepared ourselves for his passing. Again, it's great news - but man! What an emotional roller coaster. At this point, we are being told it comes down to if he will eat or not. He's not been eating much at all and they wont put in a feeding tube because he will pull it out. He's not mentally lucid to know that he needs to eat to get healthy, well as healthy as he can get. Unfortunatley with his dementia we are told there is no going back or reversing the mental state. As it stands at this very moment, if he passes it will be due to starvation. So....again, incrediably frustrating!

My son is coming along. Since starting the Ablify one month ago his moods have really stablized. He actaully seems happy! Wooo wooo what a transformation! However, he still refuses to talk to his Dad which bothers me greatly. They've went two weeks without speaking living in the same house. As it stands now, he's lived here and not spoken to his Dad for about two months. I struggle everyday on how I can help reconcile them because neither one is making any attempt *that I can see* to resolve this. It's incrediably frustrating for me!!!

On another note, the Dr. wants to increase his meds to double what he's taking now. The goal is that it would help to stablize his moods even more so. My concern is strictly financial at this point. We are not eligable for help from the manufacturer and the cost is $170 a month with inusrance for just that one medication. Typically this would not concern me, but given all that is going on with Mom & Chief we are not sure how long will have their assistance *they pay us a small amount each month to help with living costs*.

Jer says we may have to sell the house this coming Spring - a year from now. So....joy oh joy! I am going to start doing what I can to improve it. Painting the entire house, he wants to do the outside too *ugh*. It's going to be alot of work. We are even going to be putting in new bathtubs, toilets, vanities, lighting fixtures, etc etc. The house is solid but hasn't been updated since it was built in 1979.

So there it is, my life in a nutshell.

dancing the night away

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Been awhile.....

Ok, so nothing in paticular to write about today but a few random things on are my mind. One, I had a great shop today!!!!!Here are the details:

4 Glade Sense & Spray air freshner things
1 Glade Scented Oil fan air freshener thing
1 Cologate whitening toothpaste
1 Garnier Fructis shampoo
1 Garnier Fructis hairspray
1 Garnier Fructis hair molding stuff
4 chocolate crosses (for Easter baskets)
4 religious themed tin eggs (for Easter baskets)
1 gallon of milk

Shelf: $81.96
Saved: $69.49
Paid: $12.47

I haven't exercised for a few day :( I feel as though I've lost a pound or two, but guessing I won't hit my goal of 5 pounds by this time next week unless I stop eating and exercise at least twice a day LOL!! However, my clothes are a bit more comfy now so it's all good.

I am so excited to go hang with Mary and Ariane!!! I can't believe I finally get to meet them after ......just over two years??? of knowing them. To be honest, I am a bit nervous---just getting to know their and them to know my little quirks. Like, I walk very heavy--so in heels on a tile floor, ummm yah grab your earplugs LOLOLOLOL!!! I talk very loudly too---why? I have no idea, but I always have.

Because I am a little nervous and my hormones, my right side is broken out with 5 pimples and I HATE that!!!! Ughhh!!! I have always struggled with my skin, but since I started using Proactive it's been very clear MOST of time. Just figures that a week before I go out of town I get a break out :( Two on my upper lip and three on my chin.....I am so bummed out about this. Been putting the Provatic refining mask on them and Neosporin. They are not clearing up and hurt like the dickens.....I am so desperate considering trying Windex (from My Big Fat Greek Wedding) LOL!!!!

Ok, well the next time I will be back from Vegas and hopefully not broke!!! Wish me luck!!!

Jello - everybody needs a little wiggle room???

Ohhh mylanta!!! LOL ya'all!!! I just worked out for the first time in ..... years. Yes, I am ashamed lol to openly admit that. I got a lot of weight off in 2000, down to a size 14 from a 22. After that I bounced back and forth between a size 14 and 20 for a few years. Then our revamp on the house started and I lost a ton, a TON of wieght!!! Got down to a size 10 wooo hoooo!!! Wasn't even trying to lose wieght, it was just a natural effect of working on the house. I suppose 14+ hours a day of physical labor will do that to a girl!!! That was in ... August 2007. I cant remember the month as most things are not important for me to commit to memory and those things that are I end up forgetting anyways LOL. Now, I don't mention weight (pounds) because I never weigh myself. I could care less what number pops up on a scale, not even so much about size although I have to admit I do like it when I get to say "size 12". For me, it's about how I feel physical.

Well, right now sitting her in my computer chair I can feel my big ol' pot belly (had 2 c-sections so I will always have a small pot belly no matter what)and fat rolls on my sides and might I add, the feeling SUCKS!!!! My 14s are feeling tight even though they don't like tight. So what am I going to do about it? Glad you asked LOL

I started by doing my first workout tonight. I taped Denise Austin on my DVR, she's on at 4:30 am and as much as I am a night owl, even for me that is pushing it. I am usually in lala land by then. So, I am hot, sweaty and outta breath LOL :) But I feel good --- NOW that it's over LMBO!!!!

Let me tell you - during the workout I had things giggling and a shaking that I didn't even know I had. I felt muscles that I never knew existed. And Praise God her 30 min show is really only about 15 plus or minus minutes of actual workout. I don't think I could have went much longer :) When I finished my body felt like Jello and I am positive I don't want my body to have wiggle room any longer hehehehe

Tonights Rockin Smoking Hot Shopping!!!!

I have to admit, there is nothing that relaxs me quite like shopping - especially the easy way!!! No Marah with me LOL!!! I am so excited about tonights shopping!!! Here's what I did:

Wal-Greens::::
Wal-Greens Chocolate Nutrition drink $4.00(donate to food bank)& a $4.00 rebate
two rolls of 20sqft Reynolds aluminum foil $0.89 each & (2)$1 off q's = FREE + $0.11
Nivea Body Oil for Marah's sensitive skin, clearance $4.19 each & (2)$1 off q's
no slip ponytail holders 20 count, clearance $1.19
two Hershey's candy bars & (2) BuyOneGetOneFree q's - somehow I ended paying $0.20 for both but didn't want to make a fuss over $0.20.....
Shelf price = $32.49
Total spent = $12.53
Rebate coming = $4.00
Total OOP (out of pocket) = $8.53

RiteAid::::
Garnier Frutis Conditioner $2.99 & a $2.99 rebate
two packs of tooth/gum pain reliever swabs $4.99 each & two $4.99 rebates
ten soy joy bars $5.00 & a $5.00 rebate (doante to food bank)
Total spent = $18.10
Rebate coming = $17.97
Total OOP = $0.13

Albertsons Transaction 1::::
three pillsbury biscuits
five Nature Valley granola bars
Shelf price = $34.88
Total OOP = $17.75
Catalinas = $13.50 off you next order

Albertsons Transaction 2::::
two warm delights
eight fruit roll ups
Shelf price = $28.50
Total OOP = $16.79
Catalinas = $13.50 off your next order

Albertsons Transaction 3::::
five chicken broths
two bags chips
one 6oz fresh blueberries
Shelf price = $14.93
Total OOP = $2.83
No catalinas on this one :(

I figure I spent $68.00 out of pocket, have $25.96 coming in rebates and $23.50 left of my "off your next order". As far as my savings (not counting RiteAid) I saved $60.90 from the shelf price by using the sales, rebates and coupons!! As Mel says, woooo hooooo!

Wowwww Ohhh mylanta!

I received an email from a dear online friend of mine that just sent me into ...... I can't even describe it. Anger? Frustration? Humilitation? These are just a few of the things I felt. Ok, ok - I have to admit it made me laugh as well, I mean really? Really? People really did this? Is there no common sense left in America? I mean not only was it the stupidity and lack of foresite by the ... plantiff, but the what about the juries??? I mean COME ON PEOPLE!!!! What happened to be responsible for yourself?? It amazes and appalls me that out of your own stupid choices you can profit. Here is what I am talking about.

7TH PLACE : Kathleen Robertson of Austin , Texas was awarded $80,000 by a jury of her peers after breaking her ankle tripping over a toddler who was running inside a furniture store. The store owners were understandably surprised by the verdict, considering the running toddler was her own son.

6TH PLACE : Carl Truman, 19, of Los Angeles, California won $74,000 plus medical expenses when his neighbor ran over his hand with a Honda Accord. Truman apparently didn't notice there was someone at the wheel of the car when he was trying to steal his neighbor's hubcaps.

5TH PLACE : Terrence Dickson, of Bristol , Pennsylvania , who was leaving a house he had just burglarized by way of the garage. Unfortunately for Dickson, the automatic garage door opener malfunctioned and he could not get the garage door to open. Worse, he couldn't re-enter the house because the door connecting the garage to
the house locked when Dickson pulled it shut. Forced to sit for eight, count 'em, EIGHT, days on a case of Pepsi and a large bag of dry dog food, he sued the homeowner's insurance company claiming undue mental anguish. Amazingly, the jury said the insurance company must pay Dickson $500,000 for his anguish. We should all have this kind of anguish.

4TH PLACE : Jerry Williams, of Little Rock , Arkansas , garnered 4th Place in the Stella's when he was awarded $14,500 plus medical expenses after being bitten on the butt by his next door neighbor's beagle - even though the beagle was on a chain in its owner's fenced yard. Williams did not get as much as he asked for because the jury believed the beagle might have been provoked at the time of the butt bite because Williams had climbed over the fence into the yard and repeatedly shot the dog
with a pellet gun. ***My own note on this: he's lucky I wasnt' on the jury because I've had charged him with trepassing and animal cruelty. Think he would have been surprised????****

3RD PLACE : Amber Carson of Lancaster , Pennsylvania because a jury ordered a Philadelphia restaurant to pay her $113,500 after she slipped on a spilled soft drink and broke her tailbone. The reason the soft drink was on the floor: Ms. Carson had thrown it at her boyfriend 30 seconds earlier during an argument. Whatever happened to people being responsible for their own actions?

2ND PLACE : Kara Walton, of Claymont , Delaware sued the owner of a night club in a nearby city because she fell from the bathroom window to the floor, knocking out her two front teeth. Even though Ms. Walton was trying to sneak through the ladies room window to avoid paying the $3.50 cover charge, the jury said the night club had to pay her $12,000.....oh, yeah, plus dental expenses. Go figure. ***My note, yes I can't refrain myself. If I was on the jury I would have recommended breaking and entering charges against her and the labor it cost to clean the bathroom where I am sure her two front teeth made quite a little mess.****

1ST PLACE : (May I have a fanfare played on 50 kazoos please)This year's runaway First Place Stella Award winner was Mrs. Merv Grazinski, of Oklahoma City , Oklahoma , who purchased a new 32-foot Winnebago motor home. On her first trip home, from an OU football game, having driven on to the freeway, she set the cruise control at 70 mph and calmly left the driver's seat to go to the back of the Winnebago to make herself a sandwich. Not surprisingly, the motor home left the
freeway, crashed and overturned.

Also not surprisingly, Mrs. Grazinski sued Winnebago for not putting
in the owner's manual that she couldn't actually leave the driver's seat
while the cruise control was set. The Oklahoma jury awarded her, are you
sitting down, $1,750,000 PLUS a new motor home. Winnebago actually
changed their manuals as a result of this suit, just in case Mrs.
Grazinski has any relatives who might also buy a motor home. *****All I can say is, "HELLO PEOPLE - IT"S CRUISE CONTROL NOT AUTOPILOT*****

LOL, I actually feel kinda sorry for the poor sap who gets me as a jurer because I firmly and fully believe in every action has an equal and opposite reaction and you will have consiquences for every choice you make, whether good or bad.