Noah LOVES the Osborne Spectacle of Lights which is now at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
I have never seen him so excited about something! The video turned out sideways. Will know not to turn the camera that way next time!
Also, this is a child who they tell me can't count to 15, but some how managed to remember this whole song!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Oh Christmas Tree part 2
I am very proud of myself! I only coerced dh to open and shake out about five trees. We had a tree picked out in about 20 minutes, which has to be a record for me. Never mind the fact that it took us 30 minutes to tie the sucker to the top of the van. The guys working at Lowe's were awesome, super sweet to the boys and helpful about trimming and bagging the tree (and, no I wasn't paid to say that, I am not cool enough to be paid to say anything). The tree fits in the house, barely. Its VERY close to the ceiling, but there is just enough room to squeeze in a star.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Oh Christmas Tree part 1
Christmas is coming!!
It's our little family's tradition to bring home our Christmas tree the weekend after Thanksgiving. I would have it up already, but dh is mean about such things. He thinks Thanksgiving should have its own holiday without Christmas infringing on it, blah blah blah. He is right, I just want my tree.
Ahhh the tree. I have a little problem when it comes to picking out the tree. My poor dh had no idea what he was getting into that first Christmas, 12 years ago. It was just us back then and it took me close to an hour to pick the tree. I settled on a 9 foot tall blue spruce. The problem with that? Our THIRD story apartment only had 8 foot ceilings. He had to drag that thing up three flights of stairs and attempt to stand it up. Once it was in the stand, leaning over to the side, since we could not stand it up all the way, we cut the ties. That sucker shot all over the house ala National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. We cut a foot off the top, stood it up straightish and it took over half our little living room. I LOVED that tree.
Over the years, I got a bit better with the whole spacial reasoning and pick out a tree that actually fits in our house. But I still driving him nuts! We spend at least 30 mins open, shaking out, and comparing trees. And when I say we, I mean he does all the work, while I carefully inspect them all. God only knows how he puts up with me!
Tomorrow is tree day! Be on the look out for a picture filled post!
It's our little family's tradition to bring home our Christmas tree the weekend after Thanksgiving. I would have it up already, but dh is mean about such things. He thinks Thanksgiving should have its own holiday without Christmas infringing on it, blah blah blah. He is right, I just want my tree.
Ahhh the tree. I have a little problem when it comes to picking out the tree. My poor dh had no idea what he was getting into that first Christmas, 12 years ago. It was just us back then and it took me close to an hour to pick the tree. I settled on a 9 foot tall blue spruce. The problem with that? Our THIRD story apartment only had 8 foot ceilings. He had to drag that thing up three flights of stairs and attempt to stand it up. Once it was in the stand, leaning over to the side, since we could not stand it up all the way, we cut the ties. That sucker shot all over the house ala National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. We cut a foot off the top, stood it up straightish and it took over half our little living room. I LOVED that tree.
Over the years, I got a bit better with the whole spacial reasoning and pick out a tree that actually fits in our house. But I still driving him nuts! We spend at least 30 mins open, shaking out, and comparing trees. And when I say we, I mean he does all the work, while I carefully inspect them all. God only knows how he puts up with me!
Tomorrow is tree day! Be on the look out for a picture filled post!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Wordless Wednesday: Beach in November
They were determined to swim even though it was FREEZING!
Cold? Not us!
Thankful
I try to remember to be thankful everyday. It's not always easy to see it, but I am so damn blessed. I said a few days ago, I love Thanksgiving because it's not about what gifts you give or receive. It's about being grateful and spending time with those you love.
Tomorrow (and everyday)I am thankful for:
My husband
My kids. More specifically;
That Jordan is growing up so much and is reading so well now.
That Isaiah is such a sweet loving boy, is healthy and strong, and smart.
That Noah is coming our of the autism shell and really blooming.
That my kids love to sing along with the radio, LOUDLY.
That despite some economic struggles we are able to pay our bills.
My brother and sisters.
My mom and dad.
On a much more superficial level:
For Glee. I really love that show!
For my kitchen aid mixer.
For the contest I won that is going to help with Christmas shopping.
On a different level all together:
I am even thankful for the miscarriage in September, at least I know I CAN still get pregnant.I am not sure where the fertility road will take us this year, but I am ok with where ever it goes.
I am blessed beyond measure.
Tomorrow (and everyday)I am thankful for:
My husband
My kids. More specifically;
That Jordan is growing up so much and is reading so well now.
That Isaiah is such a sweet loving boy, is healthy and strong, and smart.
That Noah is coming our of the autism shell and really blooming.
That my kids love to sing along with the radio, LOUDLY.
That despite some economic struggles we are able to pay our bills.
My brother and sisters.
My mom and dad.
On a much more superficial level:
For Glee. I really love that show!
For my kitchen aid mixer.
For the contest I won that is going to help with Christmas shopping.
On a different level all together:
I am even thankful for the miscarriage in September, at least I know I CAN still get pregnant.I am not sure where the fertility road will take us this year, but I am ok with where ever it goes.
I am blessed beyond measure.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Black Friday Battle Plans
The ladies over at Twitter Moms ask, "Whats your black Friday plan of attack this year?"
Gosh I guess I should really think about that, huh?
Two years ago, my sister and I decided it would be fun to go to the mall that was opening at midnight and since they were doing a gift card giveaway we go there at 8 to get in line. The store doing the giveaway let a crowd of a thousand build up, then at midnight opened ONE SINGLE DOOR. The result? People were trampled, shoved, hit, kicked, and a baby stroller WITH A BABY IN IT was flipped over. My sister and I have both had crowd anxiety ever since.
Last year we took a much less ambitious trip.
This year, I am shorter on cash and need to get the most bang for my buck. However with my quasi crippled knee, I don't think I can take the rush of the crowd. I love that Target has sale prices all day long and usually has more than enough merchandise. Even better and less stressful is shopping at Target.com
I know Target is on my list, but I need to get my grubby little hands on the Thanksgiving day paper before I can finalize my battle plans! I know for sure I will print out any coupons and have my giant box o' coupons with me.
What's your plan?
Want to enter to win a Target $75 gift card? Head over to Twitter Moms to find out more!
Monday, November 23, 2009
This Week: A preview
This week I will:
1. Attempt to clean the house with all three boys home.
2. Attempt to shampoo the carpets.
I actually managed to do this today
3. Make peppermint patties.
4. Make playdough with the kids.
5. Prep and cook a HUGE Thanksgiving meal. I have a 25lb, that sucker is HUGE.
6. Go shopping on Black Friday.
7. Get a tree.
8. Make the house look like Christmas exploded all over it.
9. Make bread.
10. SURVIVE WITH MY SANITY.
*These are only goals. Please don't hold me to them, because more than likely I will fail at several of them and others I won't even attempt (see #10)
1. Attempt to clean the house with all three boys home.
2. Attempt to shampoo the carpets.
I actually managed to do this today
3. Make peppermint patties.
4. Make playdough with the kids.
5. Prep and cook a HUGE Thanksgiving meal. I have a 25lb, that sucker is HUGE.
6. Go shopping on Black Friday.
7. Get a tree.
8. Make the house look like Christmas exploded all over it.
9. Make bread.
10. SURVIVE WITH MY SANITY.
*These are only goals. Please don't hold me to them, because more than likely I will fail at several of them and others I won't even attempt (see #10)
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Have you ordered your Christmas cards??
Thanks to Freebies for Mom you can get 50 free 4 by 8 photo cards for free, with free shipping! Check it out here.
This offer seemed too good to be true, but it is legit. I just got my cards in the mail today and they are adorable (it helps that my cute kids are on it). All you need is a picture and you are ready to go.
The offer expires Nov. 30.
Also care of Money Saving Mom you can get an addition 50 cards by entering the code newbaby. You have to do this in 2 different transactions.
***Edited to change they are now charging a shipping fee of about $3.00
This offer seemed too good to be true, but it is legit. I just got my cards in the mail today and they are adorable (it helps that my cute kids are on it). All you need is a picture and you are ready to go.
The offer expires Nov. 30.
Also care of Money Saving Mom you can get an addition 50 cards by entering the code newbaby. You have to do this in 2 different transactions.
***Edited to change they are now charging a shipping fee of about $3.00
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Oh. No. It's a Meme.
Since my brain is numb lately, I am totally cheating and doing a meme, thanks Jaded Perspective for the idea!
1. Name someone with the same birthday as you. My dad's girlfriend.
2. Where was your first kiss? at a 6th grade party
3. Have you ever seriously vandalized someone else’s property? Nope, I am a chicken shit.
4. Have you ever hit someone of the opposite sex? Yes, playfully.
5. Have you ever sung in front of a large number of people? Yes. In high school show choir. I loved it and miss it like crazy.
6. What’s the first thing you notice about your preferred sex? attitude
7. What really turns you off? Ignorance
8. What do you order at Starbucks? nothing. can't have caffeine. sob
9. What is your biggest mistake? there were a few things I probably should not have done, but I cant think of a "mistake" in particular
10. Have you ever hurt yourself on purpose? Sadly, yes. Loss of baby+depression=hurtingself
11. Say something totally random about yourself. I am terrified of change.
12. Has anyone ever said you looked like a celebrity? In high school I was told I looked like Jennie Garth. Those were the days...now I look like I ate her.
13. Do you still watch kiddie movies or TV shows? I get sucked into The Electric Company all the time. Its sad really
14. Did you have braces? Nope, never had dental ins as a kid, but I have pretty decent teeth.
15. Are you comfortable with your height? Yep, I am short as hell.
16. What is the most romantic thing someone of the preferred sex has done for you? The list is so long, my dh is a freaking saint.
17. When do you know its love? YES
18. Do you speak any other languages? I used to be fluent in spanish, but now I can kinda get by if I needed to.
19. Have you ever been to a tanning salon? No. WAY. Pasty and proud.
20. What magazines do you read? Whatever ends up in front of me.
21. Have you ever ridden in a limo? Once for like 5 minutes.
22. Has anyone you were really close to passed away? My grandpa. My baby, though I never met him.
23. Do you watch MTV? Nope. No cable.
24. What’s something that really annoys you? TIVO, Vampires, stupid people, Glen Beck (one in the same as the last one).
25. What’s something you really like? Date days with dh, snuggling my boys, Disney.
26. Do you like Michael Jackson? meh
27. Can you dance? Used to be able to. Mah knee is has ruined that.
28. What’s the latest you have ever stayed up? All night. All the time. I don't sleep well.
29. Have you ever been rushed by an ambulance into the emergency room? no
30. Do you actually read these when other people fill them out? heck ya
1. Name someone with the same birthday as you. My dad's girlfriend.
2. Where was your first kiss? at a 6th grade party
3. Have you ever seriously vandalized someone else’s property? Nope, I am a chicken shit.
4. Have you ever hit someone of the opposite sex? Yes, playfully.
5. Have you ever sung in front of a large number of people? Yes. In high school show choir. I loved it and miss it like crazy.
6. What’s the first thing you notice about your preferred sex? attitude
7. What really turns you off? Ignorance
8. What do you order at Starbucks? nothing. can't have caffeine. sob
9. What is your biggest mistake? there were a few things I probably should not have done, but I cant think of a "mistake" in particular
10. Have you ever hurt yourself on purpose? Sadly, yes. Loss of baby+depression=hurtingself
11. Say something totally random about yourself. I am terrified of change.
12. Has anyone ever said you looked like a celebrity? In high school I was told I looked like Jennie Garth. Those were the days...now I look like I ate her.
13. Do you still watch kiddie movies or TV shows? I get sucked into The Electric Company all the time. Its sad really
14. Did you have braces? Nope, never had dental ins as a kid, but I have pretty decent teeth.
15. Are you comfortable with your height? Yep, I am short as hell.
16. What is the most romantic thing someone of the preferred sex has done for you? The list is so long, my dh is a freaking saint.
17. When do you know its love? YES
18. Do you speak any other languages? I used to be fluent in spanish, but now I can kinda get by if I needed to.
19. Have you ever been to a tanning salon? No. WAY. Pasty and proud.
20. What magazines do you read? Whatever ends up in front of me.
21. Have you ever ridden in a limo? Once for like 5 minutes.
22. Has anyone you were really close to passed away? My grandpa. My baby, though I never met him.
23. Do you watch MTV? Nope. No cable.
24. What’s something that really annoys you? TIVO, Vampires, stupid people, Glen Beck (one in the same as the last one).
25. What’s something you really like? Date days with dh, snuggling my boys, Disney.
26. Do you like Michael Jackson? meh
27. Can you dance? Used to be able to. Mah knee is has ruined that.
28. What’s the latest you have ever stayed up? All night. All the time. I don't sleep well.
29. Have you ever been rushed by an ambulance into the emergency room? no
30. Do you actually read these when other people fill them out? heck ya
Monday, November 9, 2009
Progress
In his birthday post, I wrote about how much progress Noah has made in the last year, I continue to be amazed about the little man he is becoming.
It's the silly little things that the average parent takes for granted. Like spontaneously telling me he loves me, I waited nine years for that! And telling jokes, making friends, talking to people in public. These were all things, I was not sure I would ever see. Autism is a crazy puzzle. We have been working so hard to find the right pieces. While we are no where near complete, we are finding those pieces.
On Sunday we were visiting Animal Kingdom and the boys were chosen to be part of the Festival of the Lion King show. This was not the first time, it has actually happened a few times, but in the past (with the exception of once) Noah has refused to take part. This time he jumped up and happily danced and sang. Giving high fives to performers and all!
Right now we are in the process of retesting him through the local school board, when he was first tested he scored in the 1-3 yo mental range and with an iq below 60. He was almost 6. There have been the lingering questions, will his iq be that lower forever? Will he be stunted at 1-3 yo forever? These new tests will give us a better idea. I can say that in the test for mental age, I could tell by the questions, he is closer to the 4-6 yo range now. Which, if correct means, he is maturing! Albeit at a slower rate, but by the time he is an adult, could be less important.
This gives me a whole new hope for his future.
It's the silly little things that the average parent takes for granted. Like spontaneously telling me he loves me, I waited nine years for that! And telling jokes, making friends, talking to people in public. These were all things, I was not sure I would ever see. Autism is a crazy puzzle. We have been working so hard to find the right pieces. While we are no where near complete, we are finding those pieces.
On Sunday we were visiting Animal Kingdom and the boys were chosen to be part of the Festival of the Lion King show. This was not the first time, it has actually happened a few times, but in the past (with the exception of once) Noah has refused to take part. This time he jumped up and happily danced and sang. Giving high fives to performers and all!
Right now we are in the process of retesting him through the local school board, when he was first tested he scored in the 1-3 yo mental range and with an iq below 60. He was almost 6. There have been the lingering questions, will his iq be that lower forever? Will he be stunted at 1-3 yo forever? These new tests will give us a better idea. I can say that in the test for mental age, I could tell by the questions, he is closer to the 4-6 yo range now. Which, if correct means, he is maturing! Albeit at a slower rate, but by the time he is an adult, could be less important.
This gives me a whole new hope for his future.
Free Christmas Cards!!
This offer is too incredible not to share!!! Thanks to Freebies 4 Mom you can get 50 free Christmas Cards with free shipping. Go here for this awesome new offer
CVS Deals for this Week
Once again CVS has offered very little in the ECB department. Since my boys have all alternated being sick for the past month, the Tylenol cold sale caught my eye.
I picked up:
4 Children's Tylenol cold $6 each
used 2 $3/2 coupons
Earned 10 ECBs
I also used a $5/20 ip from the CVS website
and 10 ECB.
Total out of pocket was $3.xx
I am hopeful that the CVS sales and ECB opportunities will pick up soon, last year I was able to get some incredible deals on black Friday!
I picked up:
4 Children's Tylenol cold $6 each
used 2 $3/2 coupons
Earned 10 ECBs
I also used a $5/20 ip from the CVS website
and 10 ECB.
Total out of pocket was $3.xx
I am hopeful that the CVS sales and ECB opportunities will pick up soon, last year I was able to get some incredible deals on black Friday!
Carrot Cake
I am reposting this for Thanksgiving! Since I just started making this cake this year, it will be the first Thanksgiving I serve it. I LOVE Thanksgiving. I need to get cracking on finalizing my menu!
This is the best Carrot Cake EVER! A word of warning, it is ssoooo not diet food. In fact, I am pretty sure I gained a pound making it!
Ingredients:
for cake
3 eggs
3/4 cup buttermilk
3/4 cup canola oil
1 1/2 cups white sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 cups shredded carrots
1 cup flaked coconut
1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple with juice
for frosting:
1/2 cup butter room temp.
1 bar cream cheese
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 lb confectioners sugar
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour an 8x12 inch pan.
(I have tried this in just about every pan, I find it cooks best in thinner layers but just adjust cooking time for the size of pan, ie less time for thinner layers. for this size pan start check cake at the 30 min mark)
2. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Set aside. (honestly I usually just dump them in the kitchen aid mixer after step 3)
3. In a large bowl, combine eggs, buttermilk, oil, sugar and vanilla. Mix well. Add flour mixture and mix well.
4. In a medium bowl, combine shredded carrots, coconut, and pineapple.
5. Using a large wooden spoon or a very heavy whisk, add carrot mixture to batter and fold in well. (or as I mentioned above, dump into the mixer)
6. Pour into prepared 8x12 inch pan, and bake at 350 degrees F for about an 1 hour. Check with toothpick.
Let it cool at LEAST 2 hours, I find it tastes best if it sits overnight.
For frosting:
Beat butter and cream cheese (best at room temp) til its creamed, add vanilla, then slowly add the powdered sugar. Beat for 4-5 minutes until well mixed and smooth.
Go check out the Thanksgiving Recipe fun at A Southern Fairytale! You can enter to win a $15 Coupon for a Butterball Turkey!
This is the best Carrot Cake EVER! A word of warning, it is ssoooo not diet food. In fact, I am pretty sure I gained a pound making it!
Ingredients:
for cake
3 eggs
3/4 cup buttermilk
3/4 cup canola oil
1 1/2 cups white sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 cups shredded carrots
1 cup flaked coconut
1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple with juice
for frosting:
1/2 cup butter room temp.
1 bar cream cheese
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 lb confectioners sugar
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour an 8x12 inch pan.
(I have tried this in just about every pan, I find it cooks best in thinner layers but just adjust cooking time for the size of pan, ie less time for thinner layers. for this size pan start check cake at the 30 min mark)
2. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Set aside. (honestly I usually just dump them in the kitchen aid mixer after step 3)
3. In a large bowl, combine eggs, buttermilk, oil, sugar and vanilla. Mix well. Add flour mixture and mix well.
4. In a medium bowl, combine shredded carrots, coconut, and pineapple.
5. Using a large wooden spoon or a very heavy whisk, add carrot mixture to batter and fold in well. (or as I mentioned above, dump into the mixer)
6. Pour into prepared 8x12 inch pan, and bake at 350 degrees F for about an 1 hour. Check with toothpick.
Let it cool at LEAST 2 hours, I find it tastes best if it sits overnight.
For frosting:
Beat butter and cream cheese (best at room temp) til its creamed, add vanilla, then slowly add the powdered sugar. Beat for 4-5 minutes until well mixed and smooth.
Go check out the Thanksgiving Recipe fun at A Southern Fairytale! You can enter to win a $15 Coupon for a Butterball Turkey!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
I am not dead...just frazzled.
Damn it's been a bit since I posted. I am overwhelmed with school AGAIN. I am burned out, taking summer classes was probably not a bright idea. I have only had a few school free weeks in the last year.
I need a break.
As I write this post, I SHOULD be writing a rousing speech about the benefits of comprehensive sex education programs. BLAH BLAH BLAH.
Speaking of the fun that is being an old chick in college, I am struggling with what I want to be when I grow up. I know, I know, 31 is kinda already grown up. It's more like what I want to be when my kids grow up. When I started going back to school long long ago, I thought I wanted to be a nurse. After a scary incident with a friend that involved blood and a seizure, I realized there was no way in freaking hell I could handle nursing.
So I went to what seemed to me, the next most obvious mommy job, teaching. The first few teaching classes were awesome. I didn't even mind working in the schools, but I am doubting myself now. Dealing with my sons teachers, county red tape, and seeing nonstop budget cuts, I am left wondering if this is really what I want to do. And then there is another problem...
I really don't care for other people's kids. Which could be an issue, since teachers, teach, you know, KIDS. I mean I love kids, but I think my boys sap up all my patience and understanding.
So if I don't want to teach or be a nurse, what do I want to do?
Another thing to consider is Noah will more than likely not be able to be alone after school, even through high school, and care for special needs is expensive as hell.
I am close to my AA, after a short 3 years (I am going half time). I need to decide something, unless I chose to get a general AA and decide a major later. Thank God I didn't go to college when I was young and indecisive!
I need a break.
As I write this post, I SHOULD be writing a rousing speech about the benefits of comprehensive sex education programs. BLAH BLAH BLAH.
Speaking of the fun that is being an old chick in college, I am struggling with what I want to be when I grow up. I know, I know, 31 is kinda already grown up. It's more like what I want to be when my kids grow up. When I started going back to school long long ago, I thought I wanted to be a nurse. After a scary incident with a friend that involved blood and a seizure, I realized there was no way in freaking hell I could handle nursing.
So I went to what seemed to me, the next most obvious mommy job, teaching. The first few teaching classes were awesome. I didn't even mind working in the schools, but I am doubting myself now. Dealing with my sons teachers, county red tape, and seeing nonstop budget cuts, I am left wondering if this is really what I want to do. And then there is another problem...
I really don't care for other people's kids. Which could be an issue, since teachers, teach, you know, KIDS. I mean I love kids, but I think my boys sap up all my patience and understanding.
So if I don't want to teach or be a nurse, what do I want to do?
Another thing to consider is Noah will more than likely not be able to be alone after school, even through high school, and care for special needs is expensive as hell.
I am close to my AA, after a short 3 years (I am going half time). I need to decide something, unless I chose to get a general AA and decide a major later. Thank God I didn't go to college when I was young and indecisive!
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