Chicken and Dumplings-1 Carol-0

Can I cook?  Well, yes.  I think so.  But there are a few recipes that no matter how many times I try them, I just can't get it to come out right.  For instance, Fudge.  I've worked my butt off trying to make Christmas Fudge for all of our friends and family.  I've made at least 10 batches, each one not turning out in same in way.  What the hell?  I have no idea what went wrong during each batch, all I know is, I'm done trying.  Sorry folks, if you want Fudge this year, you'll have to hit up another house.  Most recent recipe to bomb?  Chicken and Dumplings.  I wanted something warm, homemade and yummy for dinner last night so I decide to whip out an old favorite.  I did everything right, all was well, dropped in the dumplings, simmer and when I returned to check on my yummy goodness. .  well, it looked more like something that my dog would hack up.  Again, What the hell?  Poor Husband, I had told him earlier in the day my plans for our dinner so when he came into the ktichen and peered into the pot, he just couldn't hide his disappointment.  He ate one bowl, and I could tell he was choking it down. . (I appreciate the effort babe, we've been married almost 10 years though, so you are way past the stage of choking down my awful cooking!)  I should've asked Santa for some cooking lessons this year!

Hello Again!

I realize I have been absent from this blog more than I've been here.  I went through a bit of a funk and there were days I didn't want to think about my life and things going on in it, let alone write about it.  I've been thinking about it everyday, trying to work myself up into writing about anything, something. .  but sitting on the couch in my pj's eating chocolate was more amusing to me and so, I apologize for the neglect.

I plan to be more present in my blogging as time goes.  My goal for the coming new year is to post at least twice a month!  I don't want to put too much pressure on myself here, Ha!  I have lots of thoughts and opinions that need expressing in a positive outlet so I think it'll be good for me to get in a routine.  I LOVE reading so many other blogs and I can only hope that eventually, some will enjoy reading mine as well.

For now though, we're all doing well.  Gearing up for the big Christmas holiday and all the mess and stress that comes with it!  I'll leave you with a 'note' I posted recently to my facebook page, just a tiny rant. .  I suppose a preview of sorts of the things I might end up posting here once I FINALLY commit myself to doing it.  Much props to those who blog frequently and provide reading enjoyment for myself and others!

There are a lot of things irritating me lately (those who know me are not shocked by this, ha!). One thing that has just really bothered me for a while now is the Special Needs Adoption Program. . well, NOT the program itself, but their website. First, a disclaimer, I am not putting any of my children up for adoption or adopting a child. I just happened upon this site when searching for information. There is a link provided on the site where one can view photos and a quick bio of a special needs child who is available for adoption. Now, go back and read that last sentence again, please. Sound familiar? It reminds me a lot of the animal shelters and petfinder websites. It kind of sickens me. Is there a site like this for non-special needs children who are available for adoption? Not to my knowledge. Why is it acceptable for a special needs child to be advertised in the same manner as a dog,cat or other animal but apparently not so for a child is not special needs?! I understand these children, all children need a good, loving, stable home. But, is this really the way to go about it? I just can't stand the idea of someone looking through the list of these children and "picking" one in the same manner some people select their new pet. Yuck.

I'm still here!!

I've been trying to get back here to the blog world for what seems like forever now!  I didn't realize just how long it had been until I logged in today. . shew!  The end of summer just took it's toll on me and I was super busy with the kiddos and back to school activities for everyone in this house.  The boys started school the first of August and my classes started back a few weeks after them.  Husband hasn't had any break from school, went all summer long and is in the last stretch, thank goodness!  So, I apologize for my absence and you now have my excuse, I hope you accept it and I promise to never do it again! (at least not anytime soon!).

The boys have been doing well with school and seem to be enoying it. . at least once they're awake and in the building.  While at home and getting dressed and ready for the bus, it's non-stop "I hate school."  "I just went to school yesterday, Do I have to go again?!"  I follow up with their teachers though and have got nothing but great reports. .  while I'm glad they behave and are happy when at school, I'd kinda like some of that goodness at home too, especially at 6 a.m. while I'm wrestling with them to get dressed.

Lily and I have enjoyed the quiet time at home minus the stinky boys. .  what little bit I've had anyway.  I've been swamped with my own homework (great idea waiting until after you have children to go to college).  I've also been busy volunteering at the school and applying for jobs.  I can't take this being broke thing anymore so I've decided I need to do something about it, we'll see how it goes. . . .

I forgot to mention some of the more interesting parts of my absence.  First, a HUGE plumbing problem.  I don't know what happened exactly or how it was fixed, but there were a few days that I noticed the drains weren't working so well and the toliet was needing an extra flush.  I alerted the Husband and he acted like I was insane and imagining these events and ignored me. .  (next time, I'll just alert the proper professional)  Eventually this turned into the sink not draining at all and the toliet would not flush or would fill up and take forever to drain, this then turned into sewage. .  yes, sewage, backing up into the BATHTUB!  At this point, I packed up the kids and went to a friends house and left Husband to see what I was trying to tell him.

While staying at this friends house (plumbers take a ridiculous amount of time to do their work) my youngest son decides he needs some extra TLC and goes into full blown Asthma attack. (Ok, so I realize he didn't do this on purpose and he's fine and it certainly wasn't a laughing matter at the time. .  looking back, if I don't joke about it, I'll cry about it.)  Off we went to the ER ,after his various meds weren't working.  Super low oxygen levels and 6 hours later, he was admitted into the hospital.  Dr's weren't so happy with his levels and he had to be placed on oxygen for several hours until he could maintain.  At this point, we're homeless and hospitalized and 2 of my 3 children are with our friends. .  friends I might add are relatively new friends and though this obviously shows what great friends they are. .  that's a lot to ask of them.  We were in the hospital for a couple days and Sam is fine, just needed the extra boost of medicine the Dr's could provide and a sample of that terrible hospital food, before returning to the friends house. 

Luckily the day we were released was the same day plumbing was fixed and we could return to our home. . . pack up the stuff, grab the kids, load the van, key in ignition. . . nothing. .  hmm. . key in ignition. . . NOTHING!  At this point, I couldn't contain myself and I screamed words that I didn't know that I knew at the sky, at the van, at the kids, at the dog. . not proud of myself, but after the hell I'd been through I just couldn't take much more.  The van battery was dead. .  great timing!  After some effort we were able to get home and settle back in.  The van has a brand new battery, so far the plumbing is back to normal and Sam has been doing well. . .


If reading that doesn't simply exhaust you . . well you have no soul. .  I'm kidding. .  but really, no soul. . .

There is no winning with me today. . .

I'll admit it, I'm in a pissy mood!  First, I want to acknowledge that my life could be worse and that there are others who do have it worse than I.  However, I am allowed to feel pissy and grumpy on occasion without feeling guilty because I do have it better than some.

The weather here has been unrelenting.  The heat is just ridiculous, it's so hot out that it never even really cools down at night.  I wake up at 6 am and going outside then, the humidity just takes your breath away!  Needless to say, we've been running the AC non-stop and fans around the house to help keep it cool.  We live in a brick house and with no shading directly in the front, around 2 pm it's like living in a brick oven.  So, I'm uncomfortable with the heat AND paranoid about the electric bill.

I'm cranky too because I haven't been sleeping well.  Heat of course doesn't make for a restful sleep, but our children like to wake periodically through the night so that we are never given a break from them!  Seriously, I'm really starting to think this is part of an elaborate plan to take us out.  Generally for the kids, bed time is around 8 pm.  They're usually asleep by 9 and it's guaranteed one will wake up for something by 10, 11 if we're lucky.  Sam will wake up itching due to his eczema or Carter will wake because of Autism's notorious effects on sleep habits and then of course Lily will wake if she hears anything going on.  Once everyone is settled and back to sleep, Husband and I try to catch a few z's.  I wake up on and off through out the night in various positions because one at a time each child has made their way into our bed.  We've been working on this problem for almost 2 years now and have made NO progress at all.  We're about to start taking more drastic measures though, because I can't take it anymore.  I need sleep and I need comfortable sleep without being kicked in the face or waking up with a butt in my face.  Let's hope it works out because I don't want to be grumpy all the time anymore!

Hot weather, lack of sleep and (drum roll please) Hillbilly gawkers!  Yes, Hillbilly Gawkers.  Around here it's perfectly normal to  be stared at, no matter what you're doing or where you're doing it.  I don't mean just stared at either, absolute blatant, mouth wide open staring, that's what I'm talking about.  There is a large population of people around here who put their lawn chairs or park their vehicles up on the town square to just sit and stare at people driving through.  (I'm dead serious)  So. . when I go out in town, I'm quite used to being gawked at, because that's just what everyone does. . but, when I take my children to the grocery store with me, it turns into a whole other story.  .  I think my status on Facebook sums it all up for me:

Just wanted to say that I am on the verge of a breakdown. . so, be warned. The next person who grumbles, stares, makes a comment, laughs or even looks at me funny while I'm shopping with my child-who has Autism-and is having a meltdown, trust me. . you will feel my wrath and you'll regret it. Thank you.

Yes, I'm in a pissy mood and I'm allowed to be. .  let's hope tomorrow is better!

Amish Adventures!

There are some days that I really dislike living in this area and I hope that one day we'll  be moving to an area we are more suited to.  One thing I will miss terribly though, the local Amish and Mennonite community.



I enjoy driving out to the 'country' and buying fresh produce from their little markets and lemme tell ya they have the BEST tomatoes and peaches and cream corn.  My summer time favorite, country fried corn!  They charge a fair price and it's nice to know I'm not supporting a controlling corporation!  They also sell some of their amazing crafts, handmade furniture, soaps and toys.  Fresh herbs, pasta, canned sauces, jellies and honey.  I know I'm starting to sound like an advertisement, but it's just really neat to me.

One thing I won't miss. . getting behind one of their buggies on the road!  With these narrow country roads, it's kind of dangerous sometimes. . .

The little girls all playing outside of the general store



These last two pictures are a couple of the rugs in the craft store, made from plastic shopping bags, I posted these just for you Tammie

My little advertisement is done now. . . I'm off to enjoy another sweltering summer day with the kiddos. . Stay cool everybody!

Let's Go To The Movies!

Other than it being 113 degrees here today (that is with the heat index) there really isn't anything going on.  It's too hot to do anything other than lay around and soak up the air conditioning.  When I saw this, I thought I'd steal it too!  Thanks, Tammie.
Name a movie you have seen more than ten times: Jeepers Creepers, Sleepless in Seattle, Serendipity
Name a movie you have seen multiple times in the cinema: Jeepers Creepers, The Exorcist

Name an actor that would make you more inclined to see a film: Ben Affleck, John Cusack

Name an actor that would make you less likely to see a film: Ashton Kutcher

Name a film that you can and do quote from: Sleepless in Seattle

Name a musical that you know all of the songs and lyrics to: Mary Poppins

Name a film that you would recommend everyone see: Oh my, there are so many movies I recommend to friends, but I know their tastes.

Ever walked out on a film: No, almost walked out on The Hours, my best friend and I went late one evening and she was bored with it immediately and we started to leave, but I wanted to give it a chance.  She fell asleep and I ended up enjoying it actually.

Name a film that made you cry: Oh, I cry at lots of movies.  Sleepless in Seattle, Bounce, The Notebook. . I can't really think of anymore, but I know I have just sobbed at some movies.  Erin Brokovich. .  I think that got to me because of the truth behind the story!
.

Popcorn? Nah.  Raisinets or M&M's

How often do you go to the cinema? Ha!!  I went all the time as a teenager, then I saw Elf with my boyfriend (at the time) now Husband in 2003 and then I didn't enter a cinema again until a few weeks ago when I took my middle child to see Cars 2!  How sad huh?  It's fun once in a while, but I prefer being in my pj's with a good blanket and the ability to pause for pee breaks here at home.

What's your favorite film genre?  Dramedy. . that's a genre right? 

What's the first film you remember seeing at the cinema? The Exorcist, when it was re-released in theatres.

What film do you wish you had never seen?  I want to second the statement made by Tammie in her response to this question.  I haven't seen The Human Centipede, but a friend has and he is a true horror film fan and this movie terrified and disturbed him!!  Just looking at the movie poster is sickening enough!  Another one though, House of 1000 Corpses. . absolutely horrible!!!

If you could be any character portrayed in a movie, who would it be? Oh, I have no idea. . . I'll take any strong, brave, confident and skinny bitch there is!  Ha!

Total number of films you own on dvd: Most of the movies we have are Disney Pixar films or children's movies.  I do have the Twilight films available and a few random movies I've picked up here and there. 

Last film you bought: Martian Child . . It was in the bargain bin and I've always wanted to check it out, still haven't had a chance to watch it though!

Last film you watched: Cars 2. . The tow-mater character is pretty irritating, but I think the message in this movie was nice for kids.  Not to mention, my little guy smiled ear to ear through the entire movie.

Took this right before the movie started, see that smile?  Already starting before the movie started!

Five films that mean a lot to you: Movies are fine in the moment, but none really hang in there with me.  Books are where that's at. . I have a lot of books that have touched me and mean a great deal to me.

As a reward for reading my insignificant answers, I found a little journal I've had for some years and for a short while taped all of my movie ticket stubs to it. .

It's Hot!!

It has been insanely hot here in the last couple weeks.  Those that know me well, know that I do not do 'hot' very well.  I've tried to suck it up though and do as many activities as the children want, even if they are outdoors.  Carter's time at camp flew by and now I'm back to all three kiddos fighting for attention!  I bought a slip-n-slide and a kiddie pool to entertain them without causing a heat stroke. . .It took me about 45 minutes to get everything set up and they played all of about 15 minutes before declaring it too hot and piling back inside to their TV and Wii.  Gee, thanks kids!  Mommy just nearly had a heat stroke/heart attack so you could splash in less water than our bath tub holds!  You know it's hot though when the children express no desire in going outside, which they haven't, the slip-n-slide sits next to the kiddie pool screaming for attention only to be ignored by us air conditioned addicts.

Tim and I celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary this past weekend, and by celebrated I mean that we took our children to the zoo!  That's right, we took a family trip in 100 degree weather to the Zoo, why?  Because we're idiots.  Actually, we were turned down by just about everyone for babysitting.  So, we thought if we couldn't go out alone, we'd at least have a fun family day.  That didn't work out so well though.  Carter refused to go, stating he was scared and had a ridiculous meltdown.  Grandma took Carter for the day so, Tim, Sam, Lily and myself trekked to the zoo though and sweatted more than I ever have trying to get a glimpse of these poor, overheated animals.  I think overall we had a nice time, but that didn't really start until we rode the zoo tram. . this provided a break from the heat and a fast paced view of the zoo, my kind of outing!  I took tons of pictures and would happily share a few with you kind folks, however, my beautiful daughter decided she needed to dunk my camera repeatedly in the toliet while I was cooking dinner.  My oldest son was fishing it out and dear husband caught him, assuming he was dunking it, punished him.  Chaos insued after this until Carter explained he caught Lily dunking the camera and was trying to save it from drowning--his words.  Never a dull moment around here!  I have the camera in pieces trying to dry out, crossing my fingers it works again. . .

4th of July was spent at home, nothing special.  Carter hates fireworks and Tim hates crowds, so we grilled out and watched some movies.  Later in the evening Sam and I got to venture outside and watch the neighbors firework show. . .

Sam is constantly eating, just FYI, so of course he had a firework show snack!  The pictures aren't great because they were taken with my phone, due to the camera having been dunked in the toliet. . . Nothing says Happy Birthday America like Cheez-Its, water logged electronics and taking in a free show thanks to the neighbors!

We've spent today have light-saber (sp?) fights (thanks to Carter's obsession with Star Wars) and playing dolls with Lily.  Good times folks, good times. . needless to say, this is how I feel. .

Wishing you all well!

Father's Day, Birthday, Camp and More!!

We've had a busy week in our neck of the woods.  With school being out and both boys here, time has sure been flying by!  We celebrated Father's Day by hanging out with some of our friends at their place.  The kids all played together, the Dad's played together and the Mom's got a few moments of peace while hiding out in the house when everyone else was outside!  I'd say Tim had a good Father's Day, at least I hope so!  The day after Father's Day is Lily's birthday, not great timing for a party so we pushed the party to the following weekend.  I ran around crazy getting everything together for her party.  She's my only girl so saying I went a little overboard with presents would be an understatement.  I wouldn't have it any other way though, I think I go a little overboard with the boys too.  I just want to make sure they have a wonderful birthday.  This could be because my birthday being the day after Christmas, I always got screwed on the party part. . the present part too.  I always got the "double gift"  everyone is cash strapped around Christmas time so why not save some dough and make it two gifts in one?!  It sucked, still does. . so I make up for it with my children.  Anyway, her party went off well, she enjoyed herself and got lost in a pile of presents.  Here she is opening a gift with her friends and Carter.  We got her an awesome dollhouse and I think I've had more fun playing with her and that dollhouse than she has!  I was looking at all the accessory options today and seeing what we could buy. . I gotta get my kicks somehow people!!  Don't you judge me!

We had to clean up quick after the party and start getting settled for the week ahead.  Carter started camp this week.  It's a day camp, geared toward children with disabilites.  He's been super excited about it, as am I.  Even with all of the fun, happy things going on here lately, it's been hard to truly relax and enjoy myself.  Carter has been regressing a lot, at least in my opinion.  A lot of his old habits are coming back. . various stims, aggressive behavior and his emotions are like an insane roller coast ride.  It breaks my heart and frustrates me trying to figure out what I can do for him and protect his siblings at the same time.  That's why I was so happy to drive him to camp this morning.  I know the people there are wonderful and it helps for him to be around other kiddos like himself, as well as the therapeutic services that come with the camp.  Thank goodness for Camp TJ and their wonderful staff.

I guess he comes by all of this honest because my emotions have been like a roller coast this week too.  I've been so frustrated with things, hurt by some things and just flat out exhausted.  I'm so ready to be living somewhere else.  It just doesn't feel like home here, even after all of these years, it just doesn't feel like we fit in this place.  If only we could get out of here for a while on a nice, lengthy vacation. . . I suppose I'll be traveling the globe via the computer and the various blogs I read and travel sites I frequent. .  one of the cheapest vacations I've ever had!

I hope you're all doing well and enjoying the summer (soggy summer it seems here!)  I promise to come back to the blog with more up-beat posts next time. . really, I do!

What In Tarnation?!

I'll explain the title of this post later. . .

This has been the longest week for me!  I swear one thing after the other and it just hasn't stopped!  My laryngitis is getting better, but I still sound like an 80 year old, life-long smoker. .My Husband thinks it's hilarious, especially when I use my "southern accent."  He's a strange man who, is never at home!  He's either been working or in class and only home to sleep!  This has made life a little rough on me.  1 Mom + 3 Children = Insanity.  At least that is how the equation works in my house. 

I was hoping to have a yard sale this weekend.  I have TONS of junk that needs to get outta my house and some cash that needs to get into my wallet, so a yard sale would be perfect!  My children haven't made that easy though, so for now I'll have to keep collecting the junk and wait until the Husband has some time off to assist in this process.  I wish I knew some person who would just come and buy all of the load for a set price and they can deal with the re-selling of it all. .  Does such a person exist?  I should just give it all to goodwill and add a few points to my karma bank. . but the green stuff is a little more desirable at this point.

On another note, I've been feeling kind of in a funk lately.  Every day is the same as the one before really and it's getting old.  I've had outings planned and various events to take the kids to, but the oldest has been having some difficulty with transitions and the summer break.  I never intended for this blog to be all about Autism, but lately it's been front and center in our house, even more so than usual.  C has just been having meltdown after meltdown and it's a constant battle keeping him away from the siblings. . for their protection.  He's even started stimming again after having stopped it for quite some time.  This brings me to the title for today though.  C has been saying this after just about anything that happens, whether it's good or bad or really mundane.  I'm not sure where he heard it, but it cracks me up to hear him say it!  I love my little guy and dealing with Autism just breaks my heart. . all of this deserves a post on it's own and for another time. . .

So. . . What in tarnation have you been up to today?

Children, Children, Children

My children never cease to amaze me with their weirdness. . I mean, really.  I have 3 very unique children.  Carter who is 6, Sam who is 4 and Lily who is 2.  Carter has Autism, Sam has Severe Eczema, Asthma and a number of food/environmental allergies. . these conditions are NOT weird of course, but it does leave them predisposed to some uniqueness that can be mind boggling at times!  Lily so far as gone unscathed and seems to be developing normally in all areas, however, she's a weird little girl!  I can make these statements because I'm their Mother. . . if anyone else were to make these comments, well it wouldn't be pretty. . .so back to my weird children. . .


Sam has been sucking on a sock all morning, anytime I take it from him, he finds another and so on. . not sure what that's about and a couple of times they've been dirty socks. . YUCK!!


Carter joining in on the yuckiness has been shoving his fingers in his mouth when he eats, sort of stirring the food around?  This has gone on for a few days and it's pretty disgusting.  He offers no explanation for this behavior and I can't seem to figure it out either.  I hope it ends soon.  He's also been begging me for Hamburgers and then only eating the bun.  I've tried to explain just to ask for a Hamburger Bun, but he says No.  He has to have the meat on it, to pick it off, to eat just the bun.  This is a child who at 6 years old (7 in September) only weighs 39 lbs.  I suppose I'll do whatever he requests as long as he's eating!  Oy vey!  The challenges of Autism. . that's a whole other post.


My weirdness today (C'mon they come by it honest)  I'm suffering from Acute Laryngitis, a Sinus Infection and raging PMS.  Every time I have to call at the children, I cough and every time I cough, I pee my pants a little. . so hey, at least we're all in this together. . .