tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29140961058347006572024-03-14T02:28:43.704-07:00Crazy Mom of 3Annalisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12600600593093951366noreply@blogger.comBlogger122125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914096105834700657.post-42409845014204572132009-05-17T18:37:00.001-07:002009-05-17T18:37:25.686-07:00<img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bHQ9MTI*MjYxMDQ5NTk2NyZwdD*xMjQyNjEwNjMyNzQ*JnA9Mzg2MzYxJmQ9Jm49YmxvZ2dlciZnPTEmdD*mbz*wODE2Y2MzM2Y4NWM*OTZmYmNiOGUxN2NkODNhMTA4OSZvZj*w.gif" /><div style="width:640px; text-align: center;"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://w20.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http://w20.photobucket.com/albums/b243/annalisar/Scout/e0d39697.pbw" height="480" width="640"><a href="http://photobucket.com/slideshows" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn.gif" style="float:left;border-width: 0;" ></a><a href="http://w20.photobucket.com/albums/b243/annalisar/Scout/?action=view¤t=e0d39697.pbw" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn_viewallimages.gif" style="float:left;border-width: 0;" ></a></div>Annalisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12600600593093951366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914096105834700657.post-16736854008531927582009-03-17T19:57:00.001-07:002009-03-17T19:57:33.469-07:00Scout 9 weeks<img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.11NXC/bHQ9MTIzNzM*NDk5MDIwNSZwdD*xMjM3MzQ1MDQ4Mjg1JnA9Mzg2MzYxJmQ9Jm49YmxvZ2dlciZnPTEmdD*=.gif" /><div style="width:480px; text-align: center;"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://w20.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http://w20.photobucket.com/albums/b243/annalisar/Scout/a6e61c02.pbw" height="360" width="480"><a href="http://photobucket.com/slideshows" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn.gif" style="float:left;border-width: 0;" ></a><a href="http://w20.photobucket.com/albums/b243/annalisar/Scout/?action=view¤t=a6e61c02.pbw" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn_viewallimages.gif" style="float:left;border-width: 0;" ></a></div>Annalisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12600600593093951366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914096105834700657.post-84198412127138534242009-03-10T16:17:00.000-07:002009-03-10T16:25:40.955-07:00Pudelpointer Mania<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFviYyqxwudaLWiLab1p6ZYEFj1v37EBuYvy6jOlid2BQkQ3FCrwVGkbeIx3rwIT6NMqMLg6IT_j_c8z0LgjQdSSg_ZknXh3Qex-0tOoFojggkrcCbywKR98a9ne_isLZDfiMVz_q2bRHJ/s1600-h/DSCF4098.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFviYyqxwudaLWiLab1p6ZYEFj1v37EBuYvy6jOlid2BQkQ3FCrwVGkbeIx3rwIT6NMqMLg6IT_j_c8z0LgjQdSSg_ZknXh3Qex-0tOoFojggkrcCbywKR98a9ne_isLZDfiMVz_q2bRHJ/s400/DSCF4098.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311703240413688754" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Mko7AO7WncblAqAsp_M8OpYucaxN-5yW0wrN3Rt6PbxgKOTAlBjaCUUeR0msBo5dkTeFhcS_WnqkS_4-oVCd_2rAtpf1fiBbR7t1cqVdHn0ofYjYIeS-1dYURsrfc2kkirHg03vZUGxZ/s1600-h/DSCF4117.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Mko7AO7WncblAqAsp_M8OpYucaxN-5yW0wrN3Rt6PbxgKOTAlBjaCUUeR0msBo5dkTeFhcS_WnqkS_4-oVCd_2rAtpf1fiBbR7t1cqVdHn0ofYjYIeS-1dYURsrfc2kkirHg03vZUGxZ/s400/DSCF4117.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311703233829915442" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfnxPTZoDUVnstQwKQIDjqeR75Orhf3MXEZZNl5f4s7OW_WGiNTrRmIIbQq0NfVAiR5149kXQ0Uq95LxiBn-KoSyP_Vnr63WojBB8B7o5y7e1VWjmaGv-epNw5VHL40BiadE6vqLr9QHc/s1600-h/DSCF4123.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfnxPTZoDUVnstQwKQIDjqeR75Orhf3MXEZZNl5f4s7OW_WGiNTrRmIIbQq0NfVAiR5149kXQ0Uq95LxiBn-KoSyP_Vnr63WojBB8B7o5y7e1VWjmaGv-epNw5VHL40BiadE6vqLr9QHc/s400/DSCF4123.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311703226301537970" border="0" /></a><br />Ok I haven't blogged in forever but I have been insanely busy. And because I am so smart I just added a puppy to the mix. His name is Scout and he is a Pudelpointer. He is very very sweet but he is also a puppy. So the chewing is fast and furious. He also loves to cry for us when we leave. Breaks my heart. I feel like a new mom again. No sleep and having to constantly watch him when he is not in his crate. But I am hoping that the end result will be a great pet for my family and a great hunting partner for my husband and boys. Now if I could get him to understand that my shoes are not for chewing and that he doesn't need to eat the cat's food. Fun times.Annalisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12600600593093951366noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914096105834700657.post-82811822379300307432008-12-01T06:39:00.000-08:002008-12-01T07:11:58.767-08:00UpdateOk so busy lately so I will update a little. <br /><br />November - Went to Las Vegas and won 10K. Awesome feeling. Came home and the area had been ravaged by fire. <br /><br />I have purchased an iPod touch for Charles, a Garmin for Charles, all Christmas presents, a leather couch, a new bed, a bunch of stuff for the house, paid off our Vegas trip. I have a little bit of money left which may be for new TVs but I am not sure.<br /><br />We have donated a ton of stuff to the fire victims. So far 3 large boxes worth of clothes, a sofa and love seat. In the works is a large entertainment center, television and a bed. It feels good to help people out when you know you have been so fortunate.<br /><br />The biggest problem with winning the money has been other people expecting stuff. All of DH's family is expecting huge gifts. But that isn't happening. And not because we aren't able but mostly because they "expect" it. That bugs me. Plus we have never ever spent money on us. Always on the kids. So we are treating ourselves. I don't think that is too selfish. So Charles' family is going to have a big surprise when they get only a $50 gift. When we drew names for the gifts his family members were praying that we would pick their names. I drew my MIL. When I asked her what she wanted she pointed out a $200 watch in an ad from Macy's. I said "That is not $50". She gave me such a look. Charles saw and said he will buy for her so she will be mad at him and not me. She'll still be mad at me because I will be the one who "convinced" Charles not to spend lots of money on her. Oh well.Annalisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12600600593093951366noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914096105834700657.post-67006956364625413892008-11-20T09:09:00.000-08:002008-11-20T09:15:58.826-08:00StressOMG this economy is freaking me out. First in the news - auto makers wanting money. So what happens if they don't get the money. Lots of people lose their jobs before Christmas. Lots of people lose their homes. Yet the executives at the auto makers take this so seriously that they each take a private jet to DC to beg for money. And say DC gave them the money. How long would that money last. It is not going to make anyone buy car's. So where is the solutions. Wouldn't they just be back asking for more. <br /><br />Then I hear that food banks are running out. How horrible in a country that eats so much that people that actually need the food are not going to get it. If every person in the country bought $5 worth of canned goods that could solve that problem. But I doubt that would happen. <br /><br />Jobs, jobs, jobs are gone. People are having such a tough time around the holidays. It is just so sad. When will they be able to find work?<br /><br />So how does this end. No jobs = no spending = no manufacturing= no sales = no jobs. How do you turn that around? Anyone have an answer.Annalisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12600600593093951366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914096105834700657.post-70625187143990334082008-11-11T15:36:00.000-08:002008-11-11T15:59:55.243-08:00Lots going on.<div style="text-align: left;">Well we had a fun weekend. We went to friends 40th bday. It was so fun to be out with out the kids. First we went to this great sushi restraunt. Quiet and excellent food. Then we headed to the party at a local bar. Lots of fun, live band, and too much Crown and coke. But it was a great night. <br /><br />The boys had Monday and Tuesday off and so does Emmy so it has been hard keeping them from killing each other. She really loves to push their buttons. I have been trying to get things organized and keep busy. Charles is in Houston until tomorrow night and it sure is lonely. But I have a weekend in Vegas to look forward to. I absolutely cannot wait. I am so excited. <br /><br />In the mean time I meet with the pediatrician tomorrow about the boys. I have to remember to take the reports and make copies for her. I hope we get some kind of information to go on. <br /></div>Annalisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12600600593093951366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914096105834700657.post-64889133453032846262008-11-08T14:35:00.000-08:002008-11-08T17:12:55.333-08:00PoemFound this:<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">The Little Boy</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: black;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">What is it about the little boy . . .</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">and all his strange little ways?</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">What is it about the little boy</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">and the odd way he plays?</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: black;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">What is it about the little boy;</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">when will he start to talk?</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">We wonder about the little boy,</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">since he was very quick to walk</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: black;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">What is it about the little boy;</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">why can’t he look you in the eye?</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">What is it about the little boy,</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">so quick to scream and cry</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: black;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">What is it about the little boy;</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">he acts different in every way</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">What is it about the little boy;</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">they say it won’t go away</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: black;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">What is it about the little boy?</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">What is the cause for concern?</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">What it is about the little boy,</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">has a diagnosis we’ve learned</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: black;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">Now we know about the little boy</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">So now where do we turn?</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">Now we know about the little boy;</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">there is so much to learn</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: black;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">So, who will help the little boy?</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">Insurance says no way!</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">Who will help the little boy</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">If we cannot pay?</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: black;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">Who will show the little boy..</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">show him how to play?</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">Who will show the little boy</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">What will happen each day?</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: black;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">So what will help the little boy;</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">his mother's determination and love.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">What will help her with the little boy...</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; color: black;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;">grace and strength from up above</span>Annalisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12600600593093951366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914096105834700657.post-51522634080128744452008-11-08T11:17:00.000-08:002008-11-08T11:31:03.194-08:00Don't know where to startWell I went on Thursday for the meeting for Anthony. Basically they had the same conclusion. High functioning autism. His social skills are a little better than Michael's in that he will play with others. But he never initiates play and he often gets stuck on a subject. He has a much much harder time finishing work in his class. One day that the pyschologist observed him he took six minutes to just write his name. He tested very high for his long term memory IQ at 133 which is the top score. And his average IQ across all 6 areas was 111 which is high average. <br /><br />I have made an appointment with their ped for a consultation but I really don't knowe where we go from here. What does it all mean? Will they one day be able to live on their own? Will the get married and have children? Will they be happy? Will they be bullied relentlessly? I am just so worried. I don't know what to do.<br /><br />Before we just would tell our selves that they had little quirks. Anthony likes to talk (about the same thing over and over). Michael is painfully shy, seeing how he never looks anyone new or strange in the eye. Michael so wants friends and begs for kids to come over. And then he plays by himself. I don't really get it. Anthony usually ends up playing with the kids Michael invites over. <br /><br />School is beyond painful for both boys. Writing is labored and painful. The therapist says they need to start learning to type. They are very intimidated by math. They see a math page and panic. So the pyschologist says to block their work into small groups so it isn't so overwhelming. <br /><br />There is so much to do. Adjust school work. Make checkoff lists for everything. Put them in lots of social situations and constantly talk them through it. Everyday is going to be an exercise in patience. I feel beyond overwhelmed. My head hurts.Annalisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12600600593093951366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914096105834700657.post-60779463461765834242008-11-05T20:20:00.000-08:002008-11-05T21:03:02.274-08:00Understanding<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpEAk8iTy3qa0uDtfUWah86r2aOuzoIjTRwdilZuVapeiO-Ybb6E5fH8-ZmiNkGzNr5HEjIWq458oC4Zs2M7ZoKAc4GEKXQzTXNm8yFUocoTk16sn3zfME0NA-rfWQNigJI3P52DcsoDD0/s1600-h/DSC01053.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpEAk8iTy3qa0uDtfUWah86r2aOuzoIjTRwdilZuVapeiO-Ybb6E5fH8-ZmiNkGzNr5HEjIWq458oC4Zs2M7ZoKAc4GEKXQzTXNm8yFUocoTk16sn3zfME0NA-rfWQNigJI3P52DcsoDD0/s400/DSC01053.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265402116675081298" border="0" /></a><br />Well I went for a meeting at the boys school. They had been going through extensive testing. So this was the meeting to reveal the results.<br /><br />As every report passed in front of me listing all the tests, scores, and percentiles my head began to hurt. What does it all mean? Tell me the point. And then it came "Mrs. Rivera, although we cannot technically diagnose Michael, we believe he is autistic". My heart sank. I have been preparing myself and could have told you they would most likely come to that conclusion. But hearing the psychologist say it is another reality. After two hours of going through the tests and discussing his IEP we finally ended the meeting. I headed home to my boys and felt different. I know that I am not different but things around me looked different. I guess now I am seeing through the eyes of a mother with autistic children.<br /><br />He is supposedly what they call a high functioning autistic. His main deficits are in understanding social pragmatics which basically means he doesn't get social cues from others. He has a hard time imagining himself in an other's shoes. He also has a problem with organization. He can't organize his thoughts or things. If you saw his desk at school it would be very evident. It looks like a bomb went off. He qualified for services from special ed resource person, speech, and occupational therapy. So unfortunately he will be pulled from class more than I would like but they promised to do as much as they can in the classroom.<br /><br />My part is a bit overwhelming. I need to make checklists for everything. Morning, after school, dinner, bath time, bed time. He needs to learn how to organize things on paper and follow his lists. So he will have input into the lists. I need to create charts that help him with his emotions. Sometimes his reactions are not appropriate so we will help him figure out what reaction is good for the situation. I also need to have as many play dates with different kids as possible. When other kids are over I am supposed to play with them and help him understand what to do and when to do it. We need to engage in lots of role playing and showing him proper responses. They would also like him to have an older peer that is like a big brother. We are thinking his cousin Nicholas would be perfect for this. He is so good with Michael and really patient. He teaches him a lot of things. We will see him this weekend so Charles is going to talk to him and ask him if he wants to help. There are many more things such as diet and supplements but right now I am trying to focus on a list of my own.<br /><br />It is heartbreaking. All you ever want for you child is a happy life. Filled with all the joys of childhood. Already their lives have been a struggle. Michael especially has such a difficult time making friends. He struggles in school because he cannot follow oral instructions. He is constantly being reminded that he is different. Not because people say he is but because he sees it. He sees how easy everything comes for other kids. He sees how they do their work and go on their marry way. His school experience has never been like this.<br /><br />Anyway that night I decided I am going to try my best to focus on the strengths that he has. I spent some special snuggle time with him and held him close (which he loves). I told him a bit about the meeting and what his type of autism is. I explained to him how special he is and his gifts that he has for reading and remembering facts. And then I told him all the reasons I love him. His smile, the way he is always happy to see me, the way he gets excited for simple things like snuggling or going for a walk, his love of all nature even the most disgusting bugs, and for the way he makes us so happy. I told him how proud I was that he was my son and how grateful I was that God sent him to me. We hugged and talked and he told me all the things on his mind, mostly animals. And then he went to read in his room.<br /><br />I know I have to be strong. I know I have to fight for him. I know I am all he has. I know this is my purpose. I know I will make his life as happy and successful as I can. I know that he will always know how much I love him and how very special he is. And I hope that at the end of this journey he is a happy person that loves himself and his life.Annalisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12600600593093951366noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914096105834700657.post-47059739871060679042008-11-02T19:50:00.000-08:002008-11-02T19:58:43.011-08:00Halloween Pics<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4D9GDidUtRC6aQSI4V5LjhH2WMFxWy3a-2kOP9LrkYDWBEWdkY0atDxzNnPtv8ZJ9QwJA4Vo6mvUTTZErM8waJ5y_K5u4XaqDeYQQf7ByOFVqI2NIMoOjlOV8UflR5aBdCp00wG1UgmqZ/s1600-h/DSCF3391.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4D9GDidUtRC6aQSI4V5LjhH2WMFxWy3a-2kOP9LrkYDWBEWdkY0atDxzNnPtv8ZJ9QwJA4Vo6mvUTTZErM8waJ5y_K5u4XaqDeYQQf7ByOFVqI2NIMoOjlOV8UflR5aBdCp00wG1UgmqZ/s400/DSCF3391.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264275306818922610" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGf7rdzJx-C-ec6qijIJ3jnE13jA2q93UVm6usCqJo6m5I10k9KoigPNnNxerHIJeFkw2xztlrsUQ06dvT1ye2wF0-iCW_1YmZve1gc2E16x5YcwdFn7jDOZlJky7Gf1YBzN2-09TWlVar/s1600-h/DSCF3406.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGf7rdzJx-C-ec6qijIJ3jnE13jA2q93UVm6usCqJo6m5I10k9KoigPNnNxerHIJeFkw2xztlrsUQ06dvT1ye2wF0-iCW_1YmZve1gc2E16x5YcwdFn7jDOZlJky7Gf1YBzN2-09TWlVar/s400/DSCF3406.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264275298471397298" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_dwEROmnykwrTCsIn74X-me3etWeJTpGhanqBAeaj5M8K1jJM2swJV6DTc7gvJYn1-oNF_5RnBAZkUZvdRc0E8rLrQGl-AlMS1IcFXCGaGG1xN37ihI4oHAsCuqcF3kioUEDxEE6UZb_/s1600-h/DSCF3395.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_dwEROmnykwrTCsIn74X-me3etWeJTpGhanqBAeaj5M8K1jJM2swJV6DTc7gvJYn1-oNF_5RnBAZkUZvdRc0E8rLrQGl-AlMS1IcFXCGaGG1xN37ihI4oHAsCuqcF3kioUEDxEE6UZb_/s400/DSCF3395.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264275296504664466" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzBLh9jGq0XvsjVTWN_yfmgwRGcglKiUa69Q2m8htep7jXL0howVNgXjOtoNwne9pZ12buisZOWIorZ5wWWDBJZ7awsg7Cv8N0M_tjENlspQuSX0X3KWlbwvJzBWLq-Ee2CEhZdUaMnO9/s1600-h/DSCF3403.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 383px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzBLh9jGq0XvsjVTWN_yfmgwRGcglKiUa69Q2m8htep7jXL0howVNgXjOtoNwne9pZ12buisZOWIorZ5wWWDBJZ7awsg7Cv8N0M_tjENlspQuSX0X3KWlbwvJzBWLq-Ee2CEhZdUaMnO9/s400/DSCF3403.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264275290691023394" border="0" /></a><br />Well we had a great Halloween. Our neighbors had a huge haunted house thing and it was so fun. All the monsters, lights, fog etc were in sync with the music. It was really fun music like "Monster Mash". The kids loved it. I just wish the boys would have chosen different costumes. They have never even seen the movies about their costumes but they just know that they are scary. I think it has something to do with the fact that Anthony got really scared one time at the mall when he saw a Freddy statue that moved at Spencer's. He was so scared that every time we went to the mall he would walk all the way on the other side. So I think it was him conquering his fear.Annalisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12600600593093951366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914096105834700657.post-32996231214670582852008-10-25T17:08:00.000-07:002008-10-25T17:10:11.163-07:00I always knew this.<table width="350" align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2"><tr><td bg align="center" style="color:#EEEEEE;"><br /><span style="'color:black;font-family:Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><br /><strong>Your Political Profile:</strong><br /></span></td></tr><br /><tr><td bgcolor="#FFFFFF"><br /><center><img src="http://www.blogthingsimages.com/howliberalorconservativeareyouquiz/politics.jpg" height="100" width="100" /></center><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><br />Overall: 50% Conservative, 50% Liberal<br /><br /><br /><br />Social Issues: 75% Conservative, 25% Liberal<br /><br /><br /><br />Personal Responsibility: 25% Conservative, 75% Liberal<br /><br /><br /><br />Fiscal Issues: 50% Conservative, 50% Liberal<br /><br /><br /><br />Ethics: 0% Conservative, 100% Liberal<br /><br /><br /><br />Defense and Crime: 100% Conservative, 0% Liberal<br /></span></td></tr></table><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.blogthings.com/howliberalorconservativeareyouquiz/">How Liberal Or Conservative Are You?</a></div><br /><br />I always knew I wasn't one or the other but right on the fence. That is probably the reason why I get along with everyone :).Annalisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12600600593093951366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914096105834700657.post-64819052973998292012008-10-22T20:39:00.000-07:002008-10-22T20:44:31.755-07:00Things that are bugging me tonight1. Emmy looking me in the eyes and saying no. <br /><br />2. Laundry that doesn't end.<br /><br />3. Children not listening.<br /><br />4. People that park in an area that says "No Parking". Why are they above everyone else and how can they be so lazy.<br /><br />5. This election. Please be over. It is over and some people keep holding on.<br /><br />6. This hot dry weather from hell.<br /><br />7. The news media who alert all the pyromaniacs that it is time to start fires by saying "Red flag alert" every ten seconds. They also say things like "Perfect conditions for a fire". Isn't that basically saying to Joe Pyromaniac "Come on out and have a ball".<br /><br />8. Baseball. I am tired of the whole family being ignored because of it. <br /><br />9. My dirty car.<br /><br />10. The golf tournament and party Charles is going to on Saturday.Annalisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12600600593093951366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914096105834700657.post-62950890027547494612008-10-22T06:28:00.000-07:002008-10-22T06:41:16.813-07:00Procrastination ProclamationI hate the morning craziness. Although I am used to it I still procrastinate every morning. I wake up and have my cup of coffee, check emails, watch the morning news. I could be doing other things but this is my quiet time of the day. <br /><br />I am completely overwhelmed today. I need to take Michael into the doctor for an ingrown toenail. This will be completely insane because it hurts and he has sensory issues which make ordinary things like brushing his hair or teeth or clipping his nails painful. Can you imagine what an ingrown toenail is going to be like? And he is so scared that he didn't say anything for a long time so it is bad. <br /><br />Emmy has a cough from some kind of respiratory thing which landed us in the urgent care on Monday. She had a breathing treatment and now is on steroids and albuterol. I don't want to keep her home because she has a lot of energy and misses school. But the weather is so dry today I am worried about her running around. I am just going to leave a note for her teacher that if she starts coughing a lot to call and I will pick her up. <br /><br />I also need to grocery shop and figure out dinners for the rest of the week. I actually had a nightmare about this. Every food I cooked Anthony didn't like. I guess that is more reality than a nightmare but in my dream Charles was yelling at me saying I was a bad mother. Anyway I am very tired of tacos, spaghetti, hamburgers. Oh and I have to get to Trader Joes because I want to get these sweet potato fries my friend had and said they were wonderful. Maybe I can find some kind of meat on sale too. Who knows.<br /><br />I also have 3 baskets of laundry to get done. It is all washed but sitting there staring at me, needing to be put in their home. I also need to iron for Charles. We are trying to save moola on drycleaning so I am washing and ironing his work shirts. What a pain in the ass. <br /><br />OK well I am guessing I am done. OMG I just saw a report about Halloween. I need to get the boys costumes still. They always get neglected. But I hate what they want to be, Freddie Kruegar and Jason. Not fun. And they have never even seen the movies.Annalisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12600600593093951366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914096105834700657.post-30060284254084365422008-10-16T14:47:00.000-07:002008-10-16T14:52:19.678-07:00Election InfestationWell lately all you hear about is the financial situation or the election. It can be really stressful. So I am in the kitchen and I hear Emmy fighting with Michael. So I go in the play room and ask what is going on. Well Michael got upset because they said that Barack Obama won the debate. He doesn't like Barack Obama because Obama doesn't support the sportsman (he read an ad in his hunting magazine). So Emmy picking up on Michael's attitude starts running around saying "Barack Obama, Barack Obama" over and over. Driving Michael insane. Who knew that 8 year olds and 3 year olds would be so involved. <br /><br />And the day before when the market dropped again Michael turned to me and said "Nobody has any money do they?" I said "Not right now". Maybe I should turn off CNN.Annalisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12600600593093951366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914096105834700657.post-692476139860595312008-10-14T10:59:00.001-07:002008-10-14T11:04:03.266-07:00Trying not to vomitI was an idiot last night and went out for drinks with the PTA moms. Holy crap I drank way too much. I only had two margaritas but they were the size of fish bowls. So there ya go. Then I wake up and Michael is complaining about his toe (the nail fell off after he dropped a chair on it). I look at it and it is swollen and red. So I get Anthony and Emmy off to school and take Michael to the doctor. She says to to hot soaks with Epson salt to get the puss out and puts him on Antibiotics. Hopefully that works so we don't have to go back. In the mean time our insurance is all f'd up because ADP Benefits which is handling our COBRA hasn't communicated with Health Net that we have paid. So we had to pay for the doctors visit and the antibiotics. Sucks. Now if I could only feel better.Annalisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12600600593093951366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914096105834700657.post-53022868026897165182008-10-09T06:28:00.000-07:002008-10-09T06:30:42.259-07:00AloneWell Charles is gone on a trip for work and I am so lonely. At first I was enjoying it. One less person to clean up after and I didn't have to make a fancy dinner. But now I miss him. No one to talk to. And I miss having him next to me at night. So hopefully he will be back tonight. I don't know how military wives do this.Annalisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12600600593093951366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914096105834700657.post-57142432242941288472008-10-01T05:55:00.000-07:002008-10-01T05:58:14.893-07:00A sign from aboveWell someone upstairs has decided to but the kabosh on my garage sale. It is actually forcasted to rain here. It never rains here but on the Saturday I was planning to have my garage sale it is going to rain. So now I have to put everything I took out away somewhere. Uhhhhggggg. I also have to clean really well for Emmy's baptism this Sunday. I am so bummed. I was looking forward to getting rid of some of my crap and having cash in my hand.Annalisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12600600593093951366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914096105834700657.post-67683801547348464032008-09-29T18:19:00.000-07:002008-09-29T18:25:21.098-07:00<h3 class="post-title entry-title"> <a href="http://onfired.blogspot.com/2008/09/tag.html">Tag!</a> </h3> WOOHOO I got tagged by <a href="http://jessica9983.blogspot.com/">Jess</a>. Sorry Jess it took me so long I have been very busy and overwhelmed as usual.<br /><br />Here are the rules:Link the person who tagged youMention the rules on your blogTell about 6 quirks of yoursTag 6 fellow bloggers of yours to do the sameLeave a comment to let them know... Now I'm being lazy so I probably won't tag anyone, but please feel free to do it if you'd like:-)<br /><br />1. I have to start my day with a cup of coffee and reading the news on the internet, or the day is all messed up.<br /><br />2. I have to make my bed every day or I go crazy.<br /><br />3. I am addicted to Anderson Cooper 360 and Nancy Grace.<br /><br />4. I love to eat raisin bran at night.<br /><br />5. I am addicted to diet coke. It is the only thing that gets me through the day.<br /><br />6. I used to be addicted to cigarettes for 15 years (I started smoking at 15). I have replaced that addiction with my laptop. Not as unhealthy but still takes up time.Annalisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12600600593093951366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914096105834700657.post-51131158399818529732008-09-25T20:52:00.000-07:002008-09-25T21:00:13.473-07:00Anxiety everywhereI cannot turn off the news. I listen to it all day long. And at night I watch Anderson Cooper. And I am left with the news that we could be heading for another great depression. I hear words like catastrophic, unreal, history making, demise etc. These words sit in my stomach. What does all this mean for me? Here I am trying to get my finances in order. Paying cash for everything. Trying to do my best. And here in California it is even worse. The budget just passed and there is even less funding for schools. What does that mean for my boys? Will they get the help they need? I have the feeling that everything is crumbling and a lot of people are going to be suffering for a long time.Annalisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12600600593093951366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914096105834700657.post-72397995761933848742008-09-23T13:02:00.000-07:002008-09-23T13:12:45.760-07:00Garage SaleI have been going through the house cleaning out and deciding what is good to sell and what is trash. This is a big big job. I am excited to see how much I sell and how much money we make. I am aiming for Oct. 4th but who knows. All the money will be used toward Christmas. I still really want to get the kids a dog but probably not the Goldendoodle we wanted. We'll see. <br /><br />In other news the boys are hangin in. Everyday is a struggle but that is to be expected. I really feel like Anthony's teacher is just not good for him. She is really too tough on him. She never reminds him of anything and he needs constant reminders. I had to tell him 4 times this morning to brush his teeth. He has been needing to take a reading test for 3 days. So I emailed her and asked her to please remind him to take the test today and get a new book. Hopefully she will. <br /><br />Emmy has a sinus infection and isn't eating well. So she is in a bad mood all the time. I took her to the doctor yesterday and she put her on amoxicillan. Hopefully she'll recover fast. <br /><br />The boys have their first campout with the Indian Guides this weekend. They are so excited. This group has done wonders for the boys. It is extremely supportive of the boys. Michael has really enjoyed it. No one is mean to anyone. No one teases anyone. When one of the boys talks they all cheer and support him. Michael did such a great job at the last meeting. Charles was so surprised and happy. He said Michael stood up in front of the group with the talking stick. He introduced himself and told the group about things he likes. Then he shared the praying mantis he brought. Charles said he spoke loudly and looked at everyone. At the end everyone cheered for him. His smile was so big. He also enjoyed cheering for the other boys. This made me so proud. I gave him a million hugs and kisses when he got home. These boys never cease to surprise me.Annalisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12600600593093951366noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914096105834700657.post-83374771756690611702008-09-18T18:55:00.000-07:002008-09-18T19:11:32.940-07:00Takin care of business.Well we have been trying to take care of our loose ends lately. Emmy is finally getting Baptised and the boys are registered for CCD. We also are reorganizing our finances. We were out of control with our credit cards. Especially me. I was always buying stuff for the kids. Stuff they didn't even ask for but I just thought they would like. Emmy has 3 sets of bedding. What child needs that? And I almost bought her another one last week but I finally came to my senses and put it back. And if I walk into the Disney store I go insane. I want to get her all the Tinker Bell and Ariel things. Half the time she isn't even interested. It is me who wants them for her. The boys have more books than the library. Every time I am at Sam's I would leave with books. And I can't tell you how many DVDs I have gotten for the kids. And they are rarely inside. I love love love shopping. It makes me so happy. But in the end it made me stressed.<br /><br />So we are on a new tight budget. If we don't have the cash we don't buy it. It is going to be very hard for me. I love walking into Target and leaving with a basket of stuff. Or going to the mall and buying a pair of new shoes and makeup. So fun. But I have to remember that at the end of all of this we will have more spending money and everything we buy we will actually own without having to pay interest.<br /><br />So in closing I will say that credit cards are evil evil evil. I will never carry one in my purse again. I think they should be outlawed. No more loans or credit for anyone. Including the Federal Goverment who currently owes 10 trillion dollars.Annalisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12600600593093951366noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914096105834700657.post-88249027065326432322008-09-12T06:08:00.000-07:002008-09-12T06:15:47.324-07:00Black CloudSometimes I feel like a black cloud is hovering over us. First my extended family is falling apart. Then my boys are struggling with school already. Anthony in particular has completely shut down when he sees a math page. As I sit with him during homework I watch him struggle to focus on each problem. He hits himself in the head and makes odd noises. If I don't help him look down at the problem he would never do it. He has a hard time answering the simplest problems like 4-1 . The school is going to do a long list of tests on both the boys. Those results won't be in for a couple of months. So in the mean time they go to school. They struggle and fail everyday. Their self esteem is being chipped away at. My heart is so heavy. I have so much information but don't know where to start. And on top of all of that I occasionally find myself saying "Why?" . I realize that it is counter productive to spend time wondering why this is happening to them. But none the less it does pop in my head. All this on my plate and constant worrying is paralyzing me. I have a hard time eating and doing things like laundry and dishes. I am going to have to force myself today to get through.Annalisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12600600593093951366noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914096105834700657.post-28114018865727936102008-09-06T11:17:00.000-07:002008-09-06T11:19:46.354-07:00CrazinessWell I don't know what is in the water around here but divorce is catching like wild fire. Last summer my brother announced that he was getting a divorce. Then a couple of months ago my BIL James told us that he was separated from his wife Dana. And last night my husband got a call from his other brother Rich who told him that he was getting a divorce from his wife Summer. I almost couldn't believe it. Sucks when people who you felt were like family are suddenly gone. I have known both these women for over 15 years. Just hope it doesn't spread to this house.Annalisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12600600593093951366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914096105834700657.post-48204919820251642812008-09-05T08:47:00.001-07:002008-09-05T08:58:39.157-07:00FinallyI am so glad it is Friday. It has been an insanely busy week. I will still be busy all weekend but I won't have to get up at 6am. The boys are tired too. Especially because I have been making them walk to school. It really does make their legs tired because of their low muscle tone but their therapist said it would help tremendously with their figiting in class. Plus it has forced me to walk 8 extra miles. <br /><br />Michael has had a great week actually. He hasn't finished everything but his attitude has been great. Anthony is of course taking a while to get in the swing. He truly hates school and that is something I really want to turn around this year. He needs an attitude adjustment but I am not quite sure how to go about it. I am just going to keep being really positive in front of him.<br />He did very good with his homework last night and I made a big deal about it. So hopefully that sinks in.<br /><br />I also reorganized my bathroom and the kids bathroom. I love it when everything is where it is supposed to be. I wonder how long that will last. Next week I am hoping to clean out and shred a lot of our files. The cabinet is full of old bills from a long time ago. I have so much going on and to keep track of that I need a really good system.<br /><br />We have also been getting our house painted this week. It is so disruptive when you have workers around all the time. Hopefully it turns out ok. I like the main color of the house but I am not sure if the trim color is what I wanted. It is so hard to decide. I hate the pressure of knowing we are paying $3200 to get the house painted and hoping it is the right color. <br /><br />Well that is it. Lots of laundry to do today.Annalisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12600600593093951366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2914096105834700657.post-85930494557462966882008-09-03T12:37:00.001-07:002008-09-03T12:41:59.099-07:00Busy Busy Busy - But happyThis is the first time I have sat down since 5:45 am. So about 7 hours. I walked 2 miles this morning including walking the kids to school. Then when I got home I went to the grocery store, came back unloaded, then went to Sam's Club. After unloading Sam's I reorganized my pantry and pre packaged all the boys snacks like pretzels and cheezeits . Then I cleaned the kitchen and unloaded the dishwasher. I picked up the living room, made all the beds and threw in a load. Now I am finally sitting and drinkin a diet coke. I love getting things done. Makes me feel good. Tomorrow I have to exchange some stuff my MIL bought for the boys and then I am reorganizing the kids bathroom and our bathroom. I need a new system because too much stuff is ending up on the counter. I can't wait.Annalisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12600600593093951366noreply@blogger.com1