Totally Random Katy

Menu Planning: 2/13/12 to 2/18/12

2012-02-12T17:20:00.000-05:00

Monday: Paleo Chicken in the Crockpot

Tuesday: Valentine's Day Dinner: Steak, sauted veggies, and a salad.. Creme Brulee for dessert or cake balls

Weds: Paleo Spaghetti

Thursday: Pizza night

Friday:Grilled Chicken with veggies

Saturday: Salad Night

I have been tagged....

2012-02-12T17:00:00.000-05:00

Judi and Amy tagged me...

Here are the rules…

#1 – Post these rules.

#2 – Answer the 11 questions from the person who tagged you.

#3 – Create 11 new questions for the people you tag.

#4 – Tag 11 people and link them to your post.

#5 – Let them know that you tagged them

Here are my questions:

1. If you could have 3 people over for a dinner party, who would they be (and a short why)? Our President, My husband, and My mom.. I miss two of these people, and I love to give our president some encouragment.

2. Who is your favourite author and why? Hmmm I have too many right now I really like reading Alice Sebold right now. I have a vast reading group I love to read from.

3. What activities/clubs did you join in High School and what was your favourite? Band/drama/ majorette those were the 3 I breathed and lived...

4. Is there a movie that you can watch over and over again and never get sick of it? Why? Harry Potte #4 :) I love that one!

5. Do you have any hobbies? Tell us about them. Photography, couponing, blogging, crafts

6. Is there someone from your past that you have lost touch with but would like to have them back in your life…who is it and why? I have an Aunt whom we let stupid things in our past come between us. I miss her more then she probaly realizes. She was always someone I looked up too, growing up.

7. Tell us about your guilty pleasure: Cake Balls or creme brulee with a side of Kardashian Reality tv :)

8. Do you watch tv? What are your 3 favourite shows (and if you don’t watch tv, tells us why you don’t) I rarely watch tv but if I do it's reruns of things like CSI, sex in the city, or Kardashians.. I love junk tv :)

9. What did you want to be when you grew up? An actress or politican .. yep LOL... no jokes please ;)

10. Why did you start blogging? to share my crazy life and kinda keep a journal of sorts for my kids

11. Who do you most admire in your life? Tell us something about that person.

I admire a lot of people for alot of reasons. I am going to say I admire those people in my life who have stood by me no matter what crap has come my way. My husband, my mom, and my sisters for one. I am admire all mom's of special needs children. Because no one can understand the life we live, till you walk a day in our shoes, and I meet a new mom every week, that I admire. I have many friends who have overcome a lot, and still are.. Love you all!

Here are my 11 questions:

1) If you could do one thing with me, what would it be?

2) What is your go to comfort food?

3) What do you wish you did more of? less of?

4) What is a family tradition you have for Valentine's Day?

5)What is your favorite song to get you pumped up?

6) What is one thing you wished you knew when you were 10?

7) How did you meet me?

8)What is your favorite valentine's candy?

9)What is your super power?

10) What is your favorite outfit to wear?

11) What's for dinner?

I am tagging the following bloggers (who may have already been tagged, and that’s okay!!):

http://brandoesamerica.blogspot.com/

http://mom2my6pack.blogspot.com/

http://suziqcreations.blogspot.com/2012/02/valentines-wreaths.html

http://talesofablendedfamily.wordpress.com/2012/02/10/finally-friday/

Sunday Savings..

2012-02-12T16:35:00.002-05:00

I really slack at getting this done every week.... but here is my total's
for this year so far..

CVS Savings: $297.47

Kroger Savings this year: $187.03

This week's Awesome deals:
$60 worth of meat for $30 at the farmer's market
6 packs of Zevia for 99 cents at Earthfare
Text freebies from earthfare
free donuts at krispy kreme
Glucose monitors for free
Razors for free,valentine's candy,
deodrants, and more for free...

Check out this week's photos!!

Some photos from this last month...

2012-02-11T17:01:00.001-05:00

300 Fan Giveaway for Frugal Chicks

2012-01-23T07:16:00.001-05:00

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Aidan's Starwars Lego 8th Birthday Celebration...

2012-01-22T14:53:00.000-05:00

I can not believe my youngest child.. My baby is 8 years old now!

We celebrated with a simple party for some friends at our house.. Aidan said it was the best birthday ever!

We had lots of legos out for people to build with while people got there, and then we had yummy food! Then we did a craft Build a lego magnet or make a lego ring, we also had coloring books for everyone to color. We had a build the tallest tower competition, and guess how many legos in the jar contest.
Friends went home with Favors bags and how to make your own light saber kit.

Our Menu was:

Wookie cookies
Yoda punch
HANS burgers
Death stars
Light sabers
C3PO oil

( big hit!)
Endor trail mix
Leia’s buns
PALPaTine’s pizza’s
Yoda dip and chips

Frugal Katy Savings: Week of 1/8/12 to

2012-01-15T11:32:00.005-05:00

Kroger Savings:
$19.60
Spent$18.00

Awesome Deals:
$2.99 Tide Free and Clear
.55 covergirl eye shadow

CVS Savi

ngs:

Year to date savings: $68.55
Winter 2012 Spending: $39.71

I spent 0 out of pocket this week at CVS. Used my cvs cash card and ECb's

Awesome deals:
Free Snickers Bar
99 cent GE lightbulb( normally $6)
Free foam hair color

The Paleo Journey....

2012-01-12T11:40:00.000-05:00

I am still hanging in on my new diet journey!!! Here are few photos of meals this week:

From Everyday Paleo:

Chicken Paleo “Sandwich”

2 giant portobello mushrooms, stems and gills (underside of the cap) removed

1 cup cooked chicken, shredded

1/4 cup grilled onions

3 slices bacon

1 cup fresh arugula

2 tbsp Paleo Mayo

2 tbsp olive oil

In a large skillet heat the olive oil and add the mushrooms, starting with the caps up. Cook on each side for about 5 minutes, until the mushroom softens and starts to turn golden on top. Remove the mushrooms from the pan and slather each side with the paleo mayo, pile on the chicken, onions, bacon and arugula, put the two mushrooms together like a sandwich and dig in. Of course the possibilities are endless with this sandwich idea – my next one will probably be turkey, avocado, and cucumber!!

Paleo Spaghetti:
ingredients for sauce:
1 lb ground beef
1/4 lb ground heart (optional)
1 small onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 T extra virgin olive oil
1 14 oz can diced or crushed fire roasted tomatoes
1 8 oz can tomato sauce
2 tsp dried oregano
pinch of dried rosemary, optional
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes
1 tsp sea salt

Heat the olive oil and brown the ground beef, onions, and garlic over medium heat. Add all the remaining ingredients. Bring to a bubble, partially cover and simmer on low heat for 35 minutes.

ingredients for "noodles":
1 medium spaghetti squash

Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Put in a microwave safe container, cover, and cook on high for 10 minutes in the microwave. Leave covered for 10 minutes. Remove squash and string with a fork.

If you don't want to use the microwave (this is one of the few things I actually microwave because it's so much easier than the alternative), I would recommend steaming over roasting for this particular dish.

Veggies and Salmon cooked in coconut oil, with pepper, and I squeezed some lemon on it :)

Savings for the first week of 2012... 1/1/12 to 1/7/12

2012-01-08T11:15:00.004-05:00

Coupons + clearance is awesome. Walmart PAID me $1.17 for this LOL

Cvs trip: cash $23.00 got back $10 cvs cash card. Used $8 in ecb,2 $3 off 2 nivea lip, $1 off jergens, $1 off pantene, $2 off goodnights, $1.00 off 2 charmin..25 off charmin, .50 cents off dawn,$2.50 off 2 covergirl. Total savings: $46 bucks

$17 at Krogers. Saved $30. Charmin wipes were 79 cents a box, soft soap 8 cents.

I am going to try to keep up with this better this year...

Anyways..

This week I scored some good deals at CVS, Krogers, and Walmart. Coupons with After Christmas Sales equals awesomeness!!

I saved $175.00 this week.

CVS:
Savings $55.23
Spent: $25.33 ( and $8 of that is cvs gift card!)

Awesome Deals this week:
Charmin wipes, and soft soap at Krogers, And of course the perfume that walmart paid me $1.17 for ;) Oh and Free Organic Apples from Earthfare!
And my Nivea lip care that was free!

Going Paleo....

2012-01-07T19:26:00.000-05:00

I am easing my way into the Paleo Lifestyle.. Here is what is for dinner tonight:

Spice Rub Crock Pot Chicken

1 5-6 lb free range organic chicken - giblets removed, rinsed, and patted dry with paper towels

1 white onion sliced

1 tsp sea salt (optional)

2 tsp paprika

1 tsp cayenne

1 tsp white pepper

1 tsp poultry seasoning

1 tsp garlic powder

Cover the bottom of the crock pot with the sliced onions. Mix all spices in a small bowl and then rub the spice mixture all over the whole chicken. Place the spiced chicken on top of the onions in the crock pot, cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours (depending on your crock pot). No need for any liquid, the chicken will cook in it’s own juices. Make sure you spoon the onions and a little bit of the juices over the chicken when you serve it. I served my chicken with our favorite brussel sprouts, steamed for 5 minutes and then sauteed with a little olive oil, dried dill, garlic powder, and pepper.

Enjoy!

This is from Everyday Paleo by Sarah Fragoso ...
Might I add this has been a great resource and wonderful cookbook as I am learning and embracing this new way of eating.. More to come..

MS is..............

2012-01-07T14:19:00.000-05:00

I saw this on a website, and wanted to share:

This is what MS is.....

•...seeing the humor in everything-from a simple pun to a rowdy knee slapping joke

•...getting used to your body being something different each day

•...have to hold on to someone

•...making naps a significant part of your life

•...having some system to let your family know what kind of day you're having

•...learning that MS generally responds to less fatigue, less heat, and less stress

•...stumbling when you close your eyes in the shower

•...having to stop and think what $49 and $49 are

•...bumping down the stairs on your bottom for safety reasons

•...saying the wrong word three times in a row

•...having your spouse tell you the same thing three times

•...scouting out restrooms every place you go

•...learning to point your toes UP to ease a muscle cramp

•...spending a lot of time in the pharmacy

What is Paleo? Why am i doing this?

2012-01-05T19:27:00.011-05:00

Here is the basics:

From Robb Wolf's FAQ:

The Paleo diet is simple yet remarkably effective for fat loss and halting or preventing a number of degenerative diseases. To reap the benefits of the most effective nutritional strategy known, one need simply build meals from the following:
•Lean proteins (ideally) grass fed meat, free range fowl and wild caught fish
•Seasonal fruits and vegetables
•Healthy fats such as nuts, seeds, avocado, olive oil, and coconut oil

Our 30 day challenge is the true test of the Paleo diet. Regardless of your fitness or health goals, you WILL look, feel and perform your best on the Paleo diet. Give it a shot and let us know how you do.

For most people the fact the Paleo diet delivers the best results is enough. Improved blood lipids, weight loss and reduced pain from autoimmunity is proof enough. Many people however are not satisfied with blindly following any recommendations, be they nutrition or exercise related. Some folks like to know WHY they are doing something. Fortunately, the Paleo diet has stood not only the test of time, but also the rigors of scientific scrutiny
http://robbwolf.com/faq/

Why am I doing this? This diet is known for working wonders in MS!!

Autoimmunity by Robb Wolf!

Autoimmunity is a process in which our bodies own immune system attacks “us.” Normally the immune system protects us from bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. The immune system identifies a foreign invader, attacks it, and ideally clears the infection. A good analogy for autoimmunity is the case of tissue rejection after organ donation. If someone requires a new heart, lung kidney or liver due to disease or injury, a donor organ may be an option. The first step in this process is trying to find a tissue “match”. All of us have molecules in our tissues that our immune system uses to recognize self from non-self. If a donated organ is not close enough to the recipient in tissue type the immune system will attack and destroy the organ. In autoimmunity, a similar process occurs in that an individuals own tissue is confused as something foreign and the immune system attacks this “mislabeled” tissue. Common forms of autoimmunity include Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, and Vitiligo to name only a tiny fraction of autoimmune diseases. Elements of autoimmunity are likely at play in conditions as seemingly unrelated as Schizophrenia, infertility, and various forms of cancer. Interestingly, all of these seemingly unrelated diseases share a common cause: damage to the intestinal lining which allows large, undigested food particles to make their way into the body. This is called “leaky gut and the autoimmune response”

So it's not easy nor will it be fun when I crave sugar, gluten, and other things I can't eat.. but eventually I will feel better and not want it anymore! I have included my first paleo meal I cooked :

Goodbye 2011....

2011-12-31T22:27:00.003-05:00

I wish I could say this year has been wonderful and I hate to see it go, but that would be a lie.... This year has been one heck of rough ride.. And I can't wait to see 2012.. it offers many wonderful things.. Bobby comes home, My sister, cousin and one of my BFF's is getting married, my children turn 8,10, and 15 .. DO WHAT???

I asked Grace and Aidan some questions about 2012... And here are the answers:

What is one thing you really want in 2012?

Grace: To Volunteer at an animal shelter
Aidan: to go to a movie theater and see a movie

What is one thing you really need in 2012?
Grace: Puppy
Aidan: Food ( Have I told you about the amount of food this boy puts away now...LOL)

What is one thing you will share in 2012?
grace: Friendship
Aidan: Love ( at this point he informs he will never be a wingman, but he will be the one who has a wingman)

What is one

thing you will succeed at in 2012?
Grace: Show parents I am responsible enough to have a puppy
Aidan: Graduate from make a difference for good

My Goals for 2012:
Embrace my health changes for good... and succeed at the Paleo lifestyle and hope to see it change my ms symptoms. Read 14 books. Learn something New. Exercise more. Wear my dresses from 2008 to some weddings. Kiss my husband a 1000 times. Tell my children I love them 5000 times. Do Project 365 again but have more photos of me this year.

Chrismas Day 2011

2011-12-31T20:11:00.000-05:00

Christmas Day we celebrated at Nana's that morning, and then we went to Aunt Susie's for a brunch. It was a great day and here are some photos..

MS: a word to desribe the issues I have been having all of this year..

2011-12-31T19:13:00.000-05:00

I was diagnosed with this month, I under went some Infusion therapy treatments ( yucko) and now will start weekly shots ( seriously yucko). I am changing my diet, and have started physical therapy. This wasn't a big suprise, because for 6 months Dr's have mentioned it to me, I just have a name for what is making me fall apart most days.

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects women more than men. The disorder is most commonly diagnosed between ages 20 and 40, but can be seen at any age.

MS is caused by damage to the myelin sheath, the protective covering that surrounds nerve cells. When this nerve covering is damaged, nerve signals slow down or stop.

The nerve damage is caused by inflammation. Inflammation occurs when the body's own immune cells attack the nervous system. This can occur along any area of the brain, optic nerve, and spinal cord.

It is unknown what exactly causes this to happen. The most common thought is that a virus or gene defect, or both, are to blame. Environmental factors may play a role.

You are slightly more likely to get this condition if you have a family history of MS or live in an part of the world where MS is more common.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary, because the location and severity of each attack can be different. Episodes can last for days, weeks, or months. These episodes alternate with periods of reduced or no symptoms (remissions).

Fever, hot baths, sun exposure, and stress can trigger or worsen attacks.

It is common for the disease to return (relapse). However, the disease may continue to get worse without periods of remission.

Because nerves in any part of the brain or spinal cord may be damaged, patients with multiple sclerosis can have symptoms in many parts of the body.

Muscle symptoms:
•
Loss of balance

•
Muscle spasms

•
Numbness or abnormal sensation in any area

•
Problems moving arms or legs

•
Problems walking

•
Problems with coordination and making small movements

•
Tremor in one or more arms or legs

•
Weakness in one or more arms or legs

Bowel and bladder symptoms:
•
Constipation and stool leakage

•
Difficulty beginning to urinate

•
Frequent need to urinate

•
Strong urge to urinate

•
Urine leakage (incontinence)

Eye symptoms:
•
Double vision

•
Eye discomfort

•
Uncontrollable rapid eye movements

•
Vision loss (usually affects one eye at a time)

Numbness, tingling, or pain
•
Facial pain

•
Painful muscle spasms

•
Tingling, crawling, or burning feeling in the arms and legs

Other brain and nerve symptoms:
•
Decreased attention span, poor judgment, and memory loss

•
Difficulty reasoning and solving problems

•
Depression or feelings of sadness

•
Dizziness and balance problems

•
Hearing loss

Sexual symptoms:
•
Problems with erections

•
Problems with vaginal lubrication

Speech and swallowing symptoms:
•
Slurred or difficult-to-understand speech

•
Trouble chewing and swallowing

Fatigue is a common and bothersome symptoms as MS progresses. It is often worse in the late afternoon.

So excited for My sister Liz.... 2012 brings her

2011-12-31T12:13:00.000-05:00

Wedding to Greg!! YAY! We hosted a wonderful bridal shower for her at school of the arts in Galax with a Naughty or Nice theme. We had a Naughty Treat Table with truffles, cupcakes, candy,and more...

and a naughty drink table with some champagne...

And a nice girl drink table with a Hot chocolate and apple cidar bar, water, and some yummy punch. And a nice food table with a cheese tray, yummy dips,crackers, and pretzels, crab cakes, deli spirals, and mini quiche.

We decorated ornaments, played some fun games, and watched Liz open naughty or nice presents. If you were nice you wore red, and if you were naughty you wore black..

Christmas 2011

2011-12-28T19:13:00.014-05:00

We had a wonderful Christmas in VA this year. It was nice to getting to see my sisters Jessica ( and her husband Peter), and Liz. They are not home often, so I love getting to spend time with them. Santa spoiled me this year and brought me a Nook color, my kids got me a beautiful Necklace and bracelet,and I have a Cusinart food processor coming my way from NYC.. Thanks to the sisters and bil's. I missed my Grandma Pearl so much, this was the first Christmas I had been in Galax since she passed. But so many thoughtful gifts were given to honor her, and it brought me happy tears. I wasn't sure how the kids Christmas was going to be, funds are tight right now. But turns out I have some great friends and family and they had a wonderful Christmas. They are both so very happy with all the goodies Santa, and everyone gave them.

Christmas Eve we went with our entire side of my mother's family to Christmas Eve Candlelit service at FBC of Galax, then to eat some yummy goodies at my Aunt Susie's Beautiful home and open gifts, then we came back to my mom's aka Nana house and got ready for Santa. Avery,Grace, and Aidan got new to open new PJ's, and left truffles and eggnog for Santa. And of course some goodies for the reindeer :).... this year granola and an apple.
Here are some photos from Christmas Eve...

ASA Christmas Party for the tri-cities

2011-12-03T22:24:00.001-05:00

I had a blast planning this event.. It was a Holiday Party for local autism kids and families..

And thank you too all of our Sponsors: Earth Fare Johnson City, Chick-fil-A of Elizabethton ,Krogers, Target, Olive Garden, Texas Roadhouse, USA Marines, Barberitos, Tim Wright Photography,Cheryl Killman Photography,Fountain Of Life Bible Church,88.3 FM, Frosted and sprinkled cupcakes.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T22:44:00.003-05:00

HAPPY TURKEY DAY!!
From our family to yours.... We had a wonderful meal cooked by ME!! We shared it with Nana and Avery too :)

Stationery card

2011-11-18T16:43:00.001-05:00

Merriest Of Seasons Holiday Card

Create unique holiday invitations at Shutterfly.com.

View the entire collection of cards.

Monday Menu Plan

2011-10-24T10:01:00.002-04:00

Monday~ Meatless Monday :Spaghetti with Mushrooms, Garlic and Oil

Tuesday~ Chicken and Dumplings ala Crockpot Style

Wednesday~ Mummy Dogs with mac n cheese

Thursday~Crock pot Santa Fe Chicken ( From Skinny Taste)

Friday~
Low Fat Baked Ziti with Spinach

Sat~ Roast Chicken with Rosemary

Sunday~Pizza

Sunday Savings Update..

2011-10-23T10:31:00.001-04:00

I saved this week in coupons: $85.04 Small week for me..
This week's highlight. $10 gas card from CVS WOOT WOOT, noticeables sample in the mail, $5 gift card from Kellogs in the mail. Ordered a $20 gift card from the disney store for 0, and discovered Hanes Rewards!!
This month so far:$276.04
This year so far: $1000.36 ( As of March 2011 $532.96 ) I offically hit the grand mark in savings, which I am sure it's a lot higher if I had done this all year!

Monday Menu Plan

2011-10-17T23:47:00.000-04:00

Monday~ Pizza

Tuesday~ Italian Chicken, salad, and rice

Wednesday~ Chili

Thursday~baked ziti

Friday~ Out of town

Saturday~ Out of town

Artistic Icing 2000 FAN giveaway!!

2011-10-13T21:15:00.001-04:00

My good friend is amazing and talented.. she is doing a giveaway here:

http://artisticicing.blogspot.com/2011/10/2000-fans-giveaway.html

If you like her page make sure you tell her Katy sent ya!

Family Photos...

2011-10-13T21:10:00.000-04:00

We had some family photos made... Check them out here:

http://yourlifeasart.org/2011/10/the-nelson-family/

Leave a comment if you will please, I need 25 for a free mini book!

Thrifty Thursday....

2011-10-11T11:09:00.004-04:00

72 days to Christmas...

Here are just a few Frugal Chick tips from ME for Christmas!!

~ Make memories ( Caroling, gingerbread houses, decorating, etc.)

~ Make your gifts.. What is your hobby? Do you have a special talent? Can you bake?

~ Shop year round for great deals.. Use coupons ( You can get some great deals at Toys r us, and Target with toy coupons)

~ Save up all those gift cards you earn from Swagbucks, Saving Star, Your bank or credit card rewards program, Target. Shop with those on Black Friday for even better deals!

~Shop the after Christmas Sales for next year

Stay tuned for more!

Easy Peasy Chicken Dumplings in the Crock pot

2011-10-10T19:32:00.002-04:00

Easy Peasy chicken and dumplings

Ingredients
4 skinless, boneless/skinless chicken breast halves
4 tablespoons butter
2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup
2 cans of chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
2 (10 ounce) packages refrigerated biscuit dough, torn into pieces ( i use grands southern with butter I belive its called)

Directions
1. Place the chicken, butter, soup,and broth in a slow cooker, enough to cover ( and how soupy you want yours. I use like 30 ounces of broth and 2 cups water for mine LOL)

2. Cover, and cook for 5 to 6 hours on High. About 30 minutes before serving, place the torn biscuit dough in the slow cooker. Cook until the dough is no longer raw in the center. I cook mine longer because I like mine more biscuity in the middle and doughy on the outside. I also cook it on low for most the day and switch to high at like an hour or so right before biscuit time.

Menu Planning Monday!!

2011-10-10T08:00:00.002-04:00

Monday~ Meatless Monday ( pasta with sauce, garlic bread, and salad. I use kidney beans instead of hamburger)

Tuesday~ Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Wednesday~ We are traveling at dinner time

Thursday~ Honey Mustard chicken and rice

Friday~ Taco Soup

Saturday~ Chili In the crockpot

Sunday Savings Update..

2011-10-09T19:48:00.000-04:00

Well I haven't done this since March ( ackkkk...) But I want to finish up the year doing them.. though I won't be able to update my yearly savings goal for a bit.. have to do some numbers.. first!

I saved this week in coupons: $116
This week's highlight.. All the Free Stuff: Free Scrubbing Bubbles one step cleaners ( 4), 4 covergirl blushes, 2 covergirl eye shadows, razors, gum, dish detergent, bath washes, etc.
This month so far:$191
This year so far: $723.96 ( As of March 2011 $532.96 )

I love taking photos.. It is my hobby..

2011-09-28T05:55:00.000-04:00

I thought I share some of my favorites lately!

10 things...

2011-09-27T06:26:00.000-04:00

We had a crazy weekend here.. Hope you had a great one too!

I just finished reading this book, and wanted to share 10 things every CHILD with autism wishes you knew... ( from “Ten Things Every Child With Autism Wishes You Knew,” © 2005 Ellen Notbohm)

1. I am first and foremost a child. I have
autism. I am not primarily “autistic.”

My autism is only one aspect of my total
character. It does not define me as a person.
Are you a person with thoughts, feelings and
many talents, or are you just fat
(overweight), myopic (wear glasses) or
klutzy (uncoordinated, not good at sports)?
Those may be things that I see first when I
meet you, but they are not necessarily what
you are all about.
As an adult, you have some control over
how you define yourself. If you want to
single out a single characteristic, you can
make that known. As a child, I am still
unfolding. Neither you nor I yet know what
I may be capable of. Defining me by one
characteristic runs the danger of setting up
an expectation that may be too low. And if I
get a sense that you don’t think I “can do it,”
my natural response will be: Why try?

2. My sensory perceptions are
disordered.

Sensory integration may be the
most difficult aspect of autism to
understand, but it is arguably the most
critical. It his means that the ordinary
sights, sounds, smells, tastes and touches of
everyday that you may not even notice can
be downright painful for me. The very
environment in which I have to live often
seems hostile. I may appear withdrawn or
belligerent to you but I am really just trying
to defend myself. Here is why a “simple”
trip to the grocery store may be hell for me:
My hearing may be hyper-acute. Dozens of
people are talking at once. The loudspeaker
booms today’s special. Musak whines from
the sound system. Cash registers beep and
cough, a coffee grinder is chugging. The
meat cutter screeches, babies wail, carts
creak, the fluorescent lighting hums. My
brain can’t filter all the input and I’m in
overload!
My sense of smell may be highly sensitive.
The fish at the meat counter isn’t quite fresh,
the guy standing next to us hasn’t showered
today, the deli is handing out sausage
samples, the baby in line ahead of us has a
poopy diaper, they’re mopping up pickles on
aisle 3 with ammonia….I can’t sort it all out.
I am dangerously nauseated.
Because I am visually oriented (see more on
this below), this may be my first sense to
become overstimulated. The fluorescent
light is not only too bright, it buzzes and
hums. The room seems to pulsate and it
hurts my eyes. The pulsating light bounces
off everything and distorts what I am seeing
-- the space seems to be constantly
changing. There’s glare from windows, too
many items for me to be able to focus (I may
compensate with "tunnel vision"), moving
fans on the ceiling, so many bodies in
constant motion. All this affects my
vestibular and proprioceptive senses, and
now I can’t even tell where my body is in
space.

3. Please remember to distinguish
between won’t (I choose not to) and can’t
(I am not able to).
Receptive and expressive language and
vocabulary can be major challenges for me.
It isn’t that I don’t listen to instructions. It’s
that I can’t understand you. When you call
to me from across the room, this is what I
hear: “*&^%$#@, Billy.
#$%^*&^%$&*………” Instead, come
speak directly to me in plain words: “Please
put your book in your desk, Billy. It’s time
to go to lunch.” This tells me what you
want me to do and what is going to happen
next. Now it is much easier for me to
comply.

4. I am a concrete thinker. This means I
interpret language very literally. It’s very
confusing for me when you say, “Hold your
horses, cowboy!” when what you really
mean is “Please stop running.” Don’t tell
me something is a “piece of cake” when
there is no dessert in sight and what you
really mean is “this will be easy for you to
do.” When you say “It’s pouring cats and
dogs,” I see pets coming out of a pitcher.
Please just tell me “It’s raining very hard.”
Idioms, puns, nuances, double entendres,
inference, metaphors, allusions and sarcasm
are lost on me.

5. Please be patient with my limited
vocabulary. It’s hard for me to tell you
what I need when I don’t know the words to
describe my feelings. I may be hungry,
frustrated, frightened or confused but right
now those words are beyond my ability to
express. Be alert for body language,
withdrawal, agitation or other signs that
something is wrong.
Or, there’s a flip side to this: I may sound
like a “little professor” or movie star,
rattling off words or whole scripts well
beyond my developmental age. These are
messages I have memorized from the world
around me to compensate for my language
deficits because I know I am expected to
respond when spoken to. They may come
from books, TV, the speech of other people.
It is called “echolalia.” I don’t necessarily
understand the context or the terminology
I’m using. I just know that it gets me off the
hook for coming up with a reply.

6. Because language is so difficult for me, I
am very visually oriented. Please show me
how to do something rather than just telling
me. And please be prepared to show me
many times. Lots of consistent repetition
helps me learn.
A visual schedule is extremely helpful as I
move through my day. Like your day-timer,
it relieves me of the stress of having to
remember what comes next, makes for
smooth transition between activities, helps
me manage my time and meet your
expectations. Here’s a great website for
learning more about visual schedules:
www.cesa7.k12.wi.us/sped/autism/structure/
str11.htm .
I won’t lose the need for a visual schedule as
I get older, but my “level of representation”
may change. Before I can read, I need a
visual schedule with photographs or simple
drawings. As I get older, a combination of
words and pictures may work, and later still,
just words.

7. Please focus and build on what I can
do rather than what I can’t do. Like any
other human, I can’t learn in an environment
where I’m constantly made to feel that I’m
not good enough and that I need “fixing.”
Trying anything new when I am almost sure
to be met with criticism, however
“constructive,” becomes something to be
avoided. Look for my strengths and you
will find them. There is more than one
“right” way to do most things.

8. Please help me with social interactions.
It may look like I don’t want to play with the
other kids on the playground, but sometimes
it’s just that I simply do not know how to
start a conversation or enter a play situation.
If you can encourage other children to invite
me to join them at kickball or shooting
baskets, it may be that I’m delighted to be
included.
I do best in structured play activities that
have a clear beginning and end. I don’t
know how to “read” facial expressions,
body language or the emotions of others, so
I appreciate ongoing coaching in proper
social responses. For example, if I laugh
when Emily falls off the slide, it’s not that I
think it’s funny. It’s that I don’t know the
proper response. Teach me to say “Are you
OK?”
9. Try to identify what triggers my
meltdowns. Meltdowns, blow-ups,
tantrums or whatever you want to call them
are even more horrid for me than they are
for you. They occur because one or more of
my senses has gone into overload. If you
can figure out why my meltdowns occur,
they can be prevented. Keep a log noting
times, settings, people, activities. A pattern
may emerge.
Try to remember that all behavior is a form
of communication. It tells you, when my
words cannot, how I perceive something that
is happening in my environment.
Parents, keep in mind as well: persistent
behavior may have an underlying medical
cause. Food allergies and sensitivities,
sleep disorders and gastrointestinal
problems can all have profound effects on
behavior.
10. If you are a family member, please
love me unconditionally. Banish thoughts
like, “If he would just……” and “Why can’t
she…..” You did not fulfill every last
expectation your parents had for you and
you wouldn’t like being constantly reminded
of it. I did not choose to have autism. But
remember that it is happening to me, not
you. Without your support, my chances of
successful, self-reliant adulthood are slim.
With your support and guidance, the
possibilities are broader than you might
think. I promise you – I am worth it.

P.S. Don't forget that today is the last day to sign up for my giveaway!

My first giveaway...

2011-09-19T18:18:00.000-04:00

So We Reached our first 100 fans at The frugal chicks: Katy, Brandi and Heather... So we get to have our first giveaway!

You will win...

~ A beautiful Necklace from Artistic Icing...
~ Some lovely Bath goodies from Philosophy

And who knows what else!!

To enter..

Leave a comment here, like us at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1225175759#!/pages/The-Frugal-Chicks-Katy-Heather-and-Brandi/178469452188179 and leave a comment on a post, and like Artistic Icing at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1225175759#!/pages/Artistic-Icing/109413455754088 and leave a comment her Katy sent ya :)

Menu Planning Monday!!

2011-09-19T09:05:00.000-04:00

Last week of the Crockpot...

Monday: Meatless Monday... Veggie Lasagne

Tuesday: Turkey Chili

Weds:Chicken tacos

Thurs:Sloppy Joes

Fri: Creamy Chicken Soup

Sat:
beef stew

Cordon Bleu via the Crockpot Girls..

2011-09-16T09:44:00.002-04:00

Cordon Bleu-
1 can cream of mushroom soup mixed w/1 can milk
2 large chicken breasts cut 1/2 length wise
4 thin slices of ham, 4 slices swiss cheese

Slice chicken. Lay in crock pot flat, top w/1 slice cheese and 1 slice ham, fold each chicken breast in half and top w/the cream of mushroom soup and milk.
Cook 4-5 hours on low. Serve on top of mashed potatoes, pasta or rice. my family loves it

Friday Five & Faves!! YAY!

2011-09-16T09:06:00.000-04:00

Friday Five & Faves!! YAY!

Well it's Friday,Today is not a normal Friday, kids are out of school and Headed to See some Artistic Icing

Five things about me:
* My sister is getting married next year! YAY Liz and Greg!
* I am ready to be an aunt.. hurry up sisters ;)!
* Monday is my birthday!
* I love Jesus. I love guns. I am NOT a republican !
* October is actually my favorite Month of the year!

Five Favorites:
Dessert: If it's chocolate I love it!! I love Crazy Cupcakes http://www.the-crazy-cupcake.com/
Color: Teal
Snack: Salsa and tort chips!
Place to buy clothes~ Maurices!!
Nonfiction Book: The Unhealthy Truth!

Vegetarian Crockpot Enchiladas

2011-09-12T09:43:00.000-04:00

Vegetarian Crockpot Enchiladas
1-3/4 lbs. canned crushed tomatoes in tomato purée
14 ounces chunky style prepared salsa
6 ounces tomato paste
2 lbs. canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1 lb. corn kernels, thawed if frozen
1/4 lb. canned diced mild green chilies, drained
1-1/2 Tbs. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
5 corn tortillas
2 ounces olive slices, drained

Combine first 8 ingredients in a bowl. Mix thoroughly. Pour about 1 cup of mixture into the bottom of an electric slow cooker on low heat. Spread evenly and top with 1-1/2 tortillas, cutting to fit pot. Spread 1/3 of remaining tomato mixture over top. Repeat layering process, ending with tomato mixture. Spread top evenly. Sprinkle with olives. Cover and cook about 5 hours. Serve hot. This recipe serves 5 people.

Menu Planning Monday!!

2011-09-12T09:37:00.003-04:00

Monday: Meatless Monday.. Veg Crockpot Enchildas

Tuesday: Chicken and Dumplings in the crockpot

Weds: Chili in the crockpot

Thursday:Chicken and white beans ( LF WW's recipe) in the crockpot

Friday: Crock Pot Girls Cordon Bleu

Sat: Ribs in the Crockpot

Sunday: Pot roast in the crockpot

15 Days of Crock Pot cooking starts for me...

2011-09-10T19:46:00.000-04:00

I have decided to see if I can stick to cooking from our crockpot for 30 days.. One this is a commitment not to eat out, eat healthy, and make life easy for me at dinner time....

So Starting Monday September 12, I will be cooking from the crockpot for 15 dinners. I have found a wealth of yummy sites online, and I have a crockload of cookbooks... ( cheesy?)...

I hope to share my recipes here.. Some are my oldie but goodies, and some will be new for me too..

Grace's Fall 2011 Interview

2011-09-09T09:53:00.000-04:00

Karen Kathryn Grace
Age:9
Grade:4th

What is your favorite tv show? My Babysitter's a Vampire ( I sigh and say I wonder why, to which she replies... yes my future husband is on that show)

What is your favorite book ever? Wait till Helen Comes
What are you reading right now? Charlie Bones
What is your favorite color? Gray Blue
What is your favorite subject? Science

What is your favorite candy? GUM! Food? Ribs Resturant? 5 guys dessert? ICE CREAM

What is your favorite song? The house that built me

What is your favorite animal? PUG!

What is your favorite City? Seattle!!

What is something you like to learn to do? Document graves

What do you want to be when you grow up? A ghost hunter and a Vet

What is your goal for this year? All A's, and write about a book about being Aidan's sister.

What are you scared of? NEEDLES, Doctors, and Bugs!

Aidan's Fall 2011 Interview....

2011-09-09T09:46:00.000-04:00

What is your name? Mom you know my Name it is Joseph Aidan

How old are you? Seriously mom, I am 7.

What grade are you in? Mom why so many dumb questions ... I am in 2nd, why do you not know that!

What is your favorite tv show? Phines and Ferb

What is your favorite book of all time? The Fly guy series Right now? 39 clues

What is your favorite color? GOLD ..

What is your favorite subject? Math

What is your favorite candy? snickers, Food? Pizza Resturant? O'Charleys
dessert? Ben and Jerry's chocolate brownie ice cream

What is your favorite song? Kick it up a Notch from Phineas and Ferb

What is your favorite animal? A hawk

What is your favorite City? Chicago

What do you like to collect ~~( Besides trash)~~? Legos, and money, Oh and Hot wheels.

What do you want to be when you grow up? A truck driver or famous dancer

What is your goal for school this year? Get 100 AR points.

Friday Five & Faves!! YAY!

2011-09-09T09:34:00.001-04:00

Well it's Friday, YAY! I always start my day with some old skool Rap music.. How fun, right? So here is my Friday Five and Faves..

Five things about me:
* I love to read books, and I love to take photos.
* My favorite place to eat in Johnson City is... Carabaras.
* My favorite place for Desert is the Crazy Cupcake or Menchies.
* I have two tattoos.
* I am the oldest child in my family

Five Favorites:
Grocery Store~ Earthfare
Blog~ Stacy makes cents
http://www.stacymakescents.com
Etsy Shop~ Artistic Icing
http://www.etsy.com/listing/63781657/vintage-dictionary-words-necklace?utm_source=etsyfanpage&utm_medium=api&utm_campaign=api&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=App_Seller&utm_content=items&utm_campaign=fb_seller_item
Book right now: The Help
Song Right Now: Hell on Heels by Pistol Annies.

Autism is very close to my heart and home...

2011-09-07T09:08:00.001-04:00

http://www.daytimetricities.com/tri/lifestyles/article/the_east_tn_chapter_of_the_autism_society/51486/
I have become quite involved in our local autism society of america support group and friendship club. Above is my 3 minutes of talking about upcoming events we are doing. Here are some upcoming events and needs:

UPCOMING EVENTS:
 Friendship Club meeting at Gray Fossil site
September 17 at 10 am $3 a child
 Cupcakes for Autism at The Crazy Cupcake
September 30 from 10 am to 8 pm
20% of the day’s sales are going to fund our first
Conference in the tri-cities on march 3, 2012
 Support Group Meeting with Step Basic Rights In Special Education workshop
October 4th 6:30 to 9:30 pm
First Presbyterian Church 119 F Street Elizabethton TN

Hoping to have a meal donated, childcare is provided and we have our new parent library we are starting thanks to some donors.
 Fall Celebration at Beck’s Mountain Corn Maze
October 8 at 10 am
$8 a child $4 an adult and includes all the activities, lunch and a treat bag.
 Sponsors for treat bags, and lunch we are still looking for
 Holidays and the autistic child
Occupational therapist to talk about sensory issues and hoping to have gluten free speaker also
November 1, 2011 6:30- 8:30
Childcare and parent library
 Holiday Party
December3rd 2 to 4 pm
Elizabethton Parks and rec
 Looking for sponsors for food, treat bags, and photo booth
 We have a local church buying gifts.

What is Autism?

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a "spectrum disorder" that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. There is no known single cause for autism, but increased awareness and funding can help families today.

Know the Signs: Early Identification Can Change Lives

Autism is treatable. Children do not "outgrow" autism, but studies show that early diagnosis and intervention lead to significantly improved outcomes.

Here are some signs to look for in the children in your life:
•Lack of or delay in spoken language
•Repetitive use of language and/or motor mannerisms (e.g., hand-flapping, twirling objects)
•Little or no eye contact
•Lack of interest in peer relationships
•Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play
•Persistent fixation on parts of objects

Facts and Stats

Facts and Statistics

•1 percent of the population of children in the U.S. ages 3-17 have an autism spectrum disorder.1
•Prevalence is estimated at 1 in 110 births.2
•1 to 1.5 million Americans live with an autism spectrum disorder.3
•Fastest-growing developmental disability; 1,148% growth rate.4
•10 - 17 % annual growth.5
•$60 billion annual cost.6
•60% of costs are in adult services.7
•Cost of lifelong care can be reduced by 2/3 with early diagnosis and intervention.8
•In 10 years, the annual cost will be $200-400 billion.9
•1 percent of the adult population of the United Kingdom have an autism spectrum disorder.10
•The cost of autism over the lifespan is 3.2 million dollars per person.11
•Only 56% of students with autism finish high school.12
•The average per-pupil expenditure for educating a child with autism was estimated by SEEP to be over $18,000 in the 1999-2000 school year. This estimate was nearly three times the expenditure for a typical regular education student who did not receive special education services.13
•The unemployment rate for people with disabilities was at 14%, compared with 9% for people without a disability. Additionally, during the same period, only 21% of all adults with disabilities participated in the labor force as compared with 69% of the non-disabled population.14

2003, 2006 Copyright the Autism Society. All rights reserved.

1. Pediatrics, October 5, 2009, based on a National Children’s Health Survey done with 78,000 parents in 2007.

2. "Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders - Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, United States, 2006." Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Morbitity and Mortality Weekly Report, 18 December 2009.

3. Based on the autism prevalence rate of 1 in 110 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2009) and 2000 U.S. Census figure of 280 million Americans.

4. “Autistic Spectrum Disorders: Changes in the California Caseload, An Update June 1987 June 20007.” Cavagnaro, Andre T., California Health and Human Services Agency. State of California 2003 survey of developmental disabilities.

5. Autism Society estimate based on 2003 US state educational data.

6. Autism Society estimates based on UK study by Jarbrink K, Knapp M, 2001, London School of Economics: "The economic impact on autism in Britain," Autism, 5 (1): 7-22.

7. Autism Society estimate.

8. Autism Society estimate, using Government Accounting Office Report on Autism 2007.

9. Autism Society estimate.

10. Autism Spectrum Disorders in adults living in households throughout England," Report from the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey 2007, a survey carried out for the United Kingdom NHS Information Centre for health and social care.

11. Arch Pediatric Adolesc Med. 2007;161:343-349.

12. (Wagner. M., et al. An Overview of Findings from Wave 2 of the National Transition Study, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA)

13. (GAO-05-220, Special Education Report to Congress, 2005)

14. Current Population Survey. (December 2010). Bureau of Labor Statistics, Washington, DC.

Menu Planning Monday!!

2011-09-06T12:51:00.000-04:00

Meatless Monday~ Learn More here...
http://www.meatlessmonday.com/

~~Veggie~~ Lasagne ( shhh don't tell the kids)

Tuesday~ Baked Italian Chicken, salad, and green beans

Wednesday~ Turkey Burgers and my yummy quina salad

Thursday- Steaks, baked tators, and a salad

Friday Family Night~ Make your Own Pizzas and a movie

Slower Cooker Saturaday~ My low fat chicken dish ( you can find it on the blog)

Menu Planning Monday!!

2011-08-22T09:06:00.000-04:00

Here is the menu for this week:

Sunday- Pizza
Monday-Lasagne and Salad
Tuesday-Chicken Pot pie, and mashed potatoes
Wednesday- Chili in the crock pot
Thursday- 4 ounce steaks, broccali, and mac n cheese
Friday- Chicken, salad, and green beans
Saturday- Lunch with Avery and Nana for Avery's birthday

Back to School!

2011-08-22T09:01:00.001-04:00

My children have headed back to school.. Avery is in high school in 8th grade, Grace is in 4th grade, and Aidan is in 2nd grade!! I love hanging wreaths on my door.. but its not quite time for the fall stuff but my summery one was just a little to summery..so I made this for our door for this time of year! ( I used our colors, and school mascot)

Hello Summer..

2011-06-30T07:54:00.000-04:00

I love summer. And it's here. I do not like being super hot, but it seems it's going to be a hot one. I love going to the farmers market, and I visit 2 at least every Sat :) Crazy thing is my kids have like a month to school starts now. THought I would do a little update on us!

I am still working and enjoying my new job, It takes a lot of me, so I am a beat by the end of the day. I am having sugery the end of next month, and need lots of PPT. Avery is doing well, and is going to be 14 in August. My baby sister is engaged, and will be married in about 13 months. YAY!! Grace finished the school year with All A's, and a whole bunch of awards for Reading. Aidan "graduated" from his behaviour mod class and is going to be in a regular classroom for 2nd grade. There bothing enjoying there summer camps at ETSU, and learning like crazy. Aidan is not so little anymore!! Aidan will be doing the weather on Channell 11 news on July 6th, so don't forget to watch!

I think that is all the BIG news from us... I have discovered a new cupcake shop in town, and I am in love with there yummy cakes!! It's called The Crazy Cupcake, check it out.. ( going to do a review too:)

Here is a few photos from the summer..

Happy Birthday Princess Grace!!

2011-05-03T07:47:00.002-04:00

I can't believe Grace is 9 years old today! What a wonderful little blessing ~~who can send me into a headache just as fast~~ child she is! She is smart, beautiful, creative, caring, funny, and a very hard worker ( and perfectionist).

9 years ago she was born on May 3,2002 around 3:30 p.m. I was all alone because her father almost passed out and she came way faster then everyone expected. It was one of those DO not push let me get a doctor moments :)

8lbs 6 oz and 20 1/2 inches long.

She loves animals especially horses and puppies, Anything to do with Paris, France, Art, fashion design, American girl dolls, and music. Her favorite music is Big Time Rush, and some other groups. She loves "boy"stuff like working on cars, hotwheels, and watching sports on TV too.

Tasty Tuesday: Carrott Cupcakes.. Happy Easter!

2011-04-19T08:20:00.001-04:00

Ingredients
2 ounces white chocolate
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon orange extract
4 cups confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream

2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/8 cups white sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups shredded carrots
1/2 cup crushed pineapple
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 cup chopped walnuts
Directions
1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease 12 muffin cups.
2.In small saucepan, melt white chocolate over low heat. Stir until smooth, and allow to cool to room temperature.
3.In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Mix in white chocolate, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and orange extract. Gradually beat in the confectioners' sugar until the mixture is fluffy. Mix in heavy cream.
4.Beat together the eggs, white sugar, and brown sugar in a bowl, and mix in the oil and vanilla. Fold in carrots and pineapple. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Mix flour mixture into the carrot mixture until evenly moist. Fold in 1/2 cup walnuts. Transfer to the prepared muffin cups.
5.Bake 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean. Cool completely on wire racks before topping with the icing and sprinkling with remaining walnuts.

Facebook page!!

2011-04-17T08:19:00.000-04:00

You can follow all my good deals I find here!

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Money-Saving-Moms-Bran-and-Katy/178469452188179

Menu Plan for the week of April 17 ( Holy Week~ Easter Week)

2011-04-17T08:09:00.000-04:00

Sunday~
Lunch with mom
Dinner~ Something simple or leftovers

Monday~ Lemon Pepper Chicken, broc, brown rice,and a salad

Tues~ Kids Night at MC

Weds~ Baked Ziti

Thurs~ Kids Night EF

Friday~ Family Themed Dinner night: Make your own Pizza's

Sat~Hotdogs or Burgers, mac salad, fries

Day 7 - Lust. Seven love secrets

2011-03-30T10:24:00.005-04:00

Well like this is the one I have not look forwarded too...

1. I have at least done it once. I will try anything once, and probaly already have. Though I am too old for most of that now...ha ha ha.

2. I love x~e~S with my husband. O M G! He is the best lover, a gal could ever dream of... No joke.

3. My husband and I write "love" letters to each other once a week, and have a "date" night on the phone....

4. I think about sex more then most men. I have a dirty mind... Luckily My husband is the only one who hears it most of the time.Except those few close gfs.

5. I get quite moody when I am not getting any.

6. I have had a "toy" party before.

7. I know how to give a lap dance, drop it like its hot, work the pole, shake my money maker, all those other crazy terms.

Day 6 – Gluttony. Seven guilty pleasures.

2011-03-29T22:17:00.007-04:00

Hmmmmm well.... ~~I don't know if I want to share all of mine~~... haha Here it goes....

1. Watching Sex and the City. Love that show... I go ahead and put watching anything to do with the kardashians with this too!

2. Eating chocolate. Hmmmm Mhhhhhhmmmmmmm

3. Getting my eyebrows waxed, I can't stand to have hairy eyebrows going on.

4. Oatmeal pies... ya know Little Debbies. I can't buy a box of these, or I will eat a whole box.... My hubbby would crack up if he saw me bring a box home.

5. Listening to dirty rap music when my kids aren't around. I know it's bad, but I like it, and I like to shake my butt to it.

6. Facecrack.. ie facebook.... I am addicted. I admit it..

7. My phone. I love my phone, I don't think I could survive without all my reminders every day ha ha.

Tasty Tuesday.... Bleu Cheese and Cranberries Meatloaf

2011-03-29T14:04:00.001-04:00

--1 pound of lean ground beef, or turkey
--1/2 cup dried cranberries
--1/2 cup bleu cheese crumbles
--1 egg
--1 tsp seasoned salt
--1/2 t black pepper
--1 tsp onion powder
--1 T chopped fresh basil
--1/2 cup bread crumbs The Directions.

I used a 4 quart round crockpot for this. I chose to make a glob of meatloaf and cook it directly in the crockpot, but you can use a loaf pan inside of a 6 quart if you'd like. I did that earlier in the year.

In a large mixing bowl, mix the meat, cranberries, cheese, spices, bread crumbs, and the egg.

Spray the inside of your crock well with cooking spray. Put the meat into the pot and shape into a large round blob in the center.

Cover and cook on high for 4 hours, or on low for 7-8. The meat is done when it is cooked thoroughly and has browned on top and darkened on the edges.

Using two spatulas, lift the meat out of the crock and let it stand on a cutting board for 15 minutes before cutting.

Day 5 – Greed. Seven worldly material desires

2011-03-28T22:11:00.002-04:00

I kinda covered this in Day 1...

But I can come up with 7 new ones...

1) A DSLR camera with all the goodies... Ohhhhh I would be in heaven!

2) A HUGE flat screen tv, with a blue ray player

3) A new couch, that has never belong to anyone else. I have never owned a brand new couch!! It's always been second hand!! Ours now hurts my back, and my butt, it has spoily coil things poking me.

4) A laptop Or computer... It would make my life so much easier.

5) A IPAD... especially for Aidan. I desire several things for Aidan horseback riding lessons, an ipad, supplements, martial arts lessons, music therapy, oh the list goes on!

6) a gym membership with a personal trainer or an exercise machine for my house.... to lose weight and get healthy!

7) A WII... for me and the kids, it seems like so much fun!!

Sunday Savings Update...

2011-03-27T14:17:00.000-04:00

I didn't buy anything this week.... so this is quiet...boring!!!

I did however win 4 tickets to see Barney in Bristol... LOL...

This month so far:$95.72

This year so far:$532.96

Menu Plan: March 27,2011 A week of Crock pot meals!

2011-03-27T14:02:00.001-04:00

Sunday~ We are traveling today. So fast food.

Monday~ Quienna Casserole In the crockpot, baked chicken

Tuesday~ Chicken Pot Pie in the Crock pot

Wednesday~ Buffalo chicken lasagne in the crock pot

Thursday~ Rotessiere style Crockpot chicken

Friday~ Bleu Cheese and Dried Cranberry Meatloaf ( I love this, hoping the kids will try it.... there not big bleu cheese fans)

Saturday~ Abslutely Crazy Turkey in the crockpot

~7 Deadly Sins~ Day 4: Sloth

2011-03-27T09:58:00.009-04:00

Just 7 things you neglect to do or put off as much as possible. I am not looking forward to sharing this with the world, but here it goes....

~1 Laundry the putting it up part, I hate it. I will let baskets of clean clothes set for a week, then go Oh crap!

~2 Exercising...... I need to do a lot more of this, have you seen my butt??? I don't hate it, when I could afford a gym I was doing it every day, but I have no desire to do it otherwise.

~3 Trimming my children's nails/toenails.. For one They scream like I just stabbed them with a knife, and I worry my neighbors are going to call the Popo on me, but it's gross, especially with Aidan the child who puts his hands in everything, I mean everything!

~4 Making phone calls. I hate talking on the phone. I hate calling to take care of bills, or anything. If you ask me to make a phone call, I will put it off till the cows come home. More then likely if you call me, you will get my voicemail... cause I hate talking on the phone, before texting I did it ok, but now I have a reason not too! ha ha ha

~5 Cleaning the bathtub, more like cleaning Aidan's bathtub ( it use to be Bobby's too) Boys are gross! ( same goes for the boys toliet too)

~6 Cleaning my van... I feel like I don't do it enough but I have seen much worse. I try to do it twice a month. But with kids, it could use it every day probaly!

~7 Going to the Dentist, the dr.. Oh I hate both, and will miss more appointements then you know! They will hunt me down too! ha ha

7 Deadly Sin's~ Day Three Wrath

2011-03-26T21:56:00.000-04:00

Seven things that I "piss" me off, disgust me, hate,etc.. you get the picture... Boy this could get long winded.

1. Judgemental,Snobby people.
If you are one of those of people who say I would never or Can you believe So and so did ______? Then I am about to probaly piss you off. I use to be one of those people, but God found a way to bring me down off my high horse, and maybe one day he will you too. I don't care what someone looks like, is having sex with, has been to prison,is covered in tattoos or piercings, is on welfare, drives a old batty pick up truck or if you have three fancy cars, a beach house, or carry Louis V purses. It's what is inside that matters to me. It's how you treat My husband, my children, and me that matters to me. I am a christian, and there are more Christians who have this problem then non christians, I have no idea why. Because Jesus sure didn't care he made that very clear in the Bible he talked to everyone. And he wasn't born to a very wealthy family, for that matter. I have had my feelings hurt more by so called "Christian" folks, then by anyone else. Yes My husband is in prison, yes we have made bad choices, yes I have been married more then once,yes I have been homeless, Yes I am on food stamps, and No I won't make fun of you for your life choices, or not be your friend. I am a very good person to have on your side when life throws crap at you. I won't let you starve, or be homeless. I wouldn't let you sit on the side of the road and just drive by either.
So please people Don't judge a book by it's cover, the first few pages, heck even the first few chapters. We all make bad choices at one time or another, and we all have broken the law at some point or another. We are human. With everything I have ever done, it's not my place to judge someone else.

2. People who think they are a Dr. Look you may think you have the best intentions when it comes to informing me on rather you think my son has autism or not. But I think I will go with his Dr's thoughts, you know the one who spents years in school learning to figure things like this out. My son has autism. And yes your Aunt's daughter's cousin may have it too, but I am very informed on the matter, we have been dealing with this ya know 7 years now.

3.Stupid People. I don't even know if I need to explain this. But there are some very stupid people in this world. They do stupid things, and you think WHAT???

4. Our Justice System I studied Criminal Justice for 2 years in college, So this is nothing new to me. But our Justice system is a JOKE... it needs serious reform, and we need to start treating the people in prison like people not the way they are being treated now. Yes they for the most part have committed a crime, but have you never ever ever done anything that was worthy of prison? I am pretty sure if you think really hard, you have done something illegal at some point in your life. The Bible tells us to treat those in prison as you would want to be treated. HELLO AMERICA! You don't! see #2

5. Bullies!! I can't stand them, I was picked on most of my entire education, and I can't stand it! I can't stand to see someone do it, and I sure as heck will put a stop to it, if I even think one of my kids are. I remember the tears I cried, the days I didn't want to get out of the bed because of school, ugh!

6. People who spit out a mouth full of vulgur language in front of children. We all say the occasional ooops bad word, but I am talking about the F word ever other word. Seriously, and the ones who talk to there children that way, UGH! see#2

7. Smelly people. I get it if your a homeless person or have a mental illness,etc. But people who are just to lazy to wash there own butt, GROSS! It's called soap and water, use it people. If you need soap, ask me because I will share!! I am probaly almost OCD about it with myself and my kids, I can't stand to smell bad anything. My husband says I have a Super nose, I can smell yuck a mile away, and when it's right in my face, I almost gag.

Day 2 – Envy. Seven things you lack and covet.

2011-03-25T10:09:00.008-04:00

Seven things I would like to have...

1. A Cape Cod Style home. One day I like to "own" my own home, like this one.

2. One of these handy dandy coffee makers..A Keurig..My mom has one, and I really want one, ahhhhhhhh

3. A spa day..how nice would that be, don't know a mom who would turn one down.

4. To be a nurse. I just finished my CNA class, I want to be a RN when the time is right.

5.
A ford focus...my dream car...

6. an elliptical machine, to make me loose my fat arse.

7.IPAD..Ahhhhhh Yes one of these for me and for Aidan would be awesome!

Day One: Pride

2011-03-24T15:06:00.002-04:00

My friends Amy and Judi are doing this on there blog here... http://talesofablendedfamily.wordpress.com/2011/03/17/7-deadly-sins-tag-pride/

So, here I go, Day 1 is PRIDE ~ Seven Great things about yourself

~ I am a strong woman. I am told this often, I really don't believe it, but since I am told this so much we will put it here.

~ I have beautiful skin,eyes, and lips. I love myself...ha ha ha not! But these are three things people compliment me on more then anything...

~I am a funny person. I like to make people laugh. People seem to enjoy my humor.

~ I am pretty good cook. I am not an amazing chef. But I love food, and read cookbooks for fun. I have been told my food tastes good.

~ I am a coupon/freebie queen. I love being frugal. I love getting good deals, better yet FREE STUFF.

~I am creative,my hubby tells me this often.Sometimes I take some really good pictures.

~ I think I am pretty good mom and wife, sometimes. My husband says I am an amazing mom & wife, and so do the kids except when there in trouble. I try to be a good one anyways!

So Come on and join me in this tag! Have fun with it!

Day 1 – Pride. Seven great things about yourself.
Day 2 – Envy. Seven things you lack and covet.
Day 3 – Wrath. Seven things that piss you off.
Day 4 – Sloth. Seven things you neglect to do.
Day 5 – Greed. Seven worldly material desires.
Day 6 – Gluttony. Seven guilty pleasures.
Day 7 – Lust. Seven love secrets.

God Cares for the Persecuted.... ( from a friend)

2011-03-16T08:01:00.000-04:00

God cares for the persecuted

Have you ever been imprisoned?

Don't forget about those in prison. Suffer with them as though you were there yourself. Share the sorrow of those being mistreated, as though you feel their pain in your own bodies.

Hebrews 13:3 NLT

Tell me how much you know of the suffering of your fellow men, and I will tell you how much you have loved them.

Helmut Thielicke

Solidarity in Suffering

At any given time, many of God's saints are in prison. The prison may be literal, or it may be a product of circumstances. It can be financial debt, a broken relationship, a physical ailment, or any other consuming situation.

A huge problem in the church is when Christians look at their imprisoned brothers and sisters and assume that God has not favored them. Paul probably experienced such a phenomenon. We read his prison epistles and marvel at his suffering for the cause. But many of his contemporaries may not have marveled. They may have seen his trouble as a sign of God's disfavor and wondered why someone with so much potential had fallen to such depths.

God's prisons are full of His loved ones. He uses those experiences mightily, as He did with Paul, Joseph, John the Baptist, John the disciple, and numerous other biblical examples. In fact, many of those whom He used in powerful ways have experienced an imprisonment, captivity, or loneliness ordained directly by Him.

Are you in prison? You are probably not literally behind bars, but your circumstances may make you feel as if you are. Don't despair; it will not last. It is ordained by God and is designed either for your current witness or future usefulness. He is refining you and molding you into His image, the exact likeness of His crucified Son.

Leprechaun traps.. how to make your own..

2011-03-15T23:57:00.000-04:00

What a fun thing to do with the kiddos.. we might have to do this, tomorrow night! This is from..

http://familycrafts.about.com/cs/leprechauns/a/030501a_2.htm

You can make a contraption with a net, boxes, a clean can, or anything else you can think of such as paper towel rolls, empty containers, tin foil, paper, string or yarn, sandwich bags, etc; or, how about using an old shoe since they are said to be cobblers. You have to be very creative to catch a Leprechaun.

Here are a few more tips and suggestions to help you get started:

•Rainbows are good to use on or around your trap.
•Color your trap green and decorate it with green items (stickers, glitter, etc)
•Leprechauns are also attracted to four leaf clovers.
•Leprechauns like Lucky Charms cereal!
•Make sure your trap is disguised well - make sure it blends into its surroundings.
•No two traps should be alike or the Leprechaun will get suspicious and leave.
•A Leprechaun will leave a trail of gold and/or green glitter, so watch for it!
Now, you should be ready to build your trap. I can't guarantee you will catch one of these little creatures, but you will sure have fun trying

How I make Corned Beef and Cabbage...I love making a big deal about St. Patricks day for my kids..

2011-03-15T23:51:00.002-04:00

One of those crazy leprechaun's always makes a mess and leaves them some lucky charms or gold... And that night for dinner we have this, some soda bread, green koolaid, and this year I am making green cake balls too. I wanted and have everything to make lamb stew but my daughter says that would awful and evil to eat a lamb...so...... I saving it till she doesn't know mommy made lamb.

Ingredients
4 large carrots, peeled and cut into matchstick pieces
10 baby red potatoes, quartered
1 onion, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
4 cups water
1 (4 pound) corned beef brisket with spice packet
6 ounces beer
1/2 head cabbage, coarsely chopped
Directions
1.Place the carrots, potatoes, and onion into the bottom of a slow cooker, pour in the water, and place the brisket on top of the vegetables. Pour the beer over the brisket. Sprinkle on the spices from the packet, cover, and set the cooker on High.
2.Cook the brisket for about 8 hours. An hour before serving, stir in the cabbage and cook for 1 more hour.

Irish Soda Brea in Skillet for St Paddy's Day :)

2011-03-15T23:45:00.002-04:00

Ingredients
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vinegar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Directions
1.Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). In a cup or small bowl, stir together the milk and vinegar. Let stand 10 minutes, or until curdled.
2.In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, salt and baking soda. Stir in the curdled milk mixture until smooth. Scrape the dough out of the bowl onto a floured surface, and shape into a disc. Place the disc into a cast iron skillet.
3.Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the crust feels firm to the touch.

Tasty Tuesday: Thai Meatloaf

2011-03-15T15:47:00.000-04:00

Ingredients;
1 lb ground lean pork
1 lb ground chicken or 1 lb ground turkey
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
3 green onions, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon fish sauce
2 teaspoons hot chili sauce
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 eggs
3/4 cup dry breadcrumbs (preferrably panko)

Topping
1/4 cup ketchup
1 teaspoon hot chili sauce
1 teaspoon soy sauce
Change Measurements: US | Metric

Directions:
Prep Time: 10 mins

Total Time: 1 1/2 hrs
1 In a large bowl, combine pork, chicken, cilantro, green onions, garlic, oyster sauce, fish sauce, pepper, eggs, and bread crumbs. Combine thoroughly.
2 Pack into a 9 by 5 inch (2L) parchment lined loaf pan. Bake in a preheated 350 F (180 C) oven for 55 minutes.
3 Meanwile, in a small bowl, combine the ketchup, chili sauce and soy sauce. Spread over the top of the meatloaf . Return to oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a meat thermometer registers 170 F (77 C).
4 Let stand for 5 minutes. Pour off any accumulated juices. Cut into slices.

I have people ask me

2011-03-14T20:52:00.000-04:00

All the time what they could help us with.. So here are a few ideas

I always say PRAYER!! Cause that helps more then anything.

Right now I need prayer for a job, my health, the kids, and Bobby's health, safety and more.

I don't ever turn down a cooked meal. And I hate to cook.

Stamps.. I have quite a few right now.. thanks to a special friend who gave me a 100 :)

Gas Cards.. because then I can afford to visit my hubby.. otherwise I can't.

Sending my husband a card, a book, or a magazine subscription, would not only cheer him up, but me too. I can't do a lot for him, and getting mail is the only thing to look forward to in that place.

There is other things.. but I would love to be able to provide Aidan with some services that I can't afford otherwise.. I have made him a Chipin account, and the widget is on the side of my blog.

God Bless all you great friends and supporters of mine!! I don't know what we would do with out you!

2011-03-13T20:29:00.001-04:00

Friday Savings Update.. will now be on Sundays.. Here is an update!

Due to the change in my family and schedule,it's easier to do it on Sundays.

Sunday Savings update for last week!

I saved this week in coupons:$17.86

highlight: Free Dinner at cici's
This month so far:$95.72

This year so far:$532.96

Keeping the ties strong while my hubby is away....

2011-03-12T12:29:00.000-05:00

I have been coming across ideas and thought I share what I am doing. I want to keep him up to date on what is helping around us.

~ Every month I am going I am send him a blank calender page for him to write how he felt that day or something that he did , I am going to do the same and we can mail each other's to one another

~ I am sending him Nascar Results every week, with the points, etc.
~ I am sending him the monthly schedule and results for Boston Red Sox

~ Lots of photos~!

~ The kids draw him pictures, today I had them trace there hand to send him a huge, I figure we can do this ever so often to show how much they grown. Grace wants to mail him copies of there report cards too.

~ I print stuff from my facebook for him to read. I am going to print the 365 every month for him too.

~ I am making homemade word searches, crossword puzzles

~ I write love letters, what happened that day.

~ Anytime I make a big change in our home,etc. I am going to mail him the photos.

~ I found recipes based on items found in his commasionary.

~I send pages from his spanish book, bible studies, and verses.

I am open to other ideas too...

Menu Plan: Week of March 13

2011-03-12T12:20:00.000-05:00

Sunday~
Lunch with my great Aunts
Dinner- Chicken seasoned with low fat italian dressing, broc, and a salad, maybe some quienna or brown rice

Monday~Slow Cooker Lamb stew with rigatoni

Tuesday~ Orange and Balsamic Chicken breasts, roasted red potatoes, and mixed veggies

Weds~ Popcorn Fish, mac n cheese and a veggie

Thursday~ St. Patties Day
Cabbage, potatoes, and corn beef.. with some green soda

Friday~ Tilipia fish tacos,rice, avacado salad

Saturday~ Eye of Round Roast, roasted winter veggies, and mashed cauliflower

The Prison Wife...

2011-03-11T22:23:00.002-05:00

I didn't write this, it comes from here:
http://www.marriageandwealth.com/prisonwife.html

The "Prison Wife" is the forgotten one, as she waits at home for her husband. Our society takes care of the sick, the dyimg, the homeless, but the prisoner's wife is alone and forgotten.

She is faced with insurmountable problems....financial, emotional, psychological, social, stigmatization, health problems to face alone, children to take care of. She keeps the household "together" until her husband comes home. She works, pays the bills, pays the mortgage or rent, the car payments, the insurances. She takes care of the children, the repairs for the house, and just about everything else under the sun. Holidays and birthdays come and go. She is alone and lonely, most often faced with depression.

Most prison wives find it difficult to even face another day. The prison wife lives in hiding because she is afraid the neighbors may find out. So she lies and says he is on a "business trip," to protect herself. After all, the neighbors would be shocked to know that a criminal's wife lives next door to them.

And what does she tell the children? No one wants to let his child play with a criminal's child.

When her husband leaves for prison, the wife goes through a period of "grieving." She goes through the same "grieving process" that a widow goes through. The only difference is that the widow can eventually move on, while the prison wife cannot. The prison wife is a "wife," but without a husband. She cannot go out and socialize, and it is difficult to make new friends, as she feels she is being "unfaithful" to her husband.

After a certain amount of time (months or even years), it is acceptable in our socity for the widow to step out, start dating and even remarry. The prison wife who is faithful and dedicated to her husband does not have this option. Some women wait years for their man to return - ten, even twenty or more years.

There are close to two million prisoners in our country....that makes me wonder just how many wives and loved ones are left behind and forgotten. We think about the prisoner, but rarely think about those left behind.....the wives, the children, the mothers, and the girlfriends, to name a few. Those loved ones, who did not commit a crime, except the crime of "loving a criminal." They did not commit a crime, and yet they are punished.

A much needed Family Update....

2011-03-06T16:13:00.000-05:00

I thought I would update you on our family, it's been awhile. I guess the two biggest changes in our life right now are...

One is I have one week left of school in the CNA program. I will be taking the state test April 9th, and will be starting to look for a job this week.
The second big change is Bobby, my sweet hubby, is serving his time now. No he didn't commit a new crime, this is stuff from his past, that we are finally clearing up. I can not wait for it to all be done and over with. I miss him more then I could ever describe in words. Every day we were together, I feel more in love with him. Not only that He treated me like I was his princess, and I was very spoiled to all he did for me, and my babies. It's very hard at bedtime, he would rub my head till I fell asleep, and our feet were always wrapped around each others, while we slept. I miss him.

Avery is doing good in VA. He is been quite sick, and is struggling with his grades, but his behaviour at school has been better since he has been there. He is 13, and 5'6 now, almost as tall as me. He is HUGE!

Grace is in 3rd grade, and is my All A honor roll always child. She has over 500 AR points for this school year! She makes me proud! She wants to eb a VET when she grows up, and a model on the weekends.

Aidan is doing amazing, and has made leaps and bounds this school year. He is in a regular classroom for part of the day now, and is reading chapter books ( WOW). He wanted to play soccer this spring but our budget is not allowing for extra activites for anyone right now.

We are dealing with some big changes and we all miss Bobby. Keep us in your prayers.

Friday Savings Update.. will now be on Sundays.. Here is an update!

2011-03-06T15:57:00.000-05:00

Due to the change in my family and schedule,it's easier to do it on Sundays.

Sunday Savings update for last week!

I saved this week in coupons: $60!!!!

highlight: Finally getting my swiffer mop I have wanted for forever for $10!!! Thanks to my awesome 100 buck coupon book I got in the mail!

This month so far:$60.00

This year so far:$437.24

Menu Plan: Week of March 6

2011-03-06T15:52:00.000-05:00

Sunday: Leftovers

Monday: italian baked chicken,salad, brown rice, sweet potato and squash mix.

Tuesday: Homemade Sloppy Joes or dogs, sweet potato fries

Weds:Pork Chops with wild rice and Quinoa

Thurs: fast food or kids night at EF

Fri:Family Pizza Night

Sat:Crock PotRoast

Tasty Tuesday: Philly Cheese and Ground Beef Casserole

2011-03-01T09:27:00.001-05:00

Tasty Tuesday! This sounds yummo!

INGREDIENTS
1 1/2lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
1package (8 oz) sliced mushrooms
1teaspoon salt
1/2teaspoon pepper
8slices (1 oz each) provolone cheese
2tablespoons butter or margarine
2large onions, halved and thinly sliced into wedges
2medium red bell peppers, cut into strips
2cloves garlic, finely chopped
1can (16.3 oz) Pillsbury® Grands!® Homestyle original biscuits
DIRECTIONS
1Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) baking dish with cooking spray.
2In 12-inch skillet, cook beef, mushrooms, salt and pepper over medium-high heat 7 to 9 minutes, stirring frequently, until beef is thoroughly cooked; drain. Place in baking dish. Arrange cheese over beef mixture, overlapping slices if needed.
3In same skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add onions and bell peppers. Cook over medium-high heat 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until peppers are crisp-tender. Stir in garlic; cook 1 to 2 minutes longer. Spoon over cheese in baking dish.
4Separate dough into 8 biscuits. On lightly floured surface, pat biscuits into 5-inch circles. Arrange biscuits over vegetable mixture.
5Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until biscuits are golden brown on top.
To easily cut peppers, cut a thin slice off bottom of pepper. Set pepper on cutting board, cut side down. Cut strips of pepper from stem down to board, cutting just the flesh and leaving seeds and core attached to stem.
High Altitude (3500-6500 ft)
High Altitude Directions
Nutritional Information
1 Serving (1 Serving)Calories 490(Calories from Fat 250),Total Fat 28g(Saturated Fat 13g,Trans Fat 4g),Cholesterol 80mg;Sodium 1200mg;Total Carbohydrate 31g(Dietary Fiber 1g,Sugars 9g),Protein 27g;Percent Daily Value*:Calcium ;Exchanges:1 1/2 Starch;0 Fruit;0 Other Carbohydrate;0 Skim Milk;0 Low-Fat Milk;0 Milk;1 1/2 Vegetable;0 Very Lean Meat;0 Lean Meat;0 High-Fat Meat;3 Fat;Carbohydrate Choices:2;*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Tasty Tuesday: Grace's Bean Dip

2011-02-22T09:23:00.001-05:00

Grace's Bean dip.. We use this for a meat replacement for her a lot. It's an allergy free recipe too.

1 can beans ( chickpea/garbanzo, black, navy, or pinto)
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tsps minced garlic
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground cayenne pepper
1 tbsp chopped cilantro
2 tbsp olive oil

In a food processor blend beans, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, cilantro, and oil into smooth. Add more oil if you prefer a thinner, smoother dip or drain the beans if you like it thicker. Cover and keep refrigerated ( good for 1 day). Eat with veggies or chips.

Menu Planning: 2/20/11

2011-02-20T20:15:00.000-05:00

Sunday~ Pizza
Monday~ CrockPot Chicken * this was suppose to be last week but got changed due to My mom meeting me twice for dinner* It's my weight watchers dish!
Tuesday~ Baked Ham, green beans, and rice.
Going to use the leftover ham for ham salad to pack for lunches for Aidan and me, grace can't eat it.
Wednesday~ Daddy's day off, so he is cooking dinner~ No clue what!
Thursday~ Chicken Pot Pie
Friday~Stir Fry~ Family Theme Dinner Night! Chinese!
Saturday~Turkey Breast, mashed potatoes, peas, and gravy.

Friday Savings Update

2011-02-18T20:19:00.000-05:00

This week savings 2/12 to 2/18: $18.00

Highlights..Picked out my free hair color, set of clothes for Free for Aidan from Thredup

This months Total so far: $44.92

Total this year so far: $377.24

Items free this month: $10 Walmart Gift Card, Nice and Easy Color Foam, A book from the Henry VII wife series from Amazon, organic carrotts,whole chicken, and mashed potatoes from Earthfare, free panties from VS, set of clothes for Aidan from Tredup

Menu for the week of 2/13/11

2011-02-15T17:53:00.000-05:00

Sunday:

Lunch~ Homemade Chicken noodle soup ( I froze 2 bowls full of it too)
Dinner~ Sloppy Joes

Monday~ Heart shaped pepperoni pizza, salad with heart shaped cucumbers, and some fake Champagne!

Tuesday~ Spaghetti
( And we are cooking muffins up for the week for breakfasts..Carrott and banana nut)

Wednesday~ Crock Pot Chicken dish ( see the recipe here in the blog, it's diet friendly)

Thursday~ Eating with mom at Cracker Barrel and picking up my Avery for the weekend.

Friday~ Steak Tip Chili!

Saturday~ Stir fry

Tasty Tuesday: Cake Pops

2011-02-15T17:48:00.000-05:00

The newest rage in the baking world.. we finally tried some this week, can we say ( WOW).. We made some for Grace's class for her Valentine's Party.

We use Bakerilla's cake ball recipe.

Red Velvet Cake Balls
1 box red velvet cake mix (cook as directed on box for 13 X 9 cake)
1 can cream cheese frosting (16 oz.)
1 package chocolate bark (regular or white chocolate)
wax paper

1. After cake is cooked and cooled completely, crumble into large bowl.
2. Mix thoroughly with 1 can cream cheese frosting. (It may be easier to use fingers to mix together, but be warned it will get messy.)
3. Roll mixture into quarter size balls and lay on cookie sheet. (Should make 45-50. You can get even more if you use a mini ice cream scooper, but I like to hand roll them.)
4. Chill for several hours. (You can speed this up by putting in the freezer.)
5. Melt chocolate in microwave per directions on package.
6. Roll balls in chocolate and lay on wax paper until firm. (Use a spoon to dip and roll in chocolate and then tap off extra.)

I also only melt a few pieces of chocolate bark at a time because it starts to cool and thicken. It’s easier to work with when it’s hot.

Friday Savings Update

2011-02-11T06:16:00.006-05:00

This week savings 2/5 to 2/11:$26.92

Highlights... $10 gift card we earned in points, a FREE BOOK from amazon, the free dinner at earthfare.

This months Total so far: $26.92

Total this year so far: $332.32

Items free this month: $10 Walmart Gift Card, Nice and Easy Color Foam, A book from the Henry VII wife series from Amazon, organic carrotts,whole chicken, and mashed potatoes from Earthfare, free panties from VS.

Thankful Thursday:2/10/11

2011-02-10T18:16:00.000-05:00

Today I am thankful for my husband... I am thankful God has allowed him to be here now, I am thankful for all he does for me, and my kids. I am thankful that he puts God in his life first, and takes his family to church. I am thankful that he strives to show me love every day.. from making me coffee or brownies ( mmm ) or writing me a love letter. We aren't perfect, and we definitely have had to work hard to stay together through all we have been through. I love him. He is the my true love.

Tasty Tuesday: Heart Shaped Scones

2011-02-08T09:46:00.000-05:00

Their light texture and fruity flavor make these heart-shaped scones a treat for your sweetie.

Ingredients
2 cups flour
1 tbsp. sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
4 tbsp. margarine
1 tsp. orange zest
1 cup chopped fresh cranberries
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
X
Instructions
Combine the 4 four ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Blend in the margarine with a fork until the mixture is crumbly. Using a wooden spoon, stir in the zest and cranberries. In another bowl, beat the eggs well and then stir the milk into them.

Make a well in the middle of the dry mixture and pour the wet ingredients into it. Stir just until blended. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead a few times. Pat the dough to a 1-inch thickness. Use a butter knife to cut heart shapes. Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet at 400 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes. Makes 8 scones.

Toppings

Quick Strawberry Jam Empty a 16-ounce package of unsweetened frozen strawberries into a glass bowl. Microwave on medium until the berries are hot and soft (about 12 minutes). Stir in a 3-ounce package of strawberry Jell-O.

Fruit Butter Blend 2 parts softened butter and 1 part strawberry, raspberry, or apricot jam.

Flavored Cream Cheese Smooth 4 ounces of cream cheese with a wooden spoon. (Add a tablespoon of yogurt for a creamier consistency.) Fold in a few fresh or defrosted strawberries or raspberries.

Menu for the week of 2/6/2011

2011-02-07T11:56:00.000-05:00

Sunday:
Lunch~ Pizza
Dinner~ wings, 3 types of dip with chips, crock-pot weiners, ham and cheese sandwiches, and a football helmet shaped cookie cake

Monday: Pork Chops, salad, red potatos with olive oil, and aspargus or broc whatever I steam

Kids packed today.. Whole wheat turkey sandwiches ( Aidan with lettuce,mayo, and pickle; Grace with mustard, and sprouts), apple chips, cascada farms kids granola bar for Aidan, and Grace had her special allergy free cookies, baby bell white cheddar , and this new free of the crap jello I found for the kids. ( this is what I pack every time we pack for the most part sometimes Grace does just meat, cheese, and veggies)

Tuesday: Pot Roast in the crock pot

Wednesday~ Out to eat fastly LOl

Thursday~Baked Ziti or Pizza cooked by Daddy

Friday~ Family themed dinner night: Mexican

Saturday~Steak tip chili in the crockpot for dinner
Lunch will be homemade allergy free chicken "nuggets" for the kids.

Monday's Happy and Crappy

2011-02-07T11:39:00.000-05:00

Happy~ On Friday Aidan came home with student of the month and a character counts award. Grace and Daddy had a great time at the Father/daughter dance, and I learned a lot at a STEP workshop, and a inclusion workshop. And we had some great family time with the Super Bowl.

Crappy~ I learned so much I feel like I have been dealt the raw end of the deal for aidan in the school system here. And I didn't feel good all weekend.

Deep Stuff: Vaccines and Autism.

2011-02-04T16:20:00.000-05:00

My son has autism, he was vaccinated, and his first diagnosis was encephalitis, autism,a speech, and a sensory disorder. I did not write this it's written by Marcella Piper-Terry. I too have given up because at this point it's more important to me how to make my son a better life rather then what caused it, I believe one day we will have the answers until then I feel the jury is still out. I have read and read and read books about autism, how to help my son's "symptoms", and all kinds of various theories on the cause. I have my own ideas on how my son's autism came to be, and one day I will know, I hope, but that isn't going to change who he is now. I think all the fights about the cause need to stop and we need to work TOGETHER.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Okay. I give up.
Vaccines do not cause autism.
Autism is a behavioral diagnosis. In order to receive the diagnosis of "Autism" a child must exhibit a certain number of behaviors over a certain time frame. If he or she does not do so, the diagnosis of "autism" is not warranted.
There is no blood test for "autism."
"Autism" can't be confirmed or "ruled-out" by laboratory analysis. It's strictly a behavioral diagnosis.
Therefore, anything that causes physiological damage cannot directly "cause" autism.
Ergo... vaccines cannot "cause" "autism."

Vaccines cause other stuff.

Vaccines cause encephalitis.
Vaccines cause seizures.
Vaccines cause immune system deficiencies.
Vaccines cause gastrointestinal problems.

Encephalitis causes mood swings.
Encephalitis causes extreme pain.
Encephalitis causes inattention and impulsivity.
Encephalitis causes aggression.
Encephalitis causes balance problems and difficulty relating to one's environment.

Seizures cause mood swings.
Seizures cause inattention and impulsivity.
Seizures cause alterations in conciousness.

Immune system deficiencies cause children to have more frequent bacterial infections, such as ear infections, upper respiratory infections (URIs), sinusutis, and strep infections.
Immune system deficiencies cause children to have more frequent viral infections, such as stomatitis, "fevers of unknown origin," "viral rashes," hives, conjunctivitis, and gastrointestinal viruses that cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Immune system deficiencies cause children to be more vulnerable to "everything that's going around" and to have a tougher time getting over things than their peers.

Gastrointestinal damage from vaccines causes diarrhea.
Gastrointestinal damage from vaccines causes nausea, reflux, vomiting, and the recently discovered "disease" now known as GERD (Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease).
Gatrointestinal damage from vaccines causes increased vulnerability to viruses and bacteria, which leads to increased administration of antibiotics, which leads to overgrowth of pathogenic yeast.

Pathogenic yeast overgrowth leads to intestinal hyperpermeability ("leaky gut syndrome").
Pathogenic yeast overgrowth leads to constipation.
Pathogenic yeast overgrowth leads to food allergies.
Pathogenic yeast overgrowth leads to skin eruptions, "drunken, silly behavior," inattention and impulsivity, and cravings for bread, sugar, ice cream, milk, and carbohydrates.

Technically, vaccines do not cause autism because techincally there is no such thing as autism.
Vaccines cause the underlying physical conditions that result in the pain, neurological damage, immune system disorders, gastrointestinal damage, and yeast overgrowth - all of which combine to produce the behavioral symptoms that result in the "autism" diagnosis.

Gastrointestinal damage is the most obvious result of vaccine damage.
When a previously healthy child suddenly starts having multiple episodes of watery and extremely stinky diarrhea every day, and this happens shortly after receiving vaccinations, it is notable as a "vaccine injury." What is not so obvious is that when the child's gut is permanently damaged, he or she is no longer able to absorb nutrients necessary to produce neurotransmitters necessary for proper brain function. So when the child develops mood swings, sleep difficulties, and learning disabilities several months later, these issues are not recognized as being related to the vaccine injury because the initial damage occurred many months earlier.

Please re-read the previous paragraph.
This is why Dr. Andrew Wakefield is such a threat to the pharmaceutical industry.
Dr. Wakefield NEVER said vaccines cause autism.
Dr. Wakefield is a gastroenterologist. He saw a number of children with gastrointestinal problems who also happened to be diagnosed with autism. Dr. Wakefield reported his observations. He never claimed that the MMR "caused" autism. He merely reported that a number of children he had seen had BOTH gastrointestinal problems AND autism, and according to parental report, these issues developed within a short time of when the children received the MMR vaccine.

Why is Dr. Wakefield such a threat to the pharmaceutical industry?
Hint: Not because vaccines cause autism - they don't.
Vaccines cause gastrointestinal damage.
Gastrointestinal damage causes malabsorption of nutrients necessary for proper brain function.
Malabsorption of essential nutrients causes immune system disorders, seizures, encephalopathy, etc... and THAT's what leads to the ultimate diagnosis of "autism."

If Dr. Wakefield's obervations are correct, SOMEONE, SOMEWHERE will eventually draw the connection between vaccines and the domino-effect that leads to the "autism" diagnosis. From the perspective of the pharmaceutical industry, better to "nip it in the bud" now, which means discrediting Dr. Wakefield to the extent that no one will look further into the science.

Has this ploy worked?
Not for me. And not for many of the very intelligent parents I know.
Only time will tell if there are enough of us to make a difference.
.

Friday Savings Update

2011-02-04T08:32:00.001-05:00

This week savings 1/29 to 2/4: $181.80

Highlights... Scored Grace's Valentines Dance dress for $10, it was 80% off. I was able to get Grace new pantines 8 of them for $14 from Justice ( She needed them).. it was actually less than that because she had a gift card from there. Free wings from Earthfare.

This months Total so far: $181.80

Total this year so far: $305.40

Items free this month: Playmobil Dragon, Leapster explorer game Ben 10, liquid dish detergent ( gain),legos ninajko,spongebob clock,calico critter infant twins, a roll of spongebob birthday party, $20 in gift cards from BP,bijore makeup remover sample, many magazines,athenos greek yogurt,free wings from earthfare

Tasty Tuesday: Super Bowl is Sunday..check out this dish!

2011-02-01T11:24:00.000-05:00

Kickin' Buffalo Chicken Nachos

Ingredients

1 (13 oz.) bag restaurant style white corn tortilla chips (such as Tostitos)

1/2 cup bottled cayenne pepper sauce (such as Frank's Red Hot brand)

2 Tbsp. melted butter

3/4 cup prepared blue cheese salad dressing, divided

2 cups shredded cooked chicken (leftover or store-bought rotisserie chicken works well)

1/3 cup diced red onion

1 large tomato, seeded and chopped

1/2 cup sliced black olives

1/4 cup bottled pickled jalapeno pepper slices

4 oz. precooked bacon, crumbled

1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro or flat-leaf parsley

Preparation method
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet (such as a 'half-sheet pan') with aluminum foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Pour the tortilla chips out onto the baking sheet, and shake pan to distribute pile evenly.

2. In a bowl, combine the bottled cayenne pepper sauce, melted butter and 1/4 cup of the prepared blue cheese salad dressing and mix well. Add the shredded cooked chicken and toss well to coat.

3. Sprinkle the red onion, tomato, black olives and jalapeno slices over the tortilla chips. Sprinkle the buffalo chicken over the tortilla chips and top with the crumbled bacon.

4. In a small bowl, combine the shredded Mexican cheese blend with the Monterey Jack cheese and mix well. Evenly sprinkle cheese over the entire pile of covered chips.

5. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until cheeses are melted and lightly browned. Remove from oven and drizzle with the remaining 1/2 cup of blue cheese salad dressing. Top with the chopped cilantro (or parsley) and serve with a frosty-cold beverage (or two!) of your choice. Enjoy!

Meal Plan: Week of January 30

2011-01-31T09:59:00.000-05:00

Sunday~

Lunch~ Out to eat with a couple from Church at Golden Corral ( YUMMO)
Dinner- Pizza

Monday~ I have no idea yet. I have to go to the store or we are going out to eat.

Tuesday~ Crock Pot Chicken and dumplings

Wednesday~ Out to eat

Thursday~ Chinese for Chinese New Year

Friday~Family Themed Italian Night:Baked ziti,salad, bread for the family, and I am eating one of my premade Hcg meals

Sat~I get to eat HCG meal, but the family will have Homemade sloppy joes,corn, mashed potatoes.

And Sunday is Super Bowl Sunday at our house.. so lot's of goodies.

Deep Stuff/Part One: Forgiveness

2011-01-29T19:51:00.000-05:00

"Our Saviour kneels down and gazes upon the darkest acts of our lives. But rather than recoil in horror, he reaches out in kindness and says, 'I can clean that if you want.' And from the basin of his grace, he scoops a palm full of mercy and washes our sin. "

Max Lucado

Jesus forgives you just like that, all you have to do is ask. It's not so easy with your family, friends and more. My biggest goal for myself this year was to forgive those I need to forgive, so they no longer have that hold on me, and so that I am no longer filled with anger, rage, bitterness. And (insert deep breath here) ask forgiveness from those who I have hurt, lied too, or done wrong. I am no angel, I am not perfect, and I am not so naive to think it's everyone else's fault if I fail at a relationship. I have many people I no longer associate with, some I am even related too, some is for the better and some hurt deep. Rejection hurts when you ask for forgiveness and it's not given. Asking for forgiveness is nothing anyone wants to do. It reminds me of my son, Aidan when he has to say he is sorry for something he has done. He always goes SOreeeeeeeeeeee, and you can tell it's not something he really means at the moment. If it's hard for a child to forgive, we should know it's harder as an adult. Who wants to be wrong?

" Forgiveness doesn't make the other person right, it makes you free."

Stormie Omartian

I know that I can not move forward in my life, and move on into a deeper relationship with my Jesus till I have done this. So I have started working on it. Bridges have been broken, and I am building some great new ones, like Brooklyn Bridge sized ones, but I still hurt for the hurt I have caused others.

The next big step is for me to forgive myself. That one will take some time. It's easier for me to ask for forgiveness and then it is for me to forgive the people I need to forgive. Some people feel I shouldn't even forgive these people, but I need too. I want too. Some are easier then others.

I do not want to be one of these bitter miserable cussing you out for anything people. I listened to many stories from women in my church today, woman who have been through many of the things I have, and how they have moved on and are so close to Jesus now. How God has blessed there life now, and the road there now on. I heard the stories of women in the bible, and the one that meant the most to me, was the woman at the well. I relate to her, I know her pain, and guess what Jesus LOVED her too!

Check out John 4 and read her story.

Friday Savings Update

2011-01-28T07:23:00.000-05:00

This week savings 1/21/ to 1/28:20.00

This months Total so far: $123.60

Items free this month: Playmobil Dragon, Leapster explorer game Ben 10, liquid dish detergent ( gain),legos ninajko,spongebob clock,calico critter infant twins, a roll of spongebob birthday party, $20 in gift cards from BP,bijore makeup remover sample, many magazines.

Aidan won an award....

2011-01-27T22:03:00.000-05:00

Aidan entered his school Reflections Contest in Visual Arts. He placed 3rd in the K-2 divison. We are so proud and excited for him! He was too!

Thankful Thursday

2011-01-27T22:01:00.000-05:00

Today I am thankful for the answer to a few prayers God answered in the last day. God has been so good to me!! I grown closer and stronger to him every day.

2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Whiny Wednesday

2011-01-26T16:27:00.001-05:00

This Wednesday is the day, I get to whine.. And since I happen to be suffering from PMS, pretty mean sister syndrome, it's going to easy... So here is my whines for the day.

~ People who think stopping in the middle of a intersection is a good idea, especially in this kind of weather.

~ Snobby people, yes I know I use to be snobby,but I am not now, and I am not one of those moms, and those kind of moms annoy me. But I still give them a pretty smile :)

~ SNOW, children being dismissed for snow, and missing school for snow.Then said children going to school on Saturday's and/or what would have been a holiday.

~ Child Support. We will leave it at that lol.

Flat Grace and Flat Aidan

2011-01-26T16:12:00.003-05:00

Grace and Aidan are doing the flat stanley project, and have there own blog now!! Come join the fun!http://flatgraceandaidan.blogspot.com/

Tasty Tuesday

2011-01-25T10:04:00.001-05:00

This one of my fave recipes. I use to make it when I rode with my hubby on his 18 wheeler.
Crock Pot chicken and dumplings.
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
2 tablespoons butter
2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup
2 (10 ounce) packages refrigerated biscuit dough, torn into pieces
2 cans or homemade chicken broth
Directions
1. Place the chicken, butter, soup, and in a slow cooker, and fill with enough chicken broth to cover.
2. Cover, and cook for 5 to 6 hours on High. About 30 minutes before serving, place the torn biscuit dough in the slow cooker. Cook until the dough is no longer raw in the center.

Made this up tonight, turned out pretty good..

2011-01-23T19:01:00.001-05:00

So I am writing it here, so I don't forget how I made it.

Pork Chops with wild rice and Quinoa
First off I took some olive oil, and drizzled it over a frying pan ( one with a lid) sprinkled the pork chops with Italian Season, salt,pepper, and minced garlic. I put the lid on it, and flipped them ever so often. Once they started getting brown, I added a can of tomato puree all over the pork chops and pan. While this was going on I fixed the package of Wild Rice with Quinoa. I then added a can of rotel with ciltrano. I let this all cook on medium for about 5 to 10 mins, then added the rice mixture. And let it cook about another 5 to 10 mins. I used 4 pork chops by the way too. It was very tasty and the kids liked it too.

Menu plan for the week of 1/23/2011

2011-01-23T15:56:00.000-05:00

Sunday:
lunch~ Hamburgers, curly fries, and some chili cheese.
dinner~ Pork chops with mashed banana sweet potatoes ( it was suppose to be yesterday but I had a ladies thing to go to, and bobby made hotdogs)
Monday~Tortilla Encrusted Tilapia, grapefruit slaw, and baby red potatoes
Tuesday~Creamy chicken and couscous soup, with a salad.
Weds~ Either out or something like super fast, because we have OT till 5 and church at 6:30. I am thinking spicy pre cooked chicken breasts with mashed tators, and green beans
Thurs~ Family Night at EF or 4 cheese Ravioli
Friday~Mexican Family Night
Sat~Soup beans, ham, and cornbread

Friday Five

2011-01-21T14:43:00.000-05:00

1.What was the most recent thing to go past its expiration date in your pantry? Our bread turned green

2.When does your excitement about the new year usually expire?

About right now
3.What valued possession seems to be on the verge of expiration?
Ummm nothing I believe.
4.When does your current driver’s license expire?
2015
5.What subscription, membership, permit, policy, or other dated document are you most likely to allow to expire next without renewal?
My gym membership ha ha ha. No I try to make sure things don't expire.

Friday Savings Update

2011-01-21T14:35:00.002-05:00

I am going to start a new thing, where I Post what I saved this week in coupons,freebies and more.

Coupon Savings:
This week 1/16 to 1/21: $96.50
Items that ended up free this week: legos ninajko,spongebob clock,calico critter infant twins,$20 in gift cards from BP.

This months Total so far: $103.60
Items free this month: Playmobil Dragon, Leapster explorer game Ben 10, liquid dish detergent ( gain),legos ninajko,spongebob clock,calico critter infant twins, a roll of spongebob birthday party.

7 things I have learned from being Aidan's mom.

2011-01-20T19:52:00.000-05:00

It is hard to believe, Aidan will be 7 years old tomorrow. Aidan is my baby, my last child. He was my hardest pregnancy, my hardest delivery and labor, and my wildest toddler by far. In honor of his birthday I have decided to write about 7 things I have learned from being his Mommy.

~1~
Trust your Mommy instinct. When Aidan was a baby, and a toddler, everyone tell me, Oh he's just your third child, your crazy he doesn't need speech therapy. He will be fine. Aren't we glad I didn't listen to all that? I believe the fact Aidan has come so far is we started ST at the around 18 months of age. Aidan had a few words at a year old, but they seemed to go away the older he got. Aidan also suffered from chronic ear infections, and they didn't stop till tubes were placed in his ears. When Aidan did start speaking, he was very hard to understand. He still is sometimes, but he no longer needs speech now, and graduated.

~2~
Being normal is overrated. What is normal anyways? I have learned that I don't have normal children. Is there even anyone who is normal?

~3~
That a disability doesn't define who you are. That with hard work, you can make your goals. Aidan has worked very hard to get to the point he is now. A year ago he was about to be committed and now he is starting in a regular classroom.

~4~
There are very ugly, miserable stupid people in this world. There are parents who think there children are perfect, and love to use the kiddo with issues as an OUT for there own perfect kids. Ones who think they know everything your doing wrong for your child, everyone has a opinion on how to fix your child. Most people see Aidan, and he looks like your average kid, till he starts some of his odd behaviours, or has a fit in the grocery store. No lady he isn't spoiled or crying for candy, he's crying because the sounds, lights, and smells of this place is just too much for him.

~5~
To show Love without kisses and hugs. Aidan will hug, on his terms, and its a awesome thing when he does. Kisses not happening, as he says they hurt. Mommy doesn't want to hurt Aidan, so I don't kiss him unless he asks me too. Which never happens. I have learned to show my son Love through acts of service because its his language for sure. I tell him I love him, and when he asks who loves aidan, I am always ready to play the game.

~6~
That honesty isn't what everyone always wants to hear.
To not talk about anything that doesn't concern Aidan around him. He hears everything, and remembers everything. He is also wonderfully honest, and that there is such a thing as too honest. As Aidan has informed people of things that some people just don't want to know even if it is true. He also will tell you when asked what or who did what wrong, even if it was him.

~7~
To laugh. Aidan brings so much laughter our lives. I can't imagine what my life would be like without him.