My Life as an Air Force Wife

Holy Wow…

2011-10-23T19:29:00.001-05:00

I haven’t blogged since APRIL?!?! I knew it had been a while, but 6 months?! I guess I really did take a break! Sorry for not giving warning before dropping off the face of the earth!

Honestly we have been having so much going on with Eli, that my brain couldn’t take on anymore “activities”, so my Facebook went by the wayside, and my blogging got left behind. But it’s time to check in and re-join society! :)

So I will make this an update post. Eli is at a therapeutic school right now, but will be coming home at Christmas break and starting back at the local public school (which is amazing!). I wish I could say he was doing phenomenally, but he has suffered a couple of setbacks. We do have faith in the school and his doctors though, and are hopeful that these last two months there will get him headed back in the right direction. Speaking of Eli…today is his 8th BIRTHDAY! I still can’t believe he is that old…but I can’t say it flew by either. It has been a struggle, but one that I don’t plan on giving up on anytime soon. I have so much hope for him and his future; we are just trusting in God and the plethora of doctors and therapists he works with!

Chase is doing wonderfully. He will turn 5 in January and will start Kindergarten the following fall! It seems so strange to think that my baby will soon be 5! I’m so sad! He is growing entirely too fast. He is all about Power Rangers and Phineas and Ferb still. He learned to swim over the summer, and he has gotten so independent. But I still cave and let him crawl in bed with me when he comes in pretending to be scared and wants to snuggle. ;)

Norman is doing well…he is feeling ready for retirement, and I am still hoping and praying that he does decide to get out at 20 years. He goes back and forth on whether he wants to stay in longer or get out and do something else, but only time will tell. He still has 4 and a half years left, and a lot can happen in that amount of time. We will just keep praying and I know that God will direct our path to go where we need to.

After a lot of consideration and deep thought, I am excited to say that I am about to start school to get my Real Estate license! Before anybody freaks out about the market, the market here in Texas and San Antonio is unbelievable. It somehow escaped the collapse that was happening all over the place, and the economy is remaining strong here. I am excited to take this step in my life, and although I know that between family and classes it will take me awhile to get through everything, I am still excited to have chosen this direction. The flexibility of it along with the income potential (and did I mention the FLEXIBILITY??!!) makes this something well worth taking this shot. :) I am also hoping that Norman will continue to want to do this with me, and we will work as a team when he retires! That is the plan, and I only hope it remains the plan. I am tired of missing him all the time… It is exciting to think that we might get to see each other more than an hour or so a night during the week. Only time will tell.

Well, that’s it! Hopefully I will get back in to the blogging swing of things and keep up better. Lots of love to all our wonderful friends and family. We couldn’t do it without you! XOXO I am posting some pictures below that were taken during my absence! Enjoy!

This was taken at Dollywood in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. We took a family vacation with my parents and brother and sister-in-law and had a great time!

After Dollywood we met up with Norman’s sister and her husband and their two children, and we took a vacation down to Disney World! Norman hadn’t seen his sister in about 7 years! Talk about a great place for a reunion!

Eli, Chase, cousins Emily and Blake posing with Nemo outside the Nemo and Friends ride and Turtle Talk with Crush show. This was the first time the cousins had ever met, although Emily was there for Eli’s birth – they don’t remember that! :)

Outside Nemo – a family shot! We love Disney…we are going back in March; it’s our favorite family vacation spot!

Hard Decisions

2011-04-28T00:44:00.001-05:00

I will keep this brief, but wanted to keep everyone up to date on the happenings in our household. A week and a half ago, Eli was admitted back to Laurel Ridge for med changes. They changed things up, sent him home on a Friday, but by Sunday he was raging so badly that we had to take him back in and have him re-admitted. That is where he currently is, and we are not sure when he will be coming home.

I can’t explain in great detail, because not everyone needs to know, but if you would like to know how to pray for us and how you could help Eli, please leave me a comment and I will be more than happy to fill you in and let you know what is going on.

To sum it up, it boils down to this. Both of our children cannot live together under the same roof. Let me re-word that. Both of our children cannot safely live under the same roof. Key word…safety. It breaks my heart to have to finally say this out loud, but it is something that Norman and I have been realizing for some time, and have finally come to grips with. Eli’s 4 day a week therapy schedule isn’t making a dent, he is medication resistant, which leaves us stumped as to what other condition besides Autism he deals with. Many people don’t realize that most children who are autistic or who have Aspergers also deal with some other type of neurological, developmental, mental or other serious illness. For Eli, what that other diagnosis is, is still unclear. But for those of you who are our close friends…who have been with us to the mall to the play land areas or to the park, or to the zoos and really know him. I mean REALLY know him. Know the Eli that is at home with us everyday, every night, and influencing Chase every waking moment, we have come to know in our hearts we have to separate our children for the safety of Chase. And for the sanity of Eli. We love both our children dearly, and for those of you who followed along our pregnancy and miscarriage journey for so long, you know what a joyful blessing Eli was and still is to us.

We have made the decision to put him in a therapeutic boarding school. We are living on faith alone in God that he will provide a way for us to pay the ungodly tuition, but we know that this is it…our last chance at doing the very best we can for both boys. And when it comes down to it in the end, I have to know that even if it took every cent we had, we did the best we could for them.

I will not give names, but Norman and I know and have seen first hand what happens when parents don’t intervene when siblings are seriously hurting each other. I always was heartbroken over something that I had no control over and over a childhood that I couldn’t fix for someone else. But I CAN change this. We CAN do better. All we can do is try, pray…and keep trying.

I will be starting fundraisers soon to help raise money for his tuition. He needs it medically, and the therapy he will get there will be 24/7. Insurance doesn’t cover a dime, and it’s not like Norman just got a 50% raise to make this painless. I ask you to please share my blog with your friends…with anyone you know who might like to order a beautiful piece of jewelry once in a while to help us with Eli’s medical care.

Please be watching my blog for the first awesome bracelet that will be available for purchase to help Eli. This is no easy decision…but it is the one we had to make for our family…for the love of both of our boys.

Thank you for all of your love and sincerity and prayers. There are days that I wish I could sleep away and make all the hurt and fear go away. But I just have to keep telling myself that God is leading us in every way; we have given up on trying to figure this out on our own; He is the reason I am able to get up and out of bed every morning.

For all of you who have healthy children, please be thankful for them every single day. For those of you who are like us…struggling to breathe and just survive in some moments, our heart breaks with yours and grieves with you. To my best friend “K” your pain is not your own…we love you and share it with you and are always here for you. To our new found friends…Jani’s parents, your example is one that I admire and find strength and comfort in.

I know two things. God does not make mistakes, and I know that God does not lie. So I have to work on my faith in Him and that he has a better idea of what is going on than I do.

I ask again to please share my blog, because I will very shortly be putting up some jewelry pieces that will benefit Eli. And I hope to get a thermometer to let everyone gauge our progress through this fundraising thing. It’s uncharted territory for me; but I know that alone we can’t do this. So maybe my little jewelry shop can help.

All our love and thanks and appreciation.

This is MY STORY…This is MY SONG

2011-04-19T02:04:00.001-05:00

It’s so funny…I have been so stressed. Worried sick about Eli. Worried about what people think about us. Worried that I’m doing too much, or maybe not enough for him. Worried that Norman will deploy, worried he will be reassigned. Will I be alone? What if something happens on a deployment? I worry about Chase. When will he realize his brother is different? Will Eli ever know he is? When can I let all this GO and just release it to God and say – you died for me…you died for my Eli…for my Chase and for my Norman. And we will all be okay. Everything will be okay. None of us makes it out of here alive anyway…

But I realized something tonight that I suppose I’ve known all along…despite my worrying, I can’t solve any one thing, help any one person, or change anything. But what I do have is the assurance that this world is only temporary, and it is a very imperfect and judgmental place. In the song Blessed Assurance, there is a phrase…”Perfect submission, all is at rest, I in my Savior am happy and blessed, watching and waiting and looking above, I’m filled with his goodness and lost in his love…” Perfect submission…STOP. Just submit to Him. Lean on Him. Find rest in Him. HE is the only place I will find rest. Not a doctor who may know all the right answers or in a vacation where I may escape the reality of our lives for a few days. I need to just let go.

Tonight I sat outside and just looked at the stars, and was so thankful. Thankful for my family…and oddly enough, realizing that Eli blesses me even despite all of the pain we have gone through as a family. All the times I wished he could just be “normal”…what if he was? Would I ever realize the hurt that others go through with their special children? Would I ever realize how heavy that cross is to bear? The answer is a huge no. I wouldn’t feel a need to advocate for and help and encourage those who the rest of the worlds sees as different. The only thing that I see (as a mother of a special needs child who is labeled as different), is that we are CALLED to be different. To stand out, to step up. Would I have learned to fight this fight if it weren’t for my Eli? No. Do I cry because my heart breaks for him that his life won’t be like everyone else’s? YES. But that’s the thing…I have blessed assurance that one day Eli will be perfect. God loved him and knew him before I did, and he gave him to me. Why? Why me? Maybe someday I will really fully understand that, but for now, all I need to do is trust that everything WILL be okay, because it is promised to me. It is promised to Eli.

And this life I live, the fight I am fighting for Eli and for friends who come to me for help…This is MY story, and this is MY song. And I’ll keep singing until I’m heard.

Spring is here!

2011-04-02T22:12:00.001-05:00

Things have been so incredibly busy, that there are some days I don’t even turn on my computer! I never thought I would see the day!

About three weeks ago, a childhood friend and my Dallas roommate, Misty and her husband came down to San Antonio, and we got to meet up one evening for dinner and enjoy the fiesta that was going on downtown at Market Square. The boys enjoyed riding junior sized mechanical bulls and buying necklaces with dead bugs and spiders in them. I even held a live snake around my neck, and we had the absolute best time. Misty, we will have to do it again soon!

Two weeks ago, we signed the boys up for Tae Kwon Do, and so far ,even though they haven’t gone long yet, they have earned their first belt, their white belt. I think they look so adorable in their uniforms, and they love their lesson days, which are Mondays and Fridays. Eli is doing so well in school, his last report card had one B and the rest A’s, so I definitely cannot complain about that! He takes after me in that math is his most difficult subject, but thank goodness Norman is here to help him with that, especially when he gets older.

Our days here are so busy, with 4 days out of the 5 weekdays filled with activities and appointments. Monday we have Tae Kwon Do, Tuesday is my day to either relax with the kids at home, or make appointments for myself or Chase. Wednesday is Play/Talk therapy for Eli. It depends on his needs as to which type of therapy he receives, but we are extremely lucky to have such a wonderful therapist who knows him so well and is truly the perfect match for him. Thursdays are Eli’s Occupational Therapy days, and Friday is Tae Kwon Do again. Eli used to have a social skills group on Saturday, but it just became too much so we figured the martial arts could fill that void. Time will tell.

On April 1st Norman was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and we were so blessed to have my parents come into town to be a part of that day. Former Congressman Rodriguez officiated the ceremony, and he and I pinned on Norman’s new rank. It was a beautiful day for a beautiful ceremony, and I am so proud of Norman. He is one step further up the ladder, and I am just so happy to be able to watch him fulfill his dreams every day. Hard to believe that I am 31 years old and married to a Lt. Col! I remember when I married Norman, thinking that Lt. Col’s were SO powerful and they made my knees shake if I was ever around them!!! And now that we are here, it is just so ironic that I feel no different than that 22 year old girl who was first introduced to the military when I married a Captain. I’m just so proud of Norman. He works so hard for our family, and doesn’t get the thanks he deserves.

Life has just been wonderfully busy, and we are so blessed. Every time we move, I always miss the friends I’ve left behind, but here, I have met so many wonderful people, and one of those people, I feel is truly my “soul mate” of best friends. Over and over we run into situations where we find ourselves saying, “Thank the Lord that He brought us here.” The medical community, the wonderful people, and our wonderful home…we are just finally where we need to be. And I can’t wait to see what the upcoming weeks have in store!!!

XOXO

Technorati Tags: military,Lt. Colonel,promotion,kids,Tae Kwon Do,San Antonio,friends,military promotion ceremony

Hellooooooo Blog World!

2011-03-07T22:16:00.001-06:00

It has been so long since I have blogged! It feels like such a lifetime ago, even though it’s only been about a month!

Eli is doing absolutely phenomenal. He was in Laurel Ridge for a short week stay, and between that and his doctor making some additional adjustments, he is doing beautifully. We have never seen him this happy and this stable, and it is a wonderful feeling in this house. We feel comfortable, and at ease. Sure we have some tough moments, but it feels like we are a solid family and all of the sacrifices that we have made were so worth it. We made it. We know there are challenges in store, and that we are no where near having everything figured out…but it’s okay. We are going to be okay.

Norman is preparing for his promotion the end of this month to Lieutenant Colonel! I absolutely cannot believe that when we met, his boss was a Lt. Col, and I shook in my shoes every time I was around her. I felt like she was such a high rank and it scared me…and here Norman is about to be promoted to that rank. It’s amazing to me that we have been married for 9 years and we have known each other for 10. I am so proud of him, and no matter what the military has demanded from him, he is always there for me and our boys. We are so incredibly blessed to have someone who gives of himself so freely to take care of us and make sure we are happy. I love you Norman. And I am so incredibly proud of you. Congratulations on your wonderful achievement, and I know that you are a blessing and inspiration to those you lead and mentor. There are so few men in this world who are truly honorable, and you are one of them. Thank you for being mine.

That is going to wrap it up for now. I am getting super sleepy, but I promise to catch up on all my friends blogs soon, and I will be better about blogging! I have been pouring all my online time into my shop and into planning my actual – REAL LIFE – shop here in San Antonio, and I hope and pray that I can get that established during this year sometime. I will keep you posted on that!

Thank you to all of you who were praying for me during my surgery. I am feeling great and slowly getting back into the swing of things! I pray that it was a complete success and no more surgeries will be needed. Okie doke…that is all for now! Sweet dreams blog friends…I will be visiting your blogs very soon!

XOXO

A Work In Progress

2011-02-02T22:57:00.001-06:00

That’s what our lives have become…and I suppose that God intended it that way, but it sure would have been easier if there weren’t so many hard choices to make, paths to choose, and mountains to climb.

We are still working on getting Eli on the right meds, and he had another (short) 8 day stint in LR. Today at his doctors appointment another situation has decided to make itself known, and we face yet another struggle with him that I am not yet fully prepared to talk to anyone about yet. And by anyone, I mean anyone. All I can do is ask for prayers for Eli and for all of us as we struggle to understand Eli and help him as best as we can. I don’t know why God blessed us with him…I don’t know why He felt we were strong enough to handle all the issues that this precious little soul has going on inside of him, but I just want to help him.

Norman found out that he has degenerative arthritis in his back. After years of suffering back pain and doctors either doing nothing, throwing Motrin at him and showing him the door, or just not even being able to get any help whatsoever, he finally was able to get some X-rays and some answers. We aren’t sure what all this means yet, but at least maybe someone will do something about it now. As far as the sleep apnea, still no news, help, or info on that. That’s the caring military way for ya.

Chase is doing well. He’s his happy, cheery self, and just enjoys being outside and playing on his swing set.

I started seeing a therapist for my anxiety issues that the military caused. I have come full circle from thinking that if you say that you talk to a therapist or a counselor that it meant you were weak. But what I’ve come to realize is that I’m just human. Where my weaknesses are, are where others find their strength. And it takes talking through things to get a different perspective, a different view, and an ability to heal. I am so proud of my husband and everything he has accomplished in his career, I just don’t want to let those idiots at Barksdale in the medical group ruin the pride that I have in our military and in my family. So that is my work in progress. Moving on from Barksdale and the Nazi idiots in the med group there.

We are each faced with challenges…and for me, my biggest challenge is knowing when to ask for help. So for now I’m proud of myself that I am being honest with where I am, who I am, and where I want to go from here. But most of all I am just thankful to have the family that I do and all of the support that I have. I am blessed.

It’s been awhile…

2011-01-26T19:15:00.001-06:00

Things have been so hectic here, and I have just been a little down and wasn’t up to my usual blogging self. Several things have happened since my last blog, so I will catch you up as quickly as I can!

January 18th my sweet baby Chase turned FOUR! It’s so hard to believe that my little preemie is such a big boy now. We celebrated with a party and Nana and Papa were able to come down for it, which made it super special. Our good friends Reina and her kids and Kat and her family came, and we all had a wonderful time.

On January 19th, Norman and I celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary! It’s so hard to believe that we’ve been married that long; on one hand it seems like we have always been together, but on the other it just seems like yesterday that we met.

Wedding

Maryland Renaissance Festival Washington D.C. – On the front side of the Capitol Bldg where Norman worked. Norman, we have come so far and have gone through so much together, but I wouldn’t trade any of it for the world. You are my strength and my comfort, and I am daily grateful for the support you constantly give.

Moving on to the latest happenings in our family, Eli is back in the hospital. His medications got incredibly screwed up with the addition of Concerta, and we could not get him back under control. His physical aggression and outbursts were beginning to hurt Chase again, (and the neighborhood dogs), so it was time for a complete overhaul. The changes that have been made are going from him being on 1) Concerta 2) Lithium 3) Intuniv 4) Zyprexa and 5) DDAVT.

Now, he is on 1)Lithium 2) DDAVT 3) Abilify 4) Strattera 5) Invega

Only time will tell if this new combination will be the right one for him, but for now all we can do is hope and pray. We miss Eli terribly and are anxious for him to come home to us.

The Ugly Truth

2011-01-11T08:47:00.001-06:00

I’ve spoken pretty openly in the past about the struggles we’ve had with the military in getting Eli the proper medical care, and how hard the fight was to get here to San Antonio where he could get care. Now that we are here, we are so much happier, and I honestly feel like we’ve made it HOME. Eli has all the support he needs, the school (Encino Park Elementary) is absolutely AMAZING. I can’t say enough good things about them, and his therapist, doctors, skills group teams are all working together to help Eli be the best Eli he can be. And he is doing fantastic. He’s right on par with his 1st grade class pretty much, reading well, making good grades, and is happy with his teacher and classmates. We are making friends in our neighborhood and around town, and there is nothing about living here that I have anything negative to speak of. We are finally at peace here in this area.

But the truth is that I am still dealing with an enormous amount of anxiety that the military has left me to deal with on a daily basis. And honestly it’s not DAILY…it’s just when we have a military ball/function/luncheon, etc. What sparked the need for me to get this blog off my chest was an invitation I got this morning. As soon as I started reading the invitation, my chest got tight and I started panicking. This may sound absurd, but I am still dealing with the way we were treated by Barksdale Air Force Base.

Instead of the military helping us get help for Eli, they blamed us for his disability, insisted on invading the privacy of our home because they were certain they would be able to find fault with us in order to get them off the hook. And last but not least, they totally changed his diagnosis because they wanted to. They didn’t have to provide care if they re-diagnosed him after not treating him, knowing him, or meeting him for more than half an hour. Everyone thinks military medical is great…but what they did to us was terrorize us, deny our son help, and cause me to distrust the military in every way. Military Balls which should be fun events to dress up for and get your hair done…aren’t. The simple act of driving through the gate of the base causes me to need Xanax. Not joking.

This invite to a luncheon that is happening tomorrow has me sitting here with a knot in my stomach and as STUPID and INSANE as it is, I know that my irrational reaction to such an innocent invite is tied to the Barksdale mistreatment we received, and I think I finally need to talk to someone about it to get past my anxiety.

Norman will be promoted in a month or two, and what will I do then? Not go? That isn’t an option. I have considered asking him to find someone else to pin on his new rank because the thought of standing in front of anything/anyone military makes me sick to my stomach. And that isn’t me. I ran for state office for FFA and have made speeches in front of hundreds of people. I’m not afraid of public speaking…of being in front of people. I have the self confidence to stand up in front of large groups. But the pain of what the military did to us…I can’t seem to shake it. So today I believe is the day I will begin to look for/make an appointment with someone who may be able to help me deal with this issue.

This has been such a private battle with me, but I know I’m not alone. The military medical system has hurt so many people, and just as I find peace and comfort in other military wives blogs, I decided to put this out there in case others were dealing with the same issue. I’m not ashamed that I fought so hard for my family, and I’m not ashamed of my son’s different abilities. I’m not ashamed that my husband is in the military…I am very proud of him and what he’s accomplished. And I’m not ashamed to say what I am dealing with. Yes, it has been a private issue, but I know I’m not alone. The ONLY thing I am ashamed of is the way our military families are mistreated so many times. I must say that not everyone has special needs children and for them, they find the medical care adequate. But for special needs families, the military is failing miserably. And at the very least I am hoping this blog will reach someone who is feeling down and the same sort of feelings. To you I would say, “YOU AREN’T ALONE. KEEP FIGHTING”. And once you get care for your child, you can then focus on getting the help and healing you need for the fighting you did. That is what I am about to do…I have to. For the sake of myself and my family.

Technorati Tags: Barksdale AFB,Military Medical,EFMP,Special Needs children,Anxiety,San Antonio,Autism

Fashionably Late – Sunday Feature

2010-12-06T22:44:00.001-06:00

I didn’t miss Sunday by toooooo much! :) This week, the featured design is for the kids out there who love their grandpa. Shirt reads, “I don’t need Santa…I’ve got Grandpa!”

Click on the Babies and Kids link to get to the design, and pick the style of tee or sweatshirt or hoodie you’d like!

The Kids and Toddler Tee’s are on SALE, plus if you order by December 9th, you receive FREE SHIPPING! Use coupon code SLEIGH at checkout!

http://www.creativeleighyours.com

Our family is growing!

2010-12-04T22:55:00.001-06:00

By another four feet! I already introduced you to Gris, my beloved 8 week 2 pound Chinese Crested Hairless that I have wanted for 6 loooong years… (his belly is hairless, but he is starting to lose his baby hair along the sides of his body and he’s just simply precious!!!)

Then, when talking to my mom, she told me about seeing an ad for Chinese Crested Powderpuffs that a lady was giving away…FOR FREE. And did I mention they have papers? Yep. So on Saturday my good friend and her kiddos came over for a visit, and she loved Gris…so I happened to mention the puppies in the ad to my friend. She was interested, so I called my mom and had her call the lady to see if the puppies were still available. There were several who were needing homes and unbelievably only two were free. So I called the woman to tell her that we wanted one of the puppies, and as soon as I hung up, I couldn’t believe that I would walk away from a Powderpuff…papered no less…for free. So with the approval of my husband and some cheering from my friend, I called the lady back and claimed the second free pup. He is 8 months old, and I am simply in love with both of my four-footed fur babies. They have made great friends with each other, and they are bringing so much joy to us! I have to thank my parents for driving to the other side of Oklahoma go pick them up, and then for meeting my friend and me at Fort Worth yesterday so that we could pick them up. THANK YOU! We both love our new babies!!!

So everyone, meet Georgie!

Simon, our only cat is coping as well as can be expected for an old guy :). And I’m coping pretty well for being the only female in this house! :)

A New Weekly Tradition: The Sunday Feature

2010-11-28T21:54:00.001-06:00

The Sunday Feature will be a design from my Creativeleigh Yours Shop that I will feature for one week. Each week the design will change, and sometimes the feature will be clothing or electronics or a number of other items.

Now, the Sunday feature will be a design of my choosing, and at some point during the week, for one day only, I will be offering a discount. So if you are interested in this shop program and are not a follower of my blog, become a follower and add me to your feed. I will also be doing giveaways for followers of my blog and facebook fans, so there are many good things to come! Giveaways, discounts, being the first to find out about new products…what’s not to love about it??!!!

Monday Madness for my handbags and jewelry will be returning shortly, so keep an eye out for those deals as well, and as with the Sunday Feature, if you become a follower you can take advantage of sales available only to followers of our blog and Facebook fans.

Creativeleigh Yours Facebook Fan Page

And now, without further ado, the first ever Sunday Feature! Keep in mind we have dozens of tee shirt styles and colors and sizes, but here is the logo on one of our available tee’s. This week we are promoting ADOPTION! Adoption changes lives, and if circumstances were different and we didn’t have a special needs child who demanded so much of our attention, we would have loved to adopt. We even went through the Alabama state foster and adoption program and were cleared to adopt…and then found out we were pregnant with our youngest son, Chase. And THEN found out that our oldest, Eli, was autistic, ADHD, ODD, and a bunch of other acronyms which most people don’t understand.

This is the FIRST of our adoption designs, so please check back soon for more , but here is our Sunday Feature Design!

Click here to view all of the available tees with the logo, "Adoption Changes Lives".

And be sure to check back each week to see each new featured design!

Technorati Tags: Adoption,Adopt,Adoption Shirts

The bad stuff…not so bad anymore :) And a new addition to the fam!

2010-11-24T09:35:00.001-06:00

My last post I focused on the positive changes and improvements that we’ve seen in Eli, but there are setbacks as well. Some are related to the medicine he’s on (and some of that will be addressed Dec 1st at his first psychiatry visit since his discharge). We are hoping to cut down the amount of one of the meds due to the side effects that we’ve noticed.

What he’s on currently is Lithium, Intuniv (a non-stimulant ADHD med), and Zyprexa. The Zyprexa is what’s causing the most (and only, actually) side effects. He has gained weight…which he needed to gain some, but he’s gained more than he’s needed, so we are very conscious of his diet, cutting out all sweets, and making sure he is physically active as much as possible. He is also very tired on this medication. He has to go to bed at 7pm in order to stay awake all day during school, but by the time he gets home he is absolutely exhausted. He is pretty even mannered, so the meds are working to keep him stable, and for that we are very thankful.

He is having an issue having to pee ALLLLLLLL the time. It’s insane. Every 5 minutes. No joke. So that is the main issue that is affecting things and the reason that we want to cut down the Zyprexa. The school is fabulous in accommodating him and letting him go whenever he needs to go, so there are no issues there. His teacher asked me when I picked him up a week ago if I would like to have a meeting to see where he was at and to talk about my feelings about the care he was receiving, and I jumped at the chance. His teacher went over some testing results, and to her surprise he scored very high in many areas. Not that she expected him to fail, but he just exceeded her expectations in his reading and comprehension, and we were thrilled. His math seems to be improving, and his attention span is also improving, and he is able to sit for longer periods of time and focus on the task at hand.

The issues are VERRRRRY minor compared to the problems we were having before. San Antonio has been worth every struggle and tear and letter and Congressional complaint to get here. The military failed us. They failed my family, but ultimately it is the parent’s responsibility to provide the support and resources for their children, and that is the reason we fought so hard.

I honestly am still very bitter toward the military for how we were treated during the entire ordeal, and anytime I have to go on base I nearly have anxiety attacks. Barksdale AFB had wanted to send people into our home to watch us parent to find fault with US for Eli’s problems, and that is something that I still am angry about. The military wasn’t concerned about helping us; they were concerned about placing blame on us so that they didn’t have to help us. I am happy to not live on base and frankly I would be happy to never set foot on another military base again. I have a serious distrust of the “advocates” they have, and I want nothing to do with it. Bottom line is that they did not help us, and my child suffered. The idea that the military is a great support for families is a lie – in our case especially. But for EFMP families it is a huge reality that the military has simply failed. I am not sure that is something that I will ever be able to reconcile.

I want to be supportive of Norman, and I am supportive of him. I am extremely proud of his accomplishments, and the fact that he will be promoted to Lt. Colonel after the first of the year just boggles my mind. When we met he was a Captain, and I thought THAT was impressive! I am so proud of him, so it makes it especially difficult to balance the pride I have in him serving our country and the fact that he has sacrificed so much and the military has treated our family so poorly. Prayer is the only thing that will help resolve that, so I just need to focus on doing more of that to help come to a peace with it in my heart.

And now, after that heavy post, here is the lighthearted ending to the post. After 6 years of wanting a Chinese Crested Hairless (or hairy hairless), Norman got me one for my Christmas present yesterday!!!

I will explain his name….Since the puppy is my Christmas present, and my ALL TIME favorite movie is National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, and I adore Clark Griswold :) - he is just the greatest! So the little guy’s name is Clark Griswold, but we call him Gris.

So welcome to the family Gris! We adore you already…all two pounds of you!!!!

Technorati Tags: Autism,EFMP,Military,Air Force,Special Needs,Lithium,Intuniv,Zyprexa,ADHD

Autism 101

2010-11-21T23:37:00.001-06:00

Boy I sure wish there was such a thing. Life would be a heck of a lot easier for sure. I have been wanting to write a post about Eli to update everyone on his progress and setbacks, because there are so many people out there who are supporting him (and us), in this journey. Each day is different…and sometimes each hour is different. For mom’s of Aspie kids, you know exactly what that is like – it’s totally exhausting. It’s frustrating, it’s overwhelming, it’s angering, at times humiliating, but then there are the moments where you are so proud of your child that all of the rest just doesn’t matter. The joys are so much more than anything that can be described, because you know that each small step in a positive direction takes so much more effort for our special kids than the ones who are considered to be typical, “normal” kids.

I do want to say that I believe no kid is “normal”…Normal is just a setting on a washing machine. Each child is special in his/her own way and some just take a bit more effort to reach socially, educationally, emotionally, etc. So now on to Eli.

We have been extremely blessed in that we have been told repeatedly that most autistic children don’t bond strongly with people…they form stronger attachments to things or animals. But Eli blesses us because he has bonded to us and his brother and his extended family. They have been extremely supportive of his needs and have been aware of what his sensitivities are and are constantly aware of his needs. We are blessed by them that they are so caring and are so accepting of the challenges that we face.

Ever since he was released from Laurel Ridge, Eli has been such a different child. He is much calmer, he can articulate his feelings and frustrations, and he no longer acts out before talking about his anger first. He is able to use his coping skills when he becomes frustrated with Chase, and he uses what he calls “self breaks” to go to his room to watch tv, play his video games, or look at books until he calms down. He generally comes to us first to let us know when Chase is bothering him, and before he would just push Chase or hit him or lash out because he didn’t know how to respond appropriately. He has come a LOOOONG way.

He has started a once weekly social skills group (which he loves) at One For Autism. They go on outings to the library and teach them social skills like how to ask how to look books up, etc…they go to the mall, to parks, etc. The point is to get them in social situations and show them appropriate ways of interacting with all types of people. They also play games at the center with a Wii, and that helps them understand that losing is as much a part of life as winning, and the importance of taking turns, etc. This program is unbelievable, and is critical to his progress. He will also be starting Occupational Therapy there once a week as well, and he has started Play Therapy that he attends one evening every other week. The breakthroughs that happen in play therapy are unbelievable, and I have become a firm believer in play therapy for children who are dealing with any type of issue, trauma, problem, or pain of any sort.

As parents, our children will only provide so much information to us. No matter how open the relationship is, we are still mom and dad, and sometimes it takes that person that they can bond with and feel the freedom to open up to in a special way. The transformation in Eli is a direct result of his therapies, and I cannot say enough about it.

His school team is amazing as well, and he has such amazing support with them. His teacher is caring, and I nearly fell out of my chair at the first IEP meeting we had at the amount of support and time they were willing to work with him, and the programs they have in place already for him. He may be getting some OT through the school as well as any additional help needed throughout the day with an allotted hour of one on one time each day with a special education teacher to help him with things that are more difficult for him. I came out of that meeting just overwhelmed and thanking God that He had sent us here…to THIS place. Everything happens for a reason, and this is exactly what Eli has needed.

I am so thankful for a husband who puts his family first…no more moves. This house is our HOME and our children will never have to be uprooted again. It is too traumatic for autistic children to undergo change, and at the rate of moving every year, it was just taking a horrible toll on Eli and his mental state. He is so much more relaxed and able to be more like a regular 7 year old. We are also thrilled that Norman is making progress in putting together the play set for the boys. This will be awesome for them to play and get all their energy out. I cannot wait until it is completed!!

This post focused on the positives because there are so much more of them than the negatives, but my next post will concentrate on some of the setbacks we have faced with him . There are things that we still struggle with, so prayers are always needed and much appreciated. He is such a gift; you never know when you hold your newborn baby and make that promise that you will love them no matter what, what issues you may someday face with them. But you keep fighting…you never give up. Because no matter what the obstacle, they are worth every sleepless night and every tear shed and every angry anxious moment. They are worth everything. And you never stop fighting…not for a minute.

Technorati Tags: Autism,Aspergers,Play Therapy,Social Skills Group,Military Family,Military Autism

I Won, I Really Won!

2010-11-16T21:43:00.001-06:00

My wonderfully sweet bloggy friend Stacey over at Love and Chaos hosted a CHRISTmas giveaway, and I WON!!!! She has been more than patient with me since I’ve been sick and pretty much absent from blogging here lately! But THANK YOU sweet friend! Your gifts warmed my heart and cheered me up! It’s been pretty lonely around here with Norman on TDY, so this was a welcome “pick me up” gift! Thank you so much Stace!

So you are all probably wondering what goodies I got!!!

My gifts came in a stocking that has iron-on personalized letters! So cool! And inside was…

A magnetic snowman notepad, an adorable snowman figurine, a precious snowman ornament, a Santa gel cling, Rudy’s cocoa mint ANTI-BACTERIAL HAND GEL!!! This scored HUGE points with me because anyone who knows me knows that I never leave home without hand sanitizer!!! And a bottle of red nail polish (which I will be using to paint my nails for the upcoming military holiday party! I LOVE each of these gifts, and two of them already have homes…

My Snowman figurine has a place of his own on our mantle above the fireplace, and my ornament has a cozy spot on our tree :).

Thank you so much, Stacey, for the thoughtful gifts and for brightening my week!!! I’m so glad we have become bloggy friends!

And to all of my friends who haven’t had the privilege of visiting Stacey’s blog, hop on over there right now to say hello and cruise around her blog! http://loveandchaos71.blogspot.com/

Just me and the boys…

2010-11-03T17:14:00.001-05:00

Norman is TDY this week, so I’ve had my hands full with both boys this week…and it’s only Wednesday! They are being good though, so I can’t complain, but boy am I ready for bedtime each night!

Eli is doing great in school, and his IEP team is fantastic. He is right on track with the other first graders, so I am happy that he’s been able to come home and pretty much resume “normal” life. He and Chase had a great time dressing up for Halloween (Eli went as Bumblebee and Chase was Buzz Lightyear), and I absolutely cannot believe that it’s November already.

October was a busy month for us; we had weekend visitors two weeks in a row, and it was so nice! My parents were able to come visit for Eli’s birthday, and then Norman’s aunt and uncle were on their way to visit other family members and were able to spend a couple of days with us as well! It made me realize I need to get on with the rest of these home projects, and finish painting the walls and trim. I am having trouble deciding on the color for the formal dining/living room. Anyone have any suggestions?! I need help!! I am leaning toward a pretty gray with some lavender undertones on the top part of the wall in the dining room and leaving the wall white under the chair rail in the dining room section of the room, but painting the rest of the walls in that same color. I’ve already painted the guest bathroom downstairs, kitchen, and Eli and Chase’s room upstairs. I still have a lot to do, but I am going to do the dining/living room next.

Alright, that’s all for now. Eli is cuddled up next to me going to sleep and Chase is playing trucks and chasing the cat so I need to wake Eli up and find something better for Chase to do ;). Adios!

McLinky Monday – Worst Job

2010-10-25T10:53:00.001-05:00

This is the first time I’ve joined in for the Rhok’s McLinky Monday, but I couldn’t resist this week’s subject. The worst job you’ve ever had.

Super Easy. EASY. Seriously.

I do not have to think twice before saying that being a front desk clerk at the hotel at Roman Nose State Park was the WORST JOB I ever had. EVER.

The first time I tried to make a hotel reservation for a family I wiped out the week’s worth of reservations. Names, addresses, credit card numbers. GONE. My boss was so nice…too nice – she didn’t fire me. I have never had a job where I went to work praying to get fired. I had to wear these horrible slacks, and the computer system was so old it was horrible. People would complain and all I could do is say “I’m sorry”. I wanted to say this, instead but for obvious reasons I couldn’t… “For the love of God, if you want to get all the amenities of a 4 star hotel please don’t come out to a state park hotel and expect a 4 star hotel. Do your research. Yes the place is old. I’m sorry. But what did you expect?!” So I stood there nodding my head and apologizing for not being a 4 star hotel, taking group complaints ( we booked our family reunion and all there is to do here is golf and swim!??! All I could say is sir, that was on your brochure. We don’t try to hide from you what we do or do not offer).

My last day I showed up to work. Sat in my car in the parking lot and gave myself the pep talk that I need the money; I’m a broke college kid and I need to do what I need to do. And then I walked in there, saw I was working with the person I liked least there, and just said, “I QUIT” and turned around and walked out. Leaving them in a bind since they needed two people for that shift and I was that second person. Oh well. I had had enough. And I haven’t been back to Roman Nose since. It’s a lovely place…but I am NOT a fan of that hotel.

And that is my Oklahoma parks and recreation endorsement! HA!

What was your worst job? Head on over to the Rhok and link up to let them know what your worst job was!

The Rhok

Eli’s HOME! And he’s 7!

2010-10-25T10:27:00.001-05:00

Eli got to come home…for good on Saturday the 23rd – his 7th birthday! What a day for not only him, but all of us. Chase is beside himself with joy that Eli is home, and Eli is doing really well. That was a long 5 months…and I’m not delirious to think that this will be the last time; I can hope, but the possibility is there and very big for him to need to go back someday, but we are going to enjoy the progress for as long as we can.

He starts to school tomorrow at the local school, but today he is home so that he can get a Hep A shot from the peds office. And it’s a double appointment, so hopefully the doc can give us something for Chase. Norman and I both have bronchitis, and I think that’s what Chase has as well, so hopefully they can give him some meds that will help him feel better. Poor little guy has not been feeling well for awhile.

I hope I like the pediatrician; this is the first appointment with her, and I want to like her so we are one step closer to being DONE with first appointments. I’ve found pretty much everything else here and filled out all the numerous pages of history and had stuff faxed and sent from the other places/doctors, so I want to be DONE with that junk! It’s the worst part about moving since we aren’t Tricare Prime. If we were seen on base they would transfer everything for us, but since I refuse to see the incompetent military docs (yes, I know people will argue with me, but seeing as how I’ve never had a good experience with a military doctor that is my right to feel that way. So please, no comments trying to justify why military docs are good. I am aware there are exceptions to everything and somewhere there are good military docs…just sayin).

So anyway! I’ll post some of Eli’s birthday pictures and wind this up. Have a wonderful week!

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly…and a Birthday!

2010-10-04T18:47:00.001-05:00

Well, I’m always so happy to post about the good progress Eli is making, but this blog is about our real life, so here it is:

The Good – Eli’s sensory issues are better…the noises don’t bother him as much (he was able to help Norman mow the lawn), we’re no longer having to cut tags out of EVERY piece of clothing, and he is able to calm down more quickly than before. He is also doing great in school…he gets frequent breaks to give his mind a rest and to let him have a break from concentrating, but he is doing well.

The Bad – When Eli gets frustrated he still provokes kids. He doesn’t know how to walk away or go tell an adult. Well, let me rephrase…he KNOWS what he should do, but in the moment, it all flies out the window and he just antagonizes them…throws something…kicks at them…

The Ugly – Today he provoked a kid (the kid probably got too close to Eli – he is a huge boundaries kid-and wouldn’t get out of his face) and Eli punched him in the chest. To which the other kid returned the favor and punched him in the face. I hate to say it, but Norman and I have been waiting for someone to hit back, and we are hoping this helps him “remember” before he does it next time. He has a short term memory in a bad way, so I doubt it, but I can hope right?

So we keep treading along…I think he has another month left and will be home the end of October. Then we can get started on REAL life and deal with the real issues that we face. We won’t know really how MUCH progress has been made until he is here…permanently.

Some things we do know is that we have to have a chore chart in place, a reward system in place, have short playtimes ( using a timer to help Eli see that there is an end to having to play with Chase), and understand and get used to just HOW much time Eli will need to be alone. That is the biggest challenge we are going to face I think.

And dinner…Oy. I think just the four of us sitting together makes it impossible for him to focus on eating, so I think we will have to have a back-up plan. I’m going to get him a kids sized table and let him eat alone and in peace on the nights he’s having trouble eating. I have always felt like a family should eat together…but “different” kids call for different ways of living. So I guess we won’t really know how different that will be until he gets home.

But for now, I can just hope and pray that tomorrow is better for him.

And I will end on this note; Happy BIRTHDAY to my wonderful husband Norman. He is 38 years young, and I pray that this is a wonderful year for you babe…Here are some pictures of him over the years…

Baby Norman

Melanie (Norman’s sister) and Norman

Norman playing A-RAB in West Side Story in 10th grade

At Stonehenge

With Congressman Ciro Rodriguez at the Capitol in DC

I love you Norman…here’s to many more happy years together!

Technorati Tags: Autism,Aspergers,Residential Treatment,Norman's Birthday

Swimming in October

2010-10-01T21:07:00.001-05:00

That would have been a craaaazy thought when we lived in DC, where I’m sure the leaves have all changed and fall is alive and well! I’ve been working on the house, and only just now have I ventured into the yard to make that presentable. It’s been so hot that I didn’t want to deal with it, but holy cow it was severely overgrown and it was time. So Chase swam while I worked, then I swam with him when I was done :). This house is perfect for us! Here are a few pictures of the work I’ve done on the inside of the house.

This is the sitting nook in our master bedroom

This is my downstairs guest half-bath…I have always wanted to put my guest hand towels in a wine rack…don’t ask me why, I’ve just always wanted to! So I finally get to! And yes, I did paint the bathroom purple!!! Although, the palest shade of purple is the newest family member of the neutral family!

Eli is making progress and is due to come home in about a month. I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was apprehensive about it, but I think that is pretty normal considering the circumstances. The most major change in him and in our family is going to be giving him the amount of alone time he is going to require. He can only be around people for so long before he literally just wants to pull his hair out. We had been considering finally getting a dog since we have a yard and a house large enough to accommodate one, but his therapist said that autistic children form bonds with animals much better, and that a dog would be a great addition to help be soothing for him, but just having a family dog would be nice. It’s been such a long time; and we’ve wanted one for so long…but this transient military lifestyle just hasn’t been the right (and fair) condition for a dog. So we are hoping to make that addition soon, and of course I will post pictures as soon as we are able to add that family member!!!

Alright, time for me to hop off of here, work on my shop, and get to bed early. Tomorrow I’ve got a long day of working in the yard, swimming with Chase and Eli (he gets to come home for the afternoon) then a party to go to tomorrow night! Yip Yip! :) Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!

CIAO!

Award!

2010-09-24T12:05:00.001-05:00

Even after my lunatic post a few days ago, my verrry wonderful friends over at the Real Housewives of Oklahoma (RHOK) decided to bless me and give me a total pick me up award just in time for the weekend! And I have to add that even though I live in Texas now, I consider myself to be a lifelong Okie…you know that phrase, “Sooner born, Sooner bred, and when I die I’ll be Sooner dead”. Well even though I’m an OSU fan (GO POKES!), I still sing that little tune, cause well, I’m an Okie!

So the rules for the award are to list 7 truths about myself. At this point does anyone want to KNOW 7 MORE things about me? Oh well, who cares, it’s the rule, and you know I’m a rule follower. Which leads me to my number one truth…

1. I’m not always a rule follower. I (over the past year) have broken all kinds of rules…screamed like a banshee at the administration of a school, slammed the door to a principal’s office (very adult, I know) and nearly busted out the glass wall (hello…why have a huge glass wall in a building meant for kids) – it did work and they did finally start following Eli’s IEP. You wanna get a mom mad? Get a mom with a special needs kid, a team of school personnel that don’t want to follow IEP and ignore the kid, and you get a raging mom. Especially when that mom has backup…helllllloooo Melissa T! :) HOWEVER, following rules that people don’t want you to follow can cause problems too…like reporting abuse of power and arrogant, ignorant, self-serving military officers. One of the morons is now in the middle of nowhere and the other is overseas trying to learn a new language. So you see…sometimes it pays to follow the rules and sometimes you HAVE to break them. Because you know, you have no choice! :)

2. Although it’s no secret, I have to list it…my fear of carpet stains. And I’ve been stressed out about the fact that our cat got (accidentally) locked inside the downstairs closet overnight 2 nights ago and. he. peed. ON THE CARPET. So I mentioned to Norman that this weekend we need to unpack the closet, smell every item, and most likely rip up the carpet and clean the floor and perhaps lay down some tile. The smell…ooohh the smell. HORRIBLE. And it’s not the poor cat’s fault; he was howling I’m sure all night, but we just didn’t hear him. So lucky for him he’s off the hook, but I’m just not sure that even my FABULOUS, CLEAN EVERYTHING floor cleaner will make me feel okay about leaving that carpet in there. What can I say; I have issues with keeping my carpets stain free.

3. I have recently fallen in love with HGTV. And that show Hoarders on A&E…wowzers. Makes me HAPPY that I’m so crazy about clean carpets. Have you ever seen the condition of the floors on that show??! It makes me want to throw up! The way some people live…GROSS.

4. My new favorite musical is Jersey Boys. Norman took me on Saturday and the lead Joseph Bwhari (or something like that) is out of this world. He sounds like an angel…that VOICE. I must have the soundtrack.

5. I just realized that Chase starts preschool next year. How did that fact elude me? Denial? Thinking that he would stay home with me forever maybe? I don’t know, but I am sad. My little guy is growing up fast.

6. I can’t wait until the next 6 years are over with and we can cut this noose that is around our necks. If you get it, I’m glad. If you don’t get it, I can’t elaborate because not only do I have the US gov’t periodically checking my blog, but now the Russian Federation is checking me out too. I must be such a wonderful writer that they need me for some high priority job. HA. So you nosey gov’t people who are spending your salary reading this blog; hope it’s worth the money you’re getting! Keep coming back; I’ll post pics of my cat soon and you don’t wanna miss that!

7. I’m already planning my summer vacation, and since it will be a family vacation this year (next year will be just Norman and me for our 10 year anniversary), we can’t decide if we want to go back to Disney, do a Disney Cruise, hit the beach, or what other place we want to visit. Suggestions are welcome!

So that’s it for my 7 facts…and now I must choose 7 friends to give this award to! If you’ve already gotten this award then just know that I appreciate your blogs and love keeping up with you! Wish I could pick more than 7, but when it comes to the directions of the award, I’m gonna choose to follow the rules!!! haha

1. Julie at Julie Jabbers for being such an uplifting friend to me. We share a lot of the same situations with our kiddos, and she always has encouragement and lots of support.

2. Allison at My Steadfast Spirit for having such a strong commitment to God and for being a wonderful example of following your heart and doing the right thing.

3. Teen Autism for helping me understand autism for what it is…an ever changing lifelong struggle that affects my beautiful 6 year old, Eli. I have laughed and cried and learned so much by reading this blog, so for that….thank you.

4. Melinda at Bloggin' It From the Burbs. She is my friend in “real life” as well as on my computer ;), and she has been there for me many times. I am thankful for you Melinda; you are a TRUE friend and have a heart of gold.

5. Melissa over at New Girl On Post. The title alone should say it all…boy do we have a lot in common…just the fact that she’s a military wife living overseas, supporting her husband and our country so far from home is to be commended. Thank you Melissa!

6. The Annoyed Army Wife for being annoyed with me. Although for different reasons, I am very annoyed at the moment, so I just love her for that! :) She is very strong willed, and has a wonderful heart.

7. And last but not least is Amber at Random Rants of an Army Wife. She is juggling a lot, and I admire her for her strength and caring heart!

So that’s it! Now it’s your turn to post your award, tell us 7 truths about YOU, and let us get to know you better!

Vent

2010-09-20T21:13:00.001-05:00

Warning…watch out. This won’t be pretty. I have noticed that over the months “friends” just seem to be disappearing. No return emails, no return messages, deleting me off facebook. And you know why? I’ll tell you why. Because my family dynamics aren’t the same as everyone else’s. Because I have an autistic child. Because I can’t show up for social hour or talk about how great my kid did in the school pageant. I don’t guess I understand anymore how the fact that you know people for 30 years just doesn’t matter anymore. We BOTHER people because they have to think that this world isn’t pretty and that some kids have real issues. They don’t want to ask me how I am because you know what, I’m doing crappy and they don’t care, because they are on their way to ballet or baseball practice.

Bottom line…I guess we are just WEIRD. Sorry world, we’re weird. Our son is autistic. He has issues. He would rather be by himself than with anyone else. Too much stimulation and you know what? You may get shoved or get something thrown at you because he doesn’t know how to express his frustration.

If you feel sorry for us, then I may just throw something at YOU, because that’s not what this is about. This is about understanding that people are different and accepting them as they are. This is about standing by people because you are their friend. I have so many friends who struggle with many different issues and you know what? I have GROWN because they are a part of my life. God made us all different…and we are to be loving and kind and accepting of others. Not judgmental and condemning and delete people out of your life because they don’t fit your idea of a so-called perfect life.

MY frustration right now? Friends who have no so called issues who just flat out decide that our issues are too much and infringe on their perfect, drama-free, normal kid filled life.

I’m over the top at the moment with my anger and this is the ONLY way I can let this out without someone getting hurt or me just deciding to jump out my window or my moving car. I have reached my limit.

I’m eternally grateful to my support system that I do have. The friends and family who have stuck by us and been there for us from the beginning. And if you are reading this blog, this is not directed at you. Trust me. The people that this is about don’t read my blog because they don’t give a crap. Special needs kids need people to give a crap. Their families need people who give a crap. And you know what…to you guys out there who have decided that we just ask for prayers too much, or WHATEVER YOUR issue is. I DON’T GIVE A CRAP. GOODBYE.

Great Weekend With Eli

2010-09-13T13:08:00.001-05:00

Eli got to come home on Saturday and Sunday, and he did great on both days. The highlight of the weekend was our time playing in the pool; it’s something the boys never get tired of. He is making progress. We are seeing more of his autistic features come out the older he gets…he’s more shy around people he doesn’t know and is afraid to ask questions. He is more easily frustrated, so we are working with him on that, and they are addressing that and his eating habits at L.R. He will probably be there another month and a half to two months, and then even at that point if he isn’t where they want him to be they may ask for an extension thru our insurance. He’s just a socially awkward kid, so I think that social groups will be a big thing for us to get him involved in when he gets home.

It’s a rollercoaster for Norman and me; we see progress and then something will happen and we feel devastated all over again. We are working on our own expectations and just trying to take each small victory and accomplishment and appreciate every step forward he takes. There are going to be setbacks…we know that. But nobody is prepared to have a child with special needs, and it takes as much learning on our part as Eli’s, so it will be a constant work in progress. It just takes time.

We’ve been working hard on the house, and it is getting more and more in shape. I’m not done painting yet, but some of those things can be put off until we are completely unpacked and have all the stuff hung up on the walls. The hardest part is behind us, so I find myself kind of slacking off a little, but I need to kick it in gear and just get it finished up so I don’t have framed prints and pictures still stacked against the walls for months.

I’ll wind this post up by posting some pictures of the weekend. The weather is still hot here, so we are enjoying the pool to the very last minute!

Hard to Believe…

2010-09-02T12:26:00.001-05:00

That Norman’s first week at his new job is almost over, and we are getting somewhat settled. We’ve still got loads of boxes everywhere, but I’m trying not to stress about that. Eli will get to come home for visits on Saturday and Sunday, and it’s just insane to me that he’s been at Laurel Ridge now since the beginning of June and he’s just now on yellow. They use the Red, Yellow, Green behavioral system, and he’s been on Red since he got there. They finally took him off of the Risperdal after weeks of them increasing the dosage and his behavior worsening. Hello…cause and effect. But they changed the Risperdal to something else (cannot think of the name right now to save my life), and there was an immediate improvement in behavior. Hopefully the meds are straightening out and he is getting on the right track. There is no guide to autism for sure…each kid is different and reacts to each medication differently. And just as soon as you get them on the right one, their bodies change and they need to change them again.

I’m just so happy to be here…only 10 minutes from Eli instead of 8 hours. Chase is doing well and settling in. We started his swimming lessons on Tuesday, and he’s sort of getting the hang of swimming without the arm floaties. Alright, that’s all for now; it’s starting to rain and I think that is the perfect cue for Chase’s naptime. Ciao!

Technorati Tags: Autism,Risperdal,Residential Treatment

We’re In!

2010-08-27T23:58:00.001-05:00

It has taken us a while to get up and running, but we are slowly working our way thru the boxes and getting set up. The winner of the first room completed award goes to CHASE! :)

We let Chase pick out the color for his room, but since he chose this lime green color, we made it an accent wall and not the main color. I can only go so far!! haha

And then we celebrated with a swim!

We are HOME!

Monumental Moment, Leaving Shreveport!

2010-08-16T19:33:00.001-05:00

I have dreamed of this night, but I am so thankful and shocked that we made it…our last night in Shreveport. We did the walk thru/inspection of base housing, and after 8 years of living back and forth in base housing and civilian apartments, we are finally DONE. FINISHED. We are moving into our own place where we can paint what we want, swim when we want, clean when we want. Nobody can tell me what I can’t put on a wall or how I have to do something. And most importantly, we are moving to the city where I have the MOST hope for Eli. Anything he could ever need care/therapy/respite wise, they have it. We will have access to care for him now and can provide the way we should…the way every parent should be able to, and I am hopeful.

I don’t know what the future holds. Whether Eli will go back and forth from home to residential treatment centers, or if having the consistency of care will make the difference in him being able to stay home with us. But whatever the future holds, I know we will all be okay. Goodbye Shreveport; I will not miss you, we have worked hard to get to leave, and I thank GOD that he is faithful and getting us out of here. Tomorrow begins a new chapter in our lives…and I’m ready for it.

Coolest Bunk bed Ever

2010-07-31T23:56:00.001-05:00

I had made up my mind a while back that I wanted bunk beds in the boys rooms, because since this is my FOREVER HOUSE, I expect visitors over the years, and although we will have a guestroom, that doesn’t help out the guests who have children. I don’t like my own children having to sleep on the floor somewhere, so I didn’t want to have to ask our guests to have their kids sleep on pallets on the floor or crash on the couch. Plus, as the boys get older they will have friends who will come over, and this way we just have room for company.

So bottom line is that I found this angel of a family who had decided to part with theirs, and we picked it up today. I am so thrilled to get moved, and get it set up. Just want to make it clear that these aren’t my photos, these are the photos that the family took of the bed. Chase loves it…and he is going to love the playhouse in the back of the bunk bed even more! :)

There is tons of drawer space, a space for the tv, space for a computer and a slide out keyboard drawer…

The trundle slides out underneath the bed…

And the best part of the whole bed…is the playhouse in the back of the bed! Chase is going to have a ball playing back there. He was sad that this wasn’t a “Mickey” bed, so I am going to paint “Mickey Mouse and Chase’s Clubhouse” on the wall behind it. the back is open, so I will just paint the Mickey details on that section of the wall and decide what color to do the rest of the room.

A little progress…

2010-07-26T20:31:00.001-05:00

Well, it doesn’t look like much, but my back sure feels it. lol At least it’s a start…

23 Days and Counting

2010-07-25T12:24:00.001-05:00

We’ve been busy this week packing, and as if that wasn’t enough to keep us busy, I decided that now is the perfect time to refinish my grandma’s table and chairs. They have been pretty beat up, but the sentimental value they hold for me is pretty great, so I just couldn’t bear to get rid of them. Now, if I totally botch the refinishing process we will have to, but at least I will know I tried to salvage them. I’ll keep you posted on the progress.

Eli is doing better with his eating, and he seems to be trying more things. Time will tell I suppose. He’s still on red (red is the level they are on when they are really defiant, yellow is when they are showing improved behavior and green is when they are agreeable and generally well behaved kids). With the exception of 2 days, Eli’s been on red, even though we’ve seen improvement, so that tells you how he was when he was admitted to Laurel Ridge.

Alright, time to nap and then get back to the table. I don’t know how people can enjoy this kind of stuff…I WANT to do it, but I sure am not enjoying it! :) I need those guys from HGTV to come surprise me and whip the project out in a day. :)

Eli Update

2010-07-11T17:07:00.001-05:00

Eli has been inpatient for almost 6 weeks now, and although it seems on one hand that they are making progress with his medications (behavior is better, tantrums are fewer, anxieties are not as much and control issues are less than they have been, he’s down to 2 prescriptions from 7, etc), it seems the thing that is getting worse (or at least is more obvious) are his food aversions and the issues that come along with his eating.

I just got off the phone with his weekend nurse, and she wanted to make sure we were on the same page. Apparently Eli has not eaten since yesterday (Saturday) morning. He ate pancakes, decided he didn’t like what they had for lunch so he just stopped eating. He didn’t eat lunch then, or dinner last night, then no breakfast this morning and no lunch this afternoon. After much prompting at dinner tonight for him to eat something, he ate a few chips, but that was all.

I am relieved to know that the staff where Eli is feels the same way about this; yes, he has a disorder. Yes, he has issues. Yes, you have to pick your battles. BUT nutrition is not something that you can compromise on. Pizza and hot dogs are alright if you don’t eat them for every meal, and I’m not giving in. They aren’t either and like I told his nurse, I am not a short order cook. I refuse to cook 3 different things for my family at dinner time; they can eat what I cook or not eat at all…but if my kids don’t eat, they don’t get snacks afterward. Hungry? Sorry. Not my problem. If you don’t eat what you are supposed to, then I cannot and will not budge. I am soooo relieved that that is one parenting aspect that they are enforcing there, and hopefully they will get the underlying issues addressed so that we can get him to eat better and eat a bigger variety of foods. Right now, I am just hoping they can get him to EAT. I’ll bet the little guy is hungry; maybe he will give in (or break down) and finally eat in the morning. I’m having a feeling it’s going to be a long night…

Travel

2010-07-07T22:47:00.001-05:00

In honor of my friend Nik who is currently in search of a fabulous (affordable too, I’m sure would be nice) hotel that won’t leave her spraying her babies with Lysol, everyone repeat after me…

“If it’s not at least 3 Stars, it’s called camping!”

That is my motto! :) Good luck Nikki!

Frequent Driver Miles…

2010-07-07T22:35:00.001-05:00

Can I get some of those please???!! :) This driving from Texas to Oklahoma and back to Louisiana is really starting to put some miles on my poor car! I am so thankful that this won’t go on for too much longer; I can’t wait to get all my family located in the same city! What an amazing feeling that will be for all of us…

I just got another follow-up letter from Senator Inhoffe from Oklahoma following up on my Congressional that I filed. Well…I should say ONE of the many I filed :). It was nice that they finished things up with me by forwarding on what the Air Force sent them as a response to my EFMP/IG complaint. I am NOT done fighting this; how exactly I want to keep bringing awareness to Autism and the military’s negligence I’m not sure of, but I do know one thing – we aren’t alone. And I know that for whatever reason we were placed in this situation, and I just hope and pray that our long fight won’t be for nothing. I do know some “shuffling” lets say, that has taken place, and I know that Barksdale medical is looking at EFMP a bit more closely than they ever have. Was that worth the separation and degree of pain that the Air Force put us through? Was it worth watching my child regress so much simply because the guy with the rank on his shoulder wanted to keep his record looking pretty (meaning, not having any EFMP reassignments on his watch)? NOPE. It wasn’t. So I’m just trying to figure out how else I can help other families never have to be flat run over by the military.

And between that, visiting Eli in Texas, and house hunting (fingers still crossed and I will let you know when we can say that the gorgeous home is ours…), that’s about all my body and brain can handle. For now we are enjoying some time at my parents house, and we will head back to Barksdale on Friday. I’m excited to get back there for once…I’ve got lots of packing to do!! :)

Yep, It’s Definitely Monday

2010-06-28T09:17:00.001-05:00

We are starting off our Monday morning by eating dry cereal in bed out of spiderman cups and watching Dinosaur Train. :) Personally I’m just biding my time waiting for Clifford!

Today is such a big week for us, and for me it’s the start of a brand new chapter of our lives. We leave here Wednesday to meet my parents in Dallas so that Chase can go spend a week with them, and so that Norman and I can focus on house hunting and spending time with Eli and having some in-person family therapy sessions.

They are still adjusting Eli’s medications, so he has had some really bad days, but overall he is handling things okay. One thing about autism that NORMALLY is viewed as a major problem is their inability to attach and form close relationships with people. Eli loves us…but he doesn’t miss us in the same way that another child would. In this situation it is a blessing, because he isn’t homesick in the same way. It will be so good to see him, and we get passes to take him off campus on Saturday and Sunday, so that will be wonderful.

On Friday we meet with our realtor to look at houses, and I still can’t believe we are at that point. I grew up in one house, and I still consider that “home” since all of our homes since Norman and I have been married have been temporary. But for the first time we are going to be buying our own home, and I am so excited and thankful and grateful that we are at that point. We are also blessed that Norman is getting reassigned to San Antonio, so we can all move together as a family. We weren’t sure it would play out that way, but thankfully, it has.

And since he only has 6 years left, there is a very good chance that he will be able to stay there to finish out his 20 years. We are praying for that. We are going to retire there, so the boys and I will be staying there regardless; we just pray that it works out that Norman doesn’t have to be transferred after this 3 year assignment. But I’m not going to borrow trouble and look that far down the road.

Right now I’m just going to focus on what we have coming up, and that is house hunting and visiting Eli and participating in the therapy sessions. I need to book our hotel and finish up our laundry and ironing and NOT put it off to the last minute!

That’s all for now; time for me to get busy on ironing… :)

Have a fantastic Monday!

Disney Day 4 – Animal Kingdom

2010-06-27T19:13:00.001-05:00

Click on the picture to see the larger version!

The famous tree

The details in the tree were amazing…

Next post…CALLIE AND

JORDAN’S WEDDING!!!!

Disney Day 3 - Epcot

2010-06-27T12:09:00.001-05:00

Trying to decide where to go next :) Disney’s FIGMENT! Figment and I go way back, so this was a huge ride for me…I loved it from the first time I rode it when I was about 5, and it has been closed since then…until this trip!

My beloved Figment!

The famous ball…this is one of my favorite pictures that I took :)

Day 2 Magic Kingdom

2010-06-26T22:06:00.001-05:00

**Click each picture to see the larger version**

We ate lunch at Cinderella’s Royal Table in the Castle!

Norman got a picture taken with his all time crush, Ariel.Chase got tons of kisses from all the princesses! Look at the picture below to see just how many he got!

Jordan and Callie on the Buzz Lightyear ride…one of my favorites!

Chase with Aunt Callie!

Chase sitting in front of Minnie Mouse’s fireplace.

Disney’s PhilharMagic

Disney World Day 1 – Hollywood Studios

2010-06-26T18:40:00.001-05:00

Even in the middle of everything going on, we were able to take a break from the stress of the military battle we’d been embroiled in for months regarding Eli and have a wonderful time with our family at Disney World. It broke my heart that Eli wasn’t able to come with us…and for those of you who don’t know why, I’ll sum it up for you…

**We moved here, he got no medical oversight, Barksdale medical denied he had any health issues which led him to start regressing at lightening speed, and the only way to get him back on track was residential treatment…again. Thank you Barksdale medical for being flat out incompetent…but anyway. Eli is safe and in the right place for him right now…he’s getting his medications right, and Disney would have been too stimulating for him right now in his current state. Prayers for him would be especially appreciated; we miss him terribly. **

So in a weird comforting way we knew that he was in the exact place he needed to be, and we needed a break from “life”, and Disney was the perfect escape. We were exceptionally blessed that Jordan and Callie came with us (I will be doing a blog soon about their beautiful wedding!!!), mom and dad came down to spend a couple of days at the park with us, and Callie’s mom and grandma were able to come for the wedding, which was such a blessing – I know it meant the world for Callie!

So without further ado…Some Disney pictures!!! I will probably post way too many, but I can’t help myself!!!! :)

Day 1 – Disney’s Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM)

Stay tuned for Day 2…Magic Kingdom! :)

Blog Award

2010-06-24T22:36:00.001-05:00

I want to thank my friend over at The Annoyed Army Wife for kindly giving me this award. She is a new bloggy friend, but as the title of her blog implies, she and I DEFINITELY have a lot in common with our frustrations with the military!

The rules of this award are to list 7 things about ourselves, thank the person who gave it to you, and give it to seven bloggy friends.

Soooo…seven recent things about myself are:

1. We are about to move to San Antonio and buy our very first home!

2. I am so frustrated with the military right now I could just spit.

3. I ate Hostess Donuts for dinner tonight :)

4. Chase is the most frustrating child to potty train. It was easier to get our ferret to potty in her box than to get him out of diapers.

5. My brother just got married and I have the sweetest sister-in-law I could have asked for!

6. I am blessed by my family in more ways than I can name. My parents have put up with more than I ever could have, and my husband has the patience of Job!

7. I am fresh out of ideas for my 7th thing, so that’s all I’ve got :)

***********************************************

The blogs I nominate for this award are…

Julie Jabbers

Steadfast Spirit

Bloggin It Like It Is

Team Lua

Island Life In The U.S.

Writings By Charity Joy Bell

Random Rants of an Army Wife

Procrastinating

2010-06-04T11:27:00.001-05:00

We leave in less than 24 hours for a week long trip to Orlando, and I am NOT PACKED. Not just me, but I have gotten nowhere with getting any of us ready. I have done a couple loads of laundry ;), but oh how I have so much more to do!

We are going to have a full schedule, and although I am very sad that Eli won’t be with us, I know it would have been too much for him. There is too much stimulation there, and to someone who gets frustrated and is physically pained by loud noises and too much commotion, I know that it is better for him to not be going at this point. Later on when he is older we will be going again and I look forward to all of us going as a family. But for now I am focusing on the fact that we did take Eli to Disney when he was 3, and now that Chase is 3, it is his turn. That helps me feel better about it looking at it that way.

Here is a summary of our schedule…

June 7th – Disney’s MGM (Or Hollywood Studios…name change?)

June 8th – Magic Kingdom and lunch in Cinderella’s Castle!

June 9th – Epcot

June 10th – Animal Kingdom

June 11th – Jordan and Callie’s WEDDING!!!

June 12th – Beach Day in Tampa

Even though I’m not packet YET, I’ll get myself in gear soon and get it knocked out. Right now it’s just more fun to think about what we are going to be doing instead of worrying about what any of us are going to wear! :)

I will leave you with a couple of pictures from our last trip to Disney with Eli. We love you and miss you sweet boy…

Changes are a comin’…

2010-06-02T13:12:00.003-05:00

My blogging has been well…atrocious lately. I don’t think I have ever mentally had to deal with so much as we have lately, and it’s overwhelmed me to the point of just kind of shutting everything off. Facebook is about the only consistent place I’ve been, but any avenue that I would have to discuss what is going on with us in detail has been overwhelming and I’ve just decided not to do it… But I’m getting back up on my horse today, so here goes.

I won’t attempt to update you on months of changes in one post…honestly as much as the thought of writing it all out in one setting frustrates me, I know nobody would want to read it anyway ;). So I will start with the basics and elaborate on it in time. This is the bottom line:

* We were allowed to move to Shreveport, a place that we never should have been moved to due to the health issues that Eli has. There is a system set in place to make sure families with special needs kids are only sent to bases where the appropriate resources are available. The problem is that if you get a General who decides they want you to move there, the special needs child isn't even considered. In our case it was Colonel W who skipped protocol, and sent us spiraling into hell.

*Once we got here there was NO help. ZERO. The schools are awful, not only for “regular” kiddos…I mean come on, who HASN’T heard about how awful Louisiana schools are? All I can say is that anything you could imagine is nothing compared to the real issues going on in the dysfunctional program they call public education. Eli was transferred to 3 schools in A MONTH AND A HALF. You heard me right. They have no grasp of special needs, or what to do with these children. If my child had no issues at all I still would not allow him to be subjected to the crap they call education in Louisiana.

*The military has not been our friend, advocate, medical advisor or any of the crap they love to say they are. The Air Force loves to claim how family friendly they are, but all that has happened is that they moved us to a place that had no support, no psychiatrists who would treat us, or had a 6 month waiting list, and the ABA therapists weren't actually licensed...they were college kids not even majoring in psychology/psychiatry, etc. So when Barksdale medical realized that we had greater needs than they could accommodate, they ERASED his diagnosis of autism and bipolar disorder, because if he didn't have any disability then they wouldn't have to reassign us. We were trying to go through the proper reassignment process, but the military refused to even give us any details, they turned their back on Eli, refused to help address his needs, the Col told us that his personal statistics were more important than getting Eli help, and have forced us to make decisions on our own without their support. Even the decisions we’ve made based on their own recommendations have not been supported by them.

*Due to the military intrusion into our lives (observing Eli in his classroom, obtaining medical records without consent, discussing private matters with his teachers – which is against the law), and questioning Eli behind closed doors, WITHOUT MY CONSENT ABOUT ABUSE, I was forced to take Eli to Oklahoma where we could try to find doctors and get him into a good (and safe) elementary school.

The Family Advocacy Unit at Barksdale had an agenda at that point, and it was to blame us for abusing Eli so that they would be off the hook. It's all about them finding SOMETHING to get them off the hook and pin the problem or issue on someone else.

*Eli thrived at the school in Oklahoma. My dear friend whom I grew up with was his teacher, and she understood him and all that we had been through. She worked with him harder than anyone had in the classroom, and we are eternally grateful to her. Eli graduated from Kindergarten and finished the year, and then was immediately admitted into a long-term residential/therapeutic facility…again. For followers of my blog you know he was in a place in Austin, TX last year, but this time he is in San Antonio.

*And based on his diagnosis, the specifics of how he is affected by change and moving and new doctors every few months…we have made the decision that the kids and I are going to make a permanent home in San Antonio. My guess is that within the next 2-3 months we will be (for the first time ever) buying a home and putting down permanent roots. It is unclear if Norman will be able to come with us, but regardless…it is a move that we have to make for Eli. For consistency of home, doctors, schools, and routine. So there are lots of changes coming our way, but now you have sort of been brought up to date, and I will try to be much better at chronicling our new journey. Scary…yes. But the amount of relief we all feel by doing this is overwhelming. It’s what Eli needs…and it’s what we are going to do.

For all my bloggy friends I will be catching up on your blogs soon; I’m sorry I’ve been MIA ;).

My number one priority is to help ANYONE who is in the same type of situation. It took us contacting members of congress...filing multiple Congressional Complaints and IG complaints to get anything done, but we have learned so much. I am always available to listen, to help, to advocate and use any personal connections I have to help whoever I can, whether you are in Maine or Washington. I don't want this fight for Eli to stop with him. We have to fight for all our babies who need the right help and resources.

Engagement update and a few pictures!!!

2010-05-15T11:17:00.001-05:00

I have been meaning to blog about some GREAT news that our family has, but I’ve been so busy dealing with the military stuff I have just flat out forgotten to do it! But today is the day, and I am THRILLED to say that my (not so) little brother is getting married to the sweetest girl in the world! Jordan and Callie will be married on June 11th, during our trip to Orlando, and everyone couldn’t be happier for them. For those of you who don’t know Jordan, he is an elementary school PE teacher for Mustang, and Callie has one year left of nursing school. She’s beautiful, and has such a kind and gentle spirit, and she just fits into our family so easily. I honestly feel like I’m gaining the sister I’ve always wanted, and for that I am both grateful and thankful that God has blessed Jordan with such a wonderful girl. Here are a few pictures of them…

Congratulations you two! We are excited for what the future holds for you, and we love you both very much!!!

So much has changed…

2010-05-03T12:25:00.001-05:00

Since my last post. I’ve wanted to update my blog, but haven’t had the energy to. I still don’t, but I felt like blogging, so here goes. ;)

I had written two posts previously, but took them down for several reasons, so I will try to explain what has transpired since we moved from D.C. to Shreveport.

When we moved to Shreveport we could not get any appointments for Eli for med management. He was starting to have problems with his medications, and changes were needed..but we had no doctor to help us. I literally called every single psychiatrist in the Shreveport/Bossier City area and most were not taking new patients or they didn’t see autistic patients, or they didn’t have any appointment times available for months. There was just NOTHING. ANYWHERE. When I realized we would have to start driving to Dallas for appointments, we decided enough was enough and Norman and I did all the paperwork for an EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program) reassignment (a compassionate reassignment for medical reasons). That process shot us straight into the pits of hell – AKA Barksdale Medical.

The bottom line with that is that the base didn’t like Eli’s diagnosis and the amount of therapy and medical oversight, so they simply took away his autism diagnosis. Process that for a minute – they didn’t like Eli’s diagnosis, so they TOOK IT AWAY. Want to know what government healthcare looks like folks? That’s a picture of it right there. But this country wanted government oversight, and they surely will get it. But I digress.

So because they didn’t like our form, they filled out their own paperwork, which they have no right to do and no regulation exists that gives them the right to throw out the parents paperwork, make up their own CRAP, and force us to sign it. So we didn’t sign it.

From there I started filing Congressionals with every Congressman and Senator in Oklahoma and Louisiana…and due to the fact that the med group had stooped so low as to send their family advocacy people into my son’s school to “observe him” (as per their own admission), talk with Eli’s teachers about him and his behavior (which is against privacy laws since we didn’t authorize the exchange of any information). We had to get Eli out of the school and away from those people who were harassing us. They were starting to insist on home visits, because based on one visit with Eli they decided that he was fine and that we were the problem. They disregarded hundreds of pages of medical documentation, and made up their own diagnosis and treatment plan to suit them. So I took Eli and Chase and came to my parents so Eli could finish his Kindergarten year up here.

The Congressionals have sparked an investigation, so from that end, they are having to deal with the consequences of committing medical malpractice – I assume doctors changing someone’s diagnosis because they can’t treat them constitutes medical malpractice.

On the reassignment end we still haven’t heard anything…we should know in a week or so if they approve or deny it. We do have a plan B in case it is denied, and honestly, with the way the military has handled every medical situation thus far, I’m expecting it to get denied. But I’ll update this as soon as we find out… Thanks to all of my friends who have been so supportive and who have given me so much love and encouragement. It’s been hard and I know I couldn’t have done it without you.

Technorati Tags: Air Force,EFMP,Autism,Barksdale AFB

I’m still here…

2010-03-20T21:07:00.001-05:00

No, I haven’t fallen off the face of the earth, and no you aren’t crazy – there used to be other blogs that aren’t here anymore. I promise to update soon…just not up to it at the moment. I will post a couple of pictures that we took from our Spring Break trip. We went to NASA and then down to Galveston to the beach…

Since all my friends and family have been getting tons of snow today, I’ll post a few beach pictures in hopes of summoning warmth ;).

So thankful for friends…

2010-02-06T22:47:00.001-06:00

This week has been a rough week. A close family friend passed away suddenly, and Chase and I made the trip home to Oklahoma to attend Carla’s funeral. I didn’t know what I was going to do with Chase…I just didn’t want to have to wrestle him to keep him still, and I knew that there was no way he would do well. He is three…he lives to run and scream. I was beyond stressed…I just didn’t know what I was going to do. So I asked my precious friend Melinda from Bloggin It From the Burbs if she knew of anyone who could help me…and she came to my rescue. She has the sweetest spirit of anyone you would ever meet, and I am blessed to call her my friend. Melinda, you are a one in a million, and I am so thankful for you!!!

She is also an unbelievably fantastic photographer…she is OUTSTANDING. If you are in Oklahoma, you need to look her up and set up a session pronto. She took some pictures of Chase and Beau playing, and they are so good! For me, it is proof that even on the saddest of days you can find joy. Thank you Melinda!!!

Visit her online at Melinda Brookshire Photography.

Happy Birthday Sweet Chase!

2010-01-17T21:21:00.001-06:00

Tomorrow my sweet little baby boy will turn 3 years old. I don’t know where the time went, but somehow, miraculously, my sweet little preemie has turned into a healthy, adorable little chunk who lights up my world every single day.

Chase, you are the happiest baby, and your laugh is so precious it melts my heart. You were the best surprise we have ever been given, and I can’t imagine a day in this life without you. Happy birthday sweet baby boy!!!

You were the most beautiful little baby… You were the teeniest little thing I’d ever seen…and we bought your first clothes at Build-A-Bear, because they were smaller than the preemie clothes… But you grew…

And you overcame some really difficult things…

Captured our hearts

And took off on your own faster than I was ready for you to.

You keep us on our toes…always…

And never cease to stop bringing joy into our lives…even when you slow down to rest.

We love you baby boy. Happy 3rd Birthday!!!

Technorati Tags: Chase,Chase's 3rd Birthday

I have really, really tried…

2010-01-10T18:41:00.001-06:00

Almost every day at some point I pull up my page to blog, and I sit…and stare at the screen…and inevitably find myself on facebook…again. I just have nothing. NADA. Zip. Louisiana has sucked my brain cells out of my head. No, not really – I am just BLAH. We’re still trying to get settled and still working on the house. Usually I am completely moved in with things up on the walls, curtains and decor up, and I am more adjusted. Here, for some reason I just cannot get with the program. Part of me thinks winter has something to do with it. I have never moved in the winter before, and it stinks. Some of it is the fact that we have no neighbors and rarely see anyone. Given that the wait list to move into our neighborhood is 2+ years, I’m sure lots of families would be hacked off to see all the empty houses. Normally I’m more motivated to get my house in order when I know I’ve got people coming over, etc, but that is not the case here. I have decided that while Norman is gone this week to Minot, I really need to get myself in gear and make some headway.

Yes, I said Minot. Norman has been working in his new job for only 3 days, and he already has a TDY. (TDY means Temporary Duty…basically just a business trip.) Minot in January…no thank you. Poor guy! From Minot he will go to DC to do some work, come home for the weekend and then fly back to DC on Tuesday. The DC time makes me green with envy, but that’s life.

Part of me has been very anxious over Norman’s court date that is coming up. You guys remember that little car accident we had back in December? Well, unfortunately for the first time the wreck was our fault, and Norman was the driver, soooo….anyway, he has to appear in court to find out what the fine is. Hopefully we can AFFORD the fine…that is what I am stressing out over. But I need to just calm down and remember that God has watched over us up until now, and He won’t stop now. We will get through this, just like we get through everything else…one day and one dollar at a time. We will survive…

We’re IN, We’re IN!!!! :)

2010-01-04T22:22:00.001-06:00

Today was the most gut wrenching, nerve wracking day…but it was worth every minute of worry! We had been recommended a private church school by some friends whose children attend there, and…WE GOT IN! There was one opening for Kindergarten, and after meeting with the counselor, then the head of the school, they invited Eli to meet the teacher and be evaluated by her. So we left for lunch, then took Eli back at 12:40 and picked him up at 2. I then met with the counselor and head of school again, where they extended the open spot to him, gave us the tuition schedule and paperwork, and we were on our way!!!

I am just RELIEVED. I have to go by Kerr (crappy public school) to pick up his records and things that we had given them before Christmas, and when I go I will take a picture of the place. It is truly sad for the kids that have to attend there. It makes me ever so thankful that God is watching over us and opened a door. I just have to keep praying that Eli does well and that this truly is a place where he can excel. Only time will tell, and we are just having to take one step at a time. One small step at a time…

Holy Smokes It’s Been Awhile…

2010-01-03T20:57:00.001-06:00

This move has been one that has sucked the life right out of me…well…all of us. We got our stuff delivered before Christmas to our new house in Shreveport, went up to Oklahoma for Christmas, and we have been back for 5 days trying to get settled.

The school situation for Eli has been a mess. Folks, the Louisiana school system is awful. I knew that coming down here, but I guess I didn’t expect it to be so “in your face” crappy. The public school he is zoned for is Kerr Elementary, and it is a mess. Dark, dumpy, older than Methuselah, need candles to find your way around DARK. Not bright and cheerful like his previous school at Fort Belvoir. There he was greeted with a “Morning Love” as I dropped him off…At Kerr I wasn’t sure if I should ask to borrow a pen for the paperwork or if that would get me in trouble. So if I have any power at all to get him out of Kerr, we will get him out… or at least exhaust all our resources before letting him attend there.

We found two schools…private Christian schools…that look so much more loving and inviting. I think it will all depend on if they accept him given his autism, but if they would accept him I would gladly drive the hour EACH WAY to and from school. Add that up…that is an insane total of nearly 4 hours in the car per day. I just hope and pray they accept him. So prayers please for that.

Other than that, we are just taking it one day at a time…sometimes one outing at a time. Sorry for the blogging absence…I’ll get into the swing of things here one of these days… :)

Norman’s Graduation

2009-12-23T21:30:00.001-06:00

I can’t believe it has been 2 weeks, and I am just now at a point where I can sit down and blog about this! Things have been really hectic!

This will be mainly pictures, and if you are my friend on Facebook then you’ve already seen them. :) The day was beautiful. The fellows’ graduation ceremony was held at the Library of Congress, and their reception was held in a Members Only room upstairs. It was a wonderful experience to get to live in Washington and for Norman to do the things he’s been blessed to do. We miss it already…

The building is absolutely beautiful!!

The reception was held in a lovely Members Only room…

After that, we went to the Capitol to say goodbye to the people in Norman’s Congressman’s office…

This pic is of Chase looking down into the Capitol Visitor’s Center

We took the underground tunnels to get to the Rayburn House Office Building…

And while we were there, we were lucky enough that Congressman Rodriguez happened to pop in the office…

Chase even got a little one on one time with him :). It was really sweet!

Then it was time to go, and Norman made his last trip from his office to the metro stop…It was really sad for me!

That was an emotional day for me…None of us was ready to leave DC, but that’s life. That’s the military :). You go where you’re sent, and as long as we go together then that’s all that matters… Goodbye Washington…

Car Wreck and Packing Day…

2009-12-10T17:08:00.001-06:00

And needless to say this has been the most stressful move we’ve ever had. After Norman’s beautiful graduation at the Library of Congress and one last walk to Norman’s Congressman’s office, we picked Eli up from school and decided to go out to eat before heading home to paint.

I was texting my brother-in-law and was looking down at my phone when BAM! Car accident. I was a passenger in case you were about to get on me for texting and driving. :) Chase started saying his head hurt, both boys were crying, Eli was asking why did we just “bump”, and I was just confused. I called 911 because I don’t risk anything when it comes to the boys – even though they “looked” okay, Eli had a cut neck and Chase was still complaining of his head hurting. So they got their very first ambulance ride, we ended up in the ER with Chase getting a CT scan (which turned out to show no abnormalities or issues, so that came back normal THANK GOD), and then we were on our way. It was late, instead of Olive Garden for dinner, we ate cereal, then I got to painting and I think we were finally asleep by 1:30 am or sometime about then.

The packers showed up at about 8, the house was NOT ready for them, and they are very particular so they headed straight back to their van to take some time. HA!! I was so stressed out I cried taking Eli to school, Taking Simon to the pet hotel, and again when I got home. But now, it’s 6pm, they have finally made it to our bedroom, and we’re almost completely packed up. Whether they liked us or not, they had a job to do and they did it with ~~some griping at me~~ a teensy bit of complaining. I know the job is hard, which is why I will never be a packer, so at the end of the day, God bless them for doing it.

I have beautiful pictures of Norman’s graduation, and I will do a post on that when I am in less stress, less pain from the accident (we are all super sore, which has made this a trying time for us with the undoing of things and all the up and down stuff…). But we’re staying here in a hotel thru Saturday, then we will be on the road.

Okay, the lady is really griping at me about her issues so I’m outta here…I’ll update when I can!

XOXO

Part 2 of our NYC trip…

2009-12-05T15:30:00.001-06:00

Friday after Thanksgiving we had tickets to take the ferry over to the Statue of Liberty. When we went to NYC last time, they were already sold out of tickets, so this time we reserved them ahead of time which made it super easy.

First of all let me say that I am NOT a fan of cold weather. I grew up snow skiing every year, sometimes twice a year, and I have no idea how I did it and actually enjoyed it. Maybe it’s just that the older I get the more things get to me, (okay, let me be honest, of course more things get to me, check out the post below this one). But I seriously cannot function in the cold. Don’t ask me to make decisions, don’t ask me to provide any information. I just want to wrap myself up with my big coat and big fluffy scarf, put my hood up and wish myself onto a beach somewhere. So anyway, back to the trip…it was COLD. Bone chilling, windy because we were on the water, makes you not care about the Statue of Liberty at all type of cold. But we showed up, waited in line, and finally boarded that GLORIOUS warm ferry. I become nice again when it gets warm! :)

View of NYC from the Ferry

View of the Statue of Liberty from the Ferry

Once we got to the Statue of Liberty, there was a LONG line that we had to wait in….OUTSIDE. Once inside, though, the entire base of the monument is a huge museum. They have the original torch that the Statue of Liberty once held.

Now, we had tickets that let us go up to the platform, and there were 150+ steps to climb to get there. Lucky for us, the elevator was out, but thankfully the boys didn’t seem to mind too much climbing up.

We made it! And everyone is checking out the view of NYC from the statue…

And then it was back down all the steps…

Then it was back on the ferry…the wonderfully warm ferry.

And here is where it gets sorta ugly. Okay, here is where I start to get really frustrated by the cold that is seeping thru to my brain and making it impossible to think clearly. We had parked in a parking garage (and told them a time we would get back, but it was way before that time. ) The plan was that we would subway down to FAO Schwarz and do all that, then subway back in time to be there for our scheduled pick up. But then it dawned on me HOW FAR the walk is to the subway station…then from the subway to FAO SCHWARZ. And I just decided I don’t care if it cost us $100 darn dollars, it was not worth it for us to drag our miserably frozen bodies all around the city. (Okay, okay….MY miserably frozen body. I just couldn’t do it. And it wouldn’t have been beyond me to sit and cry if they would have made me do it, because I was coooold). So poor Callie, who has always visited us in warm weather, got a glimpse of what I’m like when I’m cold…and she gave me confirmation yesterday that WE’RE STILL FRIENDS!!! Yippee!!! :) It can be kind of iffy…You never know if the person will think you are nuts or just understand that it’s a quirk. I love you Callie, you are awesome!

So, we decide to go ahead and get our car (we paid full price, but once inside with the heater going full blast you could have told me I was in heaven and I would have believed you. It was wonderful…We drove close to FAO Schwarz, found another parking garage…this one was a bit cheaper than the previous one, and went to…STAND IN LINE! Duh, Stace, you are wanting to go to FAO Schwarz on BLACK FRIDAY. A day that I refuse to go shopping, and I am trying to get into FAO Schwarz. But the line was moving quickly and we got in.

Awwwww

Now, the most exquisite part of the whole trip for me boils down to one totally awesome experience. Are you ready? The beautiful store windows of the upscale department stores. That made my whole year being able to look at those windows. The cold went away, the numbness went away, and the awe set in. I’ve ALWAYS wanted to experience that feeling…seeing those displays during the holiday season, and that was something on my lifelong list of ‘have to do’ things. It is worth it… Here are a few of my favorite window shots…

So to wrap up that enormously long picture post…The Thanksgiving/Christmas holiday season is something special to experience at least once in your life in NYC. It is a feeling…the lights, the parade, the store windows…along with all the staple attractions like the Statue of Liberty make it a great vacation place for anytime. But I can say that after having gone in the summertime to see all the sights, and then going this time to experience Thanksgiving and the seasonal things, this time was my favorite. In spite of that bitter cold… :)

I’m taking out my bad day on my blog…

2009-12-02T18:33:00.001-06:00

So consider yourself warned. Lets see…where do I start. The move is coming up which causes a lot of stress in itself…we have 8 nights left in this house. Trying to get Eli’s medical records transferred down to the region that supports the Shreveport area has taken an act of God, and we are thankful that after months of frustration that seems to have finally been resolved. But on top of all this, as if we need something so huge to make us all stop in our tracks for the next 48 hours, Eli is in need of his Amantadine break. If you aren’t familiar with what that means, it basically means that his meds work for 2 months, then after that time they build up in his system and stop working. So it’s like he’s un-medicated. NOT GOOD. The good part about it is that it’s not something that takes a long time to flush out of your system, so it only takes a two day break, and then life can return to its happy, normal, sane self. The two days he is off of the medication are filled with screaming, tantrums, fighting, throwing things, hitting, kicking, crying, lashing out…you get the picture. It’s not pretty. Autism is not pretty. And I wish I could educate more people about the dangers in some of the vaccines and the reason WHY Eli is the way he is, but people don’t want to hear it…aren’t interested. Don’t care that mercury and aluminum and formaldehyde are in a lot of what they inject into their babies. But those of us who are affected by our lack of information back then do care…and hurt when we see our friends making the same choices we made once upon a time, and then come to us saying their child has been diagnosed as autistic. Unfortunately from my end, it’s no surprise. Educate yourselves moms. Know what is in each vaccine. Or you will have a life like ours, which is hard and trying, and some days makes you question the very God who you know loves you and has sacrificed himself for you. I’m human. I know that in the end my Eli will be made perfect in Him, and that these trials will bring us blessings in Heaven. But there are days in my weakness that I want to get on my knees and scream at God “WHY”. There are awful people on this earth…what did I do? I am not strong enough to handle this child who tests my will…my faith…my strength.

Perhaps I should be ashamed to put this out for all the world to see. But I’m not, because I’m not alone. And reading blogs like these from friends who have gone through the same things I have is sometimes all I have to keep me going. So if you are struggling in this same way, all I can offer is the knowledge that you are not alone.

And while I’m on an emotional train-wreck circus side-show, I’ll continue with my last frustration. Which I will admit is self inflicted. It’s one of those things that I shouldn’t care about, but I do. Norman has been trying to communicate with his sister for some time, and I’ve tried everything in my power to help foster that communication. And for what? It seems for nothing. He has gotten no response. No contact. The only person in Norman’s family that he communicates with is his brother, and we are so thankful for that. FAMILIES SHOULD COMMUNICATE. There are issues I will not get into for privacy sake, but we had prayed and hoped that a relationship could be built and strengthened with his sister. The prayers and tears shed in this process are in God’s hand, but the hardest thing for me to realize is that I cannot make Melanie write Norman. I cannot make her WANT to be a part of his life…of our kids lives…For crying out loud our kids have cousins they will potentially never meet. How much reaching out do you do before you give up? Before you say I’ve tried and I can’t try anymore? Before you decide that they just don’t think you are worth it? And how do you reconcile that? I love my brother dearly, and wish that Norman had the same relationship with BOTH his siblings. But I can’t change anyone. I guess all I can do is keep praying that whatever is God’s will will make itself known.

And that’s all I’ve got. I’ve got two screaming kids, a headache, and housework to take care of…

Technorati Tags: Amantadine Holiday,moving,family,autism,relationships

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

2009-12-01T18:35:00.001-06:00

Norman, Eli, Chase and I decided at the last minute to go to NYC to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and it was WONDERFUL!!! Jordan (my brother) and Callie (his girlfriend) were able to miraculously find affordable plane tickets to come out and go with us, and that made the trip so very special.

I’m going to make our trip into a two part post because I have a lot of pictures I want to share. The first day, obviously, we did the parade. We showed up around 6:30’ish to claim our spot, and we were prepared to wait and keep the boys as patient as possible. It is hard on the little ones, but they weren’t alone, and they found fun ways to pass the time.

Callie helped them pass the time by playing this little basketball game they got in a Happy Meal…

Then they found some friends who had some really neat electronic games…Do you notice how DARK it still is? It was so early…and considering we got to bed at like 2am, we were still exhausted.

Here is our group hanging out and waiting on the parade to begin!

Still waiting…

And then YAY! After nearly 3 hours of waiting in the cold…it began!

And here we are for our Thanksgiving Dinner. Which was weird…we either had burgers or popcorn shrimp. Their holiday menu didn’t seem all that appetizing ;). But we were together, and although we were more exhausted than I think we could ever express, we had a once in a lifetime experience and were so blessed to get to experience it together.

To read part two, CLICK HERE.

Happy Early Thanksgiving!!!

2009-11-24T20:33:00.001-06:00

We are leaving tomorrow to head up to New York City to go to the MACY’S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE!!!! Granted, that is not the usual Thanksgiving routine, but since we are A. too far from family to do the family dinner thing. B. Turkey baking is not something I am good at. Frankly I am awful at it, and my previous attempts have left a stench in my house that took days to go away. C. This is our last chance to take in any of the cool stuff that this area has to offer, so how on earth could we pass up our potentially last chance to go to such an amazing event.

Jordan and Callie are flying up to Philly tomorrow, and after we pick them up we will take them to see the Liberty Bell and if we have time, Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence was signed. It’s amazing how many people don’t know what Independence Hall is, and that is sad. It’s such a beautiful, historical place and every corner of the building is filled with this overwhelming feeling of pride and awe and thankfulness. So I suppose on this holiday, the time in which we are supposed to focus on what we are thankful for, there could be no better place to be.

After we spend some time there, we will head up to NYC, get to bed and prepare to wake up as early as 4am. Yep. That’s right…I absolutely refuse to go all the way up there and not have a front row seat, so we are going to get there, stake out our spot, and as strange as it sounds I’m tempted to pull the lady astronaut stunt and put a diaper on Eli so we don’t have to use the nasty bathrooms there. Okay, so I really wouldn’t do that, but it’s tempting. I have a problem with germs…a seriously big problem with germs. Anyone who has ridden on the metro with me or stayed in a hotel with me know that I must spray everything down and disinfect all the disgusting things like door handles, telephones, remotes, etc before I let anyone touch it.

Then we have lunch reservations at a place in Times Square, and after that I’m sure we will head back to the hotel to just crash early and maybe rent a movie for the kids. On Friday we have tickets to take the Ferry to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Then we will go to FAO Schwarz and mill around downtown (I’m soooo hoping to hit Prada again, but I won’t spring that on Norman till the last minute :) We’ll see…it depends on how we’re all feeling and how much time and money we have left ;).

Before winding this up, I wanted to express a huge amount of gratitude to a friend that I will call “A” for privacy sake. I just recently learned that you have been reading my blog, and the message you sent me this morning nearly brought me to tears. Too often things are the way they are, and people are caught up in a very superficial life. Your message meant so much to me, and I am very thankful for you. You have blessed me today…thank you.

I would like to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving, and leave you with one message…

REMEMBER OUR TROOPS. ALL OF THEM. ESPECIALLY THE ONES WHO ARE OVERSEAS AND MISSING THEIR FAMILIES. AND SAY PRAYERS FOR THE CHILDREN AND SPOUSES WHO ARE FEELING ISOLATED AND ALONE DURING THIS TIME. IT’S NOT SO JOYOUS FOR THEM. HUG THEM. LOVE THEM. EXPRESS YOUR THANKS TO THEM.

Technorati Tags: Thanksgiving,Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade,Statue of Liberty,Vacation

Moving Day Countdown

2009-11-21T23:19:00.001-06:00

I am making some changes to my blog because it was driving me nuts, but I’m sure it’s driving my followers nuts in the process. :) I will stop with the constant changes soon!!!

This coming week is an exciting one for us, because we get to go to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!!! I am sooo happy to say that Jordan and Callie are flying out to come with us, and it is going to be a once in a lifetime experience for sure. I will have a million pictures to post soon!

And while I’m on this random kick, I thought I would start the moving countdown. We have…

19 Days Left

Updating My Blog! Contact Me!

2009-11-21T22:50:00.001-06:00

Fill out my Wufoo form!

I’m in a funk…

2009-11-20T20:14:00.001-06:00

I published a blog the other day and then deleted it. I wrote other blogs and deleted them. I am just in a mood, and that little saying that all our mothers taught us about “if you can’t say anything nice…don’t say it at all” has kept me pretty quiet lately.

I’m bummed about leaving. But I’m tired of Norman never being home. It is wearing on all of us, and I am getting to the point where I realize I have hit the wall with this situation. I cannot do it much longer, so thankfully, we don’t have to. I’m sick of the neighborhood I’m in. I’ve made some really great friends here, but mainly the mentality is “I’m better than everyone else because I’m an officer’s wife”. Let me say first off that I am an officers wife, so we are all not this way. My best friends are enlisted wives. I can count on one hand the number of officer’s wives friends I have, because the attitude is something I just cannot handle. There is this idea about how snotty officers wives are, and I have to say that it’s pretty dead on. There are exceptions to every rule, and I am sure that lots of people will disagree with me and that’s fine; we all have different experiences. All I can base my opinion on is what I’ve seen the last 8 years, and that is my conclusion. I’ve never been stabbed in the back by my enlisted friends, but officer’s wives can do it with a smile. I’m over it. I’m over the “Loop” drama. OVER IT.

I’m just tired. I’ve got so much to do and so little time to do it. I need a maid. I need 4 washers and dryers, and I need to get over the need for sleep to get it all done. And that’s all I got for the blog tonight ;). Ciao peeps…and thanks for keeping up with me even when I can’t keep up with myself… :)

Build-A-Bear Giveaway!

2009-11-16T20:00:00.001-06:00

My friend Allison over at The Displaced Texan was asked by Build-A-Bear if she would like to do a giveaway! UH…YEAH! How neat is that! Check out her blog and enter the giveaway HERE! This little guy could be yours! PLUS A $25 gift certificate – can’t beat that!

It Never Goes Away…Just Hides For A Little While

2009-11-12T17:32:00.001-06:00

Eli can be so “normal”. To the point where nobody KNOWS. He’s just like everybody else. But he is so picky with foods, and I think that no matter how much I supplement with vitamins and drinks, he’s just not getting what he needs to stay well. So I put my foot down. I blew my lid the other day and said THAT’S IT! I’m sick of fixing peanut-butter and jelly every time you don’t like what I fix (which is nightly), so YOU WILL EAT WHAT I FIX OR YOU WON’T EAT! I AM NOT A CHEF! I AM A MOM!

So tonight, after letting him have a Happy Meal to fill him up so that he won’t go hungry when he refuses my homemade vegetable soup (yeah, I stick to my guns…don’t mess with me buddy.) I make him eat ONE BITE OF FREAKING APRICOT. The dried kind…you know, the kind that taste like candy. I’m desperate. I just wanted him to eat something NEW. So I started SMALL…not even forcing the soup yet…

ONE BITE. 6 CHEWS. THEN PUKE.

Where do you start when a baby-step is too big?

Technorati Tags: Eli,Autism,Eating

A Gift For The Troops

2009-11-09T13:11:00.001-06:00

On Saturday night we had the privilege of going to a concert that was put on by the USO. I am signed up to a metro-DC USO newsletter, and they announce concerts, programs, gift box donations to send to the troops overseas, etc. This concert was Montgomery Gentry, Lee Ann Womack, and Phil Vassar, and they had allotted a certain number of free tickets to military…and we got 4 of them! These were not cheap tickets either, and we were so blessed to be able to go.

But I guess the reason that I find it 'blog-worthy’ is the fact that the entire time was spent focused on and thanking our troops. Two of our heroes were awarded their Purple Hearts, and the announcers were a retired LTC and Harriet from JAG. They showed clips of soldiers, lots of pictures taken from overseas, and of course they sang lots of good ole country songs that make you want to cry your heart out in thanks to the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.

I never had this amount of patriotism until I met Norman, and I am so thankful that I see now what the cost was and STILL IS to make this country what it is. Thank you to the USO for supporting our troops…for supporting the families…And a big thank you to all those who support the USO so that they can do what they do for our military. He are a few pictures from our evening…

And then at the end of the night, the boys just couldn’t hang with the big peeps… (FYI the earplugs worked wonders for Eli being able to enjoy the concert. Things are overly loud to him, so this made it possible for him to go. And since Chase wanted to be like Eli, he didn’t fight us when we put them on him; it was waaaay too loud and waaaay too damaging for their little ears to have not protected them…)

Thank you to our military for doing what you do…you are thanked so little for the sacrifices you make, and your families are overlooked as well. All my military wives friends…you are my heroes and strength; I thank GOD for you!!!

Giveaway Giveaway Giveaway!!!

2009-11-06T13:23:00.001-06:00

Actually I have TWO to blog about! The first one I am SOOOO excited about! My shop, Creativeleigh Yours is teaming up with Nikki at The Housewife Chronicles to do an awesome, AWESOME giveaway! The winner can pick his/her choice of a personalized ornament or 12 month scrapbooked calendar with 12-24 of your own pictures. Either one is very time consuming…I take great care coming up with the right backgrounds and embellishments for your photos, and you will be more than happy…you will be THRILLED to see your kiddos or family on such a beautiful item!

The rules of the giveaway are:
1) To snag the giveaway photo and blog about the giveaway in a post on your blog including info and photo then leave a comment on Nikki's Blog Post letting her know for 1 entry.
2) To get a 2nd entry visit the shop, http://creativeleighyours.com/ and leave a quick comment in the ShoutMix box on the front page and then go back to Nikki's blog post and leave a 2nd comment that you did it.
That's it!

Nikki has been a wonderful friend of mine since our neighbor days down in southern Alabama, and her blog is FULL of southern charm and great recipes!!! Go visit her and enter the giveaway!

GIVEAWAY ENDS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11TH, AT MIDNIGHT

**************************
And the second giveaway prize is a surprise piece of Jewelry from Creativeleigh Yours! To celebrate the purchase of new jewelry for my shop, I am going to give away one piece that NOBODY has seen yet! It will be a beautiful surprise!!!

To enter for that one, visit www.creativeleighyours.com, and leave a message in the Shout Mix Box. Start your message with a J-. The J- tells me you are entering THIS contest! Also, leave your email address in the WEBSITE box, so I will be able to contact the winner! (note to those already entered without the designating J-, I already have counted your entry, so no need to enter again. It is only for those entering from November 6th until the close of the contest.

Contest ENDS on midnight Nov 11th!

Go enter both NOW! :)

Today is Important, America…

2009-11-05T10:25:00.001-06:00

Today is the day to exercise your rights, pick up your phone and hold your senators and reps accountable to YOU. Because they work for YOU.

My plan for the last week and a half was to take Chase and go up to the Story Time With Congress. Walk the halls of the Capitol and let my voice be heard in opposition of H.R. 3962 (healthcare reform bill for those of you living under a rock :)

But since Eli is still sick…and I can’t go, I wanted to post this for those that will not be able to make the D.C. event today... here’s what we can do to help...

(Courtesy of Resist.net)

Democratic leaders have said that a vote on H.R. 3962 could come as early as Thursday.

Be sure to call both the Washington DC and local offices of your representatives. Let them know that you are opposed
to this bill, and that you are watching this situation to see how they
vote, and their vote will reflect your vote come the next election.
Some of us may NOT be in DC, but we have to do our part to help those
that did attend. Call, fax, email, write, and let them know that you
oppose H.R. 3962!

House Member Telephone Directory
http://clerk.house.gov/member_info/mcapdir.html

House Member Directory (use for looking up offices outside of D.C.)
http://clerk.house.gov/member_info/index.html

We have just begun to take back our Country! God Bless America...keep emailing, faxing and calling the blue dogs especially. www.freedomworks.com reach all 535 of them for free! www.faxyouropinion.com
all 52 blue dogs...cost 5.50 Several are wavering...Nelson, Bayh,
Lincoln, Landruie, Liberman, Dorgan...Send them messages and keep them
in line! God Bless!

Special Thanks to resistnet.net for the wonderful ideas! They recommend following this time frame to make the ultimate impact:

1. Schedule Your Fax to Your Lawmakers or send your own:anytime today or tomorrow the 5th:
http://www.grassfire.org/2122/offer.asp?Ref_ID=500051

2. Call your 2 Senators at 12:00pm est
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

3. Call your Congressional Rep at 12:10pm est
http://www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW_by_State.shtml

4. Twitter “We Stand Together” and use hashtag #killbill at 12:15pm est

5. At 12:30 est, everyone will sing “God Bless America.” nation wide.

6. Call the White House (202.456.1414) at 1:00pm est Tell the White House “We Stand Together."

7. Email Your Senators online form @ 1:10 est
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

and Email your Rep thru on line form @ 1:20 est
http://www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW_by_State.shtml

8. Don't forget to contact friends and family to take part also!

9. Persistence..Stay the Course! This information has been shared by organizations across the country in an effort to coordinate.

CAN THEY HEAR US NOW!!!!

I WON!

2009-11-04T22:11:00.001-06:00

As a lot of you know I have a shop called Creativeleigh Yours. My friend Ronda told me about this site called Our Milk Money, and I have been listed with them for about a year. They offer monthly spotlights on home businesses, which I was excited to be featured for August, and each business that is spotlighted does a give-away. Well last month I entered the drawing to win some Mary Kay, and I won!!! :) I am so excited to have won something that I really like!!!

If you have a home-based business, visit Our Milk Money…there is a yearly membership fee, but it is small, and well worth it for all of the exposure you get out of it! You might win something too!

To enter to win some of the products featured this month, click here.

Under construction…

2009-11-04T18:02:00.001-06:00

I don’t know what kind of changes I will be making, but I WILL be making them. My blog is driving me NUTS. NUTS! I have copied all of my friends and followed blogs addresses down, so that you all won’t be lost. You may disappear for a while, but you won’t be lost! :)

WE HAVE A HOUSE!! WE HAVE A HOUSE!!

2009-11-02T19:58:00.001-06:00

Stop the presses…we have HOUSING AT BARKSDALE!!!! WE HAVE A HOUSE!!! God has blessed us so much, and WE HAVE HOUSING!!! :) I’ll post more when I know more, but all I know is that it looks like a mid-November move for us. At this point I don’t care. We have to move so we might as well get on with it…

We have no pictures of it…no floor plans, but it’s new so I’m not worried about it, and the typically “has to know” girl doesn’t care. God has provided a safe roof for us, and I am gladly taking it!

Technorati Tags: Base Housing,Shreveport LA,Barksdale AFB

A little bit of everything…

2009-11-02T10:20:00.001-06:00

Today is an ODD day for sure. Eli is sick…STILL. This winter is already proving to be a frustrating and difficult one, and well…it’s not even winter yet! It’s Parent/Teacher Conferences at Eli’s school for the next couple of days, and it works out perfectly timing wise, because Eli is going to be in bed and sleeping and hopefully beating this thing that keeps hanging on.

Still no news on the housing/moving situation. As it stands we could get orders to move anywhere between November 15 and December 17th. Nice. So regardless, we’re leaving for sure by December 17th, but if housing at Barksdale becomes available by some miracle we will be heading out of here before then.

I get to break the news of the move to Eli’s teacher tomorrow, and I’m sure she will be thrilled. I’ve been dreading telling her, but I can’t put it off any longer. I know it’s crappy of me to not have told the school already, but I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. I’m running out of procrastination time though, for sure.

Maybe I’m just getting down to the time being up here that I’m going into blah, auto-pilot mode. I like to move, don’t get me wrong, but we LIKE it here. We don’t WANT to move. Living in D.C. has been nothing short of the combination of a dream come true and being in a 15 month long episode of “Big Brother” Twilight Zone edition. Yeah…it’ll be nice to be out of the cross-hairs for sure, but this town is amazing…there is SO much to do, and I hate it for the kids that we have to leave.

I was thinking about it the other day, and I thought I’d let my non-military readers have a glimpse into what military life is like…Check out where we’ve been over the past (almost) 8 years.

*Lawton, OK (Fort Sill – army)– until May 2002

*Montgomery, AL (Maxwell AFB- transferred to AF) until 2005

*Dayton, OH (Wright-Patterson AFB) until 2007

*Washington D.C. (Pentagon/Capitol) until Dec 2009

*Shreveport, LA (Barksdale AFB) Jan 2010 – who knows…

It’s not felt as bad as it looks, but I know it will get harder the older the boys get. I am weird in that I don’t mind moving. I actually sort of like it. Each place has its own personality, and there is something to gain from each experience. Norman only has 6 and a half years left technically, but I’m not sure he’ll be ready to get out if he has the ability to stay in. And I’m not sure I could rob him of that chance to stay in…So we’ll see. A lot depends on the kids and where we are in 6 years. I know I have my moments where I am sure he will just have to get out, but I know a lot can change in one month, let alone 6 years, so only time will tell.

Alrighty, my boss is hollering at me for some water, so I need to get on that…my pay is dependant on that ya know ;).

Flashback Friday 10/30/09

2009-10-30T22:11:00.001-05:00

October’s theme: “Costume Party.” You can post photos of you or your children dressed in some sort of costume and it doesn’t necessarily have to be a Halloween costume.

Wow! It sure has been a while since I have done Flashback Friday! How on earth the time gets away from me, I’m not sure…oh wait, yes I do know how…KIDS!!! :) But alas here I am, and I’m back in the saddle again!

For this FF, I decided on this picture…

I know that I probably have posted this picture before, but I had to again…and probably will every Halloween. I had to scan it, and this is the best I could do on fixing it…it’s pretty spotty. But this picture was of me and my precious friend Michelle, and it was taken the Halloween of 2000. My roommate Misty and I had thrown a Halloween party at our apartment and we invited all our friends. Michelle came over early and helped me spray paint my hair with this silver spray stuff. The funny thing about it is that we worked together at ACIG in Dallas, and I couldn’t wash that junk out of my hair, so I went to work for at least a week with silver in my hair!!! :) She passed away a couple of days before Chase was born in 2007, and I miss her dearly. I love you Michelle. We had so many great memories, and I’ll never forget a single one of them.

It’s not too late! Join Melinda for her Flashback Friday!

Technorati Tags: Flashback Friday,Michelle,Halloween

5 Question Friday – 10/30

2009-10-30T18:51:00.001-05:00

Rules: Copy and paste the following questions to your blog, answer them, visit Mama M. to grab the MckLinky Blog Hop code, and link up! No blog? That's okay! Just leave your answers in my comments! Here we go!!!

1. What were you doing the last time you really had a good laugh?

Watching Glee last week. That show is hilarious and Norman and I are always laughing so loud we are sure the kids will wake up and tell us to hush!! That show is the BEST!

2. Who was your first CELEBRITY crush?

No doubt about it, the Karate Kid, Ralph Macchio. He was the cutest thing and I just thought he was IT.

3. What is one talent that you wish you had?

It’s not so much a talent, as a genetic thing…I wish my eyesight wasn’t so bad that I always needed glasses or contacts. So as far as the talent side of that goes…I guess I’d have to say “Super Eyesight!"

4. How often do you and your spouse go out w/o the kids? Is it frequent enough?

Not often enough, for sure. For people who are close to relatives it makes it much easier, but being military we don’t have that luxury. It takes so long to get to know people enough to trust them with the kids, and for them to know and understand Eli, and before we know it, it’s time to move again. We are homebodies, so it’s okay. Although there is this one place that we’ve been blessed to go out to a few times… Old Ebbitt Grill, which is across from the Treasury Bldg, and that is amazing…We will have to go again before we move to hickville…aka Shreveport, LA.

5. What colour(s) is your bedroom?

Well, the walls are white. We live in base housing and it is a huge accomplishment (at least in my mind) to get the livingroom and entire downstairs painted. We have to paint it all back when we leave, so the bedrooms never get painted. Our bedspread is a light mint green with cranberry roses on it, and we have heavy cranberry colored drapes, and our sheets are a chocolate brown.

So that’s it! Join in and go visit the other blogs who participated! And if you miss out on it this week, be sure and get to it next week!

Ciao!

Technorati Tags: Five Question Friday

Lets talk about the H1N1 Flu and Test…

2009-10-23T20:49:00.001-05:00

This is MADNESS. And it makes me mad. Furious. THIS is what YOU should know you are facing when and if you ever think your child has the H1N1 flu. Let me walk you through our experience…

But first, let me state that this is MY experience…MY opinions…MY findings. Popular? Maybe not. But I’m done believing what my doctor tells me because I no longer believe that it is always in my best interest. I’m done believing that they actually are all completely educated in all of the things they tell me to do, and I believe that it is my responsibility to educate myself and make my own well informed decisions. I have a good friend who is a doctor, and I do believe that there are many who DO want the best for their patients. But seeing as how I can’t tell the difference between the caring, educated ones and the ones who aren’t, I have no choice but to educate myself…for my family. Disclaimer over.

So you think your child might have the H1N1 (Swine) Flu. What are the symptoms? I am going to UNDERLINE ELI’S SYMPTOMS, so the underlining is my change on this info…which I got from E-how. But you can look these symptoms up anywhere…they are the same typically no matter the source…

Symptoms

Swine flu symptoms can consist of fatigue, chills, body aches, sore throat, cough, headache and fever. There are also some reported cases of vomiting, lack of appetite, lethargy and diarrhea, which are also common in regular human flu. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, there are more severe illnesses, like respiratory failure and pneumonia, associated with the infection of the H1N1 (swine flu) virus.

So, alrighty, I think we’ve covered the symptoms, and Eli has ‘em all…including a fever that ranges from 99-104 degrees, sleeps all day long for several days, won’t eat…even birthday cake and ice cream, and is very confused. Seriously confused. Which is a symptom of the H1N1 reported on other sites. Yes, I KNOW this could all be coincidence, and NO, I do NOT want my child to have this illness. But what I want is real answers and some help from a doctor.

So back to the doctor we go... for the 3rd time in about 3 weeks. And by the way, he was put on Augmentin about 8 days ago and has only gotten worse.

Off to the Doc

So we went to the doc…and we figured they would give us an H1N1 test…right? Because they have all these facts and statistics as to how many people have it…how many people are dying from it…they surely must know what they are talking about…RIGHT?!

Well, as it turns out, there are H1N1 tests…Only the major one costs $300 per test, so doctor’s don’t carry THAT test. Silly me. As it turns out, the people I’ve talked to have never been given the “REAL” H1N1 test…because it COSTS TOO MUCH!

But we WERE given a “test”. I’m pretty sure we were given the BIOTEST Flu A+B Rapid Test Kit for H1N1 Flu. But in doing research on that test…a simple nose swab similar to the RSV nose swab, guess what I found??? Are you ready??? On the company’s FAQ’s page, I found this…

“ As for the ability of BIOTEST Flu A+B Rapid Test Kit to detect the new virus, it is not known if it will detect the H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) now circulating.

Does BIOTEST have kits in inventory?

BIOTEST currently has product in-stock and has the capacity to manufacture more than 600,000 tests per month.

Wow, that must earn them a lot of money! And the fact that it doesn’t reliably detect the flu really makes the buyers quite ignorant (in my non-politically correct opinion).

But I did not stop there…I kept looking. There are more companies, and surely one is FDA approved. Surely? Right? I mean, they are throwing these numbers around and using statistics as a factual reason why you should get the H1N1 vaccine… And then I found this…Quest Diagnostics FAQ's.

Quest Diagnostics had the first commercial test for detecting the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus to be granted emergency use authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). BUT, surprisingly enough, they admit that there are no FDA cleared or approved tests for the identification of the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. Even that “real” $300 test which nobody carries isn’t FDA approved.

Also on the Quest website (FAQ section) , they point this out.

“Can the test be used to diagnose the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus?

Physicians would use the Influenza A H1N1 (2009) Real Time RT-PCR test in patients with signs and symptoms of respiratory infection, and make a diagnosis only in conjunction with assessing the patient’s clinical and epidemiological risk factors.

We do not know for sure if this test can identify all people who may get sick with 2009 H1N1 flu. Therefore, negative results do not preclude influenza virus infection and should not be used as the sole basis for treatment or other patient management decisions.

The test is intended to act as an aid for clinicians to use in identifying patients infected with the pandemic virus, in consideration of symptoms, medical background and other factors.”

Frustrating Conclusion

With a negative nose swab, we were dismissed…and although Eli has a lot of chest congestion (one of those danger signs that everyone says you must see your doctor about if you have THAT in conjunction with the other symptoms), he concluded that he needed Flovent for asthma and we were waltzed out of the office. Ummm, Eli doesn’t have asthma. Bottom line, doctors and these companies are basing these off the wall statistics on CRAP. Yes, offensive of me to say that, sorry. There is NO accurate basis for ANY of the statistics, and oh, by the way, if there is no way to identify the virus, then there is no way to be certain that those who have died “from the virus” really did die FROM the virus. It’s all BOGUS.

Where We Go From Here

To the E.R. Tomorrow. If he’s not one ounce better. And they will have one angry ranting momma if they try to dismiss us there like they did today.

And Just To Wind This Up…

That nasty H1N1 vaccine does nothing but make the government and companies working with our government richer, and it makes our children sicker and sicker. If you want to read about the vaccine, read my post on The H1N1 Vaccine - Don't Poison Yourself, and to read about some interesting CDC findings, click here.

Happy 6th Birthday Sweet Eli!

2009-10-23T08:35:00.001-05:00

It seems like only yesterday that I was standing in my kitchen at Maxwell Air Force Base washing up the paci’s that I’d be taking with me to the hospital the next morning. I had to be at the hospital by 6:00am to start the induction process…how could my sweet baby be 6 already?

It has been a long road f0r us these past 6 years, but you have blessed us more than I can express…frustrated us too, but Eli, you’ve taught us more than we ever thought possible. We love you and your brother more than anything, and are so blessed to have you as our son. Happy birthday sweet boy…

Here are a few pictures…okay, maybe more than a few, but these are some of the moments along the way…

Eli was born at Baptist South Hospital in Montgomery, Alabama

Welcome to the world little guy! 7 lbs 2 oz

A quiet moment with mommy

Home Sweet Home!

1st Birthday, Montgomery, Alabama

Maxwell Air Force Base Air Show – Age 2

Eli age 3 at Disney World in Orlando

Eli at Preschool – age 4 – in Dayton, Ohio (Wright-Patt AFB)

Eli – age 5. First day of Kindergarten at Fort Belvoir Elementary

I’ll stop with those…We love you Eli…We look forward to many more fun filled years and birthdays with you…We are so proud of you!

Week Full of Changes

2009-10-20T20:08:00.001-05:00

It’s only Tuesday and I think I’m emotionally finished for the week ;). This has been a huge week for Eli…today being the beginning of his “real” kindergarten year, and we are so ecstatic.

I met with the team for the IEP development meeting yesterday. For those of you who have followed this IEP saga, you know it has taken extraordinary effort and time to FORCE the school to do what they’re supposed to do. We started this process back in June I think? This should have been finished well before school started on September 8th, but it has dragged on until yesterday, October 19th. To those of you who don’t know what that process involves, count yourself blessed, and to those who do know how hard that road is, you totally understand. I’m not sure if Fairfax County drags its feet in hopes that you will give up? And the snide remark made by a major special education person yesterday about how they “really didn’t take this long to make our lives miserable, they just needed this time to get to know Eli”. BLAH, BLAH, BLAH. That was nice. I bit my tongue so hard it was nearly bleeding. But the bottom line is that Eli’s meds are working so well, and he is behaving so wonderfully in class that the adjustments (his Individualized Education Plan) are very minor, and they have approved to move him from being based out of the autism classroom, to moving full time into the regular kindergarten with all the “normal” kids. When needed, they will allow him time to finish up a project, because he has a hard time putting something away if it’s not finished. It’s very frustrating for him, and they will allow him to finish. They also will give him some warnings of an upcoming change in activity so that he can mentally prepare for it. Autistic kids have a hard time moving from one activity to the next without a lot of warning, so adjustments like these are minor to us, but major to Eli…and this makes all the difference.

So today Chase and I accompanied Eli to the autism classroom to say goodbye to his friends and pick up the rest of his supplies to take over to the new classroom. I wasn’t prepared to nearly burst into tears watching that goodbye. I was proud, relieved, and overwhelmed at what it has taken to get to this point. We have not gotten here easily. Thinking about the past year reminds me of some of the worst memories I’ve ever had, but some of the most joyous as well. I think his classmates were confused as to why he was leaving, and his teacher assured him that they would see him in the halls. My heart was saddened to break up that small little group of 8 kids. 8 kids and 3 teachers…that has been a blessing and I have known every day when I drop him off that he is in the best hands with those teachers. The administration of Fort Belvoir has been a nightmare, but the teachers are so wonderful and have exceeded every single expectation I’ve had.

And then we left that classroom to go to his new class…where he was welcomed with open arms. I do know that we haven’t “overcome” this THING. Autism. I know that we have many hurdles and many battles to fight, and probably some to fight really soon with our impending move. But for me…today… everything was okay. HE is okay. WE are okay. And regardless of all of the fears and questions we’ve asked ourselves over the years, we have done the best we could…and looking back I wouldn’t change a thing.

Five Question Friday!

2009-10-16T18:48:00.001-05:00

It’s time for Five Question Friday!

1. What phrase, or phrases, do you say a lot (holy cow, geez, seriously?)

I have to confess that I say “crap” a lot…I also say “oh my” and “no way”. That’s about it I think…

2. Swimming: Are you a kamikaze off the boat, take the plunge from the deep end, or a gradual, slow submersion from the shore or shallow end kind of person?

If we are snorkeling or something then I just jump in feet first, but if I’m at the pool with the boys, I go in gradually. I don’t like to jump in unless the water is really warm.

3. Have any tattoos? If not, what would you get?

I don’t, but I want one…It’s a heart with wings on it and I think I want it above my ankle…or lower back. I haven’t decided. I keep changing my mind.

4. What is your favorite tree?

The Oak Tree…because when all the acorns fall off, I love to watch the squirrels chew on them and the boys pretend they are bombs when they are playing war outside. It’s really priceless to see them scavenging around for them. Plus, they are great to peel and pick at to pass the time at the playground! :) Oh yeah, and they make a nifty sound in your dryer when you didn’t get all of them out of the kids pockets before washing!

5. Two pronged question: What is your favorite non-physical thing about your spouse? What is your favorite physical thing about your spouse or significant other?

My favorite non-physical thing about Norman is is spirit. He is the most loving and giving person I have ever met, and I love that so much. I am glad that the boys have him as their role model as they grow into young men. And physical, I would have to say his arms. Especially when he is working alot with weights and you can just see the strength in them. I feel very protected and loved when he hugs me with his big arms… I know, I know…sappy sappy! :)

You should head over to Mama M’s blog to join in the fun!

Technorati Tags: Five Question Friday

Flashback Friday

2009-10-16T09:50:00.001-05:00

October: "Costume Party"

For this weeks flashback I decided to do our very first Halloween with 2 kiddos! Chase was 9 months old, and went as an adorable spider, and Eli had just turned 4 and he went as a big bee. This was perhaps my all time favorite Halloween/Trick or Treating experience. A bunch of our neighbors sat outside, around one of those small fire pits to keep warm and to hand out candy. Norman took the boys around the neighborhood, and I stayed home to pass out candy and snap pictures of the boys as they were coming and going. Even after all of the trick or treaters had gone home, the adults continued to stay outside and enjoy the friendship and warmth of the fire…I miss the many friends we had while being in Dayton…I have many wonderful memories of our time there…But enough rambling…Here’s the pictures!

The bottom right picture is Eli with his friend Aiden. Aiden’s mommy and I became good friends through a parenting board, and we all got the chance to meet when she flew up to Dayton to visit her best friend…who just happened to live right up the street from me! That is how I met Sara and her beautiful little Nick! That was such a wonderful year…We cherished our time there and are so thankful for all of the life-long friends we have made along the way.

Philadelphia Trip and Sesame Place

2009-10-15T20:39:00.001-05:00

I figured y’all had enough of the vaccine info, so I thought I’d blog about the trip we took this past weekend up to Sesame Place. We had been wanting to take the boys ever since we moved to Ohio, but it seemed the time just got away from us. But now that we know we will be moving to Louisiana, our time is running out and we decided to go ahead and go. The first thing we did was go down to see the the Liberty Bell. We didn’t get the chance to see it last December on our trip there, so it was a priority in this trip.

From there, we checked into our hotel…we were exhausted. It took no time at all before the boys crashed…

Then the next morning we were off to Sesame Place! Let me tell you, the traffic getting there was awful. They need a new route or something…it took us as long to go the last mile as it did for us to drive all the way from D.C. to Philadelphia. That is seriously INSANE. All the people were on the verge of road raging, and my blood pressure and Norman’s blood pressure were through the roof. But we finally made it, AND to top it off they are having military discounts and so at least we got in free. There is always a silver lining! :) Here are a few pictures we took of our day…the boys had an absolute ball!

We seriously love Philadelphia. It has the most wonderful feeling, and walking around the brick streets, the history does come alive. It’s beautiful and patriotic and proud…and I would love to think we’d be able to go up and visit one more time before we move. There is just so much to do there!!! This is definitely one of my favorite cities!

Technorati Tags: Liberty Bell,Philadelphia,Sesame Place

Cover-ups on the part of the CDC

2009-10-14T18:38:00.001-05:00

I found this article, and it was one I downloaded, not one that had a web address, so I wanted to post it here. So many people look to the CDC to be the factual source for their decision making process. This is flawed. You have to be aware that this is a government agency. A profit driven, government agency. You have to dig deeper than the CDC for answers…do your own research. There is so much information out there on the ingredients in the vaccine that anyone can find. Don’t rely on someone else’s opinion of what is safe for your child…do your own research. And most importantly, please do NOT take the government’s word for it. This article is pretty long, but worth the read…

_________________________

CDC Scandal Emerges—Study Attempts Cover Up of Autism-Mercury Link—Congressman Dave Weldon, M.D., Asks CDC for Investigation

ORIGINAL CDC STUDY FOUND “INCREASING RISKS OF NEUROLOGIC DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS WITH INCREASING CUMULATIVE EXPOSURE TO THIMEROSAL...” NOW, THIRD REVISION OF SAME STUDY FINDS NO LINK

Washington, DC—A CDC study looking at Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) data, published today in Pediatrics, is believed to contain fraudulent scientific data. The study reports no statistically-significant link between autism, ADHD, and developmental delays and the mercury-based vaccine preservative Thimerosal. All of these disorders were found in the CDC’s original investigation and have been removed.

Today’s Washington Times reports that U.S. Congressman Dave Weldon (R-FL), a physician, said in a letter to Dr. Julie Gerberding, Director of the CDC, “I have reviewed the article and have serious reservations about the four-year evolution and conclusions of this study.” And, “I found a disturbing pattern which merits a thorough, open, timely, and independent review by researchers outside of the CDC, HHS, the vaccine industry, and others with a conflict of interest in vaccine related issues.”

Dr. Tom Verstraeten, the lead investigator in the original study and author of the current article, is employed by vaccine-manufacturer giant GlaxoSmithKline, although the current article fails to disclose the clear conflict of interest.

The original February 2000 version of the VSD study, obtained through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), found that exposure to just three mercury-containing vaccines within the first three months of life could make children nearly two and one half times more likely to develop autism than children not exposed. The symptoms of autism mimic those of mercury poisoning.

A CDC meeting was held in June 2000 to discuss the original study’s findings. Transcripts, also obtained through FOIA, reveal CDC researchers and others conspiring to deliberately deceive the American people by minimizing the ill-affects of thimerosal.

• Dr. Robert Brent, of Thomas Jefferson University and the Dupont Hospital for Children said, “…we are in a bad position from the standpoint of defending any lawsuits if they were initiated and I am concerned.”

• Dr. Tom Verstraeten said, “...we have found statistically significant relationships between the exposures and outcomes for these different exposures and outcomes...” Also, “But one thing that is for sure, there is certainly an under-ascertainment of all of these because some of the children are just not old enough to be diagnosed.”

• Bill Weil, M.D., representing the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), said, “You can play with this all you want.” [The numbers] are linear. They are statistically significant.”

• When discussing data manipulation, Dr. Philip Rhodes, a statistician at the CDC and co-author of both studies said, “So you can push, I can pull. But there has been substantial movement from this very highly significant result down to a fairly marginal result.”

Dr. Mark Geier and MedCon, Inc. President, David Geier, are independent researchers, who at the behest of the U.S. Congress have analyzed the VSD data. They found an overwhelming epidemiological confirmation of a direct link between thimerosal and autism. In fact, the researchers found that the risk is comparable to smoking and lung cancer. Their study will be published in December in the peer-reviewed journal, Expert Review of Vaccines.

A study published this summer in a peer-reviewed journal by Dr. Jeff Bradstreet found mercury concentrations were significantly higher in children with autism vs. normal controls.

Another recent study published by independent researchers analyzed the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS,) a cooperative program of the CDC and FDA. This study found children were six times more likely to have autism after thimerosal-containing vaccines than children not exposed.

A July 2003 UPI Report found, after a four-month investigation, a web of close ties between the agency and the companies that make vaccines.

The H1N1 Vaccine…Don’t Poison Yourself

2009-10-13T22:04:00.001-05:00

We went to Sesame Place this past weekend up in Philadelphia, and I had intended on blogging about that trip today. But several things have brought me to a place where I feel the need to blog about vaccines. Yes, I know that it’s not politically correct to pick a side and stand up for your beliefs, but this is something I am convicted about and will not waffle on. So here I go…

H1N1 Vaccine

The very first thing you should know about this vaccine is what is in it. Do you know the ingredients that make up the vaccine? Look at some key ingredients…

Mercury (Thimerosal) – which is more brain toxic than lead. There is also a significant correlation between thimerosal exposure via vaccines and several neuro-developmental disorders including tics, speech and language delays and possibly to ADD and autism spectrum disorders. Even minute amounts of mercury can cause major nerve damage.

Did you know the Mercury in the H1N1 vaccine is 200% OVER what is considered to be safe? If this was a food product, it would not be safe! It would be banned with all sorts of warning labels! When I was pregnant, there was a huge fear of consuming fish that had high levels of mercury… Oh how we stay away from fish, yet once that baby is born we let doctors and nurses give them vaccinations containing mercury that are up to 78 times what is considered to be safe! I am side-stepping a bit, but look at this…

It is this mercury, and other vaccine side effects, that have contributed to the enormous rise in autism that has been experienced, not only in the US, but all over the world.

Day of birth: hepatitis B-12 mcg mercury:

30 x safe level

At 4 months: DTaP and HiB on same day - 50 mcg mercury:

60 x safe level

At 6 months: Hep B, Polio - 62.5 mcg mercury:

78 x safe level

At 15 months the child receives another 50 mcg:

41 x safe level

The above info was taken from: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2001/10/31/mercury-lawsuit.aspx

Okay….so back to the H1N1 vaccine…It also contains:

Aluminum- which is associated with Alzheimer's disease and seizures and also cancer producing in laboratory mice (it is used as an additive to promote antibody response)
Squalene – has been strongly associated with such diseases as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, ALS and many other side effects such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, rashes, chronic fatigue, chronic headaches, ulcers, memory loss, seizures, neuropsychiatric problems among many others.

And then, on top of that, you have other ingredients such as these that are also a part of the vaccine.

Ethylene glycol (antifreeze)

Phenol, also known as carbolic acid (this is used as a disinfectant, dye)

Formaldehyde, a known cancer-causing agent

Neomycin and Streptomycin (used as antibiotics) have caused allergic reaction in some people.

These vaccines are also grown and strained through animal or human tissue like monkey kidney tissue, chicken embryo, embryonic guinea pig cells, calf serum, and human diploid cells (the dissected organs of aborted human fetuses as in the case of rubella, hepatitis A, and chickenpox vaccines).

I have many sources that I have used to get my information, but a good one is Mercola.com. There is a wealth of information there, just enter your email address to gain access, and start educating yourself. Another great website to find information is the Vaccination Risk Awareness Network.

I had a surprising conversation with my doctor today when I went in for a sinus infection. He was frustrated by what is going on, and made it clear that the H1N1 vaccine was not safe, and he refused to give it to his patients. That alone shocked me. He said that the amount of pressure the doctors are under is enormous to push vaccines regardless of the risks. Most just do what they are told, and they don’t do their own research to determine if there are risks, and if so, what they are. He said that by his speaking out and making his opinions known has put him at odds with the other doctors who just go along with whatever they are told to do. I was really floored at his honesty, and saddened to know that someone who actually cared for his patients is in such a minority.

Unfortunately it took Eli being a victim of those nasty ingredients…namely the Mercury/Thimerosal for me to START my research. And it’s too late to undo what damage has been done to Chase by having him vaccinated. Only time will tell if he will be affected the same way.

I have much more I would like to say on the subject, but this is all for now. My headache is getting the best of me. All I can hope that anyone will come away from this truly getting is that there is a NEED for parents to advocate for their children. Research these vaccines…know what is IN them. Because once something is done, you cannot un-do it. Eli is living proof of that.

Technorati Tags: H1N1 Vaccine

5 Question Friday

2009-10-09T10:03:00.001-05:00

It’s time for 5 Question Friday over at Mama M's Blog

1. What is the one thing that you reach for the most in a day (excluding phones, computer or children's butts for spankings)?

I’d have to say it’s a tie between laundry and the dishes. I feel like I’m always doing one of those two things.

2. What is the farthest you have been from home?

Jamaica

3. What kind of cell phone do you have? Love it or hate it?

I have a Razor flip phone and I am okay with it…it’s affordable and it works, so I can’t complain.

4. Coke or Pepsi?

Coke

5. If you could go back and change anything about your wedding day, what would it be and why?

That’s tough. I would say I would have spent more time with my bridesmaid Michelle. She was such a wonderful friend and that was the last time we got to really see each other. She passed away over a year and a half ago, and I still can’t believe she’s gone.

So that’s it! Head on over to Mama M’s blog and join in!

Stacey

Eli Update and What’s Wrong With Yankee Doodle…

2009-10-07T10:08:00.001-05:00

I posted a while back about having a frustrating weekend with Eli, so I wanted to update about that. The break from his medicine worked miracles, and that following Monday began a good behavior streak that is still going. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a normal rambunctious 5 year old who squabbles with his brother…but at least now that he is behaving, that’s all we have had to deal with. He’s gotten good reports from his teacher and has actually been able to be in the mainstream Kindergarten classroom since then. I am so proud of him! He’s been playing so nice with the kids at the playground, and it’s just been so much better around here. Ahhhhhhh… such a relief. I can breathe easy…until we have to do it again! :)

He was so cute on Monday when I picked him up. He said, “What’s wrong with Yankee Doodle?” I just said, “Huh? What do you mean?” And he said, “Why did he ride to town on a pony? Doesn’t he know he could have gotten to town faster on a horse? Ponies are small…they run slower than a big horse!” And they wonder why he doesn’t ALWAYS want to sing during music class…he’s too busy analyzing the lyrics. He is doing better though, and is participating by singing and sometimes doing the hand movements. He thinks it’s dumb, and seeing how he acts so much older than his age sometimes and has a brain that I think is older than a 5 year old’s, it’s fitting for him to think that…I understand it. During VBS he kept looking back at me with this look like WHAT are they doing and WHY do they expect me to do it too! :) He didn’t understand that it would have made my day to see him hold his finger up when he sang “This Little Light of Mine”. :) Oh well…we’re making progress. He’s definitely very independent. He doesn’t care what others think, and that is good to some extent. My brother is like that, and although it drove me NUTS when I was younger, I am appreciating it more now. It’s a good quality to have.

Alright that’s all for now! I’m off to take Chase to the park! Have a great Wednesday!

Technorati Tags: Eli,Autism,Yankee Doodle

Maryland Renaissance Festival 2009

2009-10-06T20:54:00.001-05:00

We went last year to the Maryland Renaissance Festival and had a great time, so we knew we had to go this year. Since it was exactly one year ago when we went last time, and since I took their pictures on the same lion statues I did last year, I decided to compare to see how much they have changed…and boy have they changed. They both look so much older, Chase’s face has really taken more of a little boy look instead of his round baby face, and Eli now has glasses.

We love the festival up here…It is such a big deal, the grounds are set up year round, and it is absolutely enormous. It lasts 2 or 3 months, and people come from all over. It’s neat to have the chance to live in different places and enjoy all the different things they have to offer. This is one thing I will miss next year when we are in Louisiana…Yep, we will all definitely miss it…

And that about wraps it up! Yes, I know I posted a lot of pics…but I just couldn’t decide which ones to post. Plus it’s the last Maryland Renaissance Festival post I’ll ever do!! So it’s the beginning of the “lasts” for us, which is always hard. :( Have I mentioned I don’t want to move???

Happy 37th Norman!!

2009-10-03T22:04:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow is Norman’s birthday, and I can’t believe this is our 8th one together and 7th one married! We don’t have any big plans, we’re just going to enjoy the day. Norman, I love you. You have always put me and the boys first, and we never wonder for a moment where your heart is. This has been a hard year…well, 17 months. We have all loved being here, but the commute you’ve had to deal with here lately and the time apart has been hard on all of us, and you never complain. Thank you for doing all you do. We are so proud of you, and you should be proud of yourself for what you’ve accomplished in your 37 years. Thank you for putting up with me. I love you…the next 37 will be even better ;).

Norman as a baby…Chase looks just like him!

Here I think Eli looks like him…

This was Norman performing in West Side Story (A-Rab) in the orange vest.

This is before we met, on a trip he took to Windsor Castle.

This pic was taken at the Fort Sill Christmas Ball…my first one to go to. And I have to say it was the best one I’ve ever been to. I think the Army has better formal functions than the Air Force.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NORMAN! I LOVE YOU!!!

Technorati Tags: Norman,Norman's Birthday

Flashback Friday

2009-10-02T09:48:00.001-05:00

October: "Costume Party"

I’m starting off the month’s theme with last years Halloween. It was the first year that Chase was old enough to get into the whole costume thing, and he enjoyed being a little dragon! Eli had a lot of fun with his costume too. Chase wants to be “Boots” from Dora, so I’d better start looking for his costume, and Eli wants to be Diego. That would be cute, I just hope I can find the costumes!

These pictures were taken from the Mommy and Me Halloween celebration in Rockville, Maryland. Mommy and Me days up in Rockville are something that they do all throughout the summer and fall, and they host lots of neat activities. This area is just rich in things to do and stuff for kids. I’m definitely going to miss it…

Technorati Tags: Flashback Friday,Halloween

The Over the Top Blog Award

2009-10-01T10:32:00.001-05:00

Big thanks to Nikki at The Chocolate Mousse for this award! Nikki and I have known each other for about 5 years, and she is one of the few things that I loved (and miss) about our time in Montgomery, Alabama. She has two adorable kiddos and is a true southern belle…She’s a rare find (even in the south!), and she has an adorable blog that you should visit right now! :)

Okay, so the rules are to thank the person who gives it to you, answer the questions with one word answers, and then tag 6 others. :) Here goes…

1. Where is your cell phone?

nightstand

2.Your hair?
blonde

3. Your mother?
Oklahoma

4. Your father?
Oklahoma

5. Your favorite food?
Mexican

6. Your dream last night?
Impossible

7. Your favorite drink?
Coke

8. Your dream/goal?
eventually

9. What room are you in?
living

10. Your hobby?
shop

11. Your fear?
deployment

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years?
happy

13. Where were you last night?
playground

14. Something you aren't?
Shy

15. Muffins?
Blueberry

16. Wish list item?
Mercedes

17. Where did you grow up?
Oklahoma

18. Last thing you did?
drive

19. What are you wearing?
comfy

20. Your TV?
on

21. Your pets?
sleeping

22. Your friends?
everywhere

23. Your life?
blessed

24. Your mood?
sleepy

25. Missing someone?
normal

26. Vehicle?
minivan

27. Something you're not wearing?
shoes

28. Your favorite store?
Ohio

29. Your favorite color?
pink

30. When was the last time you laughed?
morning

31. Last time you cried?
show

32. Your best friend?
Norman

33. One place that I go over and over?
school

34. One person who emails me regularly?
several

35. Favorite place to eat?
Italian

Okay, so now the fun part – it’s your turn! All of the blogs I keep up with are fantastic, but the six I choose for being over the top are…

1. Ally at Faith, Family and Friends

2. Melissa at New Girl on Post

3. Allison at The Displaced Texan

4. Casey at The Ever-Changing Life of a Military Wife

5. Charity at Thoughts...by Charity Joy Bell

6. Baloney at Sounds Like Baloney

Technorati Tags: blog awards

Rained Out

2009-09-26T14:44:00.002-05:00

Today was going to be our fun trip up to Maryland to go to the Maryland Renaissance Festival. We had such a ball last year and I was super shocked (to say the least) at the level of “participation” by the people attending. People dress up for this…and when I mean dress up, I mean DRESS UP in full renaissance gear. Talk the way they talked back then, and I was so swept up in it I had to get a crown of flowers which I plan on wearing again, ~~because I spent way too much on it~~ because I just think it’s the coolest thing ever. :)

Out of all the days it has said it was going to rain and didn’t, today had to actually be the day it decided to rain. The festival runs thru the end of October so we won’t miss it, but I was looking forward to it today.
We have had quite a week though, so maybe it is a blessing in disguise. Eli has gone from “Student of the Week” the first of school to having some problems with his behavior. Overall he is still much better than when he went to Meridell (if you want to read about his experience there, click on the link). And I look back on where he was and sometimes get frustrated at myself that I am allowing myself to get wrapped up in the fact that he’s not a cookie-cutter kid, and (GASP) has had one episode a day for the past few days of school. Only one episode? Am I INSANE? I have a highly functioning autistic child and he’s being slowly integrated into a “regular” Kindergarten classroom, that teacher has commented that he’s one of the smartest kids in the class, even though he can’t sit still and ~~be nice~~ be quiet and concentrate like everyone else.

But I am still frustrated that these daily episodes are happening and getting worse each day. Now, I understand Eli. I know when something is new he does so much better, but when he gets settled and comfortable…watch out. The aggressive side comes out. Which makes me think he needs to go to a boot-camp school where the teacher makes him scared ;). I’m just kidding, but I think it would work out better for him. Because his teacher is so sweet…and I think he is now comfortable to be himself.
His episodes started out pretty harmless…him being frustrated and acting out because he wasn’t given time to finish something. Okay, we know he has problems transitioning from one activity to the next. It’s his MAJOR issue. But by Friday (yesterday) he had taken tackle football to the next level here with neighborhood kids by hitting them when they didn’t pass him the ball, and at school he kicked this kid”L” 3 times. YEP. I said three. So lets go over what happened yesterday.
We get in the car to go to school. We listen to his Bible songs all the way there like we usually do. We talk about Jesus and how He loves us and wants us to love other people, then since we were early, I pulled into the Commissary to say a little prayer together for him to have a good day. I will fess up and say that I was super tired and nearly smashed into a truck because I thought I was stepping the brake but actually hit the gas. Yeah, I am not the greatest driver, but I’m not normally THAT bad. So anyway… We prayed and talked about what he would do if he got mad, frustrated, or needed a break. TALK TO THE TEACHER BUDDY. He emphatically agreed that that was our plan, and he would have a great day. Then about an hour later, he was getting picked on by “L” (yes, I do find solace that “L” started it), but am sad that he couldn’t in his frustration find it in his little heart to just tell his teacher. Why he can’t THINK before he ACTS is just one of those things that I don’t understand about autism. I will never understand about it…and will forever feel that I am responsible by letting him get vaccinated. YES, I am one of THOSE people who believe that the Thimerosol and the other ingredients cause children to develop autism when they have either Fragile X or a weaker or different system than most. But I digress… Eli – talk to your teacher. But he can’t/won’t/whatever. So he’s getting in more trouble.
And last night it dawned on Norman and me that he hasn’t had a break from one of his primary medications. This medication requires a break every now and then, so this weekend is that break. And ooooohhhh let me tell you, it’s a fun time here. :) So this is Amantadine Holiday weekend. For some reason I didn’t mark down when we did the last one, so I’m not sure how long its been, which is part of my reason for wanting to record it here.

So maybe the rain is a blessing in disguise?? We can get this medication issue worked out so that we can have a great week next week and go to the festival next weekend. I can always hope right??? Well, here’s to surviving the next day and a half, and to a great week as a result of this pain. No pain, no gain right?

Technorati Tags: Maryland Renaissance Festival,Eli,Autism,Amantadine Holiday

Say NO to the Swine Flu Vaccine!

2009-09-25T20:38:00.001-05:00

Technorati Tags: Swine Flu Vaccine,Swine Flu

First time for 5 Question Friday

2009-09-25T17:32:00.001-05:00

Since I had the time, I thought I would join in on this today!

It's time for five question Friday over at Mama M's blog.

Here are the rules: copy the questions below, paste them to your blog, answer them, then grab the MckLinky code .

1. What celebrity have you been told you look like?
When I was in high school everyone said I looked like that girl off The Nanny…Maggie – the oldest daughter. I got that ALL the time, but as for now…no clue. :) And I prolly don’t want to know!

2. What is your all time favorite movie, any special reason why?
I love You’ve Got Mail with Tom Hanks…I just love Tom Hanks…

3. Since we're talkin' movies...Popcorn: overrated, underrated, or 'bout right?
I have to be in the mood for it, and it has to have a lot of butter on it. A LOT.

4. Are you a glass half empty or half full kinda person?
Depends on my mood and what we’re talking about. I try to see the best in all situations, but there are just some things that “half-empty” fits best.

5. What perfume/cologne do you wear?
Victoria Secrets – Dream Angel - Halo

Flashback Friday!

2009-09-25T09:19:00.001-05:00

September: "Dear Old Golden Rule Days" (school photos)

I am going to post two photos centered around one event…Geary’s High School football homecoming. This first one was when I was little…I’m guessing 3 maybe – and was taken right before we left to go to the game. Both of my parents were teachers, so they were always at the games either working the gate or concession stand, or doing something ;). I scanned it in from a scapbook I’d made in high school, so that’s why it looks kind of funny. I had some seriously blonde hair back then!!!

And this is of Geary’s homecoming my senior year - 1997. I know I’ve posted this picture before, but I just wanted to post this for FF. Tonight is Geary’s Homecoming, and it is just so funny how the event stays the same…the faces just keep changing from year to year.

Technorati Tags: Flashback Friday,Geary High School,Homecoming