Peggy's Happenings

Since i last posted

2011-03-05T13:45:00.000-09:00

Since i have last posted Kyle has been diagnosed with Verbal and Oral Apraxia.He is in private therapy right now 2 times a week..possibly soon to be 3.He has one day a week with the school district early intervention team as well.He is enjoying therapy immensely and they are really nice there.Ive come to terms with the diagnosis and am glad we have a diagnosis.I am not glad that getting the help my son needs is a constant fight.I have a new blog that ive been posting on more then this one.Its in a previous blog post.

Kyles new Blog

2011-02-15T20:18:00.001-09:00

http://ourjourneywithapraxia.blogspot.com/

just writing..

2010-10-22T11:36:00.002-08:00

So a little update on kyle...At age 5 he will be having the Sensory Integration and Praxis Test.His OT therapist cant do it sooner as things have to be done when he is 5.It also means having to get Insurance to cover it.In addition he will need to be seen after by a developmental pediatrician to rule out other things such as adhd,autism etc as these things at times go with SPD.He is still on the wait list for Speech/oral motor.Once i get the results from the test i can take them to the school district lady who we work with for kyles in home therapy...set up an appt with the school he will be going to and the kindergarten dept to figure out goals and such for him..she said his IEP follows him through to school..once he is at the 3 year mark he is reevaluated.She also wants me to give her a letter from Kyles OT therapist stating speech issues etc so kyle might also qualify for speech through the school district as well.
Mentally its quite a bit to take in The whole sensory processing disorder.Its wierd because i have thought he has had this for awhile...but i guess finally knowing things are going to be in motion soon its hit me.Ive been feeling down the past few days about it.I mean this is something we may have to deal with for the rest of his life.I know i didnt physically do anything wrong when i was pregnant but for some reason i find me blaming myself.its stupid i know.Ive read that it could be genetic as well..as i dont know the full family history i dont know how to find out if its genetic...is there a blood test they do?
I know i need to buck up and not want to cry but gosh im very emotional today.Kyle also did not sleep well last night so i was up 5 times with him.Once we get his weighted blanket i hope he will sleep better.Maybe i need to see if there is a support group or something out there.

I emailed kyles therapist

2010-10-21T16:19:00.000-08:00

i just got a great email from kyles therapist.I emailed her about kyle and asking her if she thought kyle had signs of autism and she said she did not believe so.Here is the email.So now its off to do more research on SPD and find books on it and the whole shebang.Now to research to see if insurance will cover this blanket as its quite a bit of money out of pocket.
Peggy,

First and foremost, thanks for your e-mail! I appreciate you coming to me with your questions and am always happy to help when I can. I understand you knot wanting to talk in front of Kyle, so this is a great means for us to communicate. My impression of Kyle is that he has a Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). I am not really seeing the typical signs of autism, although there is a broad spectrum. Typically, children with autism are withdrawn, introverted, and seem to live in their own little world. They don’t interact much with adults or other children and have a hard time engaging in back and forth or reciprocal play. I do not see this in Kyle at all. He is very engaging and interactive and loves to play with me when he is here. He often initiates play and also wants to be in the room with other kids, although he does not usually initiate with them. Many of the issues you describe: sleep problems, eating, toilet training, etc can all be related to SPD. There is a test called the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) that I can give Kyle, however I would prefer to wait until he is 5 because there are parts of the test that cannot be given to 4 year olds. I would also need to get authorization from TriWest before proceeding. There are a couple of different things we can try to help address the sleep issue, including Sleep CDs or a weighted blanket. The weighted blanket made a huge difference for my own daughter, and it’s something very simple we can try. I believe there are some links on our website that can provide you with more information about SPD. We also have several books in our lending library here at the office that may be helpful. Please let me know what else I can do and if you have anymore questions! I am really enjoying working with Kyle! See you next week.

kyle and his spots...

2010-09-21T19:04:00.000-08:00

Well it seems kyle has broken out in hives.He's had them for 5 days now. Dont know whats causing it.Peds said it could be a virus or due to stress.

Oh and it can take up to 17 days for them to sign a paper that the therapist needs signed that i brought in.A doctor called me about his referrals which leads me to believe that even though they said they put in for his speech they in fact did not.Here is hoping i can talk to the doctor tommorrow..i wont hold my breath though.

Getting help for your child is not easy

2010-09-17T13:57:00.000-08:00

Who knew getting your child the help they need would be so difficult?Its so frustrating i feel like im just going in circles.call this person,call that person,bring paperwork in,call back to make sure they actually follow through only to find out they do it half way and only put one referral in rather then the 2 you need.Then when you go in person you dont get any answers you get this (this is when i went to drop of more paperwork)

Okay so i went to the Peds clinic on base to drop of some paperwork and try and get some answers.Let me explain how i see it.Okay the front desk airmen are the worker/drone bees..the officers or drs who you want to see are the queen bees who the workers/drone bees protect.Once you start talking to the front desk people they look at you like your talking in an alien language..they get that dazed look in their eyes and then call another airmen to come help.Then that airmen leaves to go find more help.So in the end you leave feeling like you deal with complete idiots and wonder why you have health insurance since its so hard to get your child seen and the referrals they need in place.Im still waiting on a call back from the doctor.They keep changing the story..about the developmental pediatrician..that he is on base one minute and off the next.Oh and they told me now that i have to get an appointment to get a referral for the developmental peds...so now ive been told like 3 different things.No wonder its confusing.

I went in last week and brought in all the paperwork for kyle to get a speech referral(like they said) and a referral to be seen by a developmental pediatrician.The speech has been put in through the referral office on base but is not in the system through Triwest(our insurance).Right now im currently waiting on a call back from the pediatricians office about what should have been done last week.They dont care that i have a child waiting to get help :(

Happiness

2010-09-11T22:44:00.000-08:00

Happiness Is spending time with the kids.Its seeing them ride their little car.Its seeing their faces light up when you walk in the room.Happiness is seeing how happy the kids are when you tell them they get to help wash a car which is usually a mundane chore that you cant stand..and yet they make it very enjoyable.Happiness is knowing you put a smile on their face.

Kyles first day of OT Therapy

2010-09-09T23:25:00.000-08:00

He had a great time!He was really looking forward to it.He told me he got to swing,Play in the ball pit and play with puzzles.I was given a tooth brush type of thing with rubber on the end for him to bite down on with his molars to help him get strength in it or something like that.He cant wait to go back :)

Now we are just waiting on a speech/oral motor referral and the developmental pediatrician referral :)

Whats going on?Rambles

2010-09-07T18:35:00.000-08:00

Progress on the Referral part that is.I was able to get the paperwork in to pediatrics for Kyle to get his referral for Speech/PT therapy for his oral motor issues.I was also able to request a referral for a developmental pediatrician :)

Summer is officially over.That is not a huge shocker here.Summer..if you can call it that was very rainy here.In fact there was a month where it rained for over 32 days..STRAIGHT. Yea...tell them Anchorage is the new FORKS,Washington :P

Chloe will be 3 in Oct.I cant believe it.I JUST had her!She is talking up a storm.She has been paci free for almost 3 weeks now.She has recently been super clingy to me though.Like white on rice.

I went to Church for the first time in years.It was great.A great feeling and the kids had a good time.Cant wait to attend again.Its amazing how Church can make you feel better.

I have to admit i have a addiction to books.Sadly im running out of room in my book area.I cant do kindle.I love the smell and turning the pages of books.Oh well i can deal with the clutter of books :P

Kyle starts his therapy this week!

2010-08-30T14:16:00.000-08:00

Kyle starts his OT therapy this week!Im very excited and hope this helps him.He will go to a private therapy center then the school district is coming out one day a week to work with him.

to catch up on matters

Kyles appt went well.He will be going once a day until his goals are complete for his fine motor skills.The main issues are pen holding(which she said for him to hold his crayon the way he does and still color like he does was a talent ) and other items...he didnt throw a ball the correct way like he should have,walking up stairs wasnt done correctly..they like to see him walking up the stairs one foot at a time..not placing both feet on the same stair.She said she is also going to work on strengthening his Trunk area.Since he skipped crawling he seems to have missed muscle development there.At home i am to let him climb up a slide,do tummy time with him,make tents and such for him to crawl through and do army crawling...also get him to lay on the swing on his belly.She also said that for him not to be able to peddle a bike and have a hard time swinging with his legs on a swing that there was some issue there...i think she said that somewhere its getting lost that its too much info for his brain to take in at once and it gets lost or something like that.She is going to write a letter stating kyle needs speech so we can get him started on that since he has oral motor issues and she is not the therapist for that.She did a sensory profile and he ranked low in the eating and tantrum part...which she expected.She said once we get the speech going we can do a more indepth sensory profile on him.She believes his eating issues stem from a sensory issue of his brain and mouth/tongue not working together.His overstuffing his mouth issue may be that the sensors in his brain/mouth are not informing the brain that his mouth is full so he keeps shoving food in making himself choke etc.
We also have a lady coming out from the school district to see kyle for an hour a week to work with his fine motor skills..he did not qualify for the special preschool but did qualify for this.
Thats it in a nutshell i think.

Its been AGES!

2010-06-05T21:00:00.002-08:00

I really need to start blogging again!Lets see since i last posted..Ive survived ANOTHER winter in Alaska..right now we are in summer and its 24 hours of sunlight.Kyles 4 now and he is finally talking...never thought it would happen and now i cant get him to be quiet :) . Lets see ive had a birthday since i last posted.Im 26 now..shhh.Chloe is miss chatterbox and miss diva.Ive been taking pictures...im adoring Photography.what else?We have 2 more years left in Alaska.

Update on the kiddos!

2009-10-15T08:29:00.002-08:00

Kyle Is talking a mile a minute..it seems he is making up for his 2 years of not talking...we cant get him quite..thats a good thing though :). He is in 5t clothes and still growing.He loves trains,cars and plains.
Chloe...she is 2 now and already using 3 word sentences.She is super verbal im amazed.She is growing a bit too but still a shorty pie.She has such a huge appetite and she is still so tiny i wish knew where she puts it.Oh and her new favorite thing to do is run around in her diaper.

T-minus ...

2009-10-14T14:37:00.003-08:00

So i have a week and a half before the hubs leaves for a month long TDY.Not a biggie...its better then him leaving for 6 months to a year.It just stinks having to explain to the kids where their daddy is 20 times a day for a month.
I bought this Twilight companion book in hopes it would go beyond the book only to start reading it and it being made towards teen and pre teen girls so that was thoroughly disappointing and a waste of money.
I bought the Stephanie Meyers new book The Host as well.Im really thinking i might try reading an Anne Rice book..ive never read anything by her though.
I told the hubs one day when we can afford it i want an exercise machine...i seriously told him i want one thats like a bike so i can sit down and exercise since a treadmill is to much work..yes this from the person who wants to exercise.Oye.I'll be that person exercising with a cookie in one hand and a coke in the other :P j/k

whats going on weather?

2009-10-12T09:16:00.003-08:00

This time last year it was cold...it was starting to snow too....This year its in the 40s and 50s and no snow at all.The snow on the mountains has disappeared as well.Its either going to be a mild winter of a freezing cold one!Who knows?!?!

New Moon video/song

2009-10-08T14:13:00.003-08:00

I really like this song..i had never heard of this band prior to this..they are a keeper :)

Death Cab For Cutie |MTV Music

buh bye summer

2009-10-07T13:48:00.003-08:00

Summer has officially left us here in Anchorage.Its rainy wet and cold.The leaves have changed and we are getting frost on the ground.Soon we will have snow.I know what i have to look forward to this year..the negative temps,ice,snow.This year shouldn't be as bad as last year when we had just moved here...i had never seen,touched or even wanted to be around snow..what Floridian who has never ventured north during winter has?We are below 12 hours of daylight i think its 11 and some minutes.The moose are coming down off the mountain as well getting ready for winter. The only thing i dread is going out in cold weather....okay that and the loss of daylight..it really stinks only having 3 hours of daylight. Will is leaving for a months TDY as well but thats easily dealt with...just something you have to deal with when your military.It could be worse he could be gone for a year.Oh i thought of something else that stinks..driving a huge dodge ram when your 5'2 and the truck being lifted..trying to get into the truck with ice on the step bars.Oye.

This years misson..to make the best snowman and snow angels possible! Oh and be jealous of the mild winter florida has.(i used to think the 30s were cold...now i go out without a jacket in the 30s)

Please sign!

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

Petition powered by ThePetitionSite.com

Happy 2nd birthday Chloe! (oct 3rd)

2009-10-05T13:12:00.000-08:00

Happy 2nd birthday Chloe!Her birthday was oct 3rd!She had a great birthday and i cant believe she is 2 years old already!

Love this scene and song

2009-10-01T19:12:00.000-08:00

Ask Edward Cullen (wide)

2009-09-24T14:51:00.001-08:00

Ask Edward Cullen (wide)great free widgetsWidgetboxMore info

The kids playing the tent i made them

2009-09-24T12:40:00.002-08:00

Snow is acomin'!

2009-09-21T13:51:00.000-08:00

Snow is on the mountains across from my house.From what i hear its 3 weeks late in coming!Here is hoping to a not so frigid winter as last year.

Videos of the kiddos

2009-09-16T18:23:00.000-08:00

Remembering 9/11

2009-09-12T11:42:00.000-08:00

Remembering 9/11

Took the kids to the park and other ramblings

2009-09-11T13:51:00.002-08:00

An indoor park that is here on base..we stayed for about an hour and they had a blast!They got to play with kids their own age as well!

Today is so sunny..its been really nice up here...unlike when we came up here this time last year it was so rainy and dreary.Snow will be coming in oct so its almost time to pull out the warm weather gear...its 62 degrees today :P

the govt can

2009-09-02T08:48:00.001-08:00

The Pink Dress - -

2009-08-11T12:55:00.002-08:00

The Pink Dress - -

Don't let your day go on without reading this first, no matter How busy you may be!!!

The Pink Dress

There was this little girl sitting by herself in the park.

Everyone passed by her and never stopped to see why she looked so sad.

Dressed in a worn pink dress, barefoot and di rty, the girl just sat And watched the people go by.

She never tried to speak.

She never said a word.

Many people passed by her, but no one would stop.

The next day I decided to go back to the park in curiosity to see If the little girl would still be there.

Yes, she was there, right in the very spot where she was Yesterday, and still with the same sad look in her eyes

Today I was to make my own move and walk over to the little girl.

For as we all know, a park full of strange people is not a place for young children to play alone.

As I got closer I could see the back of the little girl's dress.

It was grotesquely shaped.

I figured that was the reason people just passed by and made no Effort to speak to her.

Deformities are a low blow to our society and, heaven forbid if you make a step toward assisting someone who is different.

As I got closer, the little girl lowered her eyes slightly to Avoid my intent stare.

As I approached her, I could see the shape of her back more clearly.

She was grotesquely shaped in a humped over form.

I smiled to let her know it was OK; I was there to help, to talk.

I sat down beside her and opened with a simple, 'Hello'

The little girl acted shocked, and stammered a 'hi '; after a long stare into my eyes.

I smiled and she shyly smiled back.

We talked until darkness fell and the park was completely empty.

I asked the girl why she was so sad.

The little girl looked at me with a sad face said, 'Because, I'm Different...'

I immediately said, 'That you are!'; and smiled.

The little girl acted even sadder and said, 'I know.'

'Little girl,' I said, 'you remind me of an angel, sweet and innocent.'

She looked at me and smiled, then slowly she got to her feet and Said, 'Really?'

'Yes, you're like a little Guardian Angel sent to watch over all the people walking by.'

She nodded her head yes, and smiled.

With that she opened the back of her pink dress and allowed her Wings to spread, then she said 'I am.'

'I'm your Guardian Angel,' with a twinkle in her eye.

I was speechless -- sure I was seeing things.

She said, 'For once you thought of someone other than yourself. My job here is done'..

I got to my feet and said, 'Wait, why did no one stop to help an Angel?'

She looked at me, smiled, and said, 'You're the only one that could see me,' and then she was gone.

And with that, my life was changed dramatically.

So, when you think you're all you have, remember, your angel is Always watching over you.

Its been 1 week since..

2009-08-06T17:31:00.003-08:00

WE MADE KYLE DITCH THE PACI AT NIGHTTIME!!!!

He is doing amazing and hasnt asked for it since the first few nights!

President Obama talking crap

2009-07-24T12:07:00.000-08:00

i just went and figured out chloes vaccine/schedule

2009-07-23T23:51:00.000-08:00

i just went and figured out chloes vaccine/schedule

Here are Chloes shot record..i just got it out and reviewed it..putting it here so i can come back and review this if needed

she has had 3 DTAP shots (needs 1 more) will do that at 2 years
4 pneumococcal conjugate(prevnar)
varicella
rotovirus(only one of those)The tech did it before i could say no.I would never again give this to a child of mine.Chloe got so sick from it.It was horrible.they tried to give it again and i refused.

we still need another DTAP and MMR but we are waiting until she is older.

for all the shots we went 2-3 month delay from when they were due..like she was 4 months getting her 2 month shots,7 months getting her 4 month shots,10 months old getting her 6 month shots and 21 months old getting her 12 month shots...although some of her 12 month shots are still being delayed.

Chloes appt scheduled

2009-07-22T12:05:00.001-08:00

Chloes drs appointment is scheduled with the pediatric cardiologist up here at providence medical center.Monday morning at 9am.Please just say a wee prayer or whatever you do that all is okay with her vsd and its going to heal itself and not need anything done to it.The person i talked to sounded really nice and ive heard good things about providence.The only thing that stinks is they dont have her records from sacred heart and img oing to try and get them today but not sure if i will get them in time.

what i made for kyles room

2009-07-21T08:42:00.001-08:00

I was looking at old pictures and found this one

2009-07-15T22:13:00.005-08:00

Talk about a funny first family picture of us at the hospital :P

Some pictures of the kiddos

2009-07-15T11:08:00.001-08:00

Chloes 18 month well baby..she is 21 months old so we are late)

2009-07-15T11:07:00.000-08:00

Appointment went well.No vaccines.We left before they gave them out.The tech however almost had heart failure when he saw she hadnt had her 12 month shots because shes 21 months old :teehee: She is 24 pounds and 33 inches long.I looked it up online for the growth charts and she apparently is in 10th % for weight and 50% for height.Im not a doctor though so i might be wrong for the chart but i looked it up on CDC.We did get a referral in for Chloe so she can see the Pedi cardiologist for her VSD.It should be here in 7-14 days i think.Then i can make an appt so she can be seen.She is so shy.She wouldnt look at the doctor when he was talking to her and she had her thumb in her mouth..she does that when she gets shy.

Forgotten Heroes

2009-07-12T20:07:00.001-08:00

FALLEN HERO SGT FC JOHN C. BEALE RETURNS...

2009-07-12T12:02:00.000-08:00

FALLEN HERO SGT FC JOHN C. BEALE RETURNS...
Killed in action the week before, the body of Staff Sergeant First Class John C. Beale was returned to Falcon Field in Peachtree City , Georgia , just south of Atlanta , on June 11, 2009. The Police escorted the procession to the funeral home in McDonough , Georgia . A simple notice in local papers indicated the road route to be taken and the approximate time. This was filmed during the procession by a State Trooper.

I knitted Chloe a blanket/lovey :)

2009-06-25T22:51:00.002-08:00

I made this for Chloe..its a small blanket..but i guess with its size more of a lovey.Its not perfect but its my first one i ever made and it was made with love :P I dont know if i did the end right(they said to put the last 6 inches through the last hole and that would be the end...but now that im done it seems maybe i should have put the yarn through all the holes?) but its okay..its all a learning process..For anyone that knitts how do i wash it?Normal or is there something special i need to do to it?

I have a new hobby

2009-06-24T16:01:00.000-08:00

Photography.Im in love with it.I love taking pictures.It gives me something to do and i feel good doing it.Im excited!

Way to go will!

2009-06-19T08:40:00.001-08:00

http://www.elmendorf.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123154952

IG team releases ORI outstanding performers
ORI outbrief

6/18/2009 - ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- The following individuals have been named Operational Readiness Inspection outstanding performers by the Pacific Air Forces inspector general team during the ORI June 1-7.

19th Aircraft Maintenance Unit
Senior Airman Rodrick Carter
Staff Sgt. Timothy Coble
Senior Airman Douglas Covey
Airman 1st Class Samantha Farr
Senior Airman Travis Gregory
Capt. Adam Hauer
Senior Airman Joy Higgins
Staff Sgt. Joshua Hood
Staff Sgt. Robert Jackson
Tech. Sgt. Norman Lavoy
Airman 1st Class Jose Lopez
Tech. Sgt. Matthew Murphy
Senior Airman Michael Parrish
Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Reynolds
Master Sgt. John Ryneski
Staff Sgt. Kimmie Samuel
Senior Airman Donald Turner
Staff Sgt. Wilmer Warren
Tech. Sgt. Michael White
Tech. Sgt. Christopher Wood

Kyles 3 year check up

2009-06-18T12:06:00.001-08:00

kyle has his 3 year well baby check up.He is 3 feet 3 inches tall 90% and 37 pounds also 90% ....the doc said he is well proportioned to his size too.She did the whole check everything and everything was fine.Surprisingly they had all his medical records there already.The guy who brought us in first to take kyles bp and all seemed to forget kyle was only 3..he was asking him to do all sorts of stuff that was above kyles head...you know like stand with your feet against a wall and dont move...take the bp and dont move..he did it all without moving but the tech didnt have a good kid manner.i have to go through the school district for kyles speech and if that doesnt work then i can go back and see about private speech..however she said you have to jump through hoops for it. kyle was due his hep a shot and they wouldnt take no for an answer but thankfully the peds shot person was at lunch and i went to immunizations and once the pedi left i just left without getting kyle his shot.He wont have to go back until 4 yrs old.Its funny because i looked at their immune schedule and the last shot they said kids needed was at 18 months and yet they keep saying he needs this shot...he had all his shots at 18 months.Im glad i didnt have to get his shots done.However im glad DH will be going with me when i get Chloes done because they really dont like to take no for an answer and i want back up when i tell them no on Chloes shots.

sigh

2009-06-18T07:17:00.002-08:00

Will did not make tech.Im very sad for him today.It irks me off because i cant stand how the air force thinks it is fair to say a man cannot be promoted because of a test.A test does NOT show you how well you do your job.There are people that are excellent at their job and do not test well.He studied so hard.I do think it is wrong through to say a man can pass a test and sew a stripe on.I think they should do it on how they do their job.When push comes to shove if a man knows how to do his job well hes going to do it well.

Was Hoppin?

2009-06-17T14:01:00.002-08:00

So tommorrow the tech results come out and we will find out if my husband made his next strip to tech sgt!I really hope he did he deserves it.Kyle has his 3 year check up only 5 months late :P Chloe has hers july 15th so we can get her well baby check up in and we can get her a referral to a cardiologist.I got my hair cut a few weeks ago...i kind of miss the length.Oh well i needed it cut.Ive been taking alot of pictures and have even started a blog just for the pictures im taking.Its my hobby.Just something fun to do and take my mind off things.

Something funny..Chloe has started mimicking me she will watch what i do and do it..i caught her doing it at dinner it was so cute!

Food For Thought

2009-06-09T17:53:00.001-08:00

When one lives in a 4 plex and one has a wooden small balcony it is not wise to grill on said persons balcony when the wind is blowing....It blows into My House and i have to shut my windows while using a hot oven.AC is something that we dont have in base housing.Use the backyard to grill...thats what its there for.Plus its a major fire hazard.So thank you neighbors for making it so that i have a house that smells like burnt charcoal and i have had to shut all my windows.

Being considerate of neighbors has been lacking up here in base housing.

p.s i dont mind bbqing...just dont do it when we have a connected balcony and your friggin smoke doesnt blow throughout my damn house.

2009-06-03T18:34:00.001-08:00

happenings with pictures

2009-06-03T15:55:00.002-08:00

I cannot believe in 4 short months my Chloe is going to be 2 years old!She is my baby she cant almost be 2 yet!Chloes favorite word is no :P
Kyle and I had our first preschool session today!Meaning im teaching him for about 10-15 minutes a day on letters how to write them etc and other stuff.Does it mean im homeschooling?Id love to but im not.Im just trying to give kyle a headstart..and he seems to enjoy it!
I dont know if we are leaving this base yet..wont know until at least Oct...and then it would probrably be next year when we leave if we leave.there is a 50/50 chance.I hope we do though.Alaska is beautiful but i want to get back to the south.Will already updated his dreamsheet with all the bases we wanted

Memorial Day is not just a day for me

2009-05-25T10:06:00.004-08:00

Memorial day to me means we celebrate the armed forces past,present and fallen.For me however i celebrate them daily.Maybe it is because we are active duty air force.Maybe its because i can never forget what they did/are doing for our country.Not a day goes by that i do not think of our men and women serving this great country.To many people take freedom for granted i hope on this day they will remember those who have,are currently fighting and those who have given their lives in honor of this great nation.I cannot thank veterans and active duty military enough for what they are doing.

If you see one please thank them.It goes a long way.

Hold your head high wave your flag proudly.Your an American.
I am PROUD to be an American.

Give Baby Squirrel a Hand

2009-05-23T07:13:00.001-08:00

Give A Squirrel A Helping Hand @ Yahoo! Video

F-15s leaving Elmendorf

2009-05-22T16:46:00.002-08:00

These are the plans my husband works.We wont know if we will be pcsing or going to the f-22s...we will know hopefully by the end of the year who knows though.

However i think its a bad decision to get rid of the f-15s.

http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2009/05/ap_airforce_elmendorf_f22s_052009/

F-15s leaving Elmendorf

The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday May 20, 2009 22:04:37 EDT

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Elmendorf Air Force Base is losing its F-15 fleet.

Two dozen fighter jets are heading out of the base for good as the Air Force phases out the aging relics over the next year.

The Air Force says the change will free up money for other needed for other operations.

Col. Tom Bergeson says the decision will require some shuffling of about 500 personnel assigned to F-15 operations at Elmendorf.

Bergeson says many will be reassigned to other duties on base, such as F-22 Raptors, technologically advanced fighter jets.

Taking Chance

2009-05-17T21:59:00.001-08:00

Taking Chance 5 stars but i think it deserves 10.

Based on an article by Marine Lt. Col. Michael Strobl, this HBO original film tells the story of Strobl's emotional experience traveling across America as a volunteer escort officer for the body of fallen 19-year-old soldier Chance Phelps. The 2004 journey was made especially significant by the fact that both Strobl and Phelps share the same hometown of Dubois, Wyo., with a population of less than 1,000.
-------------------
This movie was very very emotional for me.They did an excellent job and brought to light something that few people see The bringing home of a fallen soldier.This movie was excellent.Kevin Bacon did an extraordinary job in his role.You can tell he took this role seriously.I really cannot say enough good things about this film.It really brought to life bringing the soldiers home to their final resting place.

Never thought id wash this..

2009-05-11T08:45:00.001-08:00

I never thought id wash a pine cone in the washing machine.Kyle apparently took a few home in his jacket pocket when we went to the park..i didnt know and threw the jacket in the wash and low and behold i have laundry with clean,dried, mulched pinecone now .NOTE TO SELF...Check for pine cones in the future.

Load crew of the quarter!

2009-05-09T20:00:00.004-08:00

I have to brag on Will now! He and his crew got Load crew of the quarter!!!What that means is they went up against 2 of the best crews on base and won!They load the f-15s with weapons!They got Plaques,their picture will probrably be in next weeks paper,bragging rights and they get to go to load comp again at the end of the year which is the big one!

here is a pic of him and his crew...its not the best but here it is.(i think they used a wierd lense or something it made hubbies head look all wierd.He also will be in the paper next week on base!
This is will and his crew..
Will is the tallest one

2009-05-06T12:29:00.001-08:00

Wii Fit

2009-05-04T20:48:00.002-08:00

Nothing like having a wii fit and it kicking your butt!I went on a short walk,did 2 rounds of boxing and did 2 body tests.Oye...im 25 and my age on wii fit is 40...thats bad :P Im going to start doing it daily though.My legs hurt but at least i exercised.But nothing like having a video game make you feel great about yourself...im being sarcastic.

Just Rambling

2009-05-03T20:49:00.002-08:00

Tommorrow im calling to make an appointment at the hospital for Chloe.Im hoping they will be helpful but its military so who knows.I have to get Chloe into a pediatric cardiologist for her heart murmer.She was supposed to be seen at 1 year if her murmer was not gone but we missed it due to the move and all.Im worried about her.Im her mommy i worry.I have to figure out how they will see her and if she will go to pediatrics or the cardiologist first oye.I also have to get all her information from tyndall up here.I'll update tomorrow once i call and get it figured out.Im ready to do it now since i have quite time lol but i cant since its sunday.

Garden a week later

2009-05-03T19:17:00.003-08:00

I know there is some grass mixed in but you can see where the seeds have started to grow!

Savings

2009-05-02T14:55:00.001-08:00

Yesterday i saved quite a bit on Chloes clothes..i dont have the exact amount but i was able to get her about 6 -7 outfits osh gosh and carters for 40.00.All of it was 25-50 % off!

I also saved 12.50 at the grocery store by using coupons!My biggest savings yet!I wont say how much i spent but i love clipping coupons!

Warmth

2009-05-01T18:29:00.000-08:00

Its been beautiful up here!If Alaska was like this year round id never leave!Its been in the 50s and 60s!We've been outside daily and the kids and i have been walking to the park daily.Im a bit afraid i will run into a moose or bear so i try and go when people are around :P The kids are loving it though.I always seem to run into this same woman with her kids..she prolly thinks im stalking her lol but its just running into the same person :P

My gardening

2009-04-29T12:26:00.003-08:00

So im finally able to garden again!Ive started this year with flowers from seeds.I have never done any gardening here in alaska.Only in Florida so its a bit of a difference weather wise!I planted in the front yard.I dont feel finished so i just might go to lowes and get some and put some plants in pots :)Here are some pictures of what i planted and where.Im in the process of getting more wooden logs.The ones that are missing had wood rot.Base does provide them for free though so we can get there there.The picture with the 3 flowers were planted in front of the walkway.The picture with only 1 pack of seeds were put in the well

What i Love about sunday video

2009-04-29T08:39:00.001-08:00

What i Love about sunday video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2he4VIMGww

That's What I Love About Sunday-Craig Morgan

2009-04-28T20:58:00.000-08:00

I love love this song

Artist: Morgan Craig
Song: That's What I Love About Sunday
Album: My Kind of Livin
Craig Morgan Sheet Music
Craig Morgan CDs

Raymond's in his Sunday best,
He's usually up to his chest in oil an' grease.
There's the Martin's walkin' in,
With that mean little freckle-faced kid,
Who broke a window last week.
Sweet Miss Betty likes to sing off key in the pew behind me.

That's what I love about Sunday:
Sing along as the choir sways;
Every verse of Amazin' Grace,
An' then we shake the Preacher's hand.
Go home, into your blue jeans;
Have some chicken an' some baked beans.
Pick a back yard football team,
Not do much of anything:
That's what I love about Sunday.

I stroll to the end of the drive,
Pick up the Sunday Times, grab my coffee cup.
It looks like Sally an' Ron, finally tied the knot,
Well, it's about time.
It's 35 cents off a ground round,
Baby. cut that coupon out!

That's what I love about Sunday:
Cat-napping on the porch swing;
You curled up next to me,
The smell of jasmine wakes us up.
Take a walk down a back road,
Tackle box and a cane pole;
Carve our names in that white oak,
An' steal a kiss as the sun fades,
That's what I love about Sunday,
Oh, yeah.

Ooh, new believers gettin' baptized,
Momma's hands raised up high,
Havin' a Hallelujah good time
A smile on everybody's face.
That's what I love about Sunday,
Oh, yeah.

That's what I love about Sunday,
Oh, yeah.

I did it!

2009-04-26T20:18:00.001-08:00

I am officially back to my starting weight when i got pregnant with KYLE!2 kids later and im back..Woo Hoo!My body is definitly different then prior to pregnancy but its great to be back at my starting weight again :)

so im on day 8 or something

2009-04-24T21:08:00.001-08:00

Of still being sick..i hate colds.Seriously...the loss of taste is horrible.I love to eat and to not be able to taste food takes the joy out of it.

some new pictures

2009-04-22T13:56:00.002-08:00

These pictures are from my house one is at 9pm(with the mountains and the other is at 1030pm)

Here are a few pictures of Miss Chloe getting into trouble,Kyle trying to do yoga with wii fit and Will putting the grill up

a little late but its okay

2009-04-22T12:54:00.001-08:00

She is doing so much better now !
------
Took Chloe to the ER tonight April 30th(posted this on my myspace but forgot to over here!)
Shall i run down the list?

-Right Ear Infection (2nd infection same ear)
-Resp infection/croup
-Her
heart murmer is still there which means i need to get her into the pedi
so she can see the pedi cardiologist..once she is fully better from all
this.(cardiologist back in florida said if it wasnt gone when she was a
year that she needed to be seen again)Im also going to talk to the pedi
about her ears.
-She is due her 12 month and 15 month shots (still iffy on if she is getting them)
-11.6
kilos which i converted online which brings her weight to 25.5
pounds.(so she is quite a bit smaller then kyle was at this age)
Her meds include
-1 oral steroid w/motrion
-1 bottle of amoxicillan 3 times a day
-1 bottle of ear drops(tech said to maybe tape her ear to keep the cotton in apparently he hasnt had a irked off 18 month old ;p
-1 bottle of motrin..they were nice and gave us one

im
a bit worried about her heart murmer...so im eager for her to get
better so i can get her into the pedis so can start the process of
getting her to the cardiologists.The ER on base is super nice...Chloe
hates doctors and the ER.The doctors were super nice though

Oh and I dont have strep which i went in thinking i had.

what a week

2009-04-22T12:51:00.004-08:00

Oye what a week its been.Since i last posted lets see the whole family has been sick.We know chloe has her ear infection and croup again.Today she is a ton better since having the meds. Im still worried about her heart murmer and am eager to get her into the pedis here...i have to have them fax the stuff from tyndall which is going to be an ordeal in itself knowing the military
Chloes been talking alot more!Her new words are Excuse me...she says if for everything She's been saying it alot..everytime she sneezes she says it Tongue Her other words are bowl,bye,no,dog,car There are more but thats just her new ones.She picks EVERYTHING up...so smart!!!Its nice to have a toddler talking since i missed it with kyle.

Kyles been a little terror...oye really no words other then 3 year old for sale.We have taken the paci away again and he is very pissed about that..and i mean very...makes me want to Safe run away and hide.He also burps and thinks its funny so he keeps doing it and does it when we are out and he wont stop even when we tell/ask him to.

The pest guy came out yesterday and was telling me these are shrews not mice,...i could fight him on it and say mice but who the hell cares they are rodents get them out(oh and he came to my door when i answered it and said hi im here about a rodent problem how embarrassing . He put these black triangle things down that have poison in them that once the rodents get it they get disoriented and die.He basically told me if i saw one in the hallway and i could walk up to it then its eaten the stuff who the hell wants to walk up to a rodent i dont know but whatever He pulled the fridge and stove back and found droppings there..apparently they like the be where its warm..so we put stuff back there.Will has to turn the couch over and make sure none are living in the couch too.

I have 2 movies from netflix i hope to start watching in a few days...havent had a chance to watch them but they are in the electric mist,the lucky ones and i should be recieving seven pounds soon.

The Sickies and other news

2009-04-18T20:42:00.003-08:00

We cant win to save our souls.We are sick AGAIN for the 50 billionth time.Cold,cough the whole shebang.

Note to self-

Do not drink near the laptop...spilling soda on the laptop is not a good thing.Yup i did it.now my keys are sticky and it sucks.

April 14th 1912

2009-04-15T12:34:00.002-08:00

I cannot believe i let this pass yesterday without mentioning this.

http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/pftitanic.htm

On April 10, 1912, the Titanic, largest ship afloat, left Southampton, England on her maiden voyage to New York City. The White Star Line had spared no expense in assuring her luxury. A legend even before she sailed, her passengers were a mixture of the world's wealthiest basking in the elegance of first class accommodations and immigrants packed into steerage.

She was touted as the safest ship ever built, so safe that she carried only 20 lifeboats - enough to provide accommodation for only half her 2,200 passengers and crew. This discrepancy rested on the belief that since the ship's construction made her 'unsinkable,' her lifeboats were necessary only to rescue survivors of other sinking ships. Additionally, lifeboats took up valuable deck space.

Four days into her journey, at 11:40 P.M. on the night of April 14, she struck an iceberg. Her fireman compared the sound of the impact to 'the tearing of calico, nothing more.' However, the collision was fatal and the icy water soon poured through the ship.

It became obvious that many would not find safety in a lifeboat. Each passenger was issued a life jacket but life expectancy would be short when exposed to water four degrees below freezing. As the forward portion of the ship sank deeper, passengers scrambled to the stern. John Thayer witnessed the sinking from a lifeboat. 'We could see groups of the almost fifteen hundred people still aboard, clinging in clusters or bunches, like swarming bees; only to fall in masses, pairs or singly, as the great after part of the ship, two hundred and fifty feet of it, rose into the sky, till it reached a sixty-five or seventy degree angle.' The great ship slowly slid beneath the waters two hours and forty minutes after the collision

The next morning, the liner Carpathia rescued 705 survivors. One thousand five hundred twenty-two passengers and crew were lost. Subsequent inquiries attributed the high loss of life to an insufficient number of lifeboats and inadequate training in their use.

End of a Splendid Journey

Elizabeth Shutes, aged 40, was governess to nineteen-year-old Margaret Graham who was traveling with her parents. As Shutes and her charge sit in their First Class cabin they feel a shudder travel through the ship. At first comforted by her belief in the safety of the ship, Elizabeth's composure is soon shattered by the realization of the imminent tragedy:

"Suddenly a queer quivering ran under me, apparently the whole length of the ship. Startled by the very strangeness of the shivering motion, I sprang to the floor. With too perfect a trust in that mighty vessel I again lay down. Some one knocked at my door, and the voice of a friend said: 'Come quickly to my cabin; an iceberg has just passed our window; I know we have just struck one.'

No confusion, no noise of any kind, one could believe no danger imminent. Our stewardess came and said she could learn nothing. Looking out into the companionway I saw heads appearing asking questions from half-closed doors. All sepulchrally still, no excitement. I sat down again. My friend was by this time dressed; still her daughter and I talked on, Margaret pretending to eat a sandwich. Her hand shook so that the bread kept parting company from the chicken. Then I saw she was frightened, and for the first time I was too, but why get dressed, as no one had given the slightest hint of any possible danger? An officer's cap passed the door. I asked: 'Is there an accident or danger of any kind? 'None, so far as I know', was his courteous answer, spoken quietly and most kindly. This same officer then entered a cabin a little distance down the companionway and, by this time distrustful of everything, I listened intently, and distinctly heard, 'We can keep the water out for a while.' Then, and not until then, did I realize the horror of an accident at sea. Now it was too late to dress; no time for a waist, but a coat and skirt were soon on; slippers were quicker than shoes; the stewardess put on our life-preservers, and we were just ready when Mr Roebling came to tell us he would take us to our friend's mother, who was waiting above ...

No laughing throng, but on either side [of the staircases] stand quietly, bravely, the stewards, all equipped with the white, ghostly life-preservers. Always the thing one tries not to see even crossing a ferry. Now only pale faces, each form strapped about with those white bars. So gruesome a scene. We passed on. The awful good-byes. The quiet look of hope in the brave men's eyes as the wives were put into the lifeboats. Nothing escaped one at this fearful moment. We left from the sun deck, seventy-five feet above the water. Mr Case and Mr Roebling, brave American men, saw us to the lifeboat, made no effort to save themselves, but stepped back on deck. Later they went to an honoured grave.

Our lifeboat, with thirty-six in it, began lowering to the sea. This was done amid the greatest confusion. Rough seamen all giving different orders. No officer aboard. As only one side of the ropes worked, the lifeboat at one time was in such a position that it seemed we must capsize in mid-air. At last the ropes worked together, and we drew nearer and nearer the black, oily water. The first touch of our lifeboat on that black sea came to me as a last good-bye to life, and so we put off - a tiny boat on a great sea - rowed away from what had been a safe home for five days.

The first wish on the part of all was to stay near the Titanic. We all felt so much safer near the ship. Surely such a vessel could not sink. I thought the danger must be exaggerated, and we could all be taken aboard again. But surely the outline of that great, good ship was growing less. The bow of the boat was getting black. Light after light was disappearing, and now those rough seamen put to their oars and we were told to hunt under seats, any place, anywhere, for a lantern, a light of any kind. Every place was empty. There was no water - no stimulant of any kind. Not a biscuit - nothing to keep us alive had we drifted long...

Sitting by me in the lifeboat were a mother and daughter. The mother had left a husband on the Titanic, and the daughter a father and husband, and while we were near the other boats those two stricken women would call out a name and ask, 'Are you there?' 'No,'would come back the awful answer, but these brave women never lost courage, forgot their own sorrow, telling me to sit close to them to keep warm... The life-preservers helped to keep us warm, but the night was bitter cold, and it grew colder and colder, and just before dawn, the coldest, darkest hour of all, no help seemed possible...

...The stars slowly disappeared, and in their place came the faint pink glow of another day. Then I heard, 'A light, a ship.' I could not, would not, look while there was a bit of doubt, but kept my eyes away. All night long I had heard, 'A light!' Each time it proved to be one of our other lifeboats, someone lighting a piece of paper, anything they could find to burn, and now I could not believe. Someone found a newspaper; it was lighted and held up. Then I looked and saw a ship. A ship bright with lights; strong and steady she waited, and we were to be saved. A straw hat was offered it would burn longer. That same ship that had come to save us might run us down. But no; she is still. The two, the ship and the dawn, came together, a living painting."

Congrats to the Anna and Josh Duggar!

2009-04-13T18:31:00.002-08:00

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Here is the link!
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30156915/

coloring eggs April 11 2009

2009-04-11T21:03:00.002-08:00

Our Day today

2009-04-11T19:07:00.002-08:00

-Got up early...it was our first day as a family since gosh about 2 weeks ago.Hubbies been on exercise and they've been working the guys to the bone...so we havent hardly seen him for a week.
-Went to wal mart..it was filthy..left...went to the one across town..bought pre filled eggs to hide...and some other stuff
-Went to the toys r us and bought chloe a lawn mower like kyles so they would have 2 and not fight over the one they have.
-Went to borders books..didnt get to look much because the kids through tantrums and were ready for lunch
-Came home..boiled eggs,made their baskets for tommorrow...got the eggs ready to hide for the annual egg hunt i throw for kyle..chloes first egg hunt she gets to participate in!
-Cut Chloes hair myself...just trimmed her bangs..she hasnt been to a real haircutter yet...im proud of myself..she looks great and her hair is getting nice and long!

-TONIGHT-
Once Chloe goes to bed..me,hubby and kyle are decorating eggs...chloe will do it next year.

and that is our day in a nutshell :)

My Little Artist

2009-04-05T10:30:00.003-08:00

As you can see im a proud mommy to a little artist!Kyle loves to draw and i love having my fridge covered with his drawings!Ive since moved some down to his Art Gallery..AKA the kids playroom.

Beautiful day out!

2009-04-04T15:17:00.003-08:00

It may only be in the high 20s but its nice and sunny!So ive been cleaning like a mad woman and i took the kids out to play..they had a blast.Im taking them out again once kyle wakes up.

My mom sent me a 30.00 amazon gift card....with it i bought seasons 1 through 3 of dog the bounty hunter and i was able to get his book...in dog we trust as well!I now need seasons 4 and season 5 but it doesnt come out until june or july.Im majorly addicted to the show.

I found a book by Mark Levine i want to read Liberty and Tyrenny

http://www.marklevinshow.com/liberty-and-tyranny-section/

Mary Had a Little Lamb

2009-04-03T12:37:00.000-08:00

Think carefully about
What you will be reading.
This is a new one for me....

Mary! Had a little Lamb,
Its fleece was white as snow.
And everywhere that Mary went,
The Lamb was sure to go.

It followed her to school each day,
T'wasn't even in the rule.
It made the children laugh and play,
To have a Lamb at school.

And then the rules all changed one day,
Illegal it became;
To bring the Lamb of God to school,
Or even speak His Name!

Every day got worse and worse,
And days turned into years.
Instead of hearing children laugh,
We heard gun shots and tears.

What must we do to stop the crime,
That's in our schools today?
Let's let the Lamb come back to school,
And teach our kids to pray!

Important Lessons-Email i recieved.Hope you enjoy it! I did!

2009-04-03T12:24:00.000-08:00

1 - First Important Lesson - Cleaning Lady.

During my second month of college, our professor
gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student
and had breezed through the questions until! I read
the last one:

'What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?'

Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the
cleaning woman several times. She was tall,
dark-haired and in her 50's, but how would I know her name?

I handed in my paper, leaving the last question
blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if
the last question would count toward our quiz grade.

'Absolutely,' said the professor.. 'In your careers,
you will meet many people. All are significant. They
deserve your attention and care, even if all you do
is smile and say 'hello.'

I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her
name was Dorothy.

2. - Second Important Lesson - Pickup in the Rain

One night, at 11:3 0 p.m., an older African American
woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway
trying to endure a lashing rainstorm. Her car had
broken down and she desperately needed a ride.
Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car.
A young white man stopped to help her, generally
unheard of in those conflict-filled 60s.. The man
took her to safety, helped her get assistance e and
put her into a taxicab.

She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his
address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a
knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a
giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A
special note was attached..

It read:
'Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway
the other night. The rain drenched not only my
clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along.
Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying
husband's bedside just before he passed away.. God
bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving
others.'

Sincerely, Mrs. Nat King Cole.

3 - Third Important Lesson - Always remember those who serve.

In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less,
a 10-year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and
sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of him.

'How much is an ice cream sundae?' he asked.

'Fifty cents,' replied the waitress.

The ! little boy pulled is hand out of his pocket and
studied the coins in it.

'Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?' he inquired.

By now more people were waiting for a table and the
waitress was growing impatient.

'Thirty-five cents,' she brusquely replied.

The little boy again counted his coins.

'I'll have the plain ice cream,' he said.

The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on
the table and walked away. The boy finished the ice
cream, paid the cashier and left. When the waitress
came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the
table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish,
were two nickels and five pennies..

You see, he couldn't have the sundae, because he had
to have enough left to leave her a tip.

4 - Fourth Important Lesson. - The obstacle in Our Path.

In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a
roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if
anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the
king's wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked
around it. Many loudly blamed the King for not keeping the roads clear,
but none did
anything about getting the stone out of the way.

Then a peasant came along carrying a load of
vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the
peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the
stone to the side of the road. After much pushing
and straining, he finally succeeded. After the
peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed
a purse lying in the road where the boulder had
been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note
from the King indicating that the gold was for the
person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The
peasant learned what many of us never understand!

Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition. !

5 - Fifth Important Lesson - Giving When it Counts...

Many years ago , when I worked as a volunteer at a
hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who
was suffering from a rare & serious disease. Her only
chance of recovery appeared to be a blood
transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had
miraculously survived the same disease and had
developed the antibodies needed to combat the
illness.. The doctor explained the situation to her
little brother, and asked the little boy if he would
be willing to give his blood to his sister.

I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a
deep breath and saying, 'Yes I'll do it if it will
save her.' As the transfusion progressed, he lay in
bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did,
seeing the color returning to her cheek. Then his
face grew pale and his smile faded.

He looked up at the doctor and asked with a
trembling voice, 'Will I start to die right away'.

Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the
doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his
sister all of his blood in order to save her but he had chosen to save
her anyway.

'Work like you don't need the money, love like you've never been hurt,
and dance like you do when nobody's watching.'

Way to go kyle!Chloe is still sick

2009-04-02T14:02:00.002-08:00

Kyle took a nap yesterday with his big boy undies on and didnt have an accident!He is doing the same today so hopefully he will wake up dry!Im hoping to take him out soon in his undies to the store rather then a diaper.

Chloe Is still sick..she hasnt thrown up any but has over a 101 fever and just isnt feeling good she is having diarrhea too(tmi i know sorry) Gave her tylonel and she is acting better.I hope kyle doesnt get this.

My Poor Baby

2009-04-01T21:51:00.001-08:00

Poor Chloe :( She's thrown up 2 times tonight and its almost 10pm.She has a 102.3 fever too.I gave her tylenol so i hope it stays down.She showed no signs of being sick all day and she goes to sleep and gets sick.I hope she feels better tommorrow.I feel so helpless when my babies are sick.We've had 2 pj changes and 2 bedding changes...im sure there will be more throughout the night.

Kyle

2009-03-31T13:52:00.001-08:00

He is doing amazing potty training!We have started our 3rd week of potty training he rarely has accidents peeing.Pooping we still have an issue with but thats okay.This week he just started telling me when he had to go!He is so smart.We have been doing sticker charts and prizes.

His talking has increased dramatically as well!He is still behind but he is so smart he knows his letters,shapes and colors!He has a great memory as well!

Pictures from our adventure on the seward highway

2009-03-29T14:26:00.005-08:00

From the number 3 picture thats the start of the avalanche after they cleared it.

A few of the kids

2009-03-29T14:12:00.002-08:00

Long Overdue Update!

2009-03-29T14:07:00.002-08:00

Its been awhile since i updated!Im going to start tring to keep this blog up to date daily.
The kids are doing great!Kyles 3 and Chloe is about to be 18 months old!Will and I are doing great as well.

The volcano finally erupted last week and is still erupting.I have pictures of the ash on the car and the air smells like sulfur around here...we have to wear masks.

Friday we went to visit a glacier(my mom is visiting) and it was closed.Were were stuck in the middle of know where for 4 hours due to a avalanche that closed the roads...it was not fun and we wont be sightseeing in winter ever again.

The meltdown is happening...but with this volcano the skies are gray.

I will upload lots of pictures shortly

Cute story...Well i think its cute..shes my kid :P

2009-02-15T22:41:00.000-09:00

Cute story...Well i think its cute..shes my kid :P

So i had just bought Chloe a brand new pair of jammies...the thermal kind that come in a plastic pack...well chloe found them and was walking around with them and hid them..i looked for 3 days for the jammies and couldnt find them...i looked everywhere!So this evening Chloe is in her room going through stuff and out she walks...carrying..you guessed it...her jammies that i couldnt find for 3 days and tore the house apart looking for.

Ruth

2009-02-09T12:27:00.001-09:00

Ruth went to her mail box and there was only one letter.

She picked it up and looked at it before opening, but then she looked at the envelope again.

There was no stamp, no postmark, only her name and address.

She read the letter:

Dear Ruth:

I`m going to be in your neighborhood Saturday afternoon and I'd like to stop by for a visit.

Love Always,

Jesus

Her hands were shaking as she placed the letter on the table. 'Why would the Lord want to visit me?

I'm nobody special. I don't have anything to offer..'

With that thought, Ruth remembered her empty kitchen cabinets.

'Oh my goodness, I really don't have anything to offer. I'll have to run down to the store and buy something for dinner.'

She reached for her purse and counted out its contents. Five dollars and forty cents.

Well, I can get some bread and cold cuts, at least..'

She threw on her coat and hurried out the door.

A loaf of French bread, a half-pound of sliced turkey, and a carton of milk...leaving Ruth with grand total twelve cents to last her until Monday..

Nonetheless, she felt good as she headed home, her meager offerings tucked under her arm.

'Hey lady, can you help us,lady?'

Ruth had been so absorbed in her dinner plans, she hadn't even noticed two figures huddled in the alleyway.

A man and a woman, both of them dressed in little more than rags.

'Look lady, I ain't got a job, you know, and my wife and I have been living out here on the street, and, well, now it's getting cold and we're getting kinda

hungry and, well, if you could help us. Lady, we'd really appreciate it.'

Ruth looked at them both.

They were dirty, they smelled bad and frankly, she was certain that they could get some kind of work if they really wanted to..

'Sir, I'd like to help you, but I'm a poor woman myself. All I have is a few cold cuts and some bread, and I'm having an important guest for dinner tonight and I was planning on serving that to Him.'

'Yeah, well, okay lady, I understand. Thanks anyway.'

The man put his arm around the woman's

shoulders, turned and headed back into the alley.

As she watched them leave, Ruth felt a familiar twinge in her heart.

'Sir, wait!'

The couple stopped and turned as she ran down the alley after them.

'Look, why don't you take this food. I'll figure out something else to serve my guest.'

She handed the man her grocery bag.

'Thank you lady. Thank you very much!'

'Yes, thank you!' It was the man's wife, and Ruth could see now that she was shivering

'You know, I've got another coat at home.

Here, why don't you take this one.'

Ruth unbuttoned her jacket and slipped it over the woman's shoulders.

Then smiling, she turned and walked back to the street...without her coat and with nothing to serve her guest.

'Thank you lady!

Thank you very much!'

Ruth was chilled by the time she reached her front

door, and worried too.

The Lord

was coming to visit and she didn't have anything to offer Him.

She fumbled through her purse for the door key. But as she did, she noticed another envelope in her mailbox.

'That's odd. The mailman doesn't usually come twice in one day.'

Dear Ruth:

It was so good to see you again.

Thank you for the lovely meal.

And thank you, too, for the beautiful coat.

Love Always,

Jesus

The air was still cold, but even without her coat, Ruth no longer noticed.

Updates!

2009-02-07T17:22:00.002-09:00

Chloe is now 16 months old!Its been about a week and a half since we stopped the bottle so thats great..its sad though because it means she is growing up!She is walking and running all over the place and her vocabulary is growing as well!She's a feisty one and likes to be super silly!She loves bathtime and playing(okay sometimes annoying) her brother.She eats anything i give her which is great and so much easier then having a picky eater!When we are going out to the store she loves to get her jacket and wait at the door for it to be put on and loves going shopping and car rides!

Kyle is about to be 3!He will be 3 on Feb 25th!!!I cant believe my little boy will be 3 years old!We are going to go to an indoor playground here on base and then take him for a special lunch and come home and have cake/ice cream and presents..a nice family birthday.We called to make kyle a speech appt with the pediatrician and they were supposed to call us back but didnt so we will be doing that monday.I want him reevaluated.I think alot of the speech issue has to do with his tongue and lack of tongue muscle if that makes sense.Potty training is going well as well!Im trying to get him potty trained fully so he can go to preschool a few days a week and interact with other kids.

We finally received our money from the damages from the move.So now we can get kyle a bed and a few other things replaced.We had a recent uninvited visitor to the household..a mouse...he was caught and faced trial and was put to death after a short vacation in our home.The sun is coming out earlier it was out at 9am this morning!and its light until around 6-630!A HUGE change from november and december when it was dark around 330-4 and the sun didnt come up until 1030!November was the worst month ever with the darkness.Im ready for this winter to be over!!

Johari Window

2009-02-01T11:10:00.000-09:00

http://kevan.org/johari?view=Peggy9

Really funny site!

2009-01-30T10:36:00.001-09:00

http://members.westnet.com.au/kez57/HURL/stupid.htm

anchorage made fox news

2009-01-29T09:16:00.000-09:00

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,485048,00.html
Rumbling Alaska Volcano Threatens Anchorage

Thursday , January 29, 2009

AP
ADVERTISEMENT

ANCHORAGE, Alaska —
Mount Redoubt continues to rumble and simmer, prompting geologists to say this Alaska volcano could erupt "within days."

Scientists from the Alaska Volcano Observatory have been monitoring activity round-the-clock since the weekend.

If Mount Redoubt does erupt, it would be the first time this occurred in nearly 20 years. And if won't likely be pretty.

History shows that volcanoes in Alaska, including Redoubt, typically erupt explosively, shooting ash almost eight miles high.

This differs from volcanoes in Hawaii, which usually have slow rolling lava ooze out.

• Click here to visit FOXNews.com's Natural Science Center.

The difference is gas trying to escape gets blocked, possibly by a lava dome or a viscous magma that increases the power from beneath, said observatory geologist Jennifer Adleman.

"Its pressure keeps building and building...," she said.

Depending on the winds, the ash plume could be pushed straight at Anchorage, the state's largest city. This has prompted state and city officials to post bulletins on how to deal with the ash.

Tips include:

— Stay inside as much as possible.

— Wear a mask or wet bandanna if going outside.

— Those who wear contacts should consider wearing goggles.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, volcanic ash features small, jagged pieces of rock and glass.

The last time this 10,197-foot peak blew was during a five-month stretch starting in December, 1989. It disrupted international air traffic and placed a layer of volcanic dust throughout the Anchorage area.

Concerns over an eruption have state and city officials issuing warnings so area residents can deal with an ash storm.

The mountain is about 100 miles southwest of Anchorage.

Volcano update

2009-01-28T15:49:00.001-09:00

Redoubt rumblings continue as Red Cross issues advisory

By GEORGE BRYSON
gbryson@adn.com

Published: January 28th, 2009 02:49 PM
Last Modified: January 28th, 2009 02:49 PM

Seismic unrest at Mount Redoubt continued today, and government geologists are still watching the volcano full-time, anticipating a possible eruption "within days.

"

"Seismicity has remained at a relatively constant level for the past 24 hours and is still well above background (levels)," the Alaska Volcano Observatory reported at midday.

Crews that flew to the mountain Tuesday detected muddy discharges from the Drift River glacier directly below the summit crater. A typical Redoubt eruption is characterized by a large explosion that can shoot an ash cloud 40,000 feet high, the observatory noted.

Located about 100 miles southwest of Anchorage, Mount Redoubt last erupted between December 1989 and April 1990. Its ash plume then disrupted international air traffic and coated Anchorage in a thin layer of volcanic dust.

On Tuesday, engineers repaired a volcano webcam about six miles northwest of Redoubt's summit.

Live photographs of the volcano -- shrouded in clouds today -- can now be seen on the observatory Web site (adn. com/volcano). The site also posts volcano status updates.

On Wednesday, the American Red Cross of Alaska posted information on its own Web site (alaska. redcross. org) advising Alaskans on precautionary steps to take prior to a volcanic eruption, including the creation of a family disaster plan and assembling a disaster supply kit.

Volcano on Mt.Redoubt

2009-01-28T08:40:00.002-09:00

Volcano on Mt.Redoubt

http://www.adn.com/front/story/667576.html

If we hear the warning sound on base we have to tape up our air vents, windows and doors
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I had no idea we would have to deal with earthquakes and volcanoes..there was a small earthquake saturday or sunday...only made the table shake but still.

1 week since starting to potty train kyle!

2009-01-25T19:02:00.001-09:00

Well its been a week and kyle is getting it!He goes when we take him and he did have 1 small accident today but ran and got me and i took him to the potty and he finished there.Today he even went poopy on the potty!Im so proud of him.I never thought we would get here!He still wears diapers at night time and bedtime though.He wears his undies proudly!

Our Day today

2009-01-24T18:38:00.001-09:00

First we went to the animal shelter..found a really cute cat but no dogs...they only had 4 there!Most were pit bulls which im not to fond of.We then had lunch and came home.Went out after it stopped snowing and went and let kyle pick out 3 packs of big boy underwear!he also picked out foam bath letters as his present for going potty all week!Then we went to the grocery store...tommorrow im making a big breakfast!My goal is to make heavenly hash(hasbrowns,bell peppers,onions,mushrooms)Bacon,and Pancakes...it might be too much we will see lol.

Will Spring ever come?

2009-01-23T13:36:00.000-09:00

Its official I am sick of winter and so are the kids.We have gone from being able to play outside 24/7 to being stuck in the house most of the time.I cannot wait for spring..im so used to walking daily and letting the kyle run around.I look at the snow and feel the cold and its depressing.I want my warmth back.I took it for granted back in Florida and wish i hadnt.

Potty Training Day 4

2009-01-22T12:46:00.002-09:00

Kyle had gone potty about 5 times in his potty today and he has had 1 accident today!Im so proud of how well he is doing and how he is understanding this.Im taking him at 25 minute intervals...since that seems to be the time he needs to go.I cant wait to take him this weekend and let him pick out a small toy and some more big boy underwear!

Checked out by snopes. com: Luke Air Force Base Fly-By

2009-01-22T12:46:00.001-09:00

Checked out by snopes.
com: Luke Air Force Base Fly-By

Luke AFB is west of Phoenix and is rapidly being surrounded by civilization that complains about the noise from the base and its planes, forgetting that it was there long before they were. A certain lieutenant colonel at Luke AFB deserves a big pat on the back. Apparently, an individual who lives somewhere near Luke AFB wrote the local paper complaining about a group of F-16s that disturbed his/her day at the mall.

When that individual read the response from a Luke AFB officer, it must Have stung quite a bit.

The complaint:
'Question of the day for Luke Air Force Base:

Whom do we thank for the morning air show? Last Wednesday, at precisely 9:11 A.M, a tight formation of four F-16 jets made a low pass over Arrowhead Mall, continuing west over Bell Road at approximately 500 feet.

Imagine our good fortune! Do the Tom Cruise-wannabes feel we need this wake-up call, or were they trying to impress the cashiers at Mervyns early bird special?

Any response would be appreciated.

The response:

Regarding 'A wake-up call from Luke's jets' On June 15, at precisely 9:12 a.m., a perfectly timed four- ship fly by of F-16s from the 63rd Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base flew over the grave of Capt. Jeremy Fresques. Capt Fresques was an Air Force officer who was previously stationed at Luke Air Force Base and was killed in Iraq on May 30, Memorial Day.

At 9 a. m. on June 15, his family and friends gathered at Sunland Memorial Parkin Sun City to mourn the loss of a husband, son and friend. Based on the letter writer's recount of the fly by, and because of the jet noise, I'm sure you didn't hear the 21-gun salute, the playing of taps, or my words to the widow and parents of Capt. Fresquesas. I gave them their son's flag on behalf of the President of the United States and all those veterans and servicemen and women who understand the sacrifices they have endured..

A four-ship fly by is a display of respect the Air Force gives to those who give their lives in defense of freedom. We are professional aviators and take our jobs seriously, and on June 15 what the letter writer witnessed was four officers lining up to pay their ultimate respects.

The letter writer asks, 'Whom do we thank for the morning air show? The 56th Fighter Wing will make the call for you, and forward your thanks to the widow and parents of Capt Fresques, and thank them for you, for it was in their honor that my pilots flew the most honorable formation of their lives.

Only 2 defining forces have ever offered to die for you....Jesus Christ and the American Soldier.

One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.

Lt. Col. Grant L. Rosensteel, Jr.

USAF

Continuing my Holocaust Movies

2009-01-21T15:54:00.001-09:00

Secrets of the Dead: Escape from Auschwitz (2008)

This compelling documentary uncovers the amazing story of two young Slovak Jews, Rudolph Vrba and Alfred Wetzler, who managed to escape Auschwitz and wake up the world with their account of what went on in the death camps. Holocaust horrors are common knowledge today, but at the time, the atrocities committed by the Nazis behind the gates of concentration camps were among the most closely kept secrets of the Third Reich.

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This was a PBS production..it was a bit short in my opinion but it was good.I had learned about these 2 men on another Auschwitz Documentary i watched and wanted to learn more about them.This was on television so that is probably why it was shorter it was from the series (secrets of the Dead on PBS).Excellent though watching these 2 men plan their escape and watching it reenacted while having first hand accounts.

Send a Thank you Letter to President Bush

2009-01-21T13:30:00.000-09:00

You can go to this link to send a letter to President Bush thanking him.

http://www.mission1accomplished.com/

Day 2 of Kyles potty training!

2009-01-20T16:58:00.000-09:00

Day 2 of Kyles potty training!

He has sat on the potty about 9 times pee'd about 3 or 4 times.He did still go in his diaper after his nap and when he first woke up this morning.Im taking him every 30 minutes and sometimes every 15 minutes if he doesnt go when i put him on the potty.He does try and force the pee out...i try to tell him to relax but he is in a rush. :scratchhead: He has also been getting agrivated at me for heaven forbid making him sit on his potty.We did have 2 small accidents in his big boy underwear..which he wore from 10am-5pm but did have a nap in his diaper for about an hour.Im so proud of him!

yummy smoothie!

2009-01-20T11:55:00.000-09:00

I made the best smoothie today!The best part is its great for you!!!

Its a tropical smoothie :)

I put pineapple chunks..and the juice canned)
frozen fresh bananas
coconut flakes
cream of coconut
Ice

Its so good and its good for you :) I didnt measure i just eye everything

Its Potty Training time!

2009-01-19T19:00:00.000-09:00

We started potty training today!Kyle went pee pee 4 times on the potty today and is now proudly wearing big boy undies...we just starting in them but he is so proud of them you can see it in his face!They are thomas the train undies since he loves anything to do with trains!I told him this weekend we are going to take him and let him choose his own undies by himself!He did have 1 accident in his undies but thats to be expected.

Ive been watching Holocaust movies

2009-01-19T11:49:00.002-09:00

The Holocaust is something i have always been interested in.Recently i found out that Netflix has documentaries on it.

Auschwitz: Inside the Nazi State:
This BBC documentary series tackles one of World War II's most disquieting and repugnant subjects: the Holocaust and its infamous killing factory, Auschwitz-Birkenau, which specialized in the industrialized extermination of more than 1 million Jews, gypsies and others. From "Surprising Beginnings" to "Liberation & Revenge," the six-part program chronicles the Nazi horrors that ultimately became the Holocaust.

and The Nazi Officers Wife

Edith Hahn was the wife to notorious Nazi war criminal Werner Vetter. A Viennese law student with Jewish ancestry, Hahn had to keep her identity a closely guarded secret during the rise and fall of the Third Reich. Susan Sarandon and Julia Ormond narrate her story, which draws on Hahn's own records as well as the tales told by her friends and family.

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Both Documentaries were excellent.I Recommend them.