Monday, June 30, 2008

Not sure what it was...

Parker had an all out fit at my Mom's house yesterday. He did not want to go in. When Bobby picked him up and took him in, he cried most of the time. He kept asking to leave and saying he didn't like it there. We went there so I could borrow my moms van for my appointment tomorrow. Here is what I'm thinking....

*Her house is by the mall and that's where he really wanted to go.
*He has a runny nose, maybe it's because he doesn't feel well.
*Maybe it's because we haven't been out all week and he wanted to do something fun.
*He could be afraid that her little dog will scratch him.

Who knows. I have to be honest that my Moms house is not the most exciting place. I've left some toys there but nothing he's that thrilled over. I'm worried about tomorrow because I have to run my Mom around and take Parker out of school early. What if he does this again? I feel bad for my Mom too. She just wants to make him happy and he really wants to just go go go.

I love my Mom but I always get stressed running her around. She's never happy on payday and is grumpy. I think Parker probably feels that too and my stress. Here's hoping it goes well.

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Sugar cookies...

Tomorrow Molly and I are going to make sugar cookies while Parker is at school. I don't make them very often because they are kind of a pain. Today my Mom gave me some cute cookie cutters that someone gave her. Molly is really excited about it. Some of them are metal and old fashioned. Those ones are my favorite. I might make some powdered sugar frosting too. I wonder how long it will set without hardening? Parker has a cool monster truck cookie cutter that I got on eBay. I think he'll be happy to come home to a couple monster truck cookies. I doubt he'll eat them, but he'll like to look at them. I really need to involve him in cooking more often. His OT thinks it may help him with his eating. She also thinking he may put some of it into his mouth while playing with food. Here's hoping!

Friday, June 27, 2008

"Love me"

That's what Parker says to me at night when I come in to say goodnight. He wants me to hug him and kiss him and cuddle him. To me, it's the most precious thing in the world. He brings me so much joy. He's lucky I don't lay there all night and cuddle him. When he was about 3, I'd tell my Mom that I wondered if Parker knew what I was saying when I said I love you to him. She said that everyone understands love. I thought that was the sweetest thing ever. It's really stuck with me. Now he says I love you back, when I say I love you first. He doesn't usually initiate it but I feel it. Molly is super loving also. She is getting to the age where it's not cool to cuddle that much. I miss her being little sometimes. She's always been independent and it's hard for me as she gets older. Today she wanted to borrow my nail polish, asked if she could have my mirror for her room and wanted to curl her hair. What is happening here? I feel the teenage years creeping up on me. She really is the best girl though. She has her moments but she is really kind hearted, compassionate and precious. I am so thankful to God for both my wonderful kids. I'm sorry, I had to get a little sappy.

My kitchen, a tour.....

After looking at http://danielsprogress.blogspot.com/ Julie's kitchen post, I wanted to do my own. I took these pictures this morning. Unfortunately my kitchen isn't as interesting as her, and I couldn't add numbers. I had to draw the numbers in. (crud, the numbers did show up)

Ok, here goes.

pic#1
Here is what it looks like when you enter through the livingroom.
kitchen 7
The only thing interesting about this picture is the blue tub on the chair. That holds Parker's ABA binder and work.

pic#2
Here is another view of the kichen, mostly the table and fridge. If you look around the fridge you can see our garbage can. How exciting. On the recycling bin I drew a cow and wrote, "recyling only". I don't think you can see that though. This is hard to post this and look back at the picture.

Kitchen 6

pic#3
Here is a pic of the fridge and then sink. I really need to clean off the top of my fridge. It is a pet peave of mine but I have a hard time thinking of where to put everything. You can see our potatoes by the fridge. I always forget to use them and they just sit there. See my curtains, my sister made them for me. They have cows roming in a feild on them. It was so sweet of her, I love them.
kitchen 5

pic#4
Here is the sink and the dirty dishes. You can also see our small fishtank that I just cleaned. Also you see my cookie cutters, tiny shopping cart and decorations over my sink. On the other counter is the container of brownies I just made.
kitchen 4

pic#5
Here is the side counter. You can see a closer look at my brownies. You also get a better look at the dirty dishes. Boring....
kitchen 3

pic#6
Here is a pic of the dishwasher, oven and bakers rack. Notice my clean/dirty cow magnet on the dishwasher. I never use it but I like it. See my cow teapot on the bakers rack?
kitchen 2

pic#7
Here is the last picture. It shows the entry into the bathroom. I shows my lovely cow spot broom that I have. Everyone should have one. You also see my cow print plastic bag holder, more of a decoration than something useful. I always forget I have bags in there, lol.
kitchen 1

We caught the pool popper!

The landlord brought over a trap yesterday. Before we caught the racoon we caught the neighbors mean cat and then our cat Jack. We finally decided not to set the trap until evening. We woke up this morning and looked at the door. Inside the trap was a big fat racoon. He is actually pretty cute. I'll be glad to see him gone though. I can't wait to call the landlord later!

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Milk, milk, lemonade..... and other embarrassing things....

Today I was waiting for the husband of a friend of mine from our church. He was going to give Molly and I a ride to the disabilities group for parents. While I was waiting for him, I was playing with the cats with the laser light. Bobby was teasing me so I started pointing the laser light at him so the cats would climb on him. Then I put the light where his nipple should be on his shirt and started to say the saying, "milk, milk, lemonade...." (well, you know the rest) and I heard a knock. The lady's husband from church was at the door and he could see in the window that I had the laser light pointed at my husbands nipple! Lol! I was so embarrassed. When I heard them make a joke later about some art with a topless woman on it, I told them about how I was glad they had a good sense of humor. I told them how I was embarrassed when my friends husband saw me through the window. He said he didn't even see what I was doing. I just totally outed myself in front of everyone and then had to tell them about the, "Milk, milk, lemonade" saying. I never know when to shut my mouth but they thought it was really funny anyways.

The kids sure are squirrley today!

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Made a list for Molly last night...

I'm tired of hearing, "there is nothing to do". I made a huge list of things for her to do when she's bored. I hope that helps her. There used to be a summer fun program that was free, but not it costs a lot. A lot of her friends have moved also, so she mostly just plays with the neighborhood girls. Some of them are pretty hyper and wearing on my nerves, lol. It's only 8:50 and I've gotten a lot done already. That makes me happy. I called Parker's school this morning to see how he's been doing. They said he's been doing great except for yesterday. I guess the girl that rides with him to school got a little loud. He mostly plugged his ears the whole way to school. I hope he doesn't do it in anticipation of it from now on. I guess I'll have to ask when he drops him off. I know it doesn't kill him, but it stinks that he has to go through that. He plugs his ears on a regular school bus also because he doesn't like the sound of the cb's. I guess I'm going to have to get used to the ear plugging and hope it lessens as he gets older.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Mom, my eyes are cold....

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She is a nut! I bought her this straw at the dollar store the other day. It goes all the way around the glasses part even. She thinks it's so cool. It is pretty funny.

It's a wet Wednesday...

It must have rained last night. The grass is all wet. I was going to mow the front lawn today too. Bummer. It's funny, it was warm and the kids played in the pool yesterday. Now it's dreary and wet. Parker woke up with a runny nose. I think it's allergies but I'm watching it. Poor guy, we overslept and I had to hurry him. He has been having a hard time getting to sleep lately. I think it's because Molly is staying up later and he hears us talking. I think she is going to bed earlier tonight and we'll see if it makes a difference. I've been having to wake him up in the morning and that never happens. I think I'll make brownies today because it's cool. I hate baking if it's going to be hot. It's not hot enough here for air conditioning, but almost. We just have to use fans and keep the blinds shut. Parker was all smiles again for the guy who drives him. I can't convince Parker that the guy isn't a dentist. His name is Dennis and he keeps thinking I'm saying dentist. Oh well, it's cute. The guy thinks it's funny, too.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Lunchboxes, tea and cleaning...

A post on another blog got me thinking about a lunch pail I had as a kid. It was a metal Strawberry shortcake one. I thought it was the best thing I ever got in my life. When I'd open it at school I would feel that all was right with the world. I felt so special to have it. I just remember looking at it and loving it. It was like everyone else's and it made me so happy. When I look on ebay at the old lunch boxes I can't be sure of which one was mine. I think I know, but it been a long time, you know. Lol! I think I might want to buy one just to have as a memory. I wish they still made the good metal lunchboxes. Parker has a lunch pail that looks like a dump truck but it's plastic. It's so perfect for him. On to the tea. I bought some cold tea, tea bags yesterday. It's so nice just to make yourself a cup of iced tea when you need it. I'm having some right now. Ahhh, the tastes of summer, lol. All I need now is some watermelon! Ok, on to cleaning. My house is a mess. This weekend was long and I kind of put my house off. Today Parker is at school so I can clean and it will stay clean. Now I just have to get motivated. I think Parker's ABA coming at 1:00 should motivate me, lol.

How can I keep cats and racoons out of the kids pool?

Does anyone have any ideas? We bought a new one this weekend, with a cover. We blew it up yesterday and put the cover on. This morning the cover is off. I know it was the neighboorhood racoon or cats. They have popped many pools. This one cost me a little more and I'd like the kids to be able to use it for a while.

Monday, June 23, 2008

Am I being irrational?

I am worried about Parker riding with this new person. The guy was a bus driver for 14 years so I guess he has some skills. Why do I worry so much? Parker is my angel and I would put him in a box to keep him protected if I could. (Not actually, just metaphorically, lol) Tell me it's going to be ok and I'm worrying for nothing. There is a part of me that is saying, "forget it, it's just one month of school, he doesn't need it." I so hope I'm making the right decision by letting him ride with him to school.

Sunday, June 22, 2008

I'm a weird person....

I love that my kids are goofy in the store! It's so nice to see them playing with each other and interacting. They just love to goof off in Safeway. I swear I'm as big a kid as them, tickling them and rough-housing. The only time I don't like it is when it's crowded or too busy. I always make sure they stay out of peoples way and only act like maniacs when the isle is pretty clear. They both also love putting things in the cart and helping load it on the belt. I love it when Parker says, "I helped you". Today Molly put her over-shirt on Parker. He just loved it. They fought back and forth over it. One time they were playing and Molly accidentally knocked Parker down. She told him she was sorry and tried to hug him. He hugged her and said, "It's ok sissy, I sorry". He wasn't even the one that needed to say sorry. They were so sweet after that, even holding hands. I just love my kids. They are the best!

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Yay, today was my birthday!

I had a nice party with my Mom and my sisters family. My brother and other sister couldn't come so it was just a small party. Parker helped me open my presents. It was a lot of fun. Afterwards we went to the mall. Now I'm sitting at home sweltering. I'm also worrying. Parker starts summer school on Monday. I'm really nervous about it. He is not wanting to go to school and is riding with someone I've never met. He was a bus driver for 14 years so I'm sure it should be fine. I will be watching Parker's behaviour closely though. Here's hoping it works out fine and my worries are for nothing.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

I'm trying to be positive...

but it's so hard. I'm stuck at home with 2 kids that are bored. Bobby has the car so we can't go anywhere. The only way to get anyplace is to walk. Parker doesn't like walking so it's a big ordeal. Molly is whining that she wants to go places, and I have to deal with Parker and keeping the house clean. I can't even go to the grocery store by myself. Heck, I can't go anywhere by myself. I can't drive Bobby's car so he has to take us everywhere. If I want to go anywhere, with the whole family, I have to wait until around 6:00, usually. I'm feeling really sorry for myself today. Here's hoping tomorrow is better.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

What a long day

and I am tired. Boy,am I glad the kids are in bed. I did a lot of cleaning today and I walked 2 miles, while pulling a wagon with Parker's butt in it! Molly helped a little but he didn't like her pulling him. We walked to the library and I also had to pull books on the way home. Oh well, we got some good books and exercise. The livingroom is a mess, but I'm leaving it until tomorrow. I hope everyone had a nice day. I'm off to put my nose in a book.

Monday, June 16, 2008

Fathers day!

Yesterday we had a really nice time at my sisters in laws house. They have such a nice house and the kids just love it there. We had a great lunch and a great visit. The pictures below are from there house. I'd post more pictures of everyone and family, but it takes forever to upload a lot of pictures. The ones I posted were of Parker and Dad. Parker wanted down to play so he's pushing Dad away. I don't know why the one of Dad, Parker and Molly didn't turn out. Then I tried to take one of both kids but Parker didn't want to stand by sissy. Check out the face he is making. Then I put in a picture of Parker running, barefoot, with my sisters dogs. He is just in heaven and you can tell he has the biggest smile on his face. I love days like that.

Happiness is running with a dog

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Don't make me look at sissy!

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Bobby with Parker on fathers day!

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Saturday, June 14, 2008

Parker's preschool graduation...

Well, he didn't really graduate since he has another year, but kind of. Here are some pictures of his graduation and of Molly at the zoo. It was really sad to leave the preschool but I'm pretty sure he at least gets to go there for summer school.

Here is Parker and his class waiting with their hats on:
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Here he is with his hat on:
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Here is Molly talking to him, all proud of him!
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Here he is getting his certificate from his teacher:
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Here is Molly and a goat at the zoo:
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Here is Molly looking scared while riding a fake horse at the zoo:
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Thursday, June 12, 2008

My cat Daisy has a serious problem...

She cannot control herself around balloon string. She has to chew it. She is obsessed with it. I just bought the kids each a balloon for their last days of school. I remembered Daisy's problem and put them on the dishwasher. I went to Molly's award ceremony and came home to find both balloons off of their weights. She had climbed up and chewed the strings off on the ends. I better watch her or Molly will just have a nub, lol. Parker didn't like the awards ceremony. There was too much hooting and hollering. We decided to leave early. He was being good, but you could see it was too much for him. I at least got to see her get one award.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

My sweeties this morning!

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Thankful!

I've decided that I need to be more thankful, even in a hard situation. Here is a list of what I'm thankful for today, aside from family, husband, etc.

Today I am thankful for:

-My clean house
-Molly's new hamster
-Where I am right now
-The laugh Molly and I shared this morning when I put a cookie in a wrapper in the microwave. I guess you weren't supposed to because it shrunk the rapper around the cookie with a loud slurping sound. That was pretty funny!
-The friends I've made online that give me support
-That today is sunny
-That my niece just passed her boards to become a beautician
-That the taco meat is plentiful, lol
-That school gets out on Friday, more sleeping in.
-I've already bought nice presents for Molly and Parker's teachers
-That Parker and I are happy today!

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Pleasantly surprised....

I was really dreading taking Parker to Molly's school play today. I had her all warned and prepared that we may have to leave in the middle of it. Surprisingly Parker did really well. He whined a little when all the kids came in and the noise level got high. After that he didn't say much. He asked to go home once but I told him we had to watch sissy. It turned out so cute and I was so happy I got to stay. Wish us luck for the awards ceremony on Thursday. That takes a while so I hope he'll do ok. Molly's new hamster is doing well. He is a funny guy though. Last night I heard him running on his wheel. I thought, "that's good, the other one never ran on his wheel". I peeked in and saw a very funny sight. The little nut was sitting on a ledge with his back legs and using his front legs to run on top of the wheel. Dh had to take a video of it on his cell phone it was so funny. I put him in the wheel twice but he just kept getting out and using the top of it. What a nut.

Monday, June 9, 2008

Molly and Snuffy, young love!

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Molly's new hamster, Snuffy

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A lot of sad changes today....

Today was one of Parker's ABA therapists last day. She is my very favorite one and she's moving to Utah. She is going there to get her PHD. She is so smart, funny and nice. I am going to miss her so much. She has so many good ideas and really knows how to work with Parker. She could always get him to do what she wanted. I felt safe that Parker was getting the best care when he was with her. Now she is moving on to better things. I tried not to be too sad while she was here today but I'm really going to miss her. When she got in her car to drive away it finally hit me, Parker and I had to have a long hug. She was not only a therapist, but she felt like a friend. At least we will still keep in touch. I hope she can be a role model for Molly and that Molly will grow up to be like her. I wish her all the best. Another really sad and upsetting thing that happened today was that I found out that Parker can't go to his same autistic preschool next year. They have too many kids so he'll have to go in his district. They are just hiring a new teacher for it. I don't want any other teacher, I want the one he's got. I love the aids, the speech teacher and the school. It's so unfair. I said that I would even drive him but they said no. I am so sad. Parker will never find a better teacher than the one he has. She has so much energy and great ideas. She always looks at things positively and she just loves Parker. Molly really likes her too. We will all be very sad. Why do teachers have to come and go. What if I don't like this new teacher? What if Parker doesn't? I'm pretty worried about it. What a sad day. On a small up note, Molly is with her Dad going to pick out a new hamster. I hope this one lives for a long time. Wish us luck and here's hoping he doesn't run all night on the wheel, lol.

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Cut the lawn and Dad & Parkers hair....

It's been a busy day. I mowed the lawn today while Bobby took the kids to the school to play. It was just the front, but it really needed it. I also cut Parkers hair and then Bobby's. I didn't really want to do Bobby's because I was afraid I'd mess it up. I actually did a pretty good job. He was happy with it. Parkers hair isn't that great because he wouldn't hold still. Also, when I got around his ears he freaked and said it was hurting. It wasn't hurting him, but I don't think he liked the sound of the scissors. I did a lot of cutting today.

Saturday, June 7, 2008

I wanted to comment on the video below

I couldn't because it wouldn't give me enough room. I love this song. It gave me chills the first time I heard it. It lets you know that, "He", is there no matter what is going on in your life. No matter how you've wandered. It's such a beautiful song and it gave me so much encouragement. Mark Shultz writes the most beautiful songs. If you like this one, you should check out his other ones on You tube. Please comment if you would like.

Mark Shultz - Back in His Arms Again (with Lyrics)

I love this song so much. I wonder if he has a regular video to this one?

Yay!

He ate a plate of sausage today! I'm so excited! Sausage isn't that great for you, but with him only eating taco meat and pepperoni, it's nice he's eating something else. I think it will just take him a little time to ease him back into the foods he used to like. I'm still doing the "this is what you get for lunch" thing and I think it's really helping. I am just so happy about this! I get so sick of just making taco meat for him every day. He's also drinking water and apple juice more. Let's just pray he doesn't get sick again for a long time. It really messes up his eating. My Mom gave me a rug that she couldn't use yesterday. It looks really nice in my living room and I even changed it around. I love changing my furniture around. It makes me so happy. It's like you have a new house. Everyone else in the house better look out for their rooms, Lol. I hope everyone is having a nice weekend. I know I am.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

I'm conflicted...

I'm having a hard time getting my college schedule to mesh with Parkers other preschool. His autistic preschool goes until 2:30, those days are fine. It's the 2 days of regular preschool when he gets out at 12:00 that makes it hard. He may just have to go to his autistic preschool this year. The good thing is, though, his teacher said they will be going Mon-Thur instead of Tue-Fri, so it may work out. I'll have to check into it again. Also, do you guys have any advice for me? Should I get Molly another hamster or a guinea pig? I've heard so many great things about guinea pigs but they seem a lot harder to take care of. Any advice?

Mollys hamster died.

We found him this morning. We are so so sad. I just loved that little guy. He was the nicest hamster I've ever held. He was adorable and sweet. I will miss that little guy so much. I doubt we'd ever find another one so nice. Poor Molly, she is so sad. Last night he wouldn't open one eye and was making little sqeeking noises. I was going to take him to the vet today. I worried about him all night and even checked on him twice. The poor little guy. I know he is only a hamster but we are both very sad.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Ahhh...the smell of taco meat in the morning..

Ewwwww! It is not good on my stomach. Parker however, thinks it's a wonderful smell. He is still on his taco meat kick. He did eat some pepperoni at pizza last night. That was great because for a while it was just taco meat. I am trying to give him something other than taco meat for lunches. He's going to have to eat one of the things he used to like. I have to ease him back into other foods. I tell him that this is what is for lunch and this is what he has to eat. So far, he hasn't eaten any of the 3 meals I have made him in the past 3 days but I'm still hoping. He's home with me again today. Since our van broke down, I can't get him to school. They are trying to work it out so that the bus can come to our door to pick him up. I think it will take them a few days to work it out. There is a chance they may be able to do it for summer school too. I am still praying for another vehicle. It's hard only having one, that I can't even drive. Molly is irritated about walking to school. It's only 4 blocks, I don't think it will kill her. Parker's school is a 25 minute drive away, so I don't think we could walk there, lol. I'm just going to have to keep thinking positive that somehow we will get another car.