Bartlett Monkeys

Monroe County Fair

2011-08-11T18:44:00.002-04:00

Playing with the Giga Ball

2011-04-12T17:50:00.004-04:00

Playing with the kids new toys! Yes we videoed the kids first, but this is just so much more entertaining!

Sorry for the swearing!

For my baby

2011-04-05T15:14:00.004-04:00

I found this is for my baby. I know its so hard for him and even his Daddy sometimes. But I know how hard they try and even when I want to pull out my hair I have to remember that is just sees the world differently.

Can You Hear the World Through My Ears?

Can you hear the World thru my ears,
that hum that fills my head.
I think it would be amazing to you
how I ever go to bed.

The sounds at school, the bus, the hall,
they fill our everyday.
The thunder of children’s passing feet
can make my nerves go fray.

I try to work and learn like others,
and you can see my efforts, no doubt.
But even that “Good job, Cameron,”
if too loud, can make me totally freak out.

I want to forget the heater, the lights,
the bells, and the one chewing gum.
So sometimes when it’s all too much,
I begin to run, flap, and hum.

I know there are places that I need to go,
to gym, to music and to lunch.
But all of them can be overwhelming,
and make me spaz a bunch.

I know I need your patience to learn,
grow, and overcome my fears.
I just hope and pray you can try to hear
the World thru my ears

2011-04-03T13:05:00.000-04:00

Since it has been raining so much and we haven't been able to plant anything or fear of it washing away we have been planning. We did get the cold frame planted before the rain hit! So we are waiting on that now. Hopefully all the rain is good for it.

I found a nice little tool that calculates exactly how many of each kind of plant you will need to be self sufficient. Its great and kind of daunting if you plug in peas or beans for a family of 5 like ours.
Now I'm guessing that this is for the length of the season, or until you pull the veggies out of the garden, like carrots.
Here is the list of how many plants we need:
100 pole beans
15 broccoli 30 Corns 100 Peas 20 Spinaches
75 carrots 10 Cucumbers 10 Hot Peppers and
15 cauliflowers 15 Kales 15 Strawberries 5 Pumpkins
20 celery 20 Lettuces 20 Tomatoes
20 chives 10 Melons 35 Radishes

So I know I've got the carrots, cauliflower corn, cucumbers (by 5 x's that), tomatoes (just barely), and radishes. Lettuces are really over covered and we may be giving away alot peppers should keep my dad making his dip for this winter and next I think without this we did pretty well! But it was still fun to see and know that we did something right just by chance!

Here is the link.
http://www.vegetablegardenplanner.com/garden_calculators/family_feeder?garden_id=7686

In fact the entire website is awesome and I fully intend to start using it. It offeres a garden journal, where you can upload pics and keep your thoughts on it. A To Do List where you can keep your ducks all lined up! Its got way more stuff that I'm just gonna play with. Registration is free so there is nothing to lose. So here goes!
here is a link to the tour and some of the features it offers.

http://www.vegetablegardenplanner.com/tour

OK...

2011-04-03T03:34:00.000-04:00

So we spent the weekend fine tuning and laying out our garden. Much to my dismay this included cutting down 2 more trees! I hate cutting down trees!!!! Poor Andy had a hard time of it because I gave him and my dad crap about it the whole time! Needless to say the tress are down and one of our fence posts is now 5 inches shorter then the rest of the fence! The tree fell wrong and hit it and drove it down. ARG!
That took most of Saturday. The first part of the day was taken up with attending the first outdoor Farmers Market of the year! We bought 2 pea plants, because our pea starts are not looking so good. The rest of the day was spent cutting down the trees and planning the garden. We are doing a combination of square foot gardening and traditional gardening. Below is a link that explains more fully what Square Foot Gardening is. It is ideal for small spaces and limited space.

http://www.mysquarefootgarden.net/plant-spacing/

Basically what you do is lay out the garden in 1 square foot sections and plant. This is very similar to the way many Native American tribes planted in clumps and with veggies that are benificial to eachother. This is called Companion Planting and what it does is let the plants that benefit eachother naturally through either attracting or repelling bugs or the chemicals that each plant needs the other one is ok with that. Its a really nice old idea that has a name. Most of our grandparents know this without reading a book, or website and I'm sure there are several farmers, of all kinds, in heaven laughing at me as I typed up my garden plan so pretty. But it works for me.

So this was much more time consuming then I thought. Cause guess what? You can't plant corn next to tomatoes, or broccoli next to watermelon, or peppers next to tomatoes, or cauliflower next to anything but lettuce!!! Oh my gosh! Its nuts! Companion planting is nuts but hopefully it will pay off in the end. Here is a look at how it will look. We hope!!!!!!!!!! Below is another link to a tool that was awesome for most of the plants we chose to grow. The entire website is awesome so you should check it out!

http://www.mysquarefootgarden.net/companion_planting_locked.xls

It is an excel sheet but if you don't have excel she has a pdf file on her site as well. But this is an awesome site.

Today was all kinds of crazy and didn't get to the garden at all except to water the plants! We still have to lay out our squares because I'm gonna be a little nuts about my space because lets face it I'm that way! But tomorrow provided the rain doesn't come will be planting day.

Autism Awareness Month

2011-04-01T15:16:00.004-04:00

Today kicks off the start of Autism Awareness Month. We will be wearing a lot of blue this month!
Tomorrow is Light It up Blue day to raise awareness of Autism. 1 in 110 children are diagnosed with Autism

WELCOME TO LIGHT IT UP BLUE

On the evenings of April 1 and 2, 2011, prominent buildings across North America and the world — including the Empire State Building in New York City and the CN Tower in Toronto, Canada — will turn their lights blue to raise awareness for autism and to commemorate World Autism Awareness Day on Saturday, April 2.

We’re aiming to light the world blue all throughout April — city by city, town by town — by taking action to raise autism awareness in our communities.

What you can do to Light It Up Blue

Wear blue clothing or your Autism Speaks puzzle piece, and encourage your coworkers to do the same. Sign Up
Light your house up blue by putting blue light bulbs in any outdoor fixtures. Sign Up
Raise awareness for Autism online or spread the word about Light It Up Blue.

Seed Starting...maybe

2011-03-27T16:14:00.000-04:00

Seed Starting

OK got the cold frames up and going and are now homes to the 4 flats that have been planted. Not that all four flats are actually homes to stuff. They just happen to have seeds. Being this is the first time in my life that I have started seeds it is like all of this an experiment. We planted 4 flats of 72 pellets each. We have 1 flat with about 30 starts in it. Not the best ratio, but we will figure it out. We planted an entire flat of tomatoes and not one has come up! AHHHHHH! There goes some $10 in seeds.Oh well.... “Most of the impo have kertant things in the world have been accomplished by people whopt on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.” Dale Carnegie quotes.
The last of the 4 pictures here contain the 'poor poor tomatoes' that have never sprouted. So sad..... the first 3 contain the cucumbers, peas, and broccoli. The flat with the cucumbers and broccli have sprouted! We have about 30 healthy little sprouts and had it not snowed this weekend they would be int he ground. They love the cold frame and I'm so excited that they are growing. But that is a lot of broccoli and cucumbers and I don't do pickles.... So i guess we need to buy one of the vacuum sealer thingy so we can freeze. Add one more new thing to learn to do.

I'm so excited. Because of the snow and the freezing rain that hit this weekend the flats are currently sitting on the wsher and dryer next to the cat food. Much the the chargin of the cats. I keep spraying them with the mister I have for watering when they venture a step onto the seedlings. Ya they hate me right now.

Cold Frames

2011-03-27T14:15:00.000-04:00

Cold Frames

So the next step in our journey to self sufficiency was to figure out how to get the most out of our growing season. We stumbled upon the idea of cold frames. Which is a miniature green house of sorts. Now there are several ways, effective ways to build these. We took a more permanent route as we wanted to have separate and more gardening space. We were able to make 2, 3x6 cold frames for about $40. Now granted we only had to buy wood and screws because we recycled out old sliding glass doors, but still these can be built very inexpensively. (Oh we also took the legs from an old prop we built. That is why they are neon green.)You just have to know where to look. Recycling old windows is the most common way to cover the cold frames. We were just lucky in still having the doors and that they survived the winter sitting in the yard! So we started by measuring the doors, and buying the woods. We took advantage of the free wood cutting service at Lowes and had them cut the wood for us, just to save time. (Which is huge around here with the kids wanting to help!) Andy then squared the wood screwed it together, adding legs. They are 3 feet tall with 16-18 inches of wood directly under the door. Added hinges to the doors,set them and FAIRY DUST, FAIRY DUST, FAIRY DUST we have cold frames!

The next step was to dig the holes for the frames to sit in. We did this because it helps to keep the plants warmer by filling the hole with about a foot of compost/manure covering with straw then dropping soil on top of it. As the manure decomposes it will create heat for the plants and provide nutrients! Plus we got the manure for free! Love free stuff! We did pay for the soil, but that is ok, $30 for a

truckload of soil that I know is gonna grow stuff, no problem. This was a huge job to do by hand, but thanks to my loving husband we quickly had 2 ‘graves’ in the front yard. I’m not kidding you, they looked like graves! Same shape, both a little over

4 foot deep and the bus drivers were wondering what was going on for a week or so. But we just have to plant now! And try to figure how to utilize these in the hot humid Summer of Indiana.

New beginnings...

2011-03-26T22:50:00.002-04:00

So this spring marks new beginnings for all us in various ways. The kids are all growing like weeds, I have taken on a leadership role in the Cat Tails 4H Club, Andy is being hauled kicking and screaming into the 4H as well, just as slave labor as he puts it. But we all know he loves it! He will be helping to build a float for the 4th fo July parade this year for the 4H kids to walk/ride in. Um I will be speding much more time at home now due to budget constraints at work. (Sigh) So as a new goal I am going to be the best little housewife I can be, which will be rather limited since we all know that I proudly and loudly wear a sweatshirt that proclaims me Domestically Disabled.
Part of this new domestication will include learning to cook healthy food and food that tastes better, I hope to be able to find local sources for this, as well as our own garden. We will can this year. Or at least try. Thanks to the Freelands we have 400 jars sitting in the garage waiting for us! And to catalog all this we have launched another blog called The Garden Wars with everything pertaining to gardening and how green we can be. Should be interesting. I also intend to update this more frequently as it now seems to be a way for me to keep a tab on the things I do. Even if I am the only one reading it, it makes me feel better. So here goes....

getting started.... last year head start

2011-03-26T22:27:00.000-04:00

Building the Garden

So here is what we did to get the garden started. First we built it (last year). We choose the best spot we could which was not ideal. Ideally your garden needs lots and lots of sunlight, well, not a whole lot of that in space that is not popular with the minions! So we chose to put our garden just beyond the back fence and rather close to our trees. Hmmmm.... as previously posted it was a learning experience. Our garden is 8 feet wide and 24 feet long. It is a raised bed of about 1 foot and surrounded by used railroad ties. Big heavy railroad ties! Needless to say, even if I wanted to for the sake of sun, Andy has vetod moving the garden and just cut the trees back this year! Plus I don't think that Israel would help again. He swore a lot at me last year after he had to help Andy move them. Sorry, I couldn't pick them up! Let alone carry the dang things!

Basically all we did was lay out the ties 3 long and 1 wide. hammered some rebar down through the wood and ground (3 foot lenghth) to hold in place, not that there was a lot of danger of the things moving!) Tilled the ground up, removing what we could of the grass, laid newspaper to help keep weeds out and filled in with about 2 1/2 truckbed fulls of good workable soil bought from Good Earth, garden mix.

( http://www.goodearthcompostandmulch.com/products/ )

Thankfully we were able to just back up the truck through the yard and shovel it from the bed of the truck! And voila! Instant garden... well almost instant. It took us about 5 days of hard work, mostly Andy, but I tried to help.driving in the re-bar....

Restoration of the Senses... all of our senses

2011-03-20T22:21:00.000-04:00

Deciding how to start can be tricky for anything. There is just always so much to consider. I find this to be the one unchanging thing in my life! No matter what I do, getting started is the most difficult, so we will try this... The Bartlett Family, Andy, Mindy, Izzy, Xander, and Dimon- however unwillingly- are finding their path to Sense. We are starting by way of a garden. After 10 years of marriage and 3 kids later, Andy and I last year finally built a garden and planted. It was definitely a learning experience. After hours of backbreaking work to build the thing, I neglected it because of work and just being plain tired and yielded a very sad amount of food.

However we have our hearts set on it this year as well as our extended families hearts set on it. Plus we have a growing buddy this year! Melanie, Joe and Bria, albeit a long-distance gardening buddy-set! But we will take all the encouragement we can get! We plan to be rather productive this year by not only having a 'regular' garden, but we also have cold frames in place, that while started late will still be used, as well as hanging mini gardens and maybe some extensive hanging gardens. We also want to try a few other ideas out. I fully intend to faithfully record all highs and lows. Even if we fail utterly and will try my hardest not to let myself take the blog down if that happens! So here starts, the first day of spring, let The Garden Wars begin!!!

and yes we also have a garden gnome!

Birthday pics long overdue

2010-11-22T21:45:00.004-05:00

Izzys big party with her friends. At one point we had over 30 kids here at the house! Thank goodness for good friends who help charperone and make sure no one dies!! Giant slip and slide, tramploine and a swingset and food. What else do you need?

Izzy's Birthday party at Domo with just family

boys pics to soon follow

New Venture

2010-11-08T18:14:00.004-05:00

Ok our new adventure for the kids is 4H! And of course I can't do anything but be super excited because I'm a former 10 year member and have been dying to get the kids involved! Its awesome!!! Izzy is now a full fledged member of THe Monroe County 4-H Cat Tails club! The very same club I started in. And to boot she has to be in it for at minuinm the next 3 years, I am the new co-leader of said Cat Tails Club! I know its silly but I love it! I loved 4-H and was very sad and depressed when I aged out at 18, so this is great! Can't wait for the boys to do it too!

New job!

2010-11-08T18:08:00.002-05:00

So this is a little late in posting, but as of September 13th I (Mindy) started a new job. I'm still selling insurance, but thankfully I'm no longer driving all over the state putting wear and tear on my precious Millie! Whom I put just over 3000 miles on in 3 months and I wan't even drving all the time! But I now work for Bloom Marketing aka Bloom Insurance Agency aka The Insurance Store. I get great hourly rate for Bloomington, and much less stress because I know that I am going guaranteed a paycheck every other week! Its great and just in time for Christmas!

Chicago Trip... China Town and Shedd Aquarium

2010-07-12T21:19:00.010-04:00

When we left the Field Museum we went to China town where we found the biggest Pikachu Piggy Bank ever!!! It now resides in our home! LOL. Anyway here are some pics.... we also had to cross over the set of CHEATERS, apperantly a new movie in the works with Vince Vaughn and someone else, I can't remember. Took a picture of the guy, have no idea who he is... typical me. Any Ideas?

This pic is us leaving China Town. After our dinner that actually had fried chicken feet (no I wasn't that brave!, Not yet enough of Andrew Zimmerman) We had fun as always!
The next day we went to the Shedd Aquarium. It was a "discount day" as opposed to a free day like at the Field. So we wound up paying but it was worth it. I had never been there before so it was an awesome experience to see some of the exhibits, especially watching Xander watch the sea otters, a nd watching my mother d iscover the snake is a giant anaconda! that was priceless! And of course how often do you see an act with Beluga Whales??>??? But Dimon's favorite part... chasing seagulls! Xander and Izzy both loved the porpoise show and beluga whale show. I loved the Amazon Rising exhibit! So the kind of exhibit I would love to be in charge of cause lets face it, I'm a nerd!!! Here are some more pics!
After our day at the Shedd we went to Navy Pier. 2 words... LET DOWN!!!! The only good part was the water taxi ride over to it! Look at the picture of the fog coming in over the water!!! It was raining on the way which made it kinda fun. And pretty.

Navy Pier did give us this wonderful sign!!! Which I need one of my more artistic friends to make a project!!!!

Chicago!!!! Train and Field Museum

2010-07-02T12:47:00.006-04:00

So our trip to Chicago was a blast! We went the second week of June, so yes this is late getting posted. First day we Field Museum, which was super fun! We stayed in Elmhurst which was just a train ride away from downtown. (about 30 minutes.) Dimon was thrilled to finally ride a train.The first group pic is from the train station in Elmhurst! We wandered through the museum until it closed and I rediscovered my inner geek! I know a lot of random information! It was awesome. Of course the picture of the day is here with mom and dad standing next to the big "life on earth began..." We saw robotic dinosaurs that we still can't convince Di that they were not really real, he kinda gets it, but he isn't sure we are tricking him. I can't imagime why he thinks we would do something like that. Xander loved the dinos as did Dimon. I think it was their favorite part. Looking at the bones they loved, and we saw Happy Feet (part of it) in 4D and watched a movie on how Sue the Trex would have grown up. We saw the baby mammoth that they found in Russia, and who is totally preserved! I'm such a nerd, it was awesome!!! The kids loved it. We loved the grandparents loved it, and the Uncle loved it. Life is good!

Updates since April...

2010-05-21T22:27:00.007-04:00

April 5th I bought a new car!!!!! My closest to brand new I will probably ever have! Its a pretty little PT Cruiser. Her name is Millie Vanilli. The reason, after you finish laughing.. is because of her color. Its official name is are you ready, Cool Vanilla. So we call her Millie for short! I love her! She is a rebuild, but you would never know. In fact we just had a sensor replaced and the guy working on her had no idea she had ever been in a wreck. Her stats.... 2006, 33,000 miles! Her interior is gray and silver. I love her!!! This is the very first car that I have gotten to pick out and buy because I like her! So yes I"m excited.
Next item of business... Well April 10th was TWD Tournament in Terre Haute. Only Izzy competed because well we spent our money on Millie. Izzy did great!!!!!!! She got 2nd in weapons, and 2nd in sparring. Now if you ask either Andy, Lil, Dave or I sh e should have won sparring. But we saw what the judges did not. But it was fun and she had a blast. The boys went with us and did great (another reason we didn't compete and onlu Izzy did). Lillian, CheChi, and Dave, Ti-Chi also went. Here are some of those pics.

yes the boys are sitting in a locker. It was cute. Xan would not smile for the camera. He kept waiting until after it flashed.

Umm what else has happened?.....

Oh we built a garden!
Andy is close to accusing me of becoming a very big tree-hugging hippie! I am determined to have some food that does not have gas caolories or really bad for us junk sprayed on them! So we shall see if I am successful. Andy has been so good about it. We bought used railway ties for the border from Menards. So the garden is 8.5x24 feet. Not huge but enough for us for now. Though I am quickly filling up the space. Here are some pics from construction. Lets see what else? ('ll take more pics when the rain lets up of our veggies!)

Oh I went to New York from April 19th to the 29th. I went with Dad, Ryan and Uncle Bruce to clean the barracks at to West Point Cadet camps. You know what, they are slobs!!!! You would think that they would pick up their trash a little! Heck, you would think they would pick up their money! We found a little over $50 just laying around. Some of which was in bills, and $10 was in a roll of quarters!!! So they bought us lunch a few times. Here are a few pics of some of the barracks we cleaned and ha uled stuff up to! And one of dad in his don't let the bleach hit me clothes! and we also discovered that dad looks good with this hat! But West Point Museum wanted $35 for it!!!! So we brought the picture home, not the hat!

Oh and while we were in New York Xander broke his arm!!!!!!!! 2 days from coming home and him and Daddy were wrestling and flew off the bed. At first Andy said he thought it was his neck he heard, so a broken arm was a great relief!! But of course in true Xander style we had to be sedated to set and cast the arm. Poor little guy! So I got a phone call at 8 pm with lots of noise in the background, i could barley hear Andy. And found out that they were in the hospital. Lillian of course had met them there to help out. I was on facebook when this happened and Israel popped up a chat to c what i was doing and told him I was trying to find a flight home because of what had happened. So So being the good guy he is and adopted Uncle he went to meet Andy and help give him a blessing. He also took these first few pics.
Then here is a pic from about 10 days ago of Xander with his decorated plaster cast that is slowly being eaten away. Literally by Xan. Sersiously they put a plaster cast on a boy who ate his drywall in his room!!!! WHAT THE HECK????? But last Saturday we were at the Ward Spring Cleaning and he was entertaining himself in the shelter house. Well I should have guessed! He found a puddle! But he was trying to keep his arm out of it because he had his arm clear up in the air. It was when he got up we had an issue. He barley touched his elbow to the ground and it just sucked it up like a sponge, then of course laying it against his sopping wet clothes di dn't help. So later that day we went to get a new cast. Again in Xander style we had to be sedated! His new cast is a pretty red fiberglass one. That one is scheduled to come off on June 2nd. YAY!!!! He can play in water again.
So that updates us for now!

....

April Events for Autism

2010-04-09T16:26:00.000-04:00

Check these out if your close!
UNITED STATES

Date of Event: April 14, 2010
Name: Unexpected Treasures: Art of Autism
Location: Sensory Time, 41421 Date Street, Suite 101, Murrieta, CA
Description: Sensory Time, a new indoor play center specially designed for children with Autism and other special needs is hosting an Art Exhibit that will display art from Autistic children between the ages of 5 and 25. The event, sponsored by the Autism Society of America Inland Empire Chapter and KVCR, will take place on April 14, 2010. This free event takes place from 5-7 pm.
Contact: Stacey Robinson
Email: sensorytimecenter@gmail.com
Website: www.sensorytimecenter.com
Click here to view a press release for this event.

Date of Event: April 3, 2010
Name: Kiwanis Club of San Carlos celebrates World Autism Awareness Day
Location: Burton Park in San Carlos, CA
Description: On April 3, 2010, The Kiwanis Club of San Carlos celebrates World Autism Awareness Day by providing children on the Autism Spectrum with a happy play experience at Burton Park in San Carlos, California. The “Kiwanis Kids Klub” is a social play group for children ages kindergarten through 2nd grade and all activities are non-competitive and success oriented. The fun includes bubbles, the ever-popular parachute game, decorating the Kiwanis Flag, a simple T-Ball activity, a Simple Simon movement game with stations and once again snacks! This is the 3rd consecutive month of an on-going plan to facilitate these play group activities. Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time.
Contact: Patty Wright
Phone: (650) 590-4440
Website: http://www.san-carlos.kiwanisone.org

Date of Event: April 3, 2010
Name: Operation Jack Marathon Series
Location: Central Park, Huntington Beach, Ca.
Next to 6622 Lake View Drive
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Description: In celebration of World Autism Awareness Day, a small marathon and half marathon will be held to benefit Train 4 Autism (http://www.train4autism.org) and Operation Jack (http://www.operationjack.org). The race is the first of three, taking place on April 3, 2010. Event information is avaialble at http://www.operationjack.org/marathon_series.
Contact: Sam Felsenfeld
Phone: (949) 292 -1432
Website: http://www.operationjack.org/marathon_series/

Date of Event: April 2, 2010
Name: World Autism Awareness Day Celebration in San Francisco
Location: 323 Geary Street, Suite 318, San Francisco, CA
Description: The Autism Hearts Foundation, based in San Francisco, California, will join hands with our community to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day. In partnership with the San Francisco Philippine Consulate, Westbay Fil-Am Community Center and Jolibee Foods, the event encourages participation from families and friends of our community. The celebration will bring Autism awareness to our neighboring communities. Activities will include dissemination of basic knowledge and information on autism, programs and services resource information, parent support groups. Art and music exhibits will showcase the talents of children and adults with ASD, that with right support and services, they too could have productive and meaningful lives and be contributing members of our society.
Contact: Lynda Borromeo
Email: lynda.borromeo@sbcglobal.net
Website: www.autismhearts.com

Date of Event: April 2, 2010
Name: Free swim assessments for children with special needs
Location: Northern California (four locations)
Description: In commemoration of World Autism Awareness Day, American Swim Academy, with four locations in Northern California, is offering free swim assessments for children with special needs. Contact American Swim
Academy today to schedule your free swim assessment at any of our locations! or visit www.AmericanSwimAcademy.com.

About American Swim Academy: American Swim Academy has been setting the standard for safe and successful swim instruction since 1973. Their mission is to provide an exceptional program designed to teach students through the highest quality instructions that instills a life-long love of the water. They have four locations in the Bay Area--Fremont, Newark, Dublin, and Livermore and teach swimming to all ages and abilities.
Contact: Jennifer Lee
Phone: (925) 479-7946 Ext. 106
Email: jennifer@americanswimacademy.com
Website: www.americanswimacademy.com

Date of Event: April 2, 2010
Name: Proceeds from "The Boy and the Red Balloon"
Location: World-wide (Chicago)
Description: Kaveh Adel is an illustrator and Author of a Children's book named "The Boy and the Red Balloon." He has a 5 year old son with Asperger's. From the beginning Kaveh set out to donate 5% of the proceeds from his book to Autism Speaks and 5% to Make a Wish foundation. To celebrate World Autism Awareness Day, I am donating all 10% to Autism speaks. Also Kaveh has made a you tube video to raise awareness which is posted on his Twitter and Facebook fan Page.
Contact: Kaveh Adel
Email: boyredballoon@gmail.com
Website: http://www.boyandredballoon.com

Date of Event: April 4- 11, 2010
Name: "Altruism" Autism Awareness Artist Auction
Location: Denver, Colorado
Description: A collaborative effort featuring artists from all crafts to benefit Autism awareness month.
Email: jennifersews@gmail.com
Contact: Jennifer Bonn
Phone: (303) 263-8316
Website: http://www.hyenacart.com/altruism

Date of Event: April 2, 2010
Name: Guam joins World Autism Awareness Celebration
Location: Guam, Mariana Islands
Description: Lieutenant Governor Mike Cruz of Guan signed a proclamation the afternoon of March 29, 2010 dedicating April, 2010 to this worthy cause. Autism is a lifelong disability and results in significant impairment of an individual's ability to learn, develop social skills, and understand verbal and non-verbal communication. Over a hundred people have been diagnosed with Autism locally in Guam.
Click here to read press from the Kuam News on this event.

Date of Event: April 2, 2010
Name: "All In for Autism" Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament
Location: Cronks Cafe, Denison, IA
Description: The Snyder Family in Westside, IA will host a Texas Hold Em Poker Tournament called "All in for Autism." The event will take place at 7 pm at Cronks Cafe in Denison, IA. All proceeds will be sent to Autism Speaks. The family's 14 year old son, Tyler, is on the spectrum.
Contact: Michael Snyder
Email: cservice@mclaughlinintl.com

Date of Event: April 2 & 11, 2010
Name: Autism Community of Africa (ACA) WAAD Events
Location: Various in MD (see description below)
Description:

April 2 2010: ACA is celebrating WAAD in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire with a conference on Autism, distribution of brochures and flyers, TV appearances, donation of medications, foods, and gifts to the Yopougon center for children with disability, with media coverage.

April 11 2010: ACA is partnering with LAMI clinic and Mobile Med to raise awareness of Autism through a “Health Day” with the community “Marie Reine du Monde” at St Camillus church in Silver Spring. Everyone is invited! Location: St Camillus Church, 1600 Saint Camillus drive Silver Spring, MD 20903
Contact: Brigitte Kobenan
Phone: (443) 718-1824
Email: info@autismcommunityofafrica.org
Website: www.autismcommunityofafrica.org

Date of Event: April 2, 2010
Name: Autism Alliance Partnership
Location: Lansing, I
Description: In support of World Autism Awareness Day, Essence of Behavior is hosting a lunch and learn for local area businesses to launch the Autism Alliance Partnership program. This program is a professional development series for businesses that would not know anything about Autism unless they were directly affected by it. Please visit www.essenceofbehavior.com for more information.
Contact: Nicole Martin
Phone: (517) 574-4789; Moblie: (508) 274-4771
Email: essenceofbehavior@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.essenceofbehavior.com

Date of Event: April 2, 2010
Location: Antioch Middle School, Gladstone, MO
Description: In celebration of World Autism Awareness Day, Amy Winters' class will be releasing balloons with facts inside about Autism.

Date of Event: Saturday, April 17, 2010
Name: Fraser Walk for Autism sponsored by POPPcom
Location: Mall of America, Bloomington, MN
Description: Help more people receive Autism services by joining the Fraser Walk for Autism sponsored by POPPcom. Come participate in the indoor walk and experience sensory activities such as a ball pit and trampoline, dance performances, music, therapy animals, games and lots of entertainment. Get your photo taken with local celebrities and mascots. Meet friends, window shop and get some exercise while raising money for our local community’s most urgent need – autism services. This family-friendly event is fun for all ages. The Mall of America provides a half-mile walking course. Form a team of walkers and register on line at www.fraser.org/calendar. If you are unable to participate, you can still support autism services by making a donation or sponsoring a participant.
Contact: Rose Rosario
Email: Roser@fraser.org
Website: http://www.fraser.org/

Date of Event: April 1-2, 2010
Name: Autism Speaks Celebration of World Autism Awareness Day: "Light It Up Blue!"
Location: New York, NY and worldwide
Description: To commemorate the third annual United Nations World Autism Awareness Day and Autism Awareness Month, Autism Speaks is asking iconic buildings around the world to turn their lights blue on April 1 and 2, 2010. Join us by lighting up your home, business, school, house of worship, website or anything you want in the color blue. Help us shine a light on autism – a disorder that now affects 1 in every 110 American children, and 1 in 70 boys. Visit www.lightitupblue.org to add your own event and see others taking place around the world.
Also, check out our press release about the initiative.
Email: DYango@autismspeaks.org
Website: www.lightitupblue.org

Date of Event: April 1-2, 2010
Name: WAAD Events at Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
Location: South Oval, Ohio Union, Ohio State University
Description: The Autism Speaks Student Chapter at The Ohio State University will promote autism awareness on the Oval and at the new Ohio Union on April 1st and on World Autism Awareness Day, Friday April 2nd.
Email: jbeauvais@ehe.osu.edu
Website: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AutismSpeaksOSU/ Contact: Jessica Beauvais

Date of Event: April 24, 2010
Name: Fantastic Family Fun Day
Location: The Achievement Centers for Children, Westlake, Ohio
Description: In celebration of National Autism Month, Achievement Centers for Children presents a Fantastic Family Fun Day. Activities include music therapy demonstrations by the Music Therapy Enrichment Center, Inc., arts and crafts projects, family movies, sibling activities and family resource stations.
Email: Helen.Mack@achievementctrs.org
Website:

http://www.achievementcenters.org
Contact: Helen Mack
Phone: (216) 292-9700 ext. 248

Date of Event: April 2, 2010
Name: Saipain joins World Autism Awareness Celebration
Location: Saipan, CNMI
Description: On April 2, 2010 at 3:00 pm the Governor's office of Saipan will join in the celebration of World Autism Awareness Day as it declares April World Autism Awareness Month in Saipan. Click here to read press from the Saipan Tribune on this event.

Date of Event: April 2, 2010
Name: Radford University Celebrates World Autism Awareness Day
Location: Radford University, Radford, VA
Description: The College of Education and Human Development at Radford University in Virginia will be celebrating World Autism Awareness Day by wearing blue and gathering for a photograph. They are doing this in conjunction with the University’s Centennial which focuses on the “Power of 100.” They hope to have 100+ participants.

Date of Event: April 1-2, 2010
Name: Outgamie County Regional Airport celebrates World Autism Awareness Day
Location: Outgamie County Regional Airport, Appleton, WI
Description: Outgamie County Regional Airport is excited to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day by printing up "Light It Up Blue" banners. The community is invited thto the airport as they will be giving prizes for the best show of Blue support.
Contact: Kim Sippola
Email: SippolKA@co.outagamie.wi.us
Website: http://www.atwairport.com/

Date of Event: April 18, 2010
Name: Hoa Aloha Autism Awareness Bowling Event
Location: Sunset Bowl Entertainment Center, Waukesha, Wisconsin, USA
Description: Good Friend, Inc. will host its 2nd annual Hoa Aloha Autism Awareness Bowling Event in honor of World Autism Awareness Day. Good Friend, Inc., is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating autism awareness, teaching acceptance of differences, and fostering empathy for students among their typically-developing peers.
Contact: Denise Schamens
Phone: (262) 391-1369
Email: denise@goodfriendinc.com
Website: www.goodfriendinc.com/alohaInfo.html

About World Autism Awareness Day

2010-04-02T20:45:00.000-04:00

About World Autism Awareness Day

On December 18, 2007, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 62/139, tabled by the State of Qatar, which declares April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) in perpetuity. Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Missned, Consort of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar, supported the campaign for a World Autism Awareness Day through the current 62nd UN General Assembly Session, garnering consensus support from all United Nations Member States.

This UN resolution is one of only three official disease-specific United Nations Days and will bring the world's attention to autism, a pervasive disorder that affects tens of millions. The World Autism Awareness Day resolution encourages all Member States to take measures to raise awareness about autism throughout society and to encourage early diagnosis and early intervention. It further expresses deep concern at the prevalence and high rate of autism in children in all regions of the world and the consequent developmental challenges.

World Autism Awareness Day shines a bright light on autism as a growing global health crisis. WAAD activities help to increase and develop world knowledge of the autism epidemic and impart information regarding the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention. Additionally, WAAD celebrates the unique talents and skills of persons with autism and is a day when individuals with autism are warmly welcomed and embraced in community events around the globe.

By bringing together autism organizations all around the world, we will give a voice to the millions of individuals worldwide who are undiagnosed, misunderstood and looking for help. Please join us in our effort to inspire compassion, inclusion and hope. UN World Autism Awareness Day Resolution (.pdf format):

Autism Awareness Month kicks off

2010-03-30T20:32:00.003-04:00

TO LIGHT IT UP BLUEOn the night of April 1, prominent buildings across North America and the world including the Empire State Building in New York City and the CN Tower in Toronto, Canada will be lit up blue to raise awareness for autism and to commemorate World Autism Awareness Day on Friday, April 2.
And we’re aiming to light the world blue, too – city by city, town by town – by taking action to raise awareness about autism in our communities.
Other things you can do to Light It Up Blue
* Wear your Autism Speaks puzzle piece pin every day throughout the month of April, and tell people about autism if they ask about it.
* Change your Facebook profile picture to the Light It Up Blue logo and tag at least 10 of your friends.
* Post on your blog about how you are “lighting it up blue” to raise autism awareness.
* Add the Light It Up Blue logo to your e-mail signature … and type your e-mails in blue!
* On April 2 wear blue clothing and ask your co-workers, schools and friends to wear blue too. Take pictures and add them to our Flickr gallery. * Bake puzzle piece shaped cookies and frost them with blue icing, then bring them to your school, work or place of worship to raise autism awareness.
And of course the reason I post these things.......
my boys!

Srping Break 2010... so far

2010-03-18T20:19:00.003-04:00

SO Spring Break this year is not nearly as exciting,
but we are still having fun. (and sleeping in, mommy
is loving this part!) We have been the zoo,
which was still on winter pricing! SCORE!
We went with Candi (mom) and Isabella friends
from tae kwon do. (So those are the 2 other people here!
hehehe)
We had fun. We also found out it is very expenseive
to leave you packed lunch in the car and buy it instead.
We spend roughly $50 for all 7 of us to get into the zoo for
the day, we spent almost $85-$90 on lunch!!! YIKES!
But we saw all kinds of cool things. Bears wrestling,
a posing walrus, he was really cool!
Baby giraffes,

baby baboons, and dancing dolphins. (they were by far Xander's fave!
We had a really good time, and later on in the day we all went to tae kwon do and wanted to drop. Great day!

long time no post

2010-03-18T18:55:00.002-04:00

Ok so I suck at this right now. I've posted nothing since November. I'm awful. Anyway here are a few updates:
1. I'm still substitute teaching at Highland Park Preschool (Been there since Dec, covering maternity leave for a friend).
~ Found out that if I had my teachers license I would be paid teacher pay, not the lousy $60 a day i get. (not that I'm not grateful for the cash, I just want to burn down the IU school of Ed for kicking me out!)
2. Andy is still working as a CNA, I think he still likes it, however I think he works in the most dysfunctional place on the planet! His workplace stories are scary! First there was the manager or whatever he was that OD's in his office, then there was the woman who lost her kids because her boyfriend ran a meth lab out of their house!!! HELLO!!! the stories wind down slightly after that but they are interesting.
ONTO KIDS NEWS
3.Dimon is thriving in school! You would never know this child ever had delayed speech. He is talking, talking and more talking, even in his sleep. We get sentences that are 6-8 words long!!!!!!!!! It took us til Izzy was 5 to hear that! Loving the appropriate-school models at Clear Creek Preschool! Plus the teachers are amazing!!!!
4. Xander too is just taling up a storm! He is up to about 50 really usable vocab words that he uses at school and home. However communication is still a barrier, but we are getting there! We are so excited with his progress! His teachers are awesome his therapist rock and of course his family is the best ever..... (hehehehe)
5. Izzy is doing great in school and she is now a decided purple belt in tae kwon do! She is so precious, I don't know what we would do without her. She is so sweet. She can hug me and makes my whole day better. She is so sweet and loving!
that is the short and the sweet.

super bowl commercials that are labeled banned

2010-02-01T20:18:00.001-05:00

# 3 Goes to School

2009-11-30T11:43:00.002-05:00

Dimon started school on his birthday! All 3 of my babies are now in school. I insisted on driving him the first day, then moped until they all 3 got home, even though Andy took me to the bookstore. So this pic is of him getting on the bus the 2nd day. My big boy.... not my baby anymore, until he is tired, then he is my baby.

look what happens when...

2009-11-30T11:31:00.003-05:00

So i just found the pics of this. Riddle: What makes a wall look like a rippling pond?
tick... tick... tick.. tick...
answer
when your heating vent from the dryer comes off its attachment in the wall and all that hot humid air just floats around inside the wall! this is the result...

by the way this happened in August... we now have a wall in the boys room that has no drywall up!

Dimon turns 3!!!

2009-11-28T16:59:00.005-05:00

So my baby turned 3! October 21st he turned 3 and had a small family party! Ti-Chi, Papa, Nana, Daddy, Mommy, Xander, Izzy, Audrey, Israel, Nathan, Julian were all there! He had a dinosaur cake (because not only did we see Walking with Dinos, but the Children's Museum has increased that love!) So dinos were the focus! However the Thomas the Train from Ti-Chi and Chi-Chi was the winner. After he opened that, which was first, he really didn't care about anything else. He was a happy boy! He loves his toys and all the attention he gets on his day. Thanks to all who came and made it a special day for him!

Children's Museum

2009-11-18T17:01:00.007-05:00

So for Dimon's Birthday David and Lillian took the kids and us up to the Children's Museum in Indy. We had an awesome time. It was the very first time I had ever been there, so it was so fun. Even if I did get a headache halfway through the day. And even if Dimon and Xan did have enough by the end of the day.
I don't know how many of you have been there but when you pull up there are huge dinos climbing through the glass walls of the entrance. The boys were so excited. And Izzy loved it much more so. Long live dinosaurs and their replicas! We also rode on the Carousel which was fun! The kids all rode on pretty horses and Ti-Chi and Chi-Che rode on a pretty bench seat with Daddy and Mommy rode on a horse next to Xander.

Xander turns 6!!!

2009-11-13T19:10:00.008-05:00

Xander turned 6 on September 16th 2009! How did he get so big? We all (Xander, Izzy, Dimon, Andy, Ti-Chi, Che-Chi (both Andy's parents), Nana, Papa (my parents), Uncle Ryan, and me, went to Great Times in Indy. It is a super fun and everyone should go at least once. They have a huge arcade where of course you can earn tickets to get prizes, and they also traditional arcade games like Pac-Man. They also have a go kart track, water bumper boats, and a huge tunnel ball pit thing. We went up on the Sunday after his birthday. It was great. We had his cake, a cars cake of course there at the arcade and then a few hours of playing and then to dinner. So my little boy is not so little anymore. Makes me sad . But I know he has to grow up. This is was harder than Izzy's last party where she turne 7. I'm not sure why but it was. Maybe its because I still call him my baby and he doesn't protest it. But he will forever be my little Xander man, who is the bestest little baby Xander in the whole wide worl d?

Tournament now involves a family...

2009-11-10T21:13:00.002-05:00

So we went to Tournament in Sept. the weekend before Xan's birthday and here are some pics from it. Izzy for the first time placed 2nd and the only reason she did was because the other girl she was against a girl who was doing a more advanced form, and they gave her the points. Andy and I both placed. We originally were in the same group but they split us into men and women groups. Andy placed 3rd, I placed 1st in one steps. We didnt place in our forms. No surprise on my part, Andy blames his on stepping out of bounds, which is very possible. Izzy placed 2nd in forms, 3rd in weapons which is really good considering that she had only been working her staff again for 2 weeks and she was terrribly distracted by the big jumpy thing in the other side of the gym, and 2nd in one steps. I love competing again, I did forget how grumpy I get when I do compete. Sorry. Can't help it. I am not a gracious loser. Gee I wonder where Izzy gets it?

The guy in the pic with Andy is from our school. His name is Jeremy. He cleaned up!
We don't have a pic of me with my trophy and the pics Izzy took of my onesteps are far from flattering So here is a pic of me sitting with my tournament buddy Debbie from Tennessee. We have a blast together.

The Reynolds make an apperance

2009-11-10T18:11:00.005-05:00

So we finally got Mel and Joe and Bria up here for a short visit in September. labor Day.
Here are some pics...

Welcome home Paul!

2009-11-10T17:43:00.005-05:00

So this is an official welcome home to Andy's cousin Paul, who has been serving overseas in Iraq. The pictures below tell you the great welcome the kids gave him, he is their favorite cousin on that side after all.

Jennifer's wedding

2009-11-10T17:11:00.001-05:00

On August 22nd 2009::::::
So we want to say congrats to a dear friend and the best babysitter ever! Jennifer Lee-Bush (Jenness) is now married to her high school sweetheart Brandon! Her wedding was also the sight of Izzy's first dance (with someone other than her daddy). We still have no idea what his name is. He just came up to Izzy and asked her to dance after she had been out on the floor with her brother and daddy. Here are some pics. I really need to send her some of these. huh something else I am behind on...

State Fair Pics... really really late

2009-09-29T18:16:00.007-04:00

So this is from August again, but we are having trouble keeping up with pics right now. Anyway shortly after school started the State Fair started, and yes true to my redneck nature and need to go, we pulled the kids out of school and went to the fair. Yes I told them the kids were sick, and no I don't feel bad about it. I'm not the only one that did this and I don't care. We had fun. Everytime we go somewhere Izzy wants to get her face painted, so first thing this is what we did. Xander was not really sure what to think of this. As you can see. Dimon was annoyed he couldn't be right in the way to watch the painting. Later in the day we had to wash it off because it was itching but this is a picture of her with Miss Indiana. Cute huh! We rode an elephant after watching the kids first circus, and then at the end of the day you can see the result, Xan is asleep in that picture.We had a blast and I will do again next year!

I like Fluffy!

2009-09-26T17:09:00.003-04:00

Graduation for Andy and Izzy

2009-09-06T10:28:00.006-04:00

So here they are! Our new Orange Belt and our New Camo belt! (Izzy will now start sparring with other people. Ahhh someone is gonna kick and hit at my little girl! But they will be sorry. :-) )
Andy graduated on Thursday this past week and Izzy graduated on Saturday morning. For all those in town, next week we have a tournament in Evansville if you want to come. Izzy will be the only one competeing due to lack of tournamnet monies, but she will be awesome!

Last day of summer

2009-08-28T21:04:00.005-04:00

School started as you have seen by earlier posts August 12th. So the 11th we went to the lake to have one last fun day of summer. Xander swam on his own and so did Dimon, first time ever! Izzy's swimming skills continue to improve and it was fun. But any day out with my kids is fun. Especially if we are going anywhere near water. Now the castle they are destroying is not one they built. It

was abandoned about 30 minutes
before I let Dimon near it. It was a good last day. Even though we were broke and couldn't go to the fair we had a lot of fun just being with the kids and splashing around in the water. Take that afternoon again any day!

Splash Pad at Karsts

2009-08-28T20:51:00.003-04:00

Mini waterpark in Bloomington! They opened it up the beginning of August and so Andy and I decided we must grace the new park with our presence.

McCormicks Creek

2009-08-28T20:23:00.005-04:00

So on July 31st we went to McCormicks State Park. It was a blast. the whole goal was to hike to the Waterfall. Well they have made it much easier to get to now. There is a stairway down to the creek now and so you don't have to scale treacherous rocks to get down the hill anymore, which is good when you are us! We got the bottom and discovered that to get to the waterfall we would have to find safe passage across the "raging" waters and stay dry. Well you can see for yourself how well that worked. I can say, I stayed pretty dry, I can also say I hate wet tennis shoes! But we had on our backpacks, 3 of them, one for me to carry, it had food, waters and diapers and camera in it. Izzy's had towels, Xander's had his toys. Cause if we are all going to have our backpacks then he had to have his too. It was cute he wouldn't leave the house without it. But of course Xander was also the first one to fall "victim" to the water. Ya he was so upset!!!

Facebook... I blame Melanie

2009-08-25T09:20:00.003-04:00

After about a month of Mel telling me I needed to try it I gave in. Yes Mel, I am blaming you for the latest addiction in our household. It is facebook and all the little silly games! Oh my gosh!!! First of all I am grateful for all my friends, but I had no idea that we all suffered from this disease! In 72 hours I have collected alot of people on my friends list. Secondly we all play the silly games! Its great to realize you are not alone.... Andy is also now addicted. He started playing my games then got mad and made his own page so he could play his own... he he he
AHEM.... So I would like to take this opportunity to point the finger right at MELANIE!!! love you!

School Starts

2009-08-25T08:50:00.003-04:00

So this year for some insane reason that is beyond my understanding, the school board and superintendent decided that to get out of school the last week of May, which is 1 week earlier then normal, we should start school August 12th! 2 weeks earlier then normal!! AHHHHH! Lets see if we can screw up parents plans and summer plans anymore than normal, for the sake of a week! I guess my biggest problem is that school starts in the middle of State Fair. Which I'm sure most of you have heard my rant, but here it goes again... What the hell are they going to do for the kids that are required to be at the fair for 4-H to care for their animals and muck the stalls and all that? What are they going to do for the parents who now have to go tend to the animals and miss work because the school board decided that it was more convenient for them???? Its just not fair. Plus you start the kids 2 weeks early to get out 1 week early? Why? We now have a 'fall break' built in but personally I would rather have my summer with my kids! Ok I'm done now....

the only good news to come out of this is that I am subbing again and so we are not near as broke, but the first check is a week out still. Oh well.

Izzy has the same teacher as last year, Karen Helms. Mrs Helms loved her kids so much that she is now a second grade teacher and has many of the same students she did last year. Kinda cool. Izzy is in heaven, she loves Mrs. Helms! So we are happy. Her room is a 2nd 3rd grade split and so there are both grades in the room, but each works on its own curriculum. Pretty neat. Izzy goes to Speech twice a week at school and for math and reading goes to Mrs. Evans room. School has fit back into her routine, but she still doesn't want to get up in the morning... wonder who she belongs to...

Xander is attending kindergarten at Summit Elementary. (The newest of the MCCSC Schools, located off Tapp Road)Over the summer they announced that all community based classrooms, like the one Xan was going to be in, were being moved and revamped. Needless to say I was not happy. We live in Grandview district and I wanted him to be there! We bought a house in Grandview for that specific purpose. (Yes I know I am bitchy today) Well they had a parent meeting to talk about a new curriculum that was going to be used in the community based rooms, which is called the STAR program. This program is based on ABA, Applied Behavioral Analysis, and works to tailor each lesson to each child. Areas of receptive language, expressive language, spontaneous language, functional routines, academics, and play & social skills are all addressed and it is a phenomenal program. So this is how we were convinced. Plus his room is limited to 6 children and has 1 main teacher and 3 paraeducators! So 4 teachers for 6 kids!!!! How amazing is that? Melinda Bunger is his teachers name, I can't remember the para's names right now, but they are all very nice. We went and met them at the summer academy this year and he works very well with them. We've only had 2 outbursts and that was both over food, imagine that. They have been very good at letting us know each day what is going on and how things went for the day. Xan seems happy. Which is the most important thing.

Poor Dimon, doesn't know what to do when Izzy and Xan get on the buses. The first day we took Izzy to school because of course Xan's bus comes at the same time Izzy's does and they have 2 different places to pick up. (Xan's at our drive and Izzy's 2 blocks up on the main drag through the neighborhood.) So we drove izzy to school and as we were leaving, he very quietly laid down in the hallway and looked up with his little lip sticking out and said, "I want Eze". So sad.... Took me 5 minutes to convince him we had to let Izzy go to school, then when we got to the car, he sticks it out farther and says "Yan-Yan gone. I want Yan!" and burst into tears. It was so sad. After a few days he is more used to it now, but he is still not happy when they leave, however he does like all the attention he gets when he is the only child. I think he forgot over the summer...

Facebook

2009-08-20T12:56:00.001-04:00

Mindy Bartlett

Create Your Badge

Ode to the closet gamers....

2009-08-18T22:50:00.003-04:00

even gaming dorks have talent...

stephen lynch... not kid friendly

oh my... kid friendly... may make you dumber

If you remember this you are blessed. If you admit to remembering this you ROCK!

Free Passes

2009-08-18T14:33:00.004-04:00

How cool is this???

Free national parks pass for people with disabilities

There's still some time left this summer to enjoy the great outdoors! And now, people with disabilities can enjoy federal recreation sites for free.

When you visit a federal recreation site, just present some documentation of disability status and ask for the free Access Pass. Documentation includes a physician's statement, or a document issued by a State or Federal agency like the Veteran's Administration, Social Security Disability Income, Supplemental Security Income, or a vocational rehabilitation agency. This pass gives you and three adults free admission to federal recreation sites around the country, and it's good for life!

For more details, or to find a recreation site, visit the National Park Service's Web site: http://www.nps. gov/fees_ passes.htm and http://www.nps. gov/findapark/ index.htm . If clicking the links does not work, copy and paste the links into your browser's address bar.

Have fun out there!

just breathe

2009-08-09T21:09:00.005-04:00

by Ken Winston Caine

Here’s a magical question that changes EVERYTHING! Practice asking it of yourself throughout your day. Especially ask it when feeling overwhelm, upset, frustration, and so forth. The question:How would you like to feel right now?

Put it in the first person form, of course. That is:How would I like to feel right now?And be perfectly honest — and really, really sure of your answer.

And then:Feel that way.Allow yourself to feel the way you would like to feel right now.And allow yourself to be vigilant about noticing and letting go of any conflicting feelings and thoughts that attempt to assert themselves. And, when you become aware that conflicting feelings and thoughts HAVE asserted themselves and are busy making messes of your internal emotional environment and mental clarity, allow yourself to pause … and ask the question again.

You’ll be surprised. The more you practice this, the better you’ll get at it.

About the Authour: Ken Winston Kaine is a Holistic Self-Help Doc' exploring the frontiers of holistics & personal development ...Sharing 'what works, what doesn't, and what's simply freakin' fascinating

I got this from anther blogger post so they get all the credit.

http://positively-inspiring.blogspot.com/

New Belt...

2009-07-28T20:48:00.002-04:00

Ok so now here is my new belt that I got tonight!!! Yes I was being goffy and she shot my picture, really need to quit being silly in pictures, but oh well at least my belt was tied correctly for once!

We have a Patio!!!!!!!!! almost...

2009-07-16T15:20:00.007-04:00

Look! Look! See what we have!!!! A brand new patio!!! Andy and I decided that we wanted to finally get a patio/deck in the back of the house and since money is tight we opted for a patio. We recycled the old walk way stones from Dave and Lil's house. They are about 2x2x 3 inches. These are not the new lightweight ones, that are about 30 lbs, no these are 40+ years old and weight close to 100 lbs, if not more. We placed little 2x6 inch paver stones in between them. They are a dark grey. In between all where every 4 stones meet there will be a little red block, just for a touch of color. Its about 16x9 ish feet and it is beautiful!! He did so good!! Andy started by digging out the ground and we dug about 6 inches down. Well first Andy broke up the excuse for a step outside our back door. Then we dug down. Ryan helped and so did Dad. Then we layed the wooden outline to block it in, then put down basically gravel dust called 1/4 minus... which is what is left over from when they make gravel, and the stuff compacts down to a consistency that is like almost cement and then we layed sand, then the blocks and pavers, then filled in the wholes, like grout with sand. It looks great!!!!!!!!!! Andy started this last Wed, and finished it up Saturday, now the only thing we h ave left to do is put in the little red blocks! I'll post more as we progress!!!

Izzy's Party

2009-07-15T11:44:00.008-04:00

Ok so this is late too... but again just got the pics in the computer to work. (well finally hooked up the laptop instead of the desktop. My camera cord doesn't want to work, so I have to put the actual sd card in the computer, anyway...) Here is the background... We couldn't decide for Izzy's 7th birthday party what kind of party we wanted. We were going to do all these different themes then finally after much deliberation and much internet shopping and weighing the costs we decided on a Luau Party. It was awesome!!!
Andy built a Tiki bar, yes a Tiki bar where we set all the food and drinks. It even has a fan in the ceiling to cool off the person serving behind it. Dad and Ryan while cleaning an apartment found a set of unfinished cornhole gamey things, so we snagged Jenrie and she painted us 2 Tiki god heads on them, free hand I might add!!! Sick just sick!!!, Mom and I made the invites, mostly Mom, I just cut and glued. The kids ate (so did some of the parents, we had the trampoline obviously, the cornhole game- which the kids had teams. We had a Pinata, because we can't have a party without one, and a mega slip n slide. (2 of them put together going down the big hill to the right of our house. The kids spent most of the day doing that, so the other games were unneeded obviously, because what else do you need on a hot day other then candy, cake, hamburgers and a hose? Add the trampoline and you have some very hapy and tired kids, regaurdless of how much sugar you have just packed into them!!! Its a great thing. Oh and Andy and J also made a surf board and painted it, duh! you saw the pic.... anyway it was awesome. We had a total of about 15 kids come and go throughout the 1-4 pm time period. It was good. Izzy was happy and we had a blast and of course Andy got all kinds of compliments on his hut, of which I have no good pics at the moment so I will take one and post it later! This was her party with friends, Held on May 30th, her actual birthday we as a family, including Ti_Chi and Chi-Chi (Andy's parents) went bowling. And David pulled a muscle and was in a sling and physical therapy for the whole month of June! Izzy was very happy and had a wonderful birthday!!

ok so this is really late...

2009-07-14T15:51:00.008-04:00

So here are some funny pics from Easter. Yes I know that they are really late and everything, but I just got the pics in a format to put up. so anyway here they are. the first few are of the coloring of the easter eggs, and we left them outside for the easter bunny to come and pick up.The picture of Dimon is after he has colored everything, including Nana! Yes you may laugh. It was funny! In fact let me find that picture... Needless to say that it was fun. We also painted the cat. Well one of the cats. We painted Admiral Snowbeard. For all of you who have not met our wonderful kitty, he is pure white and very loving and trusting. Which is why we were able to abuse him such. Papa and Andy decided that he should be festive, they even dipped his tail. I thinkg I have a video f that but hte computer has hidden it from me. So I'll post it when I find it. here are some really cute pics from Easter day. The top pic is when we were getting ready to walk out the door for church. the smiles on Izzy and Xan are priceless!!! Dimon we missed by a split second, he was chewing his eggo, but they are all still precious!! Since Daddy had to work we had to take lots of pictures for him, but I won't post them all, just the funnier ones. He didn't get any Easter candy until 730 that night, except the cookies that Izzy got from church and we took over to him right after church.

Anyway the big story of they day besides the visit from the Easter bunny was the kites. The EB brought Izzy, Xan, and Di kites. So we were flying them and Izzy's got eaten by that "Darn kite eating tree!" (see Charlie brown for the reference) Anyway Uncle Wayne braved the evil that is the kite eating tree and after about 10 minutes he liberated the kite and we went on our merry way and flew some more. It was a fun afternoon spent at Mom and Dad's house. We had a good time. Yea for the Uncles (Or Great Uncles, in more than one sense) who would brave the trees for their nieces and nephews!!! E

thanks to despair.com

2009-07-11T20:52:00.004-04:00

Just because you've always done it that way doesn't mean its not incredibly stupid.

Andy was king fu fighting!!!

2009-07-06T19:37:00.004-04:00

So Here is Andy being promoted from a white belt to a white belt with a yellow stripe! (I have one too, but we didn't get pics of that.) But I just wanted to share how proud we are of Andy!!! He loves it and so do Izzy and I. Its a blast and a great way to take out your anger. You actually get to hit and kick things!!! Its great!!!!!!!!!

Applaud U.S. Supreme Court Ruling Reaffirming Parents' Right to Due Process in Securing Appropriate Education for Children with Disabil

2009-06-26T12:13:00.002-04:00

Since I am having my own trouble and fight with the school system over where Xander is going to go this fall, I am happy to see that someone in authority has brains! Yea for the judges!!!

NEW YORK, N.Y. (June 23, 2009) – Autism Speaks, the nation's largest autism science and advocacy organization, applauded the United States Supreme Court decision yesterday in Forest Grove v. T.A in which the Court held, in a 6-3 vote, that “IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) authorizes reimbursement for the cost of private special education services when a school district fails to provide a Free and Appropriate Public Education and the private school placement is appropriate, regardless of whether the child previously received special education or related services through the public school.” The Court's decision means that parents have the right to sue without having to first “try out” the district's program of services for their child.

Autism Speaks, through its Federal Legal Appeals Project (FLAP), filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court to explain why a contrary result would have prejudiced the autism community. Autism Speaks Board Member Gary Mayerson, director of FLAP, filed the amicus brief together with Robert Pees and other attorneys with the law firm of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, LLP.

“Children with autism cannot afford to waste valuable time in inadequate or otherwise inappropriate programs,” said Mayerson. “The High Court's decision recognizes the importance of timely judicial access to achieve the remedial purposes of IDEA.”

Justice Stevens wrote the majority opinion, joined by Chief Justice Roberts and Justices Kennedy, Ginsburg, Breyer and Alito. Justice Souter, who recently announced his retirement from the bench, filed a dissenting opinion, joined by Justices Scalia and Thomas. In light of the high court's 4-4 decision in the Tom F. case just two years ago, some legal commentators had predicted a much closer result.

The school district in Forest Grove failed to offer the student an Individualized Education Program (IEP), but argued that fact was irrelevant. The school district argued that because the student had never received special education services from the district the student's parents lacked standing to sue under IDEA. The court rejected the school district's argument as unavailing, relying upon the “remedial purpose” of the statute, and reasoning that parents already have a heavy evidentiary burden to prove when they assume the risk of a private placement. Moreover, the court pointed out that “a school district's failure to propose an IEP of any kind is at least as serious a violation of its responsibilities under IDEA as a failure to provide an adequate IEP.”

Furthermore, the court rejected as unfounded the school district's fear that schools districts will suffer financial hardship if parental standing is not restricted to those situations where the student has already received and “tried out” the school district's offerings.

About Autism
Autism is a complex brain disorder that inhibits a person's ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges. Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in one in 150 children in the United States, affecting four times as many boys as girls. The prevalence of autism has increased tenfold in the last decade. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a national public health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown.

About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is the nation's largest autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks funds more than $30 million each year in new autism research, in addition to supporting the Autism Treatment Network, Autism Genetic Resource Exchange, Autism Clinical Trials Network, Autism Tissue Program and a range of other scientific and medical programs. Notable awareness initiatives include the establishment of the annual United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2 and an award-winning, multi-year national public service advertising campaign with the Ad Council. Autism Speaks' family services efforts include the Autism Video Glossary, a 100 Day Kit for newly-diagnosed families, a School Community Tool Kit and the distribution of community grants to local service providers. Its government relations department, through its Autism Votes initiative, has played a critical role in securing federal legislation to advance the federal government's response to autism, and has successfully advocated for insurance reform to require insurers to cover medically-necessary autism therapies. Each year, Autism Speaks Walk Now for Autism fundraising events are held in more than 70 cities across the country, as well as Canada and the United Kingdom. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit www.autismspeaks.org.

Men's Age as Determined by a Trip to Walmart.

2009-06-24T22:48:00.000-04:00

You are in the middle of some kind of project around the house mowing the lawn, putting a new fence in, painting the living room, or whatever. You are hot and sweaty, covered in dirt or paint. You have your old work clothes on. You know the outfit - shorts with the hole in crotch, old T-shirt with a stain from who knows what, and an old pair of tennis shoes.

Right in the middle of this great home improvement project you realize you need to run to Wal-Mart to get something to help complete the job.

Depending on your age you might do the following:

In your 20's:
Stop what you are doing. Shave, take a shower, blow dry your hair, brush your teeth, floss, and put on clean clothes. Check yourself in the mirror and flex. Add a dab of your favorite cologne because you never know, you just might meet some hot chick while standing in the checkout lane. And you went to school with the pretty girl running the register.

In your 30's:
Stop what you are doing, put on clean shorts and shirt. Change shoes. You married the hot chick so no need for much else. Wash your hands and comb your hair. Check yourself in the mirror. Still got it. Add a shot of your favorite cologne to cover the smell. The cute girl running the register is the kid sister to someone you went to school with.

In your 40's:
Stop what you are doing. Put a sweatshirt that is long enough to cover the hole in the crotch of your shorts. Put on different shoes and a hat. Wash your hands. Your bottle of Brute Cologne is almost empty so you don't want to waste any of it on a trip to Wal-Mart. Check yourself in the mirror and do more sucking in than flexing. The spicy young thing running the register is your daughter's age and you feel weird thinking she is spicy.

In your 50's:
Stop what you are doing. Put a hat on, wipe the dirt off your hands onto your shirt. Change shoes because you don't want to get dirt in your new sports car. Check yourself in the mirror and you swear not to wear that shirt anymore because it makes you look fat The Cutie running the register smiles when she sees you coming and you think you still have it. Then you remember the hat you have on is from Buddy's Bait & Beer Bar and it says, 'I Got Worms .'

In your 60's:
Stop what you are doing. No need for a hat anymore. Hose the dog shit off your shoes. The mirror was shattered when you were in your 50's. You hope you have underwear on so nothing hangs out the hole in your pants. The girl running the register may be cute, but you don't have your glasses on so you are not sure.

In your 70's:
Stop what you are doing. Wait to go to Wal-Mart until they have your prescriptions ready, too. Don't even notice the dog shit on your shoes. The young thing at the register smiles at you because you remind her of her grandfather.

In your 80's:
Stop what you are doing. Start again. Then stop again. Now you remember you needed to go to Wal-Mart. Go to Wal-Mart and wander around trying to think what it is you are looking for. Fart out loud and you think someone called out your name. You went to school with the old lady who greeted you at the front door.

thank you to David (Andy's dad) for sharing this...

Why me?

2009-06-14T22:09:00.009-04:00

Sometimes we understand a message when it is simply illustrated...

.....and you question God - 'why me?'....
always look at the bigger picture....

A day without the Lord - Is a day wasted.

Thank God for the stuff that didn’t hit you!

Pretty Self Expanatory. I got this from a cousin of mine and had to share. Cause I know I always forget to thank him for the "stuff that didn't hit" me. :-)
think i fixed the image issue...

SWAPTREE.COM!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-06-03T20:34:00.003-04:00

Ok so this is old news and some of you have heard about it, but for those who have not you have to check out this website!!!!!!!!!!! What you do is list books. dvds, and cd's and game systems games! Soooooo cool! All you have to do is list stuff you bought in a moment of weakness by entering the upc or isbn numbers. Then it pulls up a picture (most of the time) and puts it in your have list. Then you list things you want YOu can upload a list from AMaazon and some other site, or just look at what people have and say hey I want that and click the button and it will add it to your list. Then when someone has something you want and they have something you want you trade! All it costs you is the postage! Its awesome. Now it does ask for you credit card, but I think that is if you stiff someone. No mysterious charges have appeared so I"m not worried about it. But it is the best thing ever! We love it!!! Check it out, our user name is Pirates_Revenge.... huh wonder where that came from...
www.swaptree.com

Bibbiti Bobbiti Boutique

2009-05-27T16:00:00.001-04:00

Magic Kingdom!!!!

2009-05-27T15:45:00.001-04:00

Hollywood Studios

2009-05-27T15:43:00.001-04:00

gatorland

2009-05-27T15:40:00.004-04:00

Seaworld

2009-05-27T15:40:00.003-04:00

Epcot

2009-05-27T15:34:00.001-04:00

Congo River Mini Golf

2009-05-27T15:31:00.002-04:00

Blizzard Beach

2009-05-22T17:56:00.002-04:00

Animal Kingdom Slideshow

2009-05-19T18:46:00.002-04:00

Spring Break Rocks!!!!!!!

2009-04-13T18:08:00.004-04:00

I forgot how much fun a vacation can be. This is the first time since I was pregnant with Isabelle that we have really been on vacation. It was awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!! For my graduation present Ryan, Dad and Mom gave us a trip to Orlando. So On March 11th we flew to Florida to take an 11 day trip in Orlando. Disney to be more specific. So the first day we went to Magic Kingdom, Then Animal Kingdom, Blizzard Beach, Epcot (2 days in a row), Gatorland and Hollywood Studios (1 day for both), Sea World, then for the last day we went to Downtown Disney and Magic Kingdom. We flew out the last day. It was Awesome!

So for the first day we went to Magic Kingdom and had a blast. The first thing we did was check in at Guest Relations because thanks to Mark and Susan Anderson (we owe you so much!) we found out that if you have a child on the Autism Spectrum you can get a special pass that makes it so you don't wait in the entire line, you just get to go to the handicap entrance and wait maybe 10 minutes! How awesome is that! So instead of seeing only about half the park we got to see almost everything that first day! But its a huge long bblog to write about all the stuff we did. So I'll just post the pics in slideshow form and you can enjoy!!!!!!!!!

Pink elephants do exist... without drugs!

2009-04-13T13:28:00.002-04:00

Pink elephant spotted in Botswana

Wednesday, 25 March 2009

A baby pink elephant was sighted in the African country of Botswana
on Friday by a filmmaker for the BBC as he was filming for a wildlife
documentary. The cameraman took photographs of the elephant when
he noticed it in a herd of around eighty elephants in the Okavango
Delta. According to experts, it is most likely an albino, an occurrence
that is very rare among African elephants.

"We only saw it for a couple of minutes as the herd crossed the river",

said Mike Holding, who spotted the elephant. "This was a really

exciting moment for everyone in camp. We knew it was a rare sighting

- no-one could believe their eyes."

"I have only come across three references to albino calves,

which have occurred in Kruger National Park in South Africa,"

said ecologist Mike Chase, who is in charge of the Elephants

Without Borders conservation charity. "This is probably the

first documented sighting of an albino elephant in northern Botswana.

We have been studying elephants in the region for nearly 10 years now,

and this is the first documented evidence of an albino calf that I have

come across."

The ecologist said that the condition might make it hard for the animal

to survive for very long. "What happens to these young albino calves

remains a mystery. Surviving this very rare phenomenon is very

difficult in the harsh African bush. The glaring sun may cause blindness

and skin problems," he noted.

However, he added that it still might be possible for the elephant to

survive, as it appears to be adapting to the condition: "Because this

elephant calf was sighted in the Okavango Delta, he may have a

greater chance of survival. He can seek refuge under the large trees

and cake himself in a thick mud, which will protect him from the sun,

" Dr Chase noted.

"Already the two-to-three-month-old calf seems to be walking in the

shade of its mother. This behaviour suggests it is aware of its

susceptibility to the harsh African sun, and adapted a unique behaviour

to improve its chances of survival."

Information from: Wikinews, http://www.wikinews.org

Image: BBC News

This is my cousin ( 2nd I think)

2009-04-07T16:11:00.003-04:00

Published: March 19, 2009 11:19 pm

Mom says daughter lucky to be alive

23-year-old seriously injured in accident

By MEGHAN DURBAK
Tribune staff writer

For nearly a week, Cathy Smith has been sleeping on a cot near her daughter’s bedside. She listens to the monitors and watches the doctors and nurses come in and out of the sterile hospital environment.

Staring at her first born, she says another prayer thanking God her 23-year-old, Richelle, is still alive. On March 11, Richelle lost control of her white 1993 Dodge Stratus near 5800 East and 100 North. Her vehicle flipped four times, ejecting her into a field.

She was lifelined to Methodist Hospital. Her spine was broken in three different places, her spleen was ruptured and her lung punctured. She had 11 broken ribs, two broken clavicles, a broken shoulder and torn tendons and ligaments in her knee.

“She shouldn’t even be here 1,000 ways with this wreck. She’s a miracle,” Smith said.

After the relief of knowing their daughter was alive, Cathy and her husband, Bill, still worried about the real possibility of paralysis. The doctor’s outlook was grim.

“He prepared us for no guarantees that she wouldn’t be paralyzed; 90 percent of the time that’s the outcome,” Cathy said. “... When he got done with surgery, he was like a kid in a candy store. He said ‘If I didn’t see this with my own eyes, I would not believe I put her back together this well and without permanent damage.’”

Cathy said she and her husband found peace when they went to clean out their daughter’s car.

“When we approached the car ... my father’s rosary was hanging on the outside of the front windshield,” Cathy said. “[I said] ‘God is not done with her yet.’ It gave me peace. I knew she was in God’s hands.”

Even though their faith has helped them through this, the Smiths are still burdened with many concerns. They fluctuate between gratitude and concern as they brace themselves for the days, weeks and months ahead.

Richelle holds three jobs, and goes to school for nursing. She has no health insurance and has many more surgeries to come.

The enormity of the accident has hit Richelle in waves.

While she’s grateful to be alive, she is anxious about the future and regrets not wearing a seat belt.

Many of her injuries were sustained because she was ejected from her driver’s side window. The most likely reason for being thrown was because she was not wearing a restraint.

“I’ve driven up and down Sycamore Street on and off Sycamore Street all my life. I did not put in consideration to put on my seat belt,” she said. “I was watching my speed.

“What happened to me was I saw an animal come out — a dog — when I was leaving my friend’s house. I didn’t have my brights on, pumped on my brakes.

“I was going around a curve right when I saw that animal. It was wet and gravely. I fish-tailed a little bit. I tried to figure out, ‘Do I slam on my breaks, or just go into corn field?’”

She swerved into the corn field and hit a culvert, throwing her car into the air and ejecting Richelle from the vehicle.

“I was laying in mud, covered in mud. It was hard. I felt so alone,” she said. “I just wanted to get up and I couldn’t.

“I just kept praying to God someone would find me soon because I was so cold.”

Her prayers were answered when a group of teenagers came upon the accident site. One of them was her little sister’s best friend. Once Richelle recognized her voice, she began yelling for help.

Her sister’s friend, Bertha Meyers, called an ambulance and called Richelle’s parents. “I’m so grateful she found me,” Richelle said.

However, Richelle is still concerned about the future. She will have to put her business, A Healing Touch Massage Studio, on hold. “The only thing I’m scared about is whether I’ll massage again, live a normal life again. I just don’t know what to expect,” she said.

“I’m just grateful I can move. I’m grateful I’m not paralyzed. I’m grateful I’m alive.”

Richelle said she’s also thankful for the support and prayers in the community.

“We’re really grateful the Lord let us keep her,” said her father, Bill. “She’s been given a second chance. We’ve just been really blessed on that part.”

Richelle and her family can still use help. Family friends have established a fund at Solidarity Federal Credit Union where donations can be made to help with medical expenses. Donations can be made in her name, “For Richelle Smith.”

UPDATE!!!

Please pray for my niece Richelle (Bill and Cathy's daughter/age 24) that she will heal fast.

She was in a car accident Wed. night east of Kokomo. She went thru surgery on her spleen and back Thursday night. She has a lot of broken bones and will be in a full body cast for 6-9 months. She has 2 apartments that she will be giving up and moving back home. One apartment has her business where she is a massage therapist and her parents think she probably won't return to that profession, so they will be selling that off. The police report did say that her vehicle did roll on and off of her, so she is very lucky to be alive. We didn't get to see her, because she was in surgery for her back, but her mom Cathy said she didn't have any external injuries, just internal.

UPDATE>>>>
Richelle was transported to a hospital rehab in Kokomo. This is her home town, so family doesn't have to drive as far. Please continue to pray for a speedy recovery.

I took these right out of my email. Please remember her in your prayers and thank you. Get well soon Richelle! We love you!

new job... kinda

2009-04-03T18:36:00.003-04:00

Ok. S o I know that most of you shudder at the idea but I have to amke some extra money signed on to be a substitute teacher. I have 2 days under my belt! The first one was Thursday working at Jackson Creek Middle School in the Resource Room, basically. For those of you who don't know this is the mild learning disablities room basically. There are kids there that range from Autism to ADHD to other emotional issues to just needing some extra time for tests and homework. Some of the kids are there all day and others just for one or 2 periods of the school day. But I did actually get to teach something! Even though I was subbing for the assistant, the guy who was subbing for the real teacher was not comfortable teaching Social Studies because it was on the greek gods. Right up my alley!!!!! So I held a 45 minute social studies class on the Greek gods. It was awesome, everyone of the kids particiapted in one way or another. Yea Zeus!!!!!! Go Hermes!!! Ya whatever, we even talked about the Disney movie Hercules so they could have some reference point, as well as the movie Troy, and Gladiator, and The Odessey.
Then today I was subbing a a self contained class at Summit Elementary. THis was also a special ed room, the kids here ranged from one child who was both deaf and blind, to 4 differnt cases of autism (these kids were all over the spectrum!) to severe ADHD and emotional handicaps. Today made me very grateful for Xander's Autism. It made me realize just how lucky we are and how blessed we are. The kids in this class while they had some skills like reading and a little more comprehension, thier other points on the spectrum fell behind if not at Xander's level, and they were all twice his age. But they were sweet kids. It was a little harder for me today because these kids were closer to Xander's age then the middle schoool was. But I will keep at it!
Oh! Here is a real kicker even today at the Elementary School only one kid, not counting the 2 in wheelchairs, was shorter than me and he was 7! Doomed! Doomed I tell you! I am forever a Pygmy!!!

April is Autism Awareness Month

2009-03-31T12:29:00.008-04:00

So here comes April. This month is Autism Awareness Month and even though most of you who see this blog are close friends and family and hear this a lot from me, I'm sorry here it comes again. For those of you who don't know, our middle child Xander was diagnosed with Autism April 2006, before that we knew he was on the Spectrum, because he had been given the diagnoses of PDD NOS, which basically means that he was to young for the team of specialist to feel comfortable with giving a more definitive diagnosis. But because it was on the spectrum of disorders associated with Autism, which we had been told that the likelihood of one of children having something was close to 70%. It was hard because I knew that it was coming, and I was truly hoping for a diagnosis of Aspergers, which is what Andy has. It was hard to hear, but we realized very quickly that no matter what Xander was still Xander, no matter what label was attached to his medical chart. We realized that no matter what he was still our son and no matter what we would love him. There was never any question of curing him, or changing who he is, we just want to find the best way for him to express and be himself. It is all a matter of figuring out how we can help him. We have to love him, that is what he needs. After that we learned, and continue to learn more everyday. Xander as of today is talking more and more and can say just about any word you can say, and he will parrot back anything he wants. Now we are working on attaching meanings to all those words. He regularly says "please" in voice and sign, as well as "thank you" He also says "go away" or "away" if he doesn't want something and will shake his head vigorously. These don't sound like a whole lot, but they are huge break through in his communication abilities. He also regularly uses pictures to express his needs and wants. He goes to gymnastics once a week and is making huge strides there as well.

Now all of this is not due the sole wonderful parenting abilities of Andy and myself, as much as we would love to take credit for it. We have a wonderful support system in our family, schools, and therapists. We have very involved Grandparents on both sides, who Xander loves and adores (as do Izzy and Dimon), our extended family and friends are always willing to help and offer a hand. We have exceptional therapists who work and work and don't give up. And we have wonderful teachers in school, in gymnastics, and in church who want Xan to succeed and so he is. And lastly Xander has two siblings who love him unconditionally and except his differences and do their best to protect and love him. To this extensive system we want to say thank you and tell you how much your love and acceptance means to us. Thank you.
So for those of you who are in our support system thank you. And check out some of the links that I have posted here to learn more about different things you can do or support if your so inclined.
http://www.iloveachildwithautism.com/
http://www.taaproject.com/ - The Autism Acceptance Project
http://stopthinkautism.blogspot.com/2008/05/kids-autism-awareness.html
http://www.esteeklar.com/- The Joy of Autism
http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/categories.php?cat=42
http://shop.cafepress.com/autism
autismspeaks.org
There are tons more, but these are some good sites. Some of which have some really enterting things to buy on them. Others are strictly info. But all good stuff!

Look, ninja in training!

2009-02-18T16:05:00.005-05:00

So Izzy went to another tournament and competed in her White Belt Weapons class for the first time This was the awesome result. Now let me tell you about this. Andy and I were watching the other kids, and thinking, oh no. Iz doesn't have a routine worked out, she's gonna stall out and get embarrassed. She has to practice. Well she made friends with one of the girls from our school. She wanted to play, and no matter what we could not get her to. So we fretted right up to the moment Andy handed her the staff. Then this happened

Dimon at gymnastics!

2009-02-09T10:34:00.008-05:00

So I finally was able to take some pics of Di at Rising Star Gymnastics. SO here they are. SOme of them are foggy because of the glass, so it made them a little strage. Oh well... the first one is of him doing his back rolls, albeit with some- ok a lot of assistance. Then here is Andy trying to convince him to hold onto the rope swing, he did eventually do it, but he was laughing so hard he only held on for a minute. Dimon is the only kid in the class, so its like a private lesson once a week. Its great and magical!!!!!!! He does have fun, even if he is a little snipe through a good part of it. But its fun and good for us too. Then there is the somersault practice pic. I missed the action shot and only got the little layout position grin from him! His instructor was cracking up at his antics.

Tae Kwon Do

2009-02-09T09:54:00.003-05:00

Izzy Graduated again, she is now the highest level of White belt! (White, Black, WHite) is what the belt looks like. We are very proud of her. She Graduated on Jan 20th (ish) Here are a few pics, when my camera connection deciedes to work again, I'll stick the photos up we took!YES, she is breaking a board here...

things from wayodd.com and a few other sites...

2009-02-06T13:01:00.010-05:00

This is just too cute!!!!!!!

GO LLAMAS!!!!!!

So sad...9

Ever had a day like this?

Some things are just funny...While others are just wrong....

This poor donkey...

Then someone tell me...

What the hell is this? Pit Demon? Gremlin? Chupacabra?

Then there is the following where a woman believes this....

An 81-year-old lady from Chicago, Illinois claims the image of the Virgin Mary has appeared on the stomach of a sand turtle her grandson bought for her.

Shirley McVane claims the Virgin Mary, one of the most revered figures in the Roman Catholic Church visited her home because their house if "holy."

Her daughter Dolly Fordyce, 58, told the Chicago Sun, "I thought we were going crazy the first time I saw it. I looked at it and said, 'It can't be.' But then I looked again. I mean, you can't deny it."

McVane adds, "She came to a holy house. I think she came to visit us so God knows she's happy and safe."

But the Archdiocese of Chicago said the church tolerates such things if it brings the faithful back to God. Dianne Dunagan, spokeswoman for the Archdiocese said "If something like that causes people to think about God and pray, that's a good thing.

"Time usually takes care of these things. If it gets to the point where people are flocking to this thing, the church will call in experts. If people forget about it, it may just fade away."

The traditionally conservative Roman Catholic Church conducts exhaustive investigations into reported apparitions before confirming if it is genuine or not.

Cake Wrecks... must see

2009-01-26T09:48:00.003-05:00

Ok so you have to check out this wonderful sight! Its all the things that can go wrong on cakes! Proffessional cakes! But they also post wonderful ones Its awesome and if you ever need a good laugh just go here!!!!!!!!!!
We are now in search of our first WRECK....

http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/

examples:::

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Naked Mohawk-Baby Carrot Jockeys

This cake is so disturbing, I'm almost glad the picture doesn't include the whole thing. The plastic clone babies wearing naught but mohawks are bad enough, but then they're also riding carrots. What do you do with that? It looks like some kind of perverted vegetable rodeo, or maybe a bizarre clone military exercise, what with their little plastic fists raised high in identical salutes.

And what kind of occasion calls for a "naked babies riding carrots" decor, anyway? No, wait, maybe I don't want to know...
and this is not even the best one she has on there!!! Check it out!

made me choke up a little

2009-01-24T13:57:00.004-05:00

So this is an email I got from my math prof. that helped me so much! I was so touched. He is the sweetest man. It was so nice. I just don't know what to say.
to: bartlemm@indiana.edu
from: wheeler@indiana.edu

Dear Mindy,

Congratulations on achieving what you needed
in the face of all of the challenges and afflictions.
I'm very pleased for you and your family.

Best wishes for the future.

Sincerely,

Prof. Wheeler

Happy Anniversary

2009-01-20T17:20:00.001-05:00

December 30th .... Andy and I have been married now for 8 years. (Feels a lot longer!!!!!!!!!) No I'm kidding. I've loved every minute of it and wouldn't trade any of it. (Yes I know its late.... he forgives me. :-)

Random Canadian Stuff

2009-01-20T15:52:00.004-05:00

My really good friend Jenrie found this stuff and I just had to share.

so while searching for archaeology fieldwork jobs for the summer, i found one posting about a postition in canada... and after the job description and other related stuff, they randomly tacked this on:

These questions about Canada were posted on an International Tourism Website
and obviously the answers came from a fellow Canuck.

Q: I have never seen it warm on TV, so how do the plants grow? (UK)
A: We import all plants fully grown and then just sit around watching them
die.

Q: Will I be able to see Polar Bears in the street?(USA)
A: Depends how much you've been drinking.

Q: I want to walk from Vancouver to Toronto - can I follow the railroad
tracks? (Sweden)
A: Sure, it's only Four thousand miles, take lots of water.

Q: It is imperative that I find the names and addresses of places to contact
for a stuffed Beaver. (Italy)
A: Let's not touch this one.

Q: Can you give me some information about hippo racing in Canada?(USA)
A: A-fri-ca is the big triangle shaped continent south of Europe. Ca-na-da
is that big country to your North . . . oh forget it. Sure, the hippo racing
is every Tuesday night in Calgary. Come naked.

Q: Which direction is North in Canada? (USA)
A: Face south and then turn 180 degrees. Contact us when you get here and
we'll send the rest of the directions.

Q: Can I bring cutlery into Canada? (UK)
A: Why? Just use your fingers like we do.

Q: Can you send me the Vienna Boys' Choir schedule? (USA)
A: Aus-tri-a is that quaint little country bordering Ger-man-y, which
is....oh forget it. Sure, the Vienna Boys Choir plays every Tuesday night in
Vancouver and in Calgary, straight after the hippo races. Come naked.

So what happens in sub-zero weather?

2009-01-19T18:21:00.005-05:00

drum roll please.....
yes this is on the inside of the windows!!! Oh and one morning our back door was frozen shut too!!!!!!!!!!

Probably one of the few political things you'll ever see here

2009-01-09T19:08:00.004-05:00

1st up Autism Medicaid Waiver.

: ***ALERT: Make sure your VOTE counts. Click on the number to the left with "Vote" under it – it will change to “Voted”. Registering on this site and posting a comment is not a vote!***

National Priority for the Economic Stimulus Package: Fully Fund Medicaid

Funding health care and services for individuals with developmental disabilities, disabilities and the elderly creates jobs, careers, business opportunities while filling a critical need.

I propose that the federal government:
1. Fully fund the Medicaid Waiver Program as part of the next Economic Stimulus Package.
2. Consider this as an increased federal match so that states are not put into an impossible situation.
3. Create portability of services across states and counties as is allowed with Medicare and Social Security.

Facts:
*Across America, an estimated 300,000 people cannot obtain essential support to live and work in the community because of lack of funding.

*Institutional care costs $88-$225,000 per person per year depending on the level of care. Community-based care costs $20-$75,000 per year (varies by state and level of care).

* Waivers are not portable. Families cannot move out of state or even out of their current county in some places for military duty, to accept jobs, or to live closer to family because they must go to the bottom of decades-long waiting lists at their new location.

Benefits of this proposal:
1). Job creation in the form of service providers. $12-$15B per year would create an estimated 244,000 jobs.
2). Community living costs less than institutionalization.
3). Parents and affected individuals can return to their careers, earn income, pay taxes and obtain health insurance.
4). Some families will come off public assistance which reduces overall tax burden.
5). Families will be able to move to accept new jobs or military assignments.
6). Improved health of affected people and caregivers.
7). Reduced financial burden on aging parents.

Stay involved in this issue: Email noewait@noewait.net; - Renee Beauregard

Hello Everyone:

We are now about half way through second phase of voting on > Change.org to bring attention to funding medicaid waivers as part of the new economic stimulus package. If we make it to
the top 10, our idea will be presented to the new administration at a press conference at the National Press Club. We are #20 and need an immediate infusion of 1400 votes to get to #10, then we need to continue to keep pace with the other ideas.
We have had tremendous support from many organizations that are endorsing this idea. You can also submit your endorsement on the site. Most of all, however, we need many votes.

Please tell send an email to your listserv if you have one and as many contacts as possible to vote:
http://www.change. org/ideas/ view/fully_ fund_medicaid_ waivers_for_ the_developmenta lly_disabled

Voting Ends January 15.

People need to know that a vote only registers if they click on the number at the top of the page. Commenting is great, but it does not register a vote. We have over 400 comments from families across the country.

Thanks for helping if you can,
Renee Beauregard
Aurora, CO
Next up..... going green.....

Replace the South Lawn of the White House with an Organic Garden.: In a recent New York Times Magazine article, Michael Pollan, author of “In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto," suggested that the next "Farmer in Chief" replace the South Lawn of the White House with an organic garden. The move would be intended to a) reduce the unnecessary use of petrochemicals and overuse of water on maintaining the lawn b) provide food for regional food banks and c) "[build] on America’s agrarian past [while turning] it toward a more sustainable, sophisticated future."

I strongly encourage Mr. Obama to take Mr. Pollan's sound, thoughtful advice.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/12/magazine/12policy-t.html?pagewanted=9&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink

"The Autism Reform Act of 2009": As a country we have watched Autism Spectrum Disorders grow in a devastating number. there are over 560K Children, approx. 1 mil. total in the U.S. with A.S.D.'s. In the last decade it has spiraled so quickly out of control that:

1.) There must not just be one person but an ENTIRE U.S. OFFICE OF COMPLIANCE.

2.) The use of Time Out Rooms, Corporal punishments, uncalled for Restraint(unauthorized by parent) must be STOPPED NOW with severe fines and convictions.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/12/17/seclusion.rooms/index.html

http://www.autismvox.com/boy-dies-wrapped-in-weighted-blanket/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8RlcIRkBkw

3.) States must each have an "A.R.A. compliance office" or forfiet funds made available through this ACT.

4.) Due Process Hearing Officers shall be employed by the Federal Government ONLY.

5.) Insurance companies and School Districts must collaberate to provide the Early Interventions at no cost to parents.

6.) Speech/Language, O.T., Sensory Integration, and other therapies must be made available.

7.) Protection and Advocacy MUST be funded properly.

8.) Grants must be made for Education, Research, and Non Profits re; A.S.D.'s.

9.) Relief for parents who have paid out of pocket to educate their children must be made swiftly with 100% reimbursement.

10.) Behavior Intervention Plans must accompany all Individual Education Plans even if it is to state " No Behaviors ".

11.) Testing at parent or adult discretion re: toxins that may affect an individuals ability to learn or live functionally.

12.) Insurance companies must make available all resources for children and adults with A.S.D.'s deemed necessary by their physician.

13.) Non Attorney Advocates and Self Advocates are recognized.

14.) This Reform Act must be 'open' for additions as needed and create a panel of 15 Indiduals - Adults w/Autism, Parents, and Specialists. We May Not agree on all of this BUT, ONE THING WE MUST ALL AGREE ON - AUTISM REFORM !

All 3 of these are on change.org, you have to sign up for an account and then confirm it, then you can vote. But I think this may be one of the few times I'll do something like this. Andy I think they are worth looking at. Especially when it only costs you a few minutes on the computer. Thats my political rant. I'm dont now. love you all!!!!!!!!!!!!

So I went on strike!

2009-01-01T16:09:00.002-05:00

SO sorry its been so long inbetween posts. I havent touched a computer since school let out except to turn on a youtube video for the kids. So that is why today has been a catchup for the last month. Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Christmas....

2009-01-01T13:18:00.010-05:00

Ok we are going to try to do this in an orderly fashion. Since we have multiple Christmas' at in our family and we don't have pics from all of them. So first was on December 21st (Sunday, the day after graduation) This was my mom's side and the kids made out like bandits!!! Oh my gosh!!!!!! And the amazing thing is that only 1 present was a duplicate and that was easily fixed because that present was from us and so we just took it back and got something else! It looks like I took 5 pictures that day. How did that happen?!?!?!?!?!?! But it was great cause it was the first Christmas in a long time that my Aunt Marcia and Uncle David had been home for I think since Andy and I have been married. The funniest little gift the kids got were these little robotic bugs. So cute! The run around the tables/floors and when thier antenna feel something they back up and turn around. So fun!!!!
Then we have Christmas Eve at my Dad's side (of which I have no pics! I'll have to get those from Uncle Wayne. It was cute, because there are at least 25-30 of us we all draw names and buy for that one person. For the kids us parents, this year, buy a gift (in our case 3) and they go into a big pile. Each child picks one gift and they they rip them all open at once. Plus Grandma Pete (the kids Great Grandma Pete) gets them each something. Then they run and wreak havoc in someother part of the house. Dimon tried to help Uncle Wayne do his taxes by throwing one years worth way up in the air!!!!!!!!!! Oh my gosh.... Anyway we headed home about 9 pm and went to Nana and Papa's house for a Christmas sleep.

This was the result of Santa's elves staying up till 330 -4 am. What is sad is that some of the wrapping was done 1-2 days before. But some things also took almost a whole roll of wrapping paper to wrap! So its really not as big as it looks, but we still had a great time. The kids were really excited. Izzy's fave toy was (I think) a Wii game, Wall-E and a Battle Dome for her Pokemon. Xander's fave is between a toolbox from Handy Manny (cartoon on Disney, so cute!) and of course his cars stuff. Dimon's fave was an Imaginex Jungle set that has a mountain that growls at him (sometimes it scares him though.) And he also got a bouncy rocky horse. All of the kids love this, so i think it was the biggest hit. It has to live at Nana and Papa's house, cause we just don't have room for it.

My favorite gift was from my parents and brother. They for my graduation/Christmas have given me and Andy an all paid trip to Disney for the whole family! We are going in March, for Spring Break!!!!!!!! I'm so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Then later on in the day we went to Andy's side of the family, for which I also don't have any pics for. Will have to get pics from David. It was a little chaotic but the kids had fun.
All and all it was a great Christmas and we hope that everyone else had an amazing Christmas!

Do we really need to say anything else?

2009-01-01T13:14:00.003-05:00

Snowflake Festival

2009-01-01T12:42:00.007-05:00

December 13Th (Saturday)
So, another thing that happens around here in December is The Snow Flake Festival. This is put on by the Children's Therapy Clinic, which

is where both Izzy and Xan go once a week, Xan for Speech and Occupational therapy, Izzy for Speech. These people are amazing. The efforts that go into this to make the kids happy and enjoy themselves is just...... wow. Last year when they went they had a great time. This year we were a little later and didn't have time to make ornaments. But we played all the games, saw Santa, got presents and had a very sugary breakfast. And we actually have a good family pic!!!!!!!!! Thanks to one really nice therapist!!!!!!!! Then we took pictures with all of the kids therapists. Izzy and Callie ( I hope I spelled that right!) And Xander with Emily and RRachel and Marlene. The kids had a great time and so did we. This year it was held at the Ivy Tech banquet hall. (Cafeteria I think) but it was a huge space and really nice!!!!!!!!! We want to thank all the people who worked so hard and help our kids so much!!!!!!!!!

Fuzzy People

2009-01-01T12:27:00.004-05:00

So since I hadn't put up any pics of the 6 new residents in our home (5 of which are temporary) here they are, one big fur ball. And also Admiral SnowBeard, whom many of you have not seen since he was little, little! So really here are 7 of our fuzzy family members. The other 2 were camera shy that day.

Way back in December

2009-01-01T12:13:00.005-05:00

December 6th.....
Izzy went to her 2nd Tae Kwon Do Tournament. She did awesome!
Here are a few pictures. The woman she is standing with is her Master, Mrs. Bosstick. She rocks, I really don't think that I could even begin to do half of what she does with all these kids. But Izzy did great. Andy, Ti-Chi and Chi-Chi took her. I had a math test that day and my parents took the boys. But we got some awesome pictures and video. She had to do 2 form sets and next time she will be competing with in the weapons category. I think that the next tournament is in February.

...........................................

Graduation

2009-01-01T11:44:00.004-05:00

So here are a few pics from Grad. It was on Saturday December 20th at 10am. For those of you who didn't know, please don't feel bad. I didn't tell anyone. I was very unsure about my Spanish and math grades and didn't even pick up my gown until Friday afternoon. And I went through Grad without knowing my Math grade. But it worked, cause I did pass all my classes!!!!!!!!!!!! So here are a few pics. I'm not sure what was going on with the camera, I suspect it has something with the setting, so we have really no good pics. But here is what we have.
I'll post more if anyone has them. I'm pretty sure Dave took some and I also have the ones from Chadon's Photography that I can at least scan in. But here is the best of the bunch we have.
I GRADUATED!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE PUT UP WITH MY GRUMPINESS, MOODINESS, HATEFULNESS AND STRESS. I WANT YOU TO KNOW HOW MUCH YOUR LOVE AND SUPPORT HAS MEANT AS I'VE STRUGGLED TO FINISH SCHOOL AND THOUGH I MAY NOT HAVE TOLD YOU I LOVE YOU ALL AND HOPE THAT YOU KNOW THAT!

Here comes Santa Clause

2008-12-24T00:38:00.003-05:00

The happiest, most wonderful day of the year has come and we just want to wish you a Merry Christmas!

FINAL GRADES!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-12-23T09:36:00.002-05:00

Class	Description	Units	Grade	Grade Points
ANTH-E 485	ART & CRAFT OF ETHNOGRAPHY	3.00	A	12.000
HISP-S 250	SECOND-YEAR SPANISH II	3.00	C-	5.100
HIST-C 376	GRK HST:BRNZE AGE-PERSIAN WARS	3.00	C+	6.900
HIST-J 400	SEMINAR IN HISTORY	3.00	B+	9.900
MATH-A 118	FINITE MATH FOR SOC & BIOL SCI	3.00	C

ARGH! STRESS!

2008-12-14T00:39:00.004-05:00

In life we always know the moment we face a serious problem. Our heart rate increases, our eyes dilate, sweat pores go into overactive production, and best of all; we get that queasy feeling in the pit of our stomach. Many problems can cause this feeling like going on a blind date, having to give a public speech, being called to your bosses office, asking her to marry you, stepping into a ring with a professional prize fighter, milking a pissed off king cobra (my personal nightmare), telling your mother in law her new wall paper is really ugly (very touchy that one), apologizing to the other mother of the kid your 2 year old just bit (even if the little monster totally deserved it. little prick. push my kid down well now you have the brand to prove your actions bring about consequences. and another thing you little.... oops sorry! small rant), being the first guy in line to charge the front lines at Gettysburg (ouch, can we say fatal), and the worst one of all; TAKING A TEST!

In less than 72 hours Mindy will have taken three finals, 2 of which she must score a c or higher to pass. So at this time we are accepting prayer donations and the sincerely given "go get em girl's"offerings. Thanks for your long support and may we all meet in a better place.

i.e. graduation!

full moon discovery

2008-12-12T22:47:00.001-05:00

Once a year the world is bathed in the light of the fullest moon of the year. On this special occasion a strange howl has been known to rise from the woods next to the Bartlett household. Ever the diligent student for adventure and scientific discovery, Mindy threw on her shoes and grabbed her camera. Past experience told her he was near. That's right! The full moon was upon her and once again the beast had risen. Through the night he prowled looking for the one who makes him howl. In the past there chance meetings had been fast and fierce. Only the heat of a hairy hands touch and a few scratches had she been given as proof of his existence, but tonight would be different. Tonight she would capture him in all his glory.

Without fear she strode out the door to meet her elusive lover. The light of the full moon gave the frost covered ground an eerie, almost dreamlike quality. In a trance Mindy stood at the edge of the walk, starring into the woods. Suddenly another howl sliced through the night, sending shivers through her scantly clad shoulders. Grasping the camera like a weapon, Mindy felt her heartbeat increase to a higher tempo. He was coming. Mindy stood ready.

Several minutes passed and the night stood still. Mindy began to worry he had already passed on. Maybe she had waited to long and missed him. Behind her a dog howled and Mindy jumped around behind her in fright. Stupid dog! She had been listening so intently the noise had completely surprised her. Her heart beat was so fast it sounded like two beats at the same time. Funny that she thought there were two beats. Suddenly she realized there were two beats and the second one was getting stronger. Turning around quickly, she saw something rushing up the hill towards her. In fear she stepped back, tripping over a limb in the yard. She fell screaming in fright and the camera flashed once.

Braced for the impact of the ground Mindy found herself floating inches from the cold grass. He had caught her. Quickly she felt herself whisked off her feet and carried into the woods. Again the fullest moon of the year had reunited them. The night was warm and filled with the sent of him. All the elements answered his call and again Mindy revelled in the magic of his embrace. In bliss she sank into darkness.

As the sun rose, Mindy woke to find herself in bed. She was dressed in a gown of leaves and dried dirt. On the table next to the bed sat her camera. It was dirty, but intact. She had been tucked in and her stuff had been carefully laid out. He was gone once again.

But had the camera captured her lover...................?

The Tree

2008-12-12T21:54:00.007-05:00

So this year I remembered that the tree needed to be 8 feet tall. The first picture is of the tree in the distance highlighted with the headlights of the truck. Yes it was dark by the time we got our tree. Then there is Andy and Izzy standing next to the tree as it gets shook to pieces.That is Xander after picking out the tree, he hates clothes and the jacket was all I would let him shed. Then pood Dimon never even got out of the truck. he fell victim to the sandman as we pulled into tree farm, all dressed up and no where to go. Poor Dimey....

Guess what? 8 feet still touches the ceiling.....! And Andy beheaded the tree, he claims he only gave it a hair cut, but we all know how eveil those werewolf men are! He beheaded it!

And no, Izzy's not mad, she's posing.....

watch the tree grow fat and get lights!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Izzy's new belt!

2008-11-20T19:37:00.010-05:00

So, Izzy has now graduated again in Tae Kwon Do. She is now a white-red belt. (A white belt with a red stripe in the middle.) She also in the last few weeks has become a member of the Leadership program and is now learning weapons! Yes we gave her a weapon and she is learning to spar with it. They just finished with the short staff, bong-loungi (I know I just spelled that wrong, but at least I spelled it phonetically) anyway, she is now working with a true staff. (A long staff!) She is really good with it too.

But here are some pics from Graduation!!!!!!!!!! First is Izzy bowing in before running through her forms. Her Master is in the back behind her there. (Mrs. Bosstick) THen there is Andy, Nana, Chi-Chi, and Te-chi on the sidelines. (Papa and Uncle Ryan are in the lobby wrestling the boys.)

Frustration!

2008-11-14T20:07:00.004-05:00

I can't even begin to tell you how frustrated I am with technology at the moment! My laptop died, and is now in the shop being repaired under warrenty, where they tell us that Acer, the company who makes them will probably just replace it to begin with. AHHHHH! Then the desktop that I am working on now is slowly dying. There in no cure, we just have to replace it soon. It will randomly deciede that it hates me and won't open a program or will kick me off the net. So we are tyring to talk the owner of PC MAX into a layaway program. And now it has decidded that I can't upload my pictures because it does not recgonize my power cord for my camera! So no new pics till I get them developed and get the CD. I want to scream. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Thanks for listening.

Wii

2008-11-09T21:14:00.008-05:00

That's right proud ladies and anxious gents I said Wii as in me, mine, omega and alpha and I now own one. I received my birthday gift (finally!!!) (he he he) on the 8th because we spent the whole 5th, 6th, 7th (sniffle) and most of the 8th moving Larry, Ryan and for the heck of it Marie in to there new home, which by the way is a gorgeous house and we will put up pictures as soon as we are allowed to. (its a little messy right now). But the Wii is a beautiful device and I wish to thank the creators at Nintendo for there hard work and dedication to this moment that allowed me to achieve such glory and honored fame. I pledge to use my time in office to better the dull hours of not just myself and those who live with me, but to all American who claim a partnership in this pursuit of happiness. Stick with me and the next four years years will not only be better but with fun work and laughing dedication we will carry on through our elected time and rise to a golden age of family home entertainment. (ie I didn't vote) Come one, come all and we tear down the oppressive hours of boredom from reality TV and sad over run game shows. So as the funny little Japanese guys from the commercial say "Wii want you to play!"

p.s. all are welcome, but those with small gaming donations or rented playable (new) games may by shown some favoritism. Bribes welcomed! :)~
p.s.s. not responsible for long waiting lines
p.s.s.s we own two controllers, one numb chuck, wii play (game) and the system
p.s.s.s.s can also play any game cube games, but need to obtain controllers first.
p.s.s.s.s.s. if suggestion for bribe needed just contact via phone or e-mail (Mindy's only, I'm lazy and don't check mine)
P.s.s.s.s.s.s. ha ha ha, bet you thought this would be another one! Fooled you
p.s.s.s.s.s.s.s. Wii

p.s.s.s.s.s.s.s.s Have you ever ridden a cow?

Dimon is 2!!!!!!!

2008-11-09T17:28:00.011-05:00

Yes my other baby is no longer a baby. Our little Demon, I mean Dimon is now 2! We had a little family party for him. Although both Grandma's were missing. But we had fun anyway. He blew out his candles one by one with a little bit of assistance, but it was too cute! As you can see he loves Wall-E. So he got a Wall-E cake which he loved the little Wall-E and Eva off of. I think we could have just given him that and he would have been happy. He wouldn't put them down the rest of the night. We also experianced what happens when you have several gifts for one two year old, he likes the first thing he gets and could not care less about any of the rest. The good point is that a few days later he's just as surprised when we hand him a toy he doesn't remember getting. ha ha ha! Still he had a good time and if wall-e was on anything it did earn recognition and interest, but as you can see from the pictures, those cake toppers were the best thing ever. Thanxs to all who came and I hope you enjoy "dance-e-dance time!"