Life has been busy

I know I haven't blogged much in a while. My life has been hectic between my fundraisers, the kids, and my best friends diagnosis with cancer. Julie was diagnosed with Triple Negative breast cancer about a month ago. She by chance, did a self exam because a close friend of hers had recently been diagnosed. Basically she can give credit to her friend for catching her own cancer.

I flew out a few weeks ago to be with her. We had a blast! One of the greatest portions of the trip was visiting Venice Beach and watching the crazies! LOL Here is her blog address. Feel free to pass it around! http://julieolsensjourney.blogspot.com/

I also found out other great news re: Andrew! Apparently AZ does now consider developmentally delayed a diagnosis until the age of 8 in AZ! That is great especially since we have yet to get an actual diagnoses on the supposed syndrome, they suspect. Keep your fingers crossed! However he is once again a year behind so hope to catch him up with a lot of work!

Please Help!

I just got off of the phone w/ Aimee's mom and the hospital. Their car broke down in the middle of no where and had no service to call, just text. A bystander stopped and said it is the alternator. Again, if you can help she REALLY needs this. Now they have to buy a new alternator in a town no where close to home or SF.

If anything, pray for some luck for her! Every little bit helps. Even if it is that cup of coffee you have to give up for the day. :)

Aimee needs our help!

I was just informed that Brayton is being airlifted back to San Fransisco because his chest x-rays are worse, O2 level is down to 85% and his oxygen has been uped to 4-5 liters. He is being admitted to the pediatric ICU. Aimee and Rick do not have the funds for this trip which is obviously needed.

The link to the paypal is on the left side of my page. Every little bit helps. I have this posted here in case I am RAV'd again. Thanks for taking your time to look!

I am your present

Yesterday while I was cooking lunch Hailey walked up to me and said, "Mom, I have your present." "Oh yeah?", I said. She then replies, "Your present is ME!", and walked up and gave me a hug. It made me smile!

I haven't blogged much once again because this is the house of Virus. Hailey had it first and slept all day. Then it was passed on to Andrew and Elijah. They were much worse then Hailey so I took them into the Doctor. Turns out they both had croup and starts of ear infections! They sent us home w/ 16 prescriptions!!! Not kidding, 16!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is CRAZY!!!!

Well, I am off to make my rounds as a home nurse.

Bad me.... Bad, bad, me....

I know... its been what? A trazillion days since I have updated this thing? My camera has been dead and I keep forgetting to charge it. Nothing terrible interesting has happened to me lately either. Well, besides the condom I had to pick up off of the ground at the bus stop the other day. All I could envision is a group of kids... probably mine.... picking it up, and treating it like a balloon.

I have been trying to resusitate my grass. Which I think may be a lost cause. I spoke with housing yesterday and "he" said to water it everynight although it is against the rules. Out of all of these houses in the neighborhood I have not seen one green lawn.

Oh! It is 90 degrees here today! :)

Family 5 Band

John bought the kids Rock Band for the PS3 the other day. We had it once before but traded it for a Nintendo DS for Moses after his broke. The kids have been playing with it and we have learned a few new things.

1. Hailey has incredible rhythm on the drums. In fact, she doesn't do well on the easy level because of this. She over does it.
2. Moses does pretty well too.
3. Andrew is his usual showman self!
4. I completely suck at it as I do with anything that requires the slightest rhythm/coordination.
   

On another note- Andrew has been getting his occupational therapy, although the wonderful state of Arizona doesn't accept his IEP from other States. I guess they do not consider developmentally delayed a diagnosis, although it is actually a BUNCH of symptoms. Maybe someday that will change! :o)

Strange ending to the day

We took the kids to family night tonight at Moses' school. We mainly went because Moses wanted us to meet his girlfriend and she was going to be singing in the choir. I felt a bit stalkerish watching a bunch of kids sing in the choir that weren't mine!

White Trash

John took me to lunch today at a really fancy sushi bar. In fact, it was one of the fanciest places I have seen in town. While we were eating a couple, approximately in their 40's/50's came in. A Japanese employee saw them come in and started walking over to them to seat them from across the room. Then the man loudly says, "CHOP, CHOP, CHOP!!!" to the lady in a condescending tone! Both John and I were in shock! Our jaws hit the floor and I had to control myself from laughing. For a few minutes I thought it may had been a case of a "foot in mouth moment but the longer they sat there I realized it wasn't!

Next he received a phone call from someone that obviously must of asked how he was. Again he loudly says, "No sex, no drugs, no money and no alcohol so I'm not okay!" Again, I had to pick my jaw up off the floor! Then he became impatient with the server and he yells across the room and says, "Can you serve me now!!??"

To top the day off he called a mobile home company and puts them on speaker phone. It was so loud I probably can tell you the address of the place even with him sitting across the room. It turns out he was looking for a hose to a septic tank. Oh, his name is Hank.... I learned that too!! lol

The food was great! I had california rolls and spicy tuna rolls. I also had a giant clam roll which I enjoyed the most (besides the price). John had eel and salmon which he also liked. We will be visiting again there soon and lets hope the dinner show doesn't show up!

Sleepy Boy

Elijah has a tendency to fall asleep in his jumperoo and this time we finally caught it on camera. He jumps, nods off, jumps some more, nods off..... it is a vicious circle! LOL

Oh the FUN!!!

Today is my favorite day of the year! April Fools day! I look forward to this day months in advance. I begin planning weeks before hand. On this years agenda-

• John- I thought it was perfect to serve him with a fake eviction letter. The timing was perfect being that our military housing company was privatizing today meaning we had to sign a new lease on Friday. They had all new rules and regulations to abide by. Here is a copy of his "notice"- Dear Sgt. John (removed for privacy) Jr,
  
  Pursuant to the terms of your residential lease with (removed for privacy) - Fort Huachuca, you are currently in default of section 1-E of your lease. Within 30 days of receipt of this notice, you must execute one of the following three remedies:
  1. Pay $459.63 to cover the BAH associated with the number of unauthorized residents, retroactive to the move-in date, and begin paying a new monthly BAH of $1560.63, effective April 1, 2009;
  2. Evict the unauthorized residents from the property, and pay $3677.04 to cover the BAH associated with the unauthorized residents;
  3. Pay the remaining balance due on your lease and vacate the premises by 12:00 AM April 1, 2009.
  You must notify this office within 15 days of receipt of this notice with your intended remedy. Your prompt attention to this notice is required to avoid legal proceedings, including but not limited to official eviction and judgment and military reprimand for violating the lease terms, and accrued interest and legal fees.
  
  To discuss this notice, you may contact me at (951)775-xxxx , between 0730-1700 Monday-Friday.
  
  Crystal Cove
  
  

• Holly- She received the same letter and was equally surprised! It was great fun to watch her scramble!
• Beth- I had Derek text her and say he was ticked with me, Then I texted him a message saying that my lawyer has filed a motion to increase the child support by $300 a month due to her inaccurate testimony. She caught me off the bat though... Darn!
• Johns mom- I had John call her in (fake) tears saying he was in jail and needed $4,000 for bail because I refused to get him out. For a moment she was in tears too!

The nights not over people!!!

Sir Moses

Moses being Knighted. Of course he cracked a "Moses" joke which I didn't find funny!

Lady Hailey

Hailey being Knighted and yes, that is John and his "Owe" in the back ground..... can't take him anywhere!! LOL Did you notice Hailey has the cat walk moves already?!

Sir Andrew

Andrew being Knighted at Medieval Times....

I never knew what a chicken Hailey was until our vacation. First she went into hysterics on Pirates of the Caribbean, then the Haunted House, and then this on the Jungle Cruise!!! It was priceless to watch, and again I don't know where she gets it from!! This is her on the boat when piranhas were spotted and she about died! LOL

Disneyland pics

Hailey determined to drive!




Do you have the strength?!




Look at that lady's irritated impatient look!!! LOL



Come on kid!!!



The Mondragon Knights.



Hailey wishing with a penny.




Hailey panicked on the Jungle cruise.


Elijah admiring the animals.



Right before entering the Haunted House! AAAgggghhhhh!!!!




Hailey and Woody.




The family acting goofy on Main Street.



My Mom and Mr. E.


In the parking garage at Disney starting our 1st day!

More Pictures

Red and Yellow team






$20 to be knighted.







Medieval Times.


The kids and my mom at Medieval Times.


The boys on "It's a Small World".







Hailey before she threw up.



Stomach flu nap.


















Andrew is a slow driver!




Elijah and his cane!

My handful

Here is my handful of a child who thinks no is funny!

Stroller Parade

Elijah appeared in his 1st parade! My mom was asked to join in the stroller parade which was hilarious to watch!

Hailey in Wonderland

Alice from Alice in Wonderland chose Hailey to dance with her 2 days in a row on our trip. I was amazed she would appear in such a crowd because both Derek and I were shy as children.

Long awaited day

Like I said yesterday, baby Brayton finally went home! Nine long months in a hospital, 5 hours away from his parents. A friend of mine who happens to be a talented photographer witnessed the event. Grab a tissue and check out the photos, they are precious!!

http://angiewarrenphotography.com/bs-big-day-angie-warren-san-francisco-photographer/comment-page-1/#comment-99

To date $5,310.68 has been raised for baby Brayton through my fundraiser. That is something I would have never imagined starting it 9 months ago! Thank you for everyones generosity, prayers, and support!! That is an AMAZING number!

What a wonderful day! On my Birthday of all days too! :) Congratulations Aimee, Rick and Baby B! We are all so happy for you!!

My Birthday!

I had a wonderful Birthday! Holly brought over some beautiful roses and 2 cards that were very sweet! My friend Julie sent me a beautiful bouquet of flowers w/ peach roses and other purple flowers (I don't have a green thumb), it also had a balloon attached which kept Elijah busy for hours! Thank God! I can't believe the flowers survived the trip from L.A.!! Kidding....

Then at the bus stop another lady that I say hello to everyday brought me some perfume, and 4 different kids (not my own) made me cards! :) Very sweet.

When I got home John was gone! I thought, "Oh great, another one bites the dust!" lol. He brought home a cake mix, a huge salmon, and 2 live lobsters! My favorite! I just got done eating and the food was awesome! He even decorated the cake.... much better then I can do! :p

Thank you everyone for the great Birthday!

1 more year until the big 3-0!

Today I turned 29. We celebrated at Disneyland so I really don't have any special plans for the day. My friend Holly will be coming over this weekend for a BBQ which I am excited for! One thing that I have noticed is that Birthdays become more "blah" with age. Ha!

On a wonderful note- Brayton, the baby that has been in the hospital since birth is going home today!!!! He will be home for the first time in the 9 months of his life! YAY!!

Bitter Sweet

Moses received a note from a girl in his class the other day asking if he liked her. She gave him her phone number and asked him to reply on the 1st or 2nd day after spring break. While at Disneyland he bought "Penny" a lolly pop. I asked him after school today if he had given the note and gift to her. I then asked f he considered her his girlfriend which he said yes too.

A few minutes ago the phone rang. I answered and a young girl asks, "Is Moses there?" . After giving him the phone he had this sly but shocked look on his face. It was priceless, yet broke my heart into a million pieces.

From what I understand she asked him about his brothers and sister and books. John told him to ask more about her next time.

At least he is not gay, right?

Our Disneyland Vacation

I really wish that I was able to blog at Disney but unfortunately didn't bring my computer so I will tell the tale as best as I can!

Wednesday morning we began our 8 hour journey to Anaheim. Towards the end Andrew came down with the stomach flu which caused us to stop every half an hour and head to the closest bathroom. After surviving that we arrived and went to Medieval Times. While in line waiting to enter the King and his followers came to entertain us, and during his announcements he called Hailey a Princess which sent her over the moon! We then had the kids knighted which they all enjoyed. During the dinner show Hailey was thrown a flower by our Knight which again made her believe she was a true Princess. Andrew also had a blast watching them fight, Go figure. lol

Thursday was our first day to Disneyland. The first ride we went on was Pirates of the Caribbean which was a poor decision! :p I never really realized what a dramatic daughter I have until then. That was the most over dramatic event that I have EVER experienced! She started to scream and NEVER stopped throughout the whole ride! When we got off, we were walking out of the building and she proceeded to throw up all over the ground. She then says, "I was shot and it is still red!" Referring to the part where the pirates are shooting back and forth over the boat. Later her fish tale became bigger saying she was shot twice and it was still red. Then we went on "It's a Small World" and while on the boat we noticed Hailey was going to throw up. We tried to convince her to do it over the boat but it didn't work. Instead it was all over her lap and shirt. We ended up leaving early that day. Oh! I did take Moses on Space Mountain which was SO much fun and he LOVED it! While on Space Mountain, Hailey had her leg pinned by Johns electric wheel chair! DL's nurse and security had to come. She ended up being okay, but of course it added to the drama.

Day 2- Things started off well and Hailey was over her bug. We got into the park and did a little shopping. John's Mom called and informed him that his Grandfather passed away which made for a sad day. We went on the on the new Submarine ride which was lots of fun. The boys did mainly all of the riding because Hailey was scared after being shot by the pirate! John and I also went to the Blue Bayou for my early Birthday dinner. It was excellent food and we had a great time entertaining the boats!

Day 3- Through out the night I was woken up with excruciating pain in my eye. It felt as if someone was crushing my eyeball. It hurt so bad that I thought I may be blind if I opened it. We ended up sending the kids to Disneyland w/ my mom and John and I went to the E.R. . It turned out I had an infected corneal abrasion. We didn't get to Disneyland until about noon that day and when we did it was PACKED! We met up with my friend Julie and Kristi and their babies. Julies husband also came and we all had a fun time. I think I only rode 3 rides that day because of the crowd. We also went to Downtown Disney and had dinner at some Mexican place which was pretty good!

John and I never did make it to the Disney California portion which was a bummer. I wanted to go on Soarin' California but we ran out of time. Next trip there I think we will plan a 5 day trip to DL so we have more time. I will add more picture when I can go through the 1000.... yes, 1000.... that we have!

8 more days!

T-minus 8 days and counting! I am so excited for Disneyland I can barely stand it! I bought tickets to Medieval Times for the 18th. Not cheap but worth every minute! Then I also made reservations to eat at the Blue Bayou which had not a single reservation left except 4:50.

On the 21st I am planning on meeting up with my friend Julie and her husband Bob. We talk and plan almost everyday over the phone and have decided that her husband will ride on the back of Johns electric wheel chair. Since her husband is an Airline Pilot we found it fitting that we label the picture, "Captain and co-pilot." John of course being the Captain of this air ship.... I mean wheel-ship! ;)

We are going to Disneyland in 10 Days!

So we bumped up our vacation to Disneyland and will be heading out in 10 days!! I am so excited!! It seems that is all I can think about, well that and food! We will be taking the kids to Medieval Times the day we arrive then will be at Disney for 3 days. My mom offered to join us to help me round up the kids (and because she loves Disneyland). That is partially the reason we bumped up the dates. We are so excited!

My diet is doing well! Yesterday I had lost 6lbs in 3 days until Allison brought over her friendship bread. She calls it Amish Friendship bread and I call it diet sabotage! :p Today I will get back on track!

Back to Disneyland talk... I will be meeting my friend Julie and her husband up there one of the days! Her baby is 2 weeks younger then Elijah so that will be neat!! Man, I'm just excited all around!!

Just like in the movies

I departed my normal routine at the bus stop this morning, noticing my gas light was on which worried me. I got around the block and remembered that I had left my cigarettes on top of the car. I pulled over to check, and indeed they were gone. It took me a moment to decide to go back but it was my last pack and I didn't feel like going to the store.

I turned around to back track and finally spotted them in the middle of the road. I pulled over and got out, noticing an approaching school bus. Briefly I considered trying to beat the on coming bus and grab them, but decided that was too risky. I instead stood and waited, gambling whether or not I would have a pack left after the bus passed.

For a second it looked like the driver was gonna save the day and clear it with his tires. I began to feel hopeful, then..... SMASH!!!! Hit by the bus! COME ON!! I rescued the flattened box and realized there wasn't terrible damage besides a little bit of disfigurement..... well until I pulled one out of the box and the tobacco poured out! LOL `

The drama never ends

Today while pulling up to the bis stop I saw the kids in a panic to get me. I am the only mother (parent) in the morning to drop off Moses for the school bus although he is in 5th grade. I go because, A. I don't want him causing trouble although he is not the type and B. Because there are multiple young children unsupervised that like to run in the street and misbehave in general.

Right as I pulled up 2 young boys threw rocks at the glass at the bus stop shelter. Needless to say it shattered the glass. I got out and watched one boy run off and then stopped the 2nd boy from doing the same. I asked him his name which he gave readily and asked him if he broke the glass which he admitted to. Although it was not the right thing to do, I was proud of him for coming forward and telling the truth. It was mainly the parents fault for the lack of supervision.

I called the school who told me to call the police, which I did. I ended up waiting forever and one finally came. I filled the report out and he said it was the right thing to do. I felt guilty because the MP said the parents were responsible for the financial responsibility of the window. Ugh.

Bad me...

I know, I have not been the best blogger recently! I have a one track mind and other interests have caught my attention. I have been planning our vacation to Disneyland!! I am SOOO excited! I think we will be going April 8th-12th. We also will be going to Medieval Times which the kids are super excited for!

I also started Weight Watchers today. Of course I have been obsessing over food all day! Isn't that funny how you are never really interested in food until you diet? I have John on it too, so that may help my will power!

Andrew has another cold and was home for the day. I am really hoping it does not pass through the house like usual!

Don't you have people?

So Andrew stayed up with me tonight watching American Idol while I fed Elijah. An AT&T commercial came on and he asked, "Mama, don't you want an AT&T phone?" I told him I already had one, and he said "Did yours come with people?" I said no. Then he says, "Well I thought they came with people!"

I need to take him to auditions!

Zoolander

So, John informed me that I have the facial expressions of Zoolander (a movie)! He said I always walk around and pucker my lips. More so since I have been inflicted with this STUPID cold sore! So what's the verdict? Do you see a resemblance? Haha! At least I can poke fun at myself! :0P

A lesson on life

Tonight while I was making dinner Moses brought up the lessons that he has been taught about Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks. We discussed discrimination and I explained what my dad said to me once before singing to a nursing home for choir in school, "They look out the same eyes that you do." The day I had heard those words I related them with race as much as age. I explained to Moses that although John is black, Elijah is half, and he and Andrew were part Mexican it didn't make anyone better or worse then Hailey or me. I explained to him that you do not ask to be born a certain color. I brought back the experience in high school where I tutored a girl with deformities. A punk kid used to always poke fun at her. One day he decided to call her "stubby" in front of the class and the Irish/Czech came out in me. I said to him, "She didn't ask God to be like this, just as much as you didn't ask God to be so STUPID!" He never once said another word! I explained to the kids the importence of standing up for others as much as you would for yourself.

Then 9/11 was brought up by the kids that were intently listening. I got the opportunity to explain those events to them, feeling like an old timer remembering Pearl Harbor. I explained the roles of the Firefighters, EMS, Police and military. I explained that it was important to take care of others. I also explained the fact of that day feeling like the end of the world.

They all responded differently. Hailey sad she was sad, Moses talked about how he would rescue the world, Elijah contently laughed at the mess of vegetables and chicken smeared on the high chair, and Andrew said, "I'm not gonna be a fireman, cop, or solider. I don't wanna die. That's why I am gonna be a computer programmer!" Haha! Where does that come from in a 7 year old?

On to news of the Mustang- We had the "points " fixed yesterday and got it running again. Today we had a stereo system put in, although I liked the nostalgia of the original radio. We also had the windows tinted w/ a Mustang and Ford symbol applied to the limo tint on the back window. Now we are on to the body work and paint. John has pretty much finished the interior. Too bad we can't get it in Hot August Nights this year! I thought the tint and system was silly, but was actually thrilled with the results! When I can find the charger for the camera I'll take some pictures, until then I'm stuck with car restoration. Or until he gets me my own classic car.... wink wink!

I know I have been missing

No one needs to send out a search party, I have just been super busy the last few days. First, my mom came down for a visit which took up a few days. Then this car is taking up some of my time although it shouldn't. Today's agenda included window tint.

I have a HUGE cold sore for the first time in my life which is driving me batty. My lip was so swollen this morning I couldn't pronounce anything that began with the letter "M". I feel bad for people that have these on a regular basis.

I also spoke with Zales today and should receive my ring tomorrow. It's about darn time. Anyhow look for upcoming pictures.

I am off to do dishes. Talk about a fun time! :)

More new hair pictures

I chopped it off!

So I chopped it off! After it was said and done, close to 14 inches!