Strange Thanksgiving

This is the year of the strange Thanksgiving. It started out normal then went strange.

Thursday morning we woke up and just kind of relaxed and didn't do much of anything. I did decorate 2 birthday cakes for our Thanksgiving dinner celebration, but other than that not much.

birthday cakes as requested-- Rebecca wanted Spongebob, my niece wanted Pokemon

Then around 2 o'clock, I noticed that Benjamin was looking too good and he felt really hot. So I took his temperature and of course he had a fever. Decided that Bill and Benjamin would stay home and that I would take Rebecca and Jacob to Thanksgiving dinner at my parent's house at 4.

dinner was buffet style and yummy

my nephew

Thanksgiving dinner was nice, although strange since Bill and Ben weren't there. But, my sister was home from college and my nephew was there. For reasons that I will not go into here, my nephew is in foster care and his parents (my brother and sister-in-law) were granted a visitation day where they could bring him to my parents house. He was looking really good.

Me, my brothers and sister

After dinner, we celebrated my niece and Rebecca's birthdays as my niece's was Tuesday and Rebecca's would be on Friday. Rebecca told me that all she really wanted for her birthday was a unicorn stretckin and my mom and dad bought her one. She also got lots of arts and crafts stuff which she loves.

Happy birthday girls!

present time

She was SO HAPPY to get this! 

Rebecca and her unicorn stetchkin

When we went to leave, it was snowing pretty hard and since I HATE driving in the dark and I get panic attacks when driving in snow, it was an interesting drive home. But we made it in one piece! When we got home, I was showing Bill the pictures that I had taken and Benjamin saw the camera and he started yelling "Cheese. Cheese" so I HAD to take his picture. LOL

The "still smiles when he is sick" Benjamin

So, that was our Thanksgiving day...just weird as we had to divide and conquer.....

Books that I read for fun in November...

Not all the books that I have been reading have been for review. I have made several trips to our local library to check out some books to read just because.....

Here are a few that I read in October....(Disclaimer: if you click on the book pictures they will take you to the page on Amazon.com). 

I will say that I didn't have that much time to read for fun in November, but that is the way life goes sometimes....



Other books that I have read for fun can be found here....
October 2014
September 2014
August 2014
July 2014 Part 2
July 2014 Part 1

Have you read any good books lately?

8 years ago today....

.....this little girl made Bill and I parents for the first time....

In the past 8 years, she has grown up before our eyes in a wonderful, smart, talented daughter. She is a great big sister to her little brothers. She is a compassionate friend to all. She is artistic and silly. She is a joy to be around. Bill and I had no idea how much our lives would change on that day 8 years ago, but we wouldn't change a thing! 

Happy 8th birthday Rebecca! We love you! 

Happy Thanksgiving

HAPPY THANKSGIVING from my family to yours! I hope everyone has a wonderful day full of family, friends, good food, laughs and love. May everyone have a happy, healthy and holy Thanksgiving day! 

31 days to a clutter free life....how I ended....

October 1st, I announced that I was taking part in the 31 Days to a Clutter Free Life challenge over at Living Well Spending Less. While I wasn't able to blog about it everyday, I did try to keep up with it.

I did really well on the first couple weeks...then life happened (had doctor's appointments for Benjamin and had some issues with Jacob) and while I didn't get to do as much decluttering as I would have liked I did manage to get rid of quite a bit of stuff. 

We took 2 full van loads to goodwill and got stuff out of the house. The house feels much lighter. I am sorry that I didn't update before now...but that is just how life is sometimes.....I am glad that I took on the challenge because I definitely have less stuff to deal with now than when I started. 

I, James by Mike Hartner (book review)

I, James (The Eternity Series) (Volume 2)

BOOK DESCRIPTION: 

James Crofter was ripped from his family at age 11. Within a year the prince was a pauper in a foreign land. Is nature stronger than nurture? And even if it is, can James find the happiness he so richly desires?

I, James is the second book in the Eternity series. The saga will continue to span continents and time to arrive in present day North America. You can find more at: www.theeternityseries.com

MY THOUGHTS:

After reading I, Walter last year,  which was book 1 in the Eternity series,  I was looking forward to reading book 2 titled I, James by Mike Hartner. And I am pleased to say that Mr. Hartner did NOT disappoint. 

I, James follows the life of James Crofter, the son of Walter and Maria. Born a prince in the 1600s, he spent his early childhood living a life of luxury and love. Then due to a family feud, he was kidnapped and sold into slavery where he lived in his teenage years a horrible life enduring many hardships along the way. However, he never lost sight of surviving and with the help of many friends, whom he came to see as his family, he was able to plan for his escape while also thinking of how to help these friends. James had always held an interest in money, through lessons he had learned from his father and through his own observations, and he used this interest to incorporate a new era of economics in using paper currency backed by coins in the bank instead of travelling with all of your coins. This in turn was a way that he was able to help his fellow slaves after the gained their freedom. What follows was a story of James' escape from slavery, which included action, adventure, pirates, a love story and trying to live a fulfilling life while also wondering if he would ever be reunited with his parents.

I, James did not disappoint on any level. The plot was fast paced and well intertwined with the character development. The characters were all well developed and you really felt that you were right there alongside each of them. I liked that while James and Rosalind were the major characters, you really came to know the other characters that had a large impact on the story, including Sir Rupert, Captain Jose, Diego the blacksmith among others. I also like the fact that in this story, while it was James' ultimate goal to reunite with his parents, life happened and he went with it. He didn't get discouraged because these things were happening to him, rather he faced them and moved on. It became a story of survival and hope that things will work out in the end.

I, James is a wonderful, fun read. The story kept me engaged and sitting on the edge of my seat cheering James on and hoping for the best but fearing the worst may happen.  This story, as well as the first book I, Walter, could easily be made into a movie with all the action and adventure that is portrayed. I am looking forward to reading more in this series when they become available.

DISCLAIMER: 
I was sent this book through the Kate Tilton Blogging program and the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

link

Happy Homemaker Monday

Happy Monday! 

We are still in the getting Jacob better mode. Bill took him back to the ER yesterday as his fever was down but was still there. They took an x-ray and ruled out pneumonia, and said that he just has a nasty case of bronchitis that is sticking around. They gave him an inhaler to help loosen things up. This morning, he woke up with no fever so hopefully, fingers crossed, we have turned a corner. It has been a long week because of that.This week I have a TON of things to do so I thought  I would join Sandra today over at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for her Happy Homemaker Monday theme in order to get my thoughts in order! :)  

The weather outside is::::

After experiencing a snow day last week and very, very cold temperatures...today it is cloudy out and warm. It is supposed to be up in the 60s today, but we also have a high wind warning with winds from 40-70 mph. I hope we don't lose power.

On the breakfast plate this morning::::

  I haven't had anything yet. Not really hungry. Might make some eggs here in a bit. 

As I look outside my window:::

It is grey and windy out. Dreary looking really as all the snow from last week has melted leaving the ground kind of brown looking. 

Right now I am::::

   Sitting here thinking about everything I need to get done this week. 

As I look around the house::::

  The house doesn't look too bad, considering we have been dealing with sickness all week. Cupcakes are cooling in the kitchen, so there are some breakfast and other dishes in the sink. I just brought a basket of clothes up to fold. There are toys on the floor that Benjamin is playing with.

On today's to do list::::

Laundry.... I am behind on laundry...so I have at least 4 loads to do today.

In the kitchen....I need to unload and reload the dishwasher and wipe down counters

In the living room....I need to gather the blankets that Jacob has been using to wash them.

In the bedrooms....I need to make beds and do a quick tidying up.

In the bathrooms....I need to gather dirty clothes and do a general tidy up.

I also need to cut Jacob's hair as it is getting way too long on the ears and he keeps twirling it. I also have speech today for Benjamin, an eye doctor appt. for Jacob, tomorrow a Help Me Grow appointment for Benjamin, and I have 2 birthday cakes to make for Thanksgiving day....

Currently reading::::

 I just finished I, James by Mike Hartner. (Am hoping to have it's review up tonight or tomorrow). I have 2 children's Christmas books to read and review as well. 

On the TV today::::

Right now the boys are watching the new "Dora and Friends: Into the City" show. Not sure what if anything I will watch. I think that season finale of "19 Kids and Counting" is on this week. I will also make it a point to watch the Thanksgiving Charlie Brown show at some point with the kids this week. 

On the menu this week::::

Monday - Leftovers

Tuesday - Chicken patty sandwiches, fries, and fruit

Wednesday - ????

Thursday - Thanksgiving dinner

Friday - Pizza night

Saturday - Rebecca's choice for her birthday dinner

Sunday -  Thanksgiving dinner again.

What I am creating at the moment::::

Nothing at the moment....but I do have to create 2 birthday cakes this week. My niece has requested a Pokeman cake and Rebecca has requested a Spongebob cake. I also bought some items to make a couple homemade Christmas gifts. 

Favorite photo from the camera::::

Look Mom I am helping you clean! LOL

Prayers, Inspirational Quotes or Devotionals::::

This Thanksgiving let those of us who have much and those who have little gather at the welcoming table of the Lord. At this blessed feast, may rich and poor alike remember that we are called to serve on another and to walk together in God's gracious world. With thankful hearts we praise our God who like a loving parent denies us no good thing.

 From Songs of Our Hearts, Meditations of Our Souls: Prayers for Black Catholics, edited by Cecilia A. Moor, Ph.D., C. Vanessa White, D.Min., and Paul M. Marshall, S.M.

Hope everyone has a great week! 

Bronchitis and a get well card

Tuesday night, while at work, I got a text from Bill saying he wasn't going to be coming to meet me at a Reconciliation meeting that we were supposed to attend for Rebecca because Jacob had just thrown up all over himself. And he had a fever....just lovely.

Well Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, Jacob threw up a few more times and had a fever. I decided to treat the fever with Motrin/ Tylenol piggy back....That night, Jacob stayed downstairs on the love seat and I was on the couch to keep an eye on him and help him.

Wednesday, I was able to keep his fever down to around 100.0 degrees, and he did not throw up at all. He had absolutely no energy and laid around all day long.

Wednesday night, we again slept downstairs and I noticed the Jacob was developing a very deep sounding cough....

This morning, Jacob woke up at 6:30 am and starting crying for his dada. I took his temperature and it was 103.7. Bill left to run to work to tell them that he had to help take Jacob to the ER, and in the meantime I got Jacob dressed and then had to get Rebecca and Benjamin up so that I could take Rebecca to school.

The diagnosis at the ER....bronchitis. Apparently Jacob is susceptible as he had pneumonia last year and that makes him more likely to have lung infections. Just great. They gave him a breathing treatment at the ER, and prescribed him an antibiotic.

I gave him the antibiotic this afternoon and we have been piggy backing the Motrin/Tylenol. About an hour ago, Jacob got up and started moving around and actually asked for dinner. He ate 3 pieces of pizza and some fruit. I hope this means that the antibiotic has started working and we are on the rebound. I am hoping that tonight Jacob can sleep in his own bed, and I can actually sleep in mine.

On a more positive note, when Rebecca came home from school today she had a surprise for her brother...a get well card she made in school. It was the sweetest gesture.

I just have to say I hate when my kids are sick! And I hope that no one else in my house gets sick!

Weigh in Wednesday # 16 AND #17

In an effort to lose 40 lbs over the course of the next year (by July 28, 2015) I have decided to have a weekly accountability forum here on my blog. Every Wednesday I will be posting a "Weigh In Wednesday" post where I will post my weight taken that morning and things that I did good on the previous week, and things (goals) to work on for the next week. I think that by doing this, I can break it down into smaller goals and hopefully make myself more accountable!

First let's recap:
 My official starting weight (on July 30) was:::  235.6 lbs.

My weight last week was::: 222.2 lbs

My weight this week is::: 223.4 lbs. 
I am up 1.2 lbs. :(  

November has been a very stressful month. I did weigh myself last week on Wednesday but did not get to post that day. Surprisingly today when I weighed myself I weighed the same as last week. So we will do a 2 for 1 Weigh in Wednesday. Things have been stressful around here. Bill has been extremely busy with work. Worry about Benjamin. Busyness that comes from work and kids being in school and parent teacher conferences, etc. And today Jacob is home sick from school with a fever and throwing up. It doesn't end. I have been trying to be better at eating better, but quite honestly we have been eating out some (not a ton but at least once a week) and I have been snacking more. I really need to get back on track.....

Any words of wisdom? Thoughts? Advice? 

I would love to have all the support I can get!!
If you are trying to lose weight, feel free to tag along on these posts as well! Would love some company on this weight loss journey! 

Snow Day Fun!

Today, the kids and I had the day off from school and work due to the snow that we got overnight. So this afternoon, after Bill took Benjamin to his speech therapy session, we decided to get everyone snow suited up and head out to play.

The kids had a ton of fun. The sun came out and it was nice being outside. Benjamin loved walking in the snow and picking it up and throwing it. He didn't like when he fell and couldn't get up. Rebecca and Jacob enjoyed throwing snowballs at Bill and I.

After we came in, I made hot chocolate for everyone, including Benjamin who doesn't seem to like it!

Overall, it was a good, snowy play day!

Snow day today

one of the trees outside our house

Last night when I went to bed, I saw that the forecast was for 3-6 inches of snow overnight for our first snowfall of the winter season...

Except it isn't winter yet. It is only November 17....

Well, I woke up at 2 am and there was barely anything on the ground....

Then I got woken up at 5:41 from our school, saying that we were on a 2 hour delay today. I looked out our window and the streets and ground were covered with snow. So I reset my alarm for 8:00 instead of 6:30 and went back to sleep.

Bill got up and left for work. I woke up again with a phone call at 7:54 am from our school that we were now closed for the day.

view from my kitchen window

I decided to get up and shower, but when I looked in Rebecca's room she was awake. I told her there was no school and she started crying. But her mood got better once I showed her outside.

Then Jacob got up and I told him there was no school. And he started crying and said "But it is Monday and I go to school on Mondays." I am so thankful that I have kids that love school.

Right now, I am trying to get some things done. I have a load of sheets in the wash and have made a to do list for the day. I hope to get a lot done on this extra day off.

Does it snow where you are? 

Weigh In Wednesday #15

In an effort to lose 40 lbs over the course of the next year (by July 28, 2015) I have decided to have a weekly accountability forum here on my blog. Every Wednesday I will be posting a "Weigh In Wednesday" post where I will post my weight taken that morning and things that I did good on the previous week, and things (goals) to work on for the next week. I think that by doing this, I can break it down into smaller goals and hopefully make myself more accountable!

First let's recap:
 My official starting weight (on July 30) was:::  235.6 lbs.

My weight last week was::: 224.6 lbs

My weight this week is::: 222.2 lbs. 
I am down 2.4 lbs this week!
***DOING  A HAPPY DANCE*** :) 

I have been very stressed and have gotten to the point where when I do eat, I don't eat very much. I have cut back on my chocolate snacking though so I guess that is a good thing! I am trying to make sure that I at least eat 3 meals a day, even if they are small. For example last night, I only had a chicken patty sandwich as I really wasn't all that hungry but it was something. Still need to work on drinking more water. I have been so tired this week and I think it is a combination of stress and not drinking enough. Have to change that. I want to lose the weight and keep it off, but I don't want to lose a bunch of weight because I am stressed.  

Any words of wisdom? Thoughts? Advice? 

I would love to have all the support I can get!!
If you are trying to lose weight, feel free to tag along on these posts as well! Would love some company on this weight loss journey! 

Worry about Benjamin

It has been a stressful couple of months, especially with concern about our little Batman Benjamin.

We have been taking Benjamin to speech therapy since May. Over the summer, his therapist mentioned that she would like to refer him to Children's Hospital for an autism evaluation as he was doing some things that children diagnosed with autism do---spinning chairs and looking at them out of the corner of his eye for an extended period of time, not being very sociable, having a very hard time with transition. I agreed and we had that evaluation done. The doctor that did that evaluation said that it was her opinion that Benjamin was not on the spectrum but that there was definitely something else that was causing some delays. She referred us to the main hospital to have a 2 hour developmental evaluation done. We had that done at the end of September.

On Friday, October 24 we took Benjamin back to the doctor to see what the results of that 2 hour evaluation showed.

Her official diagnosis is that Benjamin has a Global Developmental Delay, and has Autism Spectrum Disorder with associated language impairment, requiring very substantial support.

To say that we are shocked is an understatement. I have a nephew who is on the extreme side of the spectrum (non verbal, violent, has to wear a helmet, has a feeding tube, etc.) and to put him and Benjamin under the same diagnoses is disheartening and feels unreal. The doctor said that 3 years ago she would not have put that label on Benjamin, however they have lumped a lot of developmental disorders under the autism umbrella. She seemed to imply that with intensive therapy that we should be able to get Benjamin to a place where he could transition into a normal classroom with no issues when he is ready for school. She did give us the option of waiting a few months and having Benjamin tested again, as he was showing some things in our meeting that he was not showing in the evaluation a month before--like eye contact, pretend playing, etc. But if she came to the same diagnoses then, then we would have lost 6 months of treatment time. So we decided to accept the diagnosis and go from there.

So we are in the midst of trying to figure out what steps to take next and what this means for us. I have ordered a couple of the books that the doctor recommended and we have been in contact with "Help Me Grow" through the state of Ohio to see if they can provide the therapies that Benjamin is going to need. They said it could be around a month before we have anything in place to help Benjamin. In the meantime, I will continue to take him to his speech therapy once a week and will try to work with him at home.

I will say that it is overwhelming to think about. I have eaten so much chocolate in the past couple weeks that it is not right. I am scared for the future, but at the same time I am glad that we might finally be able to get Benjamin the help that is needed. It is so hard, but we will do what we need to do to help Benjamin succeed.

I made a sign for Thanksgiving!

Yesterday, I took down all of our Halloween decorations on our fireplace mantel, and I wanted to replace it with something that was for Thanksgiving. I had a turkey gravy bowl and salt and pepper shakers to put on it, but it needed something else.

Earlier last week I stopped at the Dollar Tree, and I was disappointed that they had NO Thanksgiving decorations;  not even paper turkeys. They skipped right over Thanksgiving and headed to Christmas.

I then went to Pat Catan's, which is the craft store that we have in our town. They only had one little shelf of Thanksgiving things, but I was able to get a cute pilgrim set and a matching turkey to go with it.

When I put them on the mantel, it was still missing something :(

So I decided to browse on Pinterest to see if I could have any inspiration. I found a lot of ideas, but I kept coming back to this idea....

http://craftsredesigned.blogspot.com/2011/10/reversible-fall-wood-signs.html

So I decided to take that as my inspiration and headed back out to Pat Catan's to get some supplies. Mainly I needed the wood block, as I had lots of fall color acrylic paints already and modge podge to seal it.

I ended up buying a pack of blocks that had 5 blocks in it, a pack of leaf stickers and a stencil to use for the letters.

And here is what I ended up making:

I cannot tell you how much I love it! I think it turned out really great, and it is a great final touch to the mantel. It finishes it off nicely. And I might do a different holiday on the back so that I can reuse the blocks for a different holiday. Probably not Christmas, but maybe Valentine's Day or Easter.....

Do you decorate for Thanksgiving?

Books that I read for fun in October

Not all the books that I have been reading have been for review. I have made several trips to our local library to check out some books to read just because.....

Here are a few that I read in October....(Disclaimer: if you click on the book pictures they will take you to the page on Amazon.com). 

I will say that I didn't have that much time to read for fun in October, but that is the way life goes sometimes....



Other books that I have read for fun can be found here....
September 2014
August 2014
July 2014 Part 2
July 2014 Part 1

Have you read any good books lately?