A Little Update on the Children

Colton Story
He has become a great helper. Sometimes, I think he is too good of a helper. He's favorite thing is to throw stuff away in the trash. Oh boy! I have to really watch him when I see him throwing things away. There has been a time or two when he throws his sippy cup away just because he is out of milk. I've even had to fish out a couple of toys. I think Doug put the idea in his head about throwing away toys. LOL!

New Project
We hope to paint and re-decorate our Living Room, Kitchen/Dining Room and hallway before Christmas.  I've already started working on it.  I've removed the border and most of the wallpaper in the areas.  I've got a color scheme in mind, but it's not set in stone.  I never realized how hard this could be to pick out that perfect color for such an open area.  I would like to go with warm neutral colors, but I don't like too yellow and orange.  Ugh!  Pray for me.

Katie's Report Card
We received Katie's first report card for the first Trimester.  We are so proud of her.  She has been truly working hard and making an effort to succeed.  She gets mad at me when I tell her practice makes perfect.  Yesterday, she reaped her rewards.  According to her report she has mastered the skill/concept of the following: colors, left/right progression, rhyming words, initial sounds, writing her name correctly, write in upper/lower case letters, recites the days of the week, shapes, extends simple patterns, groups object by numbers 0-10, identifies numbers 0-10, plays & works well w/others, respects adults, peers, and school property, listens attentively without interrupting, she knows 26 out of 26 uppercase letters, lowercase letters and attaches sound to letters and she can count to 39.  YAY!!!!  With guidance she can identify opposites, progress as a reader, identifies story elements, express thoughts on paper, recites months of the year, correct usage of math vocabulary, displays self-control/controls talking, works neatly, works independently, stays on task, organizes self, materials & belongings.  She received no "unable to exhibit skill/concept at this time" during this trimester.  Her teacher and I can see that she is trying.  I can see a huge difference in her these past few weeks than I did when she first started school.  Afraid she might be behind because she is one of the youngest children in her class, I came up with a schedule for her.  It's an after school schedule full of reading, writing and word sound exercises.  She's been doing so good with them.  I say the first word sounds like "ch" or "sh" and she is to pick out the picture that matches the first word sound "chair" or "shoe."  I've started with consonants and plan to work on vowels  next "ba" or "ta" ("basket" or "table").  I've noticed she tries to sound out the letters more now than she did a few weeks ago.  She has her sight words to work on.  She seems to have trouble with "th" words (that, thing, think).  It's because she wants to sound out the t separate from the h, which I can understand why it would be so difficult.  We are still working on those difficult word sounds. 

Like any parent that sees an outstanding report card from one of their children, we gave her a little money and Doug got her the "Toy Story 3" movie.  She has really been helping out around here and to show appreciation, I promised to take her shopping this weekend.  Just me and her.  She's got a little money that's burning a hole in her pocket.  LOL! 

Post Election
Did your qualified candidate, that you wanted in office, win the election?  I think I'm about as pleased as I could be.  There were some officials, I had a difficult time choosing, whether it be about their beliefs or reputation.  The big one for our little town was the wet/dry vote.  This was the 7th time, I believe, this vote went public.  I guess for some the 7th time was a success or loss, which ever way you view it.  Now that we are wet, we are promised (by officials) more jobs, restaurants and merchants in the area.  The truth will soon be revealed. 

Katie and Colton Visit The Doctor

Yeah it's that time again and I think that I've been dreading it more than the kids have, I guess it's because I knew what was coming. Yikes! To add to the insanity the computers at the doctor's office went haywire. Ugh! An hour later, Dr. Lunsford finally made his way to our examing room. He kept apologizing about the hold up. They had new computers installed and his computer was going a little crazy.  I was proud of the kids, they found a way to be entertained, during the wait. Katie took her Leapster and Colton ate snacks.

According to Dr. Lunsford, Colton and Katie are both doing very well. In their height, Colton is in the 90 percentile and Katie is 87 percentile. In weight, Colton is in the 12 percentile and Katie is 90 percentile. Things were going very well until it was shot time. My poor babies, I absolutely hate seeing them hurt. I try to explain why they have to have shots to Katie. She had to have 3 and Colton 2. I made the bad decision to let Colton have his boosters first and then Katie. Katie was wigging out watching Colton. She was crying and carrying on before she even got a shot. Katie is a strong little girl. The nurse and I both had to hold her down. Shew! Of course, Katie crying got Colton all worked up again. He was mad (stomping his feet) because he thought we were hurting his big sissy. I had to console the kids and have them gather themselves before we left the room. Shew! This momma was ready for nap by the time we made it to our vehicle. HAHA! When we made it to McDonald's Colton was out like a light. As soon as Katie got her Happy Meal, she was feeling much better.  She did remind me ever so often that she hates shots now.   Our McDonald's has Littlest Pet Shop toys in their Happy Meal. So, Katie is in heaven.

Speaking of McDonald's and Happy Meal toys.  Have you kept up with our big brother "Fed Government" wanting to put the iron fist to McDonald's and their putting toys in Happy Meals?  The current Administration thinks that McDonald's is promoting obesity to our children because they put toys in Happy Meals.  Who would have thought that a clown would have been the bad guy? Shame on them.  Let me back up.  Yes, I see the news and know that we have a obesity problem, especially with children.  Is that fast food places fault?  NO!  Is it the lunch ladies at schools fault? NO!   Is it the government's problem?  NO!  Where are these kids' parents?  I ask you.  Now, saying that I understand some people can't help for their weight problems.  Some people have genetic issues that cause the over weight problems.  Some cases are where parents don't care what their children are eating because they have bad eating habits as well.  Is that any reason to blame fast food restaurants or school cafeterias?  NO!  Now, I know we are in a generation where we like to blame others for our own mishaps.  It's much easier to point the finger at other people, but look at the fingers pointing straight back at you.  Self responsibility is what we lack in today's generation.  Guess what?  I'm over weight, but it's because I let myself get this way.  Not McDonald's or Dairy Queen.  Me!  I do have a plan to get back in shape next month and Lord willing, I'll be well on my way.  Are my children obese or fat?  NO!  That's because I exercise the awful word "NO"!  If your overweight/obese child is begging and screaming to take them to McDonald's just to get a toy, there is such of a thing called - - - -just say NO!  If your child is off the chart fat, get them away from TV and videos long enough to get some exercise.  This makes me so mad because people have hollered long enough to the big brother that we will all be affected.  Big brother doesn't feel "We The People" have two sense to our being because we can't go to the bathroom without them holding our hand and being told exactly how to wipe properly.  Ugh!  I know, my blood pressure is up again and I'm on a rampage.  I apologize for the outburst.  I just get so frustrated.     

Get Out The Flip Flops

Saving Money & Living Life just made me aware of a day set aside for my favorite shoes, FLIP FLOPS!

National Flip Flops Day

June 18th

A free slideshow design by Smilebox

So girls, buff those cracked heals, paint those cute piggies and dust off your favorite pair of flip flops (if you haven't already). My favorite brand of flip flops are "Yellow Box." I have several pairs of flip flops (Bare Traps, Born and Yellow Box) and I love them all!

To make this fun, let's have a "Flip Flop Block Party". Let's meet back here on June 18th with our flip flops on and post pictures of our favorite accessory. Post pictures on your blog, add a little story, if you want and comment on my blog, so we can all check out everyone's flip flops. It would also give everyone an opportunity to meet each other. Oh this sounds like so much fun. I've always visiting other bloggers block parties, but never hosted one myself. YAY!

Political Moment
Is the current administration slowly eliminating our first amendment right to Free Speech by regulating Political speeches or comments on blogs? This rumor has been circulating for quite some time, but I was really hoping that the administration would hear "The People" and figure out that there are other MORE important issues at hand. Well, it seems the administration is considering putting this little problem of theirs (political blogs) in the hands of the FEC aka Federal Elections Commission to take control. I don't believe anything has happened yet. If this does take place, will this actually be giving the government the opportunity to test the waters on regulating free speech? Now, in their defense, yeah the politicans' advertisements and "say anything to get the vote" technique does get on the NERVES. Should they be regulated from blogging? Personally, I don't think so. For more information regarding this subject, you can check out "MSNews" and "The Blog Herald".

An Added Tidbit
I was introduced to "Glow-in-Dark Earthworms" the other day. Now, I'm not a fan of worms of any kind, but I thought this was interesting. So interesting that I had to blog about it. These little wigglers seem to be the favorites for your serious fisherman. According to the salesman and blogger Worms of Endearment, they actually glow a soft blue-orange color in the dark. I read that catfish love these juicy morsels just as much as the basic brown earthworm.

 "The first attempts at turning live brown worms into a glowing green began in Canada. Known as Nitroworms, they exploded on the market in shining glory with a patented – and secret – process. The internal dye was proven to be non-toxic to the worms. Even better, it did not change the worms’ appeal as bait. Catfish literally flocked to the live enticement, according to reports. Indeed, fishermen began boasting larger catches and even the ability to attract and hook heftier game fishes, including trout, walleye, and bass." All About Worms reported.

Precious

I want to thank Julianna for introducing me to Darius Rucker's song, "It won't be like this for long" as I was reading her sweet sweet love note to her little Johnny.  If you haven't had a chance to follow Julianna's blog, you've got to read her letter to her son HERE.  It is so precious!

I loved Darius' singing when he was a member of "Hootie and the Blowfish."  I knew he's been working in country music as a solo singer.  I've heard a couple of his songs from the radio, but not this one.  I love it!  Anything to express how I feel about my little blessings, it just brings a tear to my eyes. 


I've always like Trace Adkins song "You're Gonna Miss This." I think I tear up everytime I hear it. I just love this song.

Good Advice to Follow
Lady Blogger Society posted some great advice on how to "just let things go." Oh, how I needed this by Sunday. I'm the worst type person when it comes to holding in issues and stress. I'm like a ticking time bomb when I've had my fill. In this post it tells you how to find a quiet place when your stress level has reached it's MAX  and not unleash your rage with the closest person next to you.  It's a great read.  I will try to practice it the next time, I've had enough. 

In Political News
As you know the Obamacare passed the Senate with I believe 217 votes. I had a feeling it would pass, but I was so hopeful that it would not. There are just so many faults and pork in this bill that is so unnecessary.

Did you know according to this bill? (Please keep in mind, this bill be in affect for some time)
If you can't afford health insurance right now, you will be charged a fee for not having coverage? Guess whose in charge of making sure you follow the law? Yep, the IRS.

Federally, anyone can have an abortion in any clinic of choice and the taxpayers will flip the bill. I feel this is very unethical and it is against what I believe is morally correct.  There have been some question that a lot of doctors will be forced by law to conduct this murderous act. I'm not too sure if this is correct. I just feel that our Constitutional Rights have been violated.

You may can keep your private insurance, but because of high premiums employers will be forced to purchase the government run healthcare insurance.  So if you want private insurance, you'll have to pay for it out of your back pocket.  You may not be discrimated against for pre-existing conditions, but the gov't run insurance will decide when you should receive medical procedures, like hip replacements or heart valve surgeries.

Republican Senators are rallying around working on a repeal right now. The Liberals are expecting lawsuits because of the passing of this hideous new law. What you can do as citizens of these United States is write to your Senator(s) and request that they as state legislators invoke the 10th Amendment of the Constitution. The 10th Amendment reads as follows: The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people. This would hopefully give the states power against this law.

If you don't know where to go to contact your Senator(s) or don't even know who your State Senator(s) are CLICK HERE and click on your state. From there, a button should be available in order to get you in contact with your representative.

Colton 4 Months to 6 Months

Katie dressed Colton up