Working My A** Off Lately....

My son has had a rough couple of weeks. One day he did really well in school, but had a major meltdown at daycare. The very next day, he had a great day at daycare, but got sent to the office at school. I use all the strategies read in the books and remind him of the calming techniques learned at therapy. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.



I always post about the musings of my boy. The word unique comes up a lot when I write about our conversations. The reason he has such a unique outlook on things is because he has a lovely combination of ADHD, OCD, and "Asperger like traits" (as quoted by the psychologist). This makes life REAL interesting in the Lady Di household.



I was watching a documentary on parenting children with Autism and Aspergers and one parent said something very profound. He said, "We kept looking for a "fix". Then we realized there is no fix, just work." He is exactly right. These children don't fit inside the box of what many would consider "normal". Instead of trying to stuff them inside this "box" we need to accept them for who they are and change OUR way of thinking. It may be work, but it's worth it....because hey let's face it, being normal can be so boring.



Keep your face to the sunshine and you can not see the shadow - Helen Keller

LADY DI

Random Thought #3, 764

"So how do you put lipstick on a guinea pig?"

Just another random thought from my son during a Homecoming football game last night. I don't even try to understand that boys mind. I did however want to answer him with "Well you get into grandma's (my MIL) purse and...." BUT, I stopped myself. Hence, the guinea pig will remain makeup-less. Good thing because the guinea pig is a boy.

Lady Di

Fall Is Here.....Sort Of...Uh, Okay Not Really

Fall has arrived. Time for blustery winds, falling leaves, and pumpkins. I love Fall. I love wearing sweaters, going to the pumpkin patch, the smell of spices while apple cider cake bakes in the oven. Too bad, I'm not wearing sweaters or baking some yummy apple cake or pumpkin bread. I just spent the last week in capri's and flip flops. AND I sure as H-E-Double Hockey Sticks wasn't firing up the oven in this triple digit weather. You see, apparently my neck of the woods didn't get the memo that it is indeed FALL. In fact, it never does. We historically have what is known as an Indian Summer this time of year. We usually have very mild weather here, yet every October there is a spike in the temperature that lasts until around Halloween. This year is turning out to be no exception. I think it was hotter last week than our entire summer.

First, let me explain that for the most part I love the mild central coast weather here in my part of California. However, I wish just once we could get a taste of a true Fall season. I don't know, maybe it's just me, but I don't get those warm fuzzy Fall feelings while the family and I are out searching for the perfect pumpkin in shorts and sandals.

I don't think I would feel so bad if it weren't for all the books and holiday cartoon specials that portray the idyllic Fall season. For years since I was a little girl have read story after story, seen pictures and watched shows about that mythical season called Fall. The vibrant orange, red, and yellow colors of the trees is beautiful..or so I've heard. Children jumping into leaf piles as high as mountains. I think if I gathered every leaf in this whole town I would have a pile large enough to stick my big toe in it.

I'm traumatized I tell you. Just once I wish that I could open a book about Fall and see a picture of someone walking down the street in shorts eating an ice cream. But no....what do I see? Granny making a nice cup of warm apple cider for the grandkiddos, families all bundled up going on the hay ride through the pumpkin patch, a bubbling stew on the stove, I can't go on...it's just too much. It's regional weather discrimination I say. I know I'm in the minority, but we need some representation. You'd think in this age of political correctness there'd be a least one book by now that would portray MY kind of Fall. Please, don't even get me started about Christmas. Not everyone lives in place where it snows....that's all I have to say about that.

So, I will continue to fight the good fight and advocate for people everywhere that live in such weather zones. We don't need "no stinkin'leaf piles". I will feel no shame for my scant appareal. I will proudly put on my capris and say with confidence to my children, "It's Fall, now let's go out and get some pumpkins.....and yes we will be going for ice cream later."

Lady Di

Tough Choices....Blog or Do Laundry???

WOW! It's been a while since I've been on the ol' blog. Let's just say I have been beyond busy. Technically, I don't even have the time to be doing this post now. However, blogging seemed a lot more fun than cleaning the house and doing laundry. I know, I'm just weird like that.

Well for those of you that are new or have just plain forgotten about me because it's been so long, I am Lady Di. You know, the best good friend that Amy mentions from time to time in her posts. You know, the one with the goofy 8 yr. o ld son known as JD Boy because he is obsessed (understatement) with John Deere tractors. I have two daughters as well, but JD Boy gets the most press on the blog because we have such interesting, unique and sometimes just ridiculously, outrageously funny conversations. He also is famous for spouting off the most random comment or question. Since it's been such a long time I thought I would share some of our more memorable chats.

JD Boy: Hey mom did you know that army ants are strong.

Me: Uh, okay.

JD Boy: Yeah, they can carry a caterpillar. I think they live in Africa, not in New York.

Me: And why would you think they live in New York?

JD Boy: You know because Uncle Matt lives there, but I don't think they live with him.

Me: And why would army ants live with Uncle Matt?

JD Boy: You know because he was in the Army.

Me: OHHH-KAYYY...so what do you want for dinner?

"So how many years did it take for Abraham Lincoln to invent the light bulb?"

Let me set the stage for this one: JD Boy is in the shower and I notice two large rug burns on back of each shoulder. Earlier that day he had been freaking out at a cousin's party, running around saying his back was on fire because his older cousin dragged him out of her room. Older cousin said, "Well, he wouldn't get out of my room." OK, so of course I was like "whatever" he is being dramatic blah, blah, blah never looked at his back until the shower. This is the following conversation about the rugburn.

Me: Well, your cousin shouldn't have dragged you across the room BUT YOU should get out of people's rooms when they ask. You know, she did that because you were being stubborn.

JD Boy: Uh, I asked her to do that.

Me: (thinking AH-HA) So, you asked her to do it?

JD Boy: Yeah. She said, "Do you want me to drag you out of here?" and I said, "Yeah".......but I forgot about the carpet-fire.

Me: (big sigh) You mean rug burn????

JD Boy: HUH???? (he looks at me like I am the one who is confused)

Me: (big sigh while shaking head) OHH-KAY well, are ya done in there? It's time for bed.

Well, that's all for this post. Trust me, there are more where these came from.

Happy Birthday America!

RAGGED OLD FLAG






THE DRAMA MAMAS SALUTE YOU!

AMY AND LADY DI

Allergist- Here We Come

Finally! Hopefully we will get some answers.

Good Things to Come

No matter your faith this is a great message. A friend forwarded this to me this morning because she knows I am struggling. I just thought I would share it with all of you. It just might help you as well.

I feel the need to explain.

Ahhhhh. This feels good. Staring at this blogger compose screen. Typing. I haven't been here in what seems like years. I haven't even visited our blog for fear that I would see that all our fans have left.

See I am trying to find a balance. Trying and failing. We have lived here in the great state of Montana for 8 months and I am still adjusting. My girls are still adjusting. We have had so much change that I just can't seem to get it together.

I used to find refuge in my blog and now I just can't seem to find the time to sit in front of a computer for any length of time. It makes me sad that I haven't been able to blog or read any of the blogs I follow so I feel the need to explain.

When we moved here we thought we would be okay for a while financially. We had a plan. The Hubs' job required him to travel but all would be well. I started helping a family member clean houses just for some extra cash. I wanted to contribute plus it helped out my family member. Soon after we were here my husbands job went through a slow spell and he and I HAD to work. He found another job that he hated and I started cleaning more houses. It got us through and now his other job is picking up and he was able to quit his not so great job. I however am still cleaning houses.

I have not been able to admit this until now. See I am not above cleaning a toilet or mopping a floor. I just feel like a failure. I have a bachelor's degree and I scrub toilets. It is frustrating to me and I feel ashamed. I am not supposed to work everyday but have been the last few weeks for one reason or another, hence the lack of blog posts. I am feeling the sting of not being with my girls. As of right now I have not had to put them in daycare - which I am so thankful for. Either the hubs or friends take them.

I have so many emotions running through my head and no outlet for them. I am going to try to blog more but I make no promises. When I am home I feel so scattered trying to get everything done. I feel as though sitting at the computer is just not an option. We are not even done unpacking. My girls miss me. Laundry is piling up. Housework to be done. The Hubs and I barely see each other. It just stinks.

I miss my life. My quiet little life in the Land of Nowhere. I feel as though I had my perfect and now it is gone. Perhaps I took it for granted and it was taken from me. Like I am being punished for not appreciating it more. For not being more thankful.

I worry about what people think about me, about being judged. I worry about what my girls think. It stings when I hear the Bug say to people, "my mom cleans houses". Or when I kiss the Bear goodbye and she says, "you go clean, Mommy?" Makes me sick to my stomach. I always thought that if I worked while my kids were young that it would be for something that would make them proud. That they could say "My mom was a rock star!" Not, "My mom scrubbed toilets."

Well I just had to get this out there. So you know- when you stop by and see that there are no posts that I am busy but still thinking about you and the blog world.

This too shall pass. I just have to find my new normal. I will. I have too.

Whew, It's Gone. I hope.

Sorry I was gone....................

Friday,

Saturday,

Sunday,

Monday,

I was Sick. I finally got it! IT was NOT fun. The A-Cat got sick last Sunday and Monday and then Tuesday night the B-Bear got it and had it Wednesday and Thursday. Then WHAM - I got it Friday. It hit me HARD. Thank heavens MR. Man walked from his trip about 10 minutes after my first round. I went to bed.

and I didn't really emerge until Sunday. Sunday I woke up and thought to myself, I sure hope my husband is here and I didn't hallucinate him. A little panic set in when I realized that I didn't know if my kids had eaten, got dressed or if they were running wild around the house managing themselves. SCARY!

Saturday the K-Bug got it and spent most of Saturday in bed with me. She is not a good sick person. Quite DRAMATIC!

Then Sunday the Poor MR. Man got it. He did. He was wishing he hadn't come home. He doesn't do sick well either especially the stomach bug. So he was out Sunday and Monday. Anyhow needless to say we haven't seen each other much. Perhaps four days this month. If that.

I spent Monday. Disinfecting. I waged a germ war. Washed all surfaces. Wash and disinfected all bedding. I still have some more to do but I am almost done. Cross your fingers. It better be gone.

I can't do round 3.

Thankful Thursday: Friends

I am so Thankful for good friends.

Yesterday I got a text from a friend telling me how much she loves me and misses me.

Last night I got a late night ring of my doorbell. When I opened the door I saw a friend carrying a sack. She said, "I brought you a treat." She had to go to Bozeman yesterday and she went to her favorite taco place. A place she has told me that I just HAVE to try when I go over that way. She brought me two of her favorite tacos. I was regretting stuffing myself at dinner because I so wanted to try one. I looking forward to lunch today.

Then this morning I used this:

An Ebelskiver pan that my best good friend Lady Di sent to me a month or so ago.

and so I made these little guys which the munchkins loved. So fun. So Yum.

I just love my friends and I am so THANKFUL.

Wordful Wednesday: Flour Power

With this girl it is like a moth to a flame. If Mama gets out the flour she is so THERE. Ready to mix, knead, roll. It doesn't matter as long as she can get her hands (and face) good and messy.

In this case it was little of everything. The finished product:

YUM!

Have a great Wednesday and don't forget to visit Angie's Place.

Table Topics Tuesday: Oh Where To GO?

The Topic:

Where would you like to go on vacation this year?

I WOULD like to go here:

Nothing like a little Tahiti to de-clutter the brain.

Or perhaps Fiji? A little more privacy here:

I am kind of tired of neighbors.

I can pretty much say with 100% certainty that I will be not be visiting either. However there are a few things that are more likely.

Like this:

at The Canyons Resort in Park City Utah. It just sounds like fun. For more info click here. This is actually more like a mini vacation for Mom but it looks like the resort has some fun stuff for the kiddos. Plus there is all kinds of stuff to do in Utah for families.

Or I would love to go to Arizona and California to see some family and friends and perhaps hit Disneyland, The San Diego Zoo and Sea World. I love that kind of vacation.

Most likely however we will stick close to home and enjoy the summer in our new surroundings. There is a lot to do in Big Sky.

Play along in Table Topics Tuesdays at Welcome to the Nuthouse Where would you like to go?

Monday's Mama Drama - Distracted

So DISTRACTED! I think I have too much brain clutter.

Must find a way to declutter quickly before I have a full meltdown.

Snoozin' In Saturday: Fort Snooze

I think she got tired while she was building her fort and decided to take a siesta or maybe she was done, who knows.

It got quiet and I thought I better check and this is what I found.

Show me your snoozers!

Just leave me a comment if you are participiating.

Today is the last day of the Blog Party. If you haven't checked it out, please do.

Friday Five: Medication, 90 degrees, The blues cure, Neighbors and Obsessions

Amy's Friday Five: This is where I share with you five things I learned this week because there is always something to be learned. In the process you might learn a little something about me.

Hello there! Happy Happy Friday.

The five things I learned this week are:

1. Everyone around me is medicated which makes me wonder.................................should I be medicated too? I thought I was normal but perhaps I am not? I don't know. Maybe it is just because now I live in a populated town and know more people. People who are depressed, anxious, paranoid, confused. I am all of those things at some point some of the time. Maybe it becomes a problem when you are all of those things all of the time. Or perhaps I should just move back to the Land of Nowhere.

2. My husband traveling to our old home for a week enjoying the sun and swimming in 90

+ degree weather while I am stuck here in the wet cold snow inside all day with my children bothers me. just a little.

3. Watching my girls rock out to Demi Lavato melts my blues away EVERY TIME.

4. I have a neighbor who annoys me. I might just have to go knock on his door. (More on this soon)

5. My daughters' obsession with babies worries me more and more each day. I push the worry out only for it to slowly creep back in. I worry that it is not normal to be so obsessed about something.

Well there you have it? Tell me what you have learned this week. Enquiring minds would like to know.

It is not too late to help. Please check out this wonderful event. To see what I have on auction please click HERE.

Is this a Joke?

I am so NOT laughing.

Monkey SEE, Monkey DO!

Whatever the CAT does...................................

............................... The BEAR follows.

These girls crack me up.

For more Wordful Wednesdays visit the circus,

p.s. Tuesday Blog Party is still happening. To see what I have up for auction click HERE.

Whew, it's Hot.

Apparently we moved to the surface of the sun. Can someone send me some ice water?

I am a little parched.

Tuesday Blog Party Here

Blog Party In Honor of Tuesday - Please Donate

From now until May 8th, I am holding this give-away to help benifit Whatchagonnado.org, which is an organization that was founded by Charley & Jessica Whitt to honor their daughter Tuesday. Although their site is not completely up and running yet, the idea they have is - it is planned to be up soon. Whatchagonnado.org is being set up to benefit families that are dealing directly with pediatric cancer. It will help to fund their medical costs, food & travel, and even funeral arrangements, if needed. Of course it will also help to provide funds for Pediatric Cancer Research.

Charley & Jess know all too well what it is to live with pediatric cancer..... Tuesday was their beautiful twin daughter who bravely fought and sadly lost her 8 month battle with stage 4 neuroblastoma in January of 2009. They learned firsthand what cancer does to a family and they want to turn their pain & their loss into something to help others.

So myself along with many other of Jess & Charley's friends want to do anything we can to help them achieve their goal and make sure that the loss of Tuesday is never forgotten and always has purpose.

Up for Auction:

One Custom Made Crocheted Newsboy Cap (you pick colors and size) I can do most any color and size.

All you have to do to enter to win this auction is simply leave me a comment letting me know you are interested in a hat like this (please tell me the color and size - 12 months to adult, flower or bow). Then be sure to donate $1 to the Tuesday Fiona Whitt Foundation, which benefits Whatchagonnado.org

Also, head on over to the Tuesday Blog Party to see what other fantastic items are being auctioned off by clicking the image below.

There are lots of wonderful auctions going on and all it costs is one dollar to enter each one (unless otherwise specified) If you would like to make one donation, instead of many individual donations, please feel free to donate however is easiest for you. If you end up donating $10, but only find 5 auctions you are interested in, you can use those additional dollars as additional entries.

Thank you so much for supporting a great cause.

Snoozin' In Saturday: Puppy Love

Meet Maddie. She is my Aunt and Uncle's pup. Actually she is almost a year the same as Graycee. She is kind of a pain but oh so cute. I was going through our summer photos and ran upon it and immediately thought of Saturday Snoozers.

So show me YOUR Snoozers. Just leave a link in the comment section for now.

Friday Five: i'm back

It sure has been a while. I didn't even realize how long it has been since I shared the five things I have learned for the week. I truly am missing blogging but am having trouble managing my time - fitting it all in with our new life here in Big Sky. Life has thrown a curve ball these last 6 months and I am not a fan of change. I do promise to be on here more. Not only post but visit some friends. I so miss that.

Anyhow I learned this week that:

1. One of my least favorite words appears to be a fun word to say by a four year old - my four year old. "Diarrhea" Grrrrr.

2. Being alone with my thoughts for 4 hours. No noise, just silence - isn't really all that good. NOT a fan.

3. That some things just don't happen when you think you want them to - but that is okay. At least that is what I tell myself.

4. That the stomach flu, once exposed, is inevitable. So all that is left to do is prepare. Soups and liquids. So I wait...............

5. Always check the oven before leaving the kitchen. Because the next day when you open the oven to broil some bread and see that pan of scrumptious country ribs from the night before - you will be so mad at yourself.

Hey did you know it is time for the secong Annual Tuesday's Blog Party benefiting pediatric cancer. It starts May 2nd. Check it out! It is important.