Well... the news is... Kitty will not be coming home. Ever :(
I went to the pound this morning after finding that pic (see Blog post before this one) and it wasn't Chris. However I did discover that chris had been there the whole time since the day he disappeared but he had been in the sick, injured, feral area where the public is not allowed. I don't know the details as to why he had been in there, to be honest I didn't want to know. But when I got there this morning Chris had already been euthenized :( That morning to be exact :( apparently the pound only holds animals 10 days if they are in that area :(
While the closure is nice I am still torn to pieces. Chris had been my furbaby since he was 6 weeks old and that was 16+ years ago :(
Julian is at his dads this weekend and I am not sure how I will brooch the subject.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
Do I Dare Hope???
I might have found kitty!!
I will drop julian off at glen's in the morning at 10am and that is when the pound opens too. they posted a pic today that I swear is chris!! I will update tomorrow after I look.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Day 7..... sigh
I have been checking with the pound's pic site every day and went down there myself today again while julian was at school. No luck :(
This is really hard on me. I have had Chris since he was 6 weeks old.. that was 16 years ago :( I sit at my computer and I keep expecting to hear him climb up the screendoor to come in at night.. and we pull into our parking space and I expect to see kitty come out from under the patio railing and run to the car. I walk by the patio door and look out the curtains just to see if he is sleeping on the patio :(
Julian asks me each night as we are saying our prayers and getting ready to sleep.. the he misses chris and he wants to find him. I keep telling him as long as our heart and head remember him he is always with us. now if only I could take that advice too but all I want to do is crumble into a soggy pile everytime I think about him and know that he isn't there.
Not that it would be any easier if I knew he was dead.. but at least I would have closure :( I miss my furbaby :(
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Here Kitty Kitty... (please come home)
Our kitty Chris has now been missing for 2 days. Julian and I checked the pound today with no luck. I keep checking the two websites that show the new arrivals but still no Chris :( Chris and Anna (his sister who passed in '04) had been with me since they were 8 week old kitties. Anna was my jumper and cohort in crime with chris lol. Anna would open things so chris could get out and explore. I have pics of him sharing the bassinet with julian as they slept on opposite ends of the bed. I keep expecting him to climb the screen door on the patio to come in or run out to greet us when I get home after picking up julian for school hoping to score on one of julian's french fries.
*sigh*
*sigh*
Friday, October 31, 2008
Fairly good day :)
Julian had his halloween party today at his preschool. We took the sandwiches we made (see below) and I hung out cause I signed up to help them out with the party. Several parents and I got put in charge of setting up the obstacle course cause it was raining nad had to be moved from outside to inside. Then we split up again and I got put in charge of helping the kids make tootsie roll pop ghosts :) it was cute! There were a mix of the preschoolers, pre-k, TK and Kindergarteners. They frosted cookies, fished 5 things out of corn to get a prize, made ghost lollipops, ran the obstacle course ( climb under a table through hanging bats, hit little pumpkins with golf clubs through a path then climb through another table with little spiders on the floor and webbing above them.) Then they had to take costumes back off and they had lunch :) it was very cute and a major fun time :)
then tonight after dinner we were getting ready to come back in from the car when I spotted movement in the wet grass (raining again) there watching us was our resident toad or frog.. is kinda neat cause it walks rather then hops :P
Family Bufonidae
Bufo boreas
Western Toad
The most common toad of California is the western toad. It is dusky, gray, or greenish, with warts set in dark blotches and often tinged with rust. It can be found waiting for its prey (moving insects) in or near water. This 2 to 5 inch toad tends to walk instead of hop.
http://www.californiaherps.com/movies/bbhalophilus508.mov
anyhow.. ignoring the rain we hunkered down and shared an Awwwwww moment ;) scooped big bumpy froggy into my hands and julian got to pet it. frog was like.. yeah whatever! lol then inside and washed hands since the last time I held mr frog my hands were icky feeling for awhile. I told julian he had to wash his hands anytime he handled one since some excrete a substance that makes him untasty for other animals to eat :P
he had fun trick or treating at school but we didnt go back out tonight. he made a great lizard even tho the outfit was just to hot. poor kid melted at school! finally stripped him down and put the costume on without clothes lol.
then tonight after dinner we were getting ready to come back in from the car when I spotted movement in the wet grass (raining again) there watching us was our resident toad or frog.. is kinda neat cause it walks rather then hops :P
Family Bufonidae
Bufo boreas
Western Toad
The most common toad of California is the western toad. It is dusky, gray, or greenish, with warts set in dark blotches and often tinged with rust. It can be found waiting for its prey (moving insects) in or near water. This 2 to 5 inch toad tends to walk instead of hop.
http://www.californiaherps.com/movies/bbhalophilus508.mov
anyhow.. ignoring the rain we hunkered down and shared an Awwwwww moment ;) scooped big bumpy froggy into my hands and julian got to pet it. frog was like.. yeah whatever! lol then inside and washed hands since the last time I held mr frog my hands were icky feeling for awhile. I told julian he had to wash his hands anytime he handled one since some excrete a substance that makes him untasty for other animals to eat :P
he had fun trick or treating at school but we didnt go back out tonight. he made a great lizard even tho the outfit was just to hot. poor kid melted at school! finally stripped him down and put the costume on without clothes lol.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
I am a cool mom ;)
Julian and I just finished making sandwiches for his school party tomorrow morning. we cut out bats and pumpkins from bologna, ham and cheese and made bat and pumpkin sandwiches :) it was cute! I cut them out and julian put them together :) talk about fun!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Been awhile...
Sorry it has been so long between last post. Things have been turned upside down with julian out of school and such. The routine we had all fallen into was shattered and I am not sure who is more of a wreck.. julian or I :P
On one hand it has been really rough, as without school julian's behavior is heading back downhill *sigh* combine that with the typical 3yr old attitude *bleah* it definitely has made... for rough times.
With it getting dark earlier, at least on the days he doesn't go to his dad's in the evening he is in bed around 8pm - 8:30pm. It is easier to convince him it is bedtime cause look.. the moon is out ;) :D
Me.. I miss my me time for sure *sigh* but it is fun at the same time cause we do things we normally wouldnt do during the week. and funny boy that julian is, he has discovered mommy is SOoOOoo not a morning person :P
He has been getting up usually before me and I tend to attempt to wake up as he plays quietly or turns the tv on. then I get up and grab coffee and try to wake up enough not to growl ;) Last weekend as I am attempting to wake he comes in and informs me he is poopy.. which is fine since I have been after him forever to tell me right away instead of smelling the whole house up. But I stumbled sleepily into the hallway and changed his diaper. as I was finishing , julian looks at me and says, "you need coffee mom!" smart aleck :P
anyhow.. not much happening other then that. Julian has a halloween party at school on friday so that should be interesting :) I will try and get some pictures.
On one hand it has been really rough, as without school julian's behavior is heading back downhill *sigh* combine that with the typical 3yr old attitude *bleah* it definitely has made... for rough times.
With it getting dark earlier, at least on the days he doesn't go to his dad's in the evening he is in bed around 8pm - 8:30pm. It is easier to convince him it is bedtime cause look.. the moon is out ;) :D
Me.. I miss my me time for sure *sigh* but it is fun at the same time cause we do things we normally wouldnt do during the week. and funny boy that julian is, he has discovered mommy is SOoOOoo not a morning person :P
He has been getting up usually before me and I tend to attempt to wake up as he plays quietly or turns the tv on. then I get up and grab coffee and try to wake up enough not to growl ;) Last weekend as I am attempting to wake he comes in and informs me he is poopy.. which is fine since I have been after him forever to tell me right away instead of smelling the whole house up. But I stumbled sleepily into the hallway and changed his diaper. as I was finishing , julian looks at me and says, "you need coffee mom!" smart aleck :P
anyhow.. not much happening other then that. Julian has a halloween party at school on friday so that should be interesting :) I will try and get some pictures.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Halloween decorating with a 3 year old :D... FUN!!
we did art today, julian and I. We found this kit that was suppose to just put together and decorate.. needless to say it wasn't completely "cut out" etc.. so we modified it *lol* alot got left off :P
then julian was estatic over being able to cut out the pumpkin and such all by himself :)
then julian was estatic over being able to cut out the pumpkin and such all by himself :)
Monday, October 6, 2008
Saying no to 20th Class Reunion
well I decided I am NOT going to my 20th high school reunion but I did go ahead and order the Bio Book to see who is doing what these days. I just cant justify spending a $100 on something that wasnt something I enjoyed very much the first time around.
Not sure I should have even bought the bio book but I am curious about some of my old friends :)
Not sure I should have even bought the bio book but I am curious about some of my old friends :)
Well.. finally good news :)
just talked with my dad and it looks like Julian can start back to school next week, 3 half-days *dances for joy* I must say the past 2 weeks have been very hard and stressful. I love my child to pieces but after a year of him being in school and 5 days a week for the last 6 months... it has been hard on both of us to be home. He is used to playing with his friends and teacher, burning off energy playing etc. Me, I got used to settling down in the morning and getting things done or just relaxing. Because julian isn't burning off so much energy, his aggression had started coming back :(
If I can believe my ex, things might be a little better as well on the financial disaster I have been posting about. I might see a check in November and December after all.. but he has toyed with my mind and hopes so often I will have to wait till I see the check come before I even hope *sigh*
but yay for school ;)
oh ... and I did hear back from the Library regarding the job positions. apparently they were gathering hire names.. I did make it on the list tho so if they need help, they pull from that list :)
If I can believe my ex, things might be a little better as well on the financial disaster I have been posting about. I might see a check in November and December after all.. but he has toyed with my mind and hopes so often I will have to wait till I see the check come before I even hope *sigh*
but yay for school ;)
oh ... and I did hear back from the Library regarding the job positions. apparently they were gathering hire names.. I did make it on the list tho so if they need help, they pull from that list :)
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Friday, October 3, 2008
M.I.N.D. Institute's results from study we did
Most of you know we participated in a study with the M.I.N.D. Institute a few weeks back. They were studys 3 groups; autistic, developmentally delayed and normal development. They had gotten julian's name from ALTA with whom we had had services with till julian was 3 due to delays (but no longer delayed) During this time they did 2 tests with him: Mullen Scales of Early Learning and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale. here were the results :) When they did the tests, Julian was 3 years 3 months old.
Mullen Scales of Early Learning:
Visual Reception - 4 years 4 months (age equivalent he tested at) 98% percentile
*this measures sorting, matching, visual discrimination and memory
Fine Motor - 3 years 9 months (age equivalent he tested at) 96% percentile
*Measures hand coordination and skill development
Receptive Language - 4 years 1 month (age equivalent he tested at) 95% percentile
*Measures the understanding of spoken language
Expressive Language - 3 years 9 months (age equivalent he tested at) 84% percentile
*Measures formulation and use of spoken language
Early Learning Composite:
The early learning composite is a measure of general cognative ability and includes scores fromt he four cogrnitive scales. Julian's Early Learning Composite standard score is 132 adn his percentile rank is 98 which falls into the Very High range
Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale:
Communication - 4 years 1 month (age equivalent he tested at)
*Measures both receptive/expressive Language, and written communication
Daily Living Skills - 3 years 2 months (age equivalent he tested at)
*Measures self-care, functional.domestic and community skills
Socialization- 4 years 6 months (age equivalent he tested at)
*Measures interpersonal relationships, play/leisure abilities and coping skills
Motor Skills - 4 years 1 month (age equivalent he tested at)
*Measures both gross and fine motor skills
Mullen Scales of Early Learning:
Visual Reception - 4 years 4 months (age equivalent he tested at) 98% percentile
*this measures sorting, matching, visual discrimination and memory
Fine Motor - 3 years 9 months (age equivalent he tested at) 96% percentile
*Measures hand coordination and skill development
Receptive Language - 4 years 1 month (age equivalent he tested at) 95% percentile
*Measures the understanding of spoken language
Expressive Language - 3 years 9 months (age equivalent he tested at) 84% percentile
*Measures formulation and use of spoken language
Early Learning Composite:
The early learning composite is a measure of general cognative ability and includes scores fromt he four cogrnitive scales. Julian's Early Learning Composite standard score is 132 adn his percentile rank is 98 which falls into the Very High range
Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale:
Communication - 4 years 1 month (age equivalent he tested at)
*Measures both receptive/expressive Language, and written communication
Daily Living Skills - 3 years 2 months (age equivalent he tested at)
*Measures self-care, functional.domestic and community skills
Socialization- 4 years 6 months (age equivalent he tested at)
*Measures interpersonal relationships, play/leisure abilities and coping skills
Motor Skills - 4 years 1 month (age equivalent he tested at)
*Measures both gross and fine motor skills
Thursday, September 25, 2008
????
ok how the hell do you tell a very social 3 year old that he will not be seeing his friends or school for 3 months??
I am at a complete loss here. :(
I am going to try and see if at least Julian can come once a week so he can interact and allow me to pick up the worksheets etc they will use the rest of the week and then do them here at home with him. And also let him attend the field trips and special days they have coming up in those 3 months.
I know that Child Support Services will eventually get the back support paid to me, but if they seize Glen's tax refund again I still won't see any of the funds till February at earliest and does us no good now. And somehow I can't see the school letting me run up a $1080 tab with them :(
I am at a complete loss here. :(
I am going to try and see if at least Julian can come once a week so he can interact and allow me to pick up the worksheets etc they will use the rest of the week and then do them here at home with him. And also let him attend the field trips and special days they have coming up in those 3 months.
I know that Child Support Services will eventually get the back support paid to me, but if they seize Glen's tax refund again I still won't see any of the funds till February at earliest and does us no good now. And somehow I can't see the school letting me run up a $1080 tab with them :(
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Sigh :(
I didn't realize.. but with glen off work as of beginning of October, I won't have tuition for julian for October, November, December :( thats 3 months!! *cry* I really hope I get this casual position at the library for a bit cause I would rather julian stay where he is very happy and loves then drag him out for 3 months :( it is so unfair that the kids are the ones that suffer when the other parent.. forgoes his responsibility *angry* I understand the military screwed up.. but he knew this way early.. he also has the option of putting it on his credit card ( the support payment ) or do other options and he isn't/won't.
BUT on a happier note... :) after a repeat mammogram and ultrasound cancer has been ruled out from my breasts and appears to just be a common occurrence of enlarged lymph nodes which they say happens with a cold etc. *whew*
BUT on a happier note... :) after a repeat mammogram and ultrasound cancer has been ruled out from my breasts and appears to just be a common occurrence of enlarged lymph nodes which they say happens with a cold etc. *whew*
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Word to the wise... If you are going to lie make sure your cell phone is turned off!
ok tonight is one of glen's nights with julian. Well I guess around 7:30 tonight glen's dad called complaining his tv wouldn't work and asked glen to drop everything and come over. Glen had sat there when I dropped julian off and told julian they were going to play all night. So glen called me and asked if he could bring julian home early. I asked why he couldn't go over tomorrow since he didn't have julian then. After many excuses, I then told glen to go ahead and bring julian home because apparently his dad was more important then his son. For those who might think this is harsh, well.. you don't know alot of the history here *sigh* Not more then 10 minutes later Glen called back to let me know that julian would be home at the normal time and that he had called his dad and said he would come over tomorrow instead. In the background you could tell he was driving. About 20 minutes later glen called back.. rather his PHONE did. Glen's phone is notorious for this and has let me here quite a few interesting conversations on accident. He nudges up against something and his phone dials last number called. Mind you this happens sometimes at 1am 4am etc and is mostly a big pain in the butt!! This time tho as I listen (I always do to see what I might hear) I hear glen in the background tell julian he would carry him into grandpa's house. then julian said he had to take his transformers in.
My point being.. is that IF you are going to lie.. first off DON'T DO IT WITH MY SON!!! and second off.. you might want to turn off an errant phone cause it will hang you more times then not. *shakes head and fumes*
sorry... just needed to vent and share something that proves once again... some people are dumber then a fencepost and keep getting dumber :P
My point being.. is that IF you are going to lie.. first off DON'T DO IT WITH MY SON!!! and second off.. you might want to turn off an errant phone cause it will hang you more times then not. *shakes head and fumes*
sorry... just needed to vent and share something that proves once again... some people are dumber then a fencepost and keep getting dumber :P
Ok Cute Funny Story :)
oh I have to share a funny story.
I picked julian up from school today. As we were walking out the door he told me his shoe was unfastened (velcro) I looked down and yep it was.. but then noticed his shoes ALSO on the wrong feet lol.. I took them off and noticed hmm.. his socks were inside out too. not only THAT but he informed me he switched socks with blake (a kid in class) so we had to go back inside and swap socks back with blake and then put his shoes back on.. the right feet :P
I picked julian up from school today. As we were walking out the door he told me his shoe was unfastened (velcro) I looked down and yep it was.. but then noticed his shoes ALSO on the wrong feet lol.. I took them off and noticed hmm.. his socks were inside out too. not only THAT but he informed me he switched socks with blake (a kid in class) so we had to go back inside and swap socks back with blake and then put his shoes back on.. the right feet :P
So much for the holidays
I warn you now.. rant involved below!
Just got word from my son's dad that he will be off orders (military) till Mid November. Which means in essence... I will not get a child support check for November or December. which means I am royally screwed. :( My SSDI will let us pay rent and such but it also means everything else will either be delayed in paying (like electric, cable etc) or removed.. like Julian's preschool. I had been thinking of applying for a part time casual position at the library across the street from Julian's school but now I am torn. If I do apply and get the position, that would be extra money. but to take the position julian has to be in school. which then means all that extra money will be used for Julian's tuition hence.. no extra money coming in. Now i understand why a good friend of mine was saying she actually had less money now that she was working then when she wasn't. *sigh* And no check in December means pretty much no Christmas goodies for julian either *sigh* I know I shouldn't complain when others don't have as much, but Julian loves his school, I love the mommy breaks and my bipolar really doesn't do well under financial stress what so ever :(
Just got word from my son's dad that he will be off orders (military) till Mid November. Which means in essence... I will not get a child support check for November or December. which means I am royally screwed. :( My SSDI will let us pay rent and such but it also means everything else will either be delayed in paying (like electric, cable etc) or removed.. like Julian's preschool. I had been thinking of applying for a part time casual position at the library across the street from Julian's school but now I am torn. If I do apply and get the position, that would be extra money. but to take the position julian has to be in school. which then means all that extra money will be used for Julian's tuition hence.. no extra money coming in. Now i understand why a good friend of mine was saying she actually had less money now that she was working then when she wasn't. *sigh* And no check in December means pretty much no Christmas goodies for julian either *sigh* I know I shouldn't complain when others don't have as much, but Julian loves his school, I love the mommy breaks and my bipolar really doesn't do well under financial stress what so ever :(
Monday, September 22, 2008
Just a little update
Well the circus went great! Julian definitely does NOT have a fear of clowns :) he was a little restless at the very beginning but was awed by the motorcycles driving together in that big ball cage they had and also by the motorcycle that drove above us. We could not have asked for better seats then the ones we got! turns out the way that section was angled we had front row seats. literally! It was awesome! I was very glad we decided to keep the tickets and go. Also was very happy that ticketmaster had been able to change our tickets from Friday to Saturday, resulting in better seats then I had bought the first time ;)
today is the last time Chris, our behavorist from SCOE comes over. She was the last remaining person from SCOE to stay and now she too says goodbye. Don't get me wrong. I am VERY glad julian no longer needs services, but it is still sad to lose friends we have been seeing since almost birth. I miss their company and chats each week :(
As for me.. turning older brings all those wonderful things (sarcasm dripping here.. can you hear it?) Mammograms, Hot Flashes.. yep at age 38 I am starting menopause (bleah and grrrr) Dr told me that I am perimenopausal which means I get the hot flashes (melt city) and all the lovely mood swings (like I needed help in this area????) but still get to keep my monthly cycles.. which due to the above no longer are normal time frame (sigh) Also that lovely thing called a mammogram... which I failed *unsure* They had found specks across my chest a year or so ago but since I was still nursing they decided to wait in case it was milk glands plugged up. Well.. apparently not. I go in for an u/s on wednesday now. Prelim reports from Dr said non cancerous but I am still worried :( I will be sure to let you all know the results as soon as I have them.
My story didn't win, but then it was pretty much a popularity contest.. if you knew alot of people.. you got lots of votes. One time that being a little bit of a loner didn't help (sigh) But I was proud to be chosen as a finalist and I will keep working on finding an illustrator and work on getting it published!
hugs n love for now!
today is the last time Chris, our behavorist from SCOE comes over. She was the last remaining person from SCOE to stay and now she too says goodbye. Don't get me wrong. I am VERY glad julian no longer needs services, but it is still sad to lose friends we have been seeing since almost birth. I miss their company and chats each week :(
As for me.. turning older brings all those wonderful things (sarcasm dripping here.. can you hear it?) Mammograms, Hot Flashes.. yep at age 38 I am starting menopause (bleah and grrrr) Dr told me that I am perimenopausal which means I get the hot flashes (melt city) and all the lovely mood swings (like I needed help in this area????) but still get to keep my monthly cycles.. which due to the above no longer are normal time frame (sigh) Also that lovely thing called a mammogram... which I failed *unsure* They had found specks across my chest a year or so ago but since I was still nursing they decided to wait in case it was milk glands plugged up. Well.. apparently not. I go in for an u/s on wednesday now. Prelim reports from Dr said non cancerous but I am still worried :( I will be sure to let you all know the results as soon as I have them.
My story didn't win, but then it was pretty much a popularity contest.. if you knew alot of people.. you got lots of votes. One time that being a little bit of a loner didn't help (sigh) But I was proud to be chosen as a finalist and I will keep working on finding an illustrator and work on getting it published!
hugs n love for now!
Friday, September 12, 2008
Fun times ahead
Well first off study went pretty good. I was so proud of julian. he sat for over an hour with the lady answering questions on items, tracing and building things, etc. He definitely has surpassed his age group in a few things :D the hardest part was the blood draw at the end. I think with him had they done things a little differently it might have been less traumatic. they had him lying on me with my legs trapping his and my arms holding his and they covered what was going on behind a book. IMHO they should have let him come back when they did mine, had him sitting up and let him see what they were doing without trapping him. But then it is different for every kid I guess and they do what they know has worked in past *sigh*
Tomorrow morning tho we are off to the circus!! yay :) Julian has never been and I think the last time I was, according to mom and sis, was when I was little so it basically is like the first time for both of us :) he hasn't shown a fear of clowns so hopefully he won't have a problem when we are there *crosses fingers*
I will update when we get back.. however I have no camera *cry* so I won't be able to post pics :(
Tomorrow morning tho we are off to the circus!! yay :) Julian has never been and I think the last time I was, according to mom and sis, was when I was little so it basically is like the first time for both of us :) he hasn't shown a fear of clowns so hopefully he won't have a problem when we are there *crosses fingers*
I will update when we get back.. however I have no camera *cry* so I won't be able to post pics :(
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Autism Study
Tomorrow morning (friday) Julian is partaking in a autism study through the M.I.N.D. Institute. They are studying a group of kids: autistic, developmentally delayed and normal development. Julian was referred by ALTA Regional but no longer is "delayed". However after calling us the first time, they called us back again and wanted him to participate still. They are curious as to why he was delayed and how he is doing now that he is listed as "normal development".
I already had a 3 hour phone interview several weeks back and now this is the in clinic study portion. They are taking hair samples from both julian and I, also a sample of his first hair cut, blood sample and urine samples as well from him and I. They will give him a physical checkup and also a development "test" to see where he is placing.
I have the option of getting the results of the study when it is over and I am very curious to see it. I also hope we get a copy of the genetic testing they did at birth with him.
I will update more tomorrow after the exam.
I already had a 3 hour phone interview several weeks back and now this is the in clinic study portion. They are taking hair samples from both julian and I, also a sample of his first hair cut, blood sample and urine samples as well from him and I. They will give him a physical checkup and also a development "test" to see where he is placing.
I have the option of getting the results of the study when it is over and I am very curious to see it. I also hope we get a copy of the genetic testing they did at birth with him.
I will update more tomorrow after the exam.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Sick again & catching up
While julian LOVES preschool? apparently it doesn't feel the same way. :P Once again we have an ear infection. Hasn't he been there long enough YET to develop immunity? bleah!
on a lighter note...
He really DOES love preschool :) He has been at this school in Folsom since he was about 2 1/2. They were the only one that I knew of that had a 2yr old preschool group and that I had had personal experience with through my nephew going there for 4 years. He is doing math at a 4 year old level :) and has made bunches of friends :)
On a sadder note...
We have said goodbye to our Early Head Start teacher Corrine *sigh* and also will be saying goodbye to our in-home behaviorist, Chris, from SCOE as well this month. :(
Other news...
I entered a children's book writing contest in august and was chosen as one of the 5 finalists. The winner will get their story illustrated and published! This has been a life long dream of mine and it would be so cool to have this be achieved! If not, then I will be on the look out for an illustrator, because I refuse to put this story on a dusty shelf and leave it to rot. If interested in reading (and voting ;)) you can see it here. You do not have to live in Sacramento, nor be a member to vote. My story is "It's bedtime and I sleep alone" by penguinsimone (they have screennames listed instead of names for some reason.
http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/StaticPage/67
Hope all are doing well and I would love to talk or email with everyone soon :)
Hugs and Love
Simone
on a lighter note...
He really DOES love preschool :) He has been at this school in Folsom since he was about 2 1/2. They were the only one that I knew of that had a 2yr old preschool group and that I had had personal experience with through my nephew going there for 4 years. He is doing math at a 4 year old level :) and has made bunches of friends :)
On a sadder note...
We have said goodbye to our Early Head Start teacher Corrine *sigh* and also will be saying goodbye to our in-home behaviorist, Chris, from SCOE as well this month. :(
Other news...
I entered a children's book writing contest in august and was chosen as one of the 5 finalists. The winner will get their story illustrated and published! This has been a life long dream of mine and it would be so cool to have this be achieved! If not, then I will be on the look out for an illustrator, because I refuse to put this story on a dusty shelf and leave it to rot. If interested in reading (and voting ;)) you can see it here. You do not have to live in Sacramento, nor be a member to vote. My story is "It's bedtime and I sleep alone" by penguinsimone (they have screennames listed instead of names for some reason.
http://www.sacmomsclub.com/home/StaticPage/67
Hope all are doing well and I would love to talk or email with everyone soon :)
Hugs and Love
Simone
Saturday, August 30, 2008
We really are still here...
Sorry it has been sooo long since I posted last. Things have been hectic to say the least.
Julian started school on August 11th and while not happy with losing last years preschool teacher he is finally settling into things with his new teacher, Ms Kristin. He loves his school tho and I have been getting comments from folks how much he is improving, in speech and manners :) Granted there are many days I wonder if he isn't satans child in disguise (just kidding aunt jo) but man that child changes moods so quickly it is hard to stay sane! The violent anger is subsiding with him and it is more the rarity rather then the norm these days with the hitting etc. (hooray and about dang time!)
We went to the fair this year and julian was ecstatic cause not only was he able to ride the rides this year (last year he was 1/2" to short) but he got to ride several of them all by himself :) He even got to ride a pony which made him smile in awe the whole ride. He tried his hand at balloon darts (yes I know.. I am crazy to put a dart in that boy's hand) and he won a prize after popping 2 darts! all by himself :)
We renewed our lease at the apt complex for another year. I have mixed thoughts on this as while I like the apt itself? I hate the area we live in and my upstairs neighbor is a loud, obnoxious, inconsiderate kid with no respect for anyone but herself :( I am so tired of having to call security or the apt office so she will turn down her music. I think next year we need to consider moving. *bleah*
Anyhow.. I will try to keep up a little better from now on.
Hugs and love to you all!
Julian with his hair cut.. lol he decided he had to have it spiked and colored like his cousin connor :P
State Fair Pictures:
Julian started school on August 11th and while not happy with losing last years preschool teacher he is finally settling into things with his new teacher, Ms Kristin. He loves his school tho and I have been getting comments from folks how much he is improving, in speech and manners :) Granted there are many days I wonder if he isn't satans child in disguise (just kidding aunt jo) but man that child changes moods so quickly it is hard to stay sane! The violent anger is subsiding with him and it is more the rarity rather then the norm these days with the hitting etc. (hooray and about dang time!)
We went to the fair this year and julian was ecstatic cause not only was he able to ride the rides this year (last year he was 1/2" to short) but he got to ride several of them all by himself :) He even got to ride a pony which made him smile in awe the whole ride. He tried his hand at balloon darts (yes I know.. I am crazy to put a dart in that boy's hand) and he won a prize after popping 2 darts! all by himself :)
We renewed our lease at the apt complex for another year. I have mixed thoughts on this as while I like the apt itself? I hate the area we live in and my upstairs neighbor is a loud, obnoxious, inconsiderate kid with no respect for anyone but herself :( I am so tired of having to call security or the apt office so she will turn down her music. I think next year we need to consider moving. *bleah*
Anyhow.. I will try to keep up a little better from now on.
Hugs and love to you all!
Julian with his hair cut.. lol he decided he had to have it spiked and colored like his cousin connor :P
State Fair Pictures:
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Mended... for now :P
Well Julian is finally all better. Well at least the fever is gone, blisters are gone and he is finally eating and drinking again. more eating then drinking but we are working on it :) However, whether a result of the mouth blisters or a coincidence in timing, we have to find a dentist. His gums have been swollen since he came down with the blisters and a few days ago started bleeding out of the blue. Haven't had anymore bleeding since then but the Dr is unsure why it did so in the first place :/ His front teeth still give him issues biting into things as well.
He did go back to school on Monday tho *yay* and I was told that he will be moving up with the 3yr and 4yr old preschoolers this summer to get him ready for full on preschool in the Fall. He was attending their 2yr old preschool (not daycare) since September and has LOVED it! The changes in him both developmentally and intellectually has been amazing! *yay again* His school is in the middle of a summer program, they are year round there, and enjoying all sorts of water themes. Hopefully he will stay well enough to actually enjoy them :/
Definitely miss our home visitors (friends) who used to come out weekly but I moved julian to preschool 5 mornings starting next week, up from the 3 days he was attending before.
He did go back to school on Monday tho *yay* and I was told that he will be moving up with the 3yr and 4yr old preschoolers this summer to get him ready for full on preschool in the Fall. He was attending their 2yr old preschool (not daycare) since September and has LOVED it! The changes in him both developmentally and intellectually has been amazing! *yay again* His school is in the middle of a summer program, they are year round there, and enjoying all sorts of water themes. Hopefully he will stay well enough to actually enjoy them :/
Definitely miss our home visitors (friends) who used to come out weekly but I moved julian to preschool 5 mornings starting next week, up from the 3 days he was attending before.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Well.. the tide may be turning...
It turns out julian did have Hand Foot and Mouth Disease. He didn't get the rash common on the soles of the hands and feet but he did (in painful abundance) get the mouth blisters. Poor kid didn't drink or eat at all yesterday. I don't blame him, but it did end up causing us to make another trip to the dr's to check hydration levels. However as of last night he finally started drinking again *whew* otherwise it would have meant once again back to the dr's and trying codeine for pain or IV :( Hopefully this means he is on the mend. Dr said probably another 2-4 days on the blisters since the fever finally left us (tuesday night) I am sure Julian will love being able to go back to school on monday and yes I have to admit, it will be nice to have some mommy morning time again too.
**ok as of 10am this morning his fever is back! *sigh* and has a lovely blister OUTSIDE his mouth.. in that dip below lip and above chin :(
**ok as of 10am this morning his fever is back! *sigh* and has a lovely blister OUTSIDE his mouth.. in that dip below lip and above chin :(
Monday, June 2, 2008
I really hate fevers!
Julian stayed home from school today due to having a fever since sunday afternoon. I have never understood why he gets these high fevers... they strike out of the blue, usually are 103+ and last 24 hours. No other symptoms but a fever. However this one has dragged on now for a day and a half so far and common WITH these fevers is the febrile seizures :( Julian had been evaluated for seizures several times in the past due to history of possibles. We had been scheduled for a 48 hour EEG but julian only made it about 8 hours into it when he was at his dad's and removed all the wires! Tonight.. he once again showed me he still seizes with these fevers. I think it is sitting around 100 maybe 101 cause he isnt as hot as he has been but still it is scary watching him convulse and not being able to do a damn thing! :(
Makes me wonder too... My nephew has seizures and I remember you could almost guarantee he would have a seizure that night by his horrible behavior the afternoon before. Julian has been beyond a total bear since wednesday. Every day since wednesday it has been a battle, dragging him kicking and screaming out of places like a friends house, the park, the mall. He screams so much sometimes he pukes. It has become a new tactic of his to tell me he is going to so have had to start being a little callous and telling him if he had to to please do it before he got in the car or I hand him a bucket while driving :/ :( We spent 45 minutes at the park the other day after he was dragged kicking and screaming to the car.. trying to get him IN his carseat. the boy is famous for locking his body into a straight line that just will NOT bend at all. and straight doesnt work when he has to SIT to be buckled in :( I wonder since this fever sprang out of nowhere once his behavior eased up if they aren't somehow related. I wish I could think back to the other times he has had these high spikes and remember what his behavior had been coming up to them.
Makes me wonder too... My nephew has seizures and I remember you could almost guarantee he would have a seizure that night by his horrible behavior the afternoon before. Julian has been beyond a total bear since wednesday. Every day since wednesday it has been a battle, dragging him kicking and screaming out of places like a friends house, the park, the mall. He screams so much sometimes he pukes. It has become a new tactic of his to tell me he is going to so have had to start being a little callous and telling him if he had to to please do it before he got in the car or I hand him a bucket while driving :/ :( We spent 45 minutes at the park the other day after he was dragged kicking and screaming to the car.. trying to get him IN his carseat. the boy is famous for locking his body into a straight line that just will NOT bend at all. and straight doesnt work when he has to SIT to be buckled in :( I wonder since this fever sprang out of nowhere once his behavior eased up if they aren't somehow related. I wish I could think back to the other times he has had these high spikes and remember what his behavior had been coming up to them.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Sorry I have been AFK...
I am going to break this into several posts since there is alot that has happened lately. I had planned on doing it individually as things happened but kept not getting to the computer. I had also hoped to have pics to load with the appropriate blog but haven't gotten them still so will post them when I get them.
so.. lets get started :P
so.. lets get started :P
Sadly say goodbye...
Since julian did turn three it is with sadness and profound thanks that we say goodbye to all those who have worked with julian since he was born and helped get him to where he is today. Our friends Jane, Jennifer, Patty and Yuuko from the Infant Development Program of SCOE who have done speech, OT and nutritional support, Music Therapist Rachel, Behaviorist Sarah from HOPE Consulting and our EHS teacher Corrine. It is going to be a hard adjustment with not having anyone coming out to the house each week. I know julian has always looked forward to his visitors and I know I have looked forward to both adult chat time and being with them all. They have been part of our lives for so long and I definitely am very glad to have worked with them. I think I will have to try and increase julian's school time at Action Day to m-f mornings now instead of just m,t,th mornings.
My friends.. you will definitely be missed!
My friends.. you will definitely be missed!
Julian is now three..
Yep it is amazing and hard to believe but Julian has officially turned 3 years old. Ok so it was on the 20th of May, but as I have said I am a few blog posts behind :P His party went pretty well I think. We held it at the local park and made it a construction theme. We had party buckets instead of bags that had shovels, construction trucks, truck stickers, bubbles and a book. Each kid also got a sand dump truck with sand tools (parts of the truck) to play with (and keep) so noone would be without a toy and they all matched so noone could complain another's was better :P (yep I am learning :D) His cake had a dump truck on it and was pretty cool looking. One of the little girls from his school came, nina (julians best bud and my friend julianna's little girl), a boy from music therapy and mom's neighbor's little boy. The weather cooperated a little in that it at least waited on the 100+ degree temps till later in the afternoon (whew)
We then went home and had a little nap and headed back to my moms for swimming and presents time. He had fun. Mom found him a swim vest that keeps him upright completely but lets him learn to paddle and kick :) He thinks water is pretty darn cool! Now if only I wasn't so water shy *sigh* He got lots of neat gifts, two of which he is in total love with. An art easel and the ClickStart computer from LeapFrog. Oh.. and I can't forget the two new additions to his ever growing Thomas the Train track! My friend stacey in Australia sent him the engine wash and another friend of mine in San Franscico sent him the fire station. Talk about being in train heaven *lol* I will get pics of his party up soon. My sis has them but I haven't been able to grab the CD yet.
We then went home and had a little nap and headed back to my moms for swimming and presents time. He had fun. Mom found him a swim vest that keeps him upright completely but lets him learn to paddle and kick :) He thinks water is pretty darn cool! Now if only I wasn't so water shy *sigh* He got lots of neat gifts, two of which he is in total love with. An art easel and the ClickStart computer from LeapFrog. Oh.. and I can't forget the two new additions to his ever growing Thomas the Train track! My friend stacey in Australia sent him the engine wash and another friend of mine in San Franscico sent him the fire station. Talk about being in train heaven *lol* I will get pics of his party up soon. My sis has them but I haven't been able to grab the CD yet.
Dolphins don't really feel rubbery
A few weeks ago I went to Discovery Kingdom (Marineworld for those who remember years back.. ok WAY back :P) with some good friends of mine and thier little girl. The same little girl who is julian's best bud (and future wife lol they were promised at birth :P j/k .. sort of ;) ) was really confused why I was there without julian *grin* She kept asking me when I was bringing julian out :) When we got there we decided to go see the dolphin show. When they asked for volunteers from the audience I of course stuck my hand up and imagine the shock when it was ME who they picked, along with another guy. They brought us to a front area of the stands and then told us what we had volunteered for.. yep they never said WHAT it was for till after they suckered .. errr got you to volunteer :P What we had to do was sing karaoke a song (twinkle twinkle little star) then dance and be soaked by the dolphin in front of us. In exchange we'd get to pet or hold the dolphin *yay* Well worth the humiliation in my view, tho the guy next to me was really wanting to back out about now *lol* Well we got called into the dolphin area about halfway through and then was asked to sing (yikes) It was cute.. we both got cut short about 1 line into the song (thank God!) and got to listen to the dolphins sing :) then we danced with them.. and yes I had to shake my bootie in front of the audience (again double yikes). After that humiliation apparently they felt me needed cooled off and I think I can say for once I am GLAD I wear glasses! I only got front soaked (yay for deciding at last minute to wear a dark shirt and jeans!). The other volunteered got splashed and then as we thought the dolphin was done he got soaked again. Lets just say drowned rat look is an apt description *lol* Then came the really FUN part! I got to play dunk the dolphin :) I held on to the dolphins tail and got to lift her up and down. This dolphin btw was the one who was the dolphin in the movie 50 first dates. I petted her as well when I got the chance :) Very cool skin, smoother then I thought it would be and not rubbery feeling but more just smooth.. It took me all the rest of the day in 100 degree temps to dry off (yep was soaked to the bone) but it was sooo worth it! I will post pics when I get a chance :)
Sunday, May 4, 2008
a snag hit?
Julian turns 3 on the 20th of this month... which means at the end of this month all of his early intervention services stop, like music therapy, speech, OT etc. We had been cut back on amount of times folks were coming out since things were grinding to a halt.
This weekend julian started stuttering. He still has some issues with vowels, word combos and such but not ever stuttered before. Now it seems to take several to MANY tries to get out any sentence starting with I and other starting phrases as well tho the word I seems to have the most issues. I have gotten him to slow down a little but it doesnt always help. I emailed his OT and speech therapists so hopefully someone can come out and see if we have a new problem arising or just a small bump in the road. My biggest fear is that as everyone pulls out and stops the home visits julian will end up backsliding and then we are stuck trying to get a school district that I am not happy with anyhow to do services.
on a different note..
julian is estatic that his birthday is finally nearing *lol* he keeps breaking out in happy birthday song.. and telling folks its his birthday :P I think we will do it at the local park and do a construction theme so the kids can play in the sand box and stuff and I will do buckets/shovels/dump trucks for goodie bags :) I can't believe he is almost 3!!!
This weekend julian started stuttering. He still has some issues with vowels, word combos and such but not ever stuttered before. Now it seems to take several to MANY tries to get out any sentence starting with I and other starting phrases as well tho the word I seems to have the most issues. I have gotten him to slow down a little but it doesnt always help. I emailed his OT and speech therapists so hopefully someone can come out and see if we have a new problem arising or just a small bump in the road. My biggest fear is that as everyone pulls out and stops the home visits julian will end up backsliding and then we are stuck trying to get a school district that I am not happy with anyhow to do services.
on a different note..
julian is estatic that his birthday is finally nearing *lol* he keeps breaking out in happy birthday song.. and telling folks its his birthday :P I think we will do it at the local park and do a construction theme so the kids can play in the sand box and stuff and I will do buckets/shovels/dump trucks for goodie bags :) I can't believe he is almost 3!!!
Friday, May 2, 2008
The wonder of a child :)
You know its funny...
You go through life, day to day and take a lot of things for granted.. or at least push them to the back of your mind. The magic and wonder you found as a child seems to get lost or at least forgotten as an adult, that is until you have a child show you just what has been missing.
Julian, while he is a major handful, also views the world with such joy and amazement it is hard NOT to join in. Take for instance his love of trains and tractors. He just loves it when we are driving and stumble on a construction site. Where before I would have grumbled about waiting in line to get to where I need to go, now I point out the tractors and hope we are going slow just so julian can have a chance to watch them dig up whatever they are working on. We even pull over sometimes and just sit and watch them build. I point out every garbage truck, firetruck, and police car I see on the road. I also now know where every train track lies on the way to school and to his dad's and constantly check to see if there is a train on the tracks even when he ISN'T in the car *grin*
Then there is the nature lessons as we stop to help a worm back into the grass so he won't dry out in the sun, or to help (grin) a cricket across the sidewalk and watch the squirrel that is determined to stuff his cheeks with every nut he can find. Or better yet... watch our footprints appear after splashing in the tiniest puddle that happens to show itself on a walk.
I am loving this peek back into my childhood and love to see what will next make my child gasp in joy and giggle like a maniac :)
You go through life, day to day and take a lot of things for granted.. or at least push them to the back of your mind. The magic and wonder you found as a child seems to get lost or at least forgotten as an adult, that is until you have a child show you just what has been missing.
Julian, while he is a major handful, also views the world with such joy and amazement it is hard NOT to join in. Take for instance his love of trains and tractors. He just loves it when we are driving and stumble on a construction site. Where before I would have grumbled about waiting in line to get to where I need to go, now I point out the tractors and hope we are going slow just so julian can have a chance to watch them dig up whatever they are working on. We even pull over sometimes and just sit and watch them build. I point out every garbage truck, firetruck, and police car I see on the road. I also now know where every train track lies on the way to school and to his dad's and constantly check to see if there is a train on the tracks even when he ISN'T in the car *grin*
Then there is the nature lessons as we stop to help a worm back into the grass so he won't dry out in the sun, or to help (grin) a cricket across the sidewalk and watch the squirrel that is determined to stuff his cheeks with every nut he can find. Or better yet... watch our footprints appear after splashing in the tiniest puddle that happens to show itself on a walk.
I am loving this peek back into my childhood and love to see what will next make my child gasp in joy and giggle like a maniac :)
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
On a different note... :-)
Well on the pain note, things are feeling better. everything has kinda faded into the background or else I have finally gotten used to it *ugh* I see the GI tomorrow anyhow so I will post more on that then.
Julian has his good and bad days. One group working with us briefly on his behavior has given me some charts to work with him on to see if he can learn to identify his moods and choose things to deescalate things. We also have a new referral in for more assistance since we lose all of his services like OT, behavior, Speech etc at age 3. which is less then 1 month away yikes!!
the newest and most annoying thing lately is our old senior cat! he has over the last month or so taken to singling out julians stuff and peeing all over it! today was almost the last straw when I noticed on the way out the door to take julian to school, that the diaper bag (which doubles as my purse) had been peed IN and on! *angry hiss* everything in it was soaked and reeking! I swear kitty has never liked julian taking over head child spot here but never has he been so vindictive :( I am very afraid if he keeps this up, I am going to have to find a place for him to live... away from here :( he is 17 yrs old this year too *sigh*
Julian has his good and bad days. One group working with us briefly on his behavior has given me some charts to work with him on to see if he can learn to identify his moods and choose things to deescalate things. We also have a new referral in for more assistance since we lose all of his services like OT, behavior, Speech etc at age 3. which is less then 1 month away yikes!!
the newest and most annoying thing lately is our old senior cat! he has over the last month or so taken to singling out julians stuff and peeing all over it! today was almost the last straw when I noticed on the way out the door to take julian to school, that the diaper bag (which doubles as my purse) had been peed IN and on! *angry hiss* everything in it was soaked and reeking! I swear kitty has never liked julian taking over head child spot here but never has he been so vindictive :( I am very afraid if he keeps this up, I am going to have to find a place for him to live... away from here :( he is 17 yrs old this year too *sigh*
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
And so the pain stays on...
Well it does appear I will be having this pain for awhile. The kidney stone is starting to move I think, so at least that should be done with soon. The cyst, they won't do anything for unless it causes complications. The hernia has probably been there for years.. this I can believe since I have had pain there for years. The gallstone.. may end up with surgery.
However my latest trip to the ER, yes I had to go back, the dr. thought maybe it was bilinary colitis. I thought colitis was a kids thing.. guess not :/ He gave me donnitol (spelling may be wrong) but it is a bellandonna agent with pain med added. It is suppose to help with the gut and make it relax. The pain does seem to be a little easier, thats for sure.
On other notes: Julian is, as usual, all over the map. He really loves school! If I could afford it I would send him full days. I want to start sending him 5 mornings a week once he turns 3, as we will no longer have music, OT, behavioral, speech therapies. Those were paid for by Alta and they end at age 3... but we also no longer need them *yay* Somedays his behavior is pretty typical 2, and I can handle that. Other days, it is like the faeries stole my child and left a changling in his place that has NO sense of right and wrong *cry*
Will post more hopefully soon as I can get things settled down here. Hugs to family and friends!
However my latest trip to the ER, yes I had to go back, the dr. thought maybe it was bilinary colitis. I thought colitis was a kids thing.. guess not :/ He gave me donnitol (spelling may be wrong) but it is a bellandonna agent with pain med added. It is suppose to help with the gut and make it relax. The pain does seem to be a little easier, thats for sure.
On other notes: Julian is, as usual, all over the map. He really loves school! If I could afford it I would send him full days. I want to start sending him 5 mornings a week once he turns 3, as we will no longer have music, OT, behavioral, speech therapies. Those were paid for by Alta and they end at age 3... but we also no longer need them *yay* Somedays his behavior is pretty typical 2, and I can handle that. Other days, it is like the faeries stole my child and left a changling in his place that has NO sense of right and wrong *cry*
Will post more hopefully soon as I can get things settled down here. Hugs to family and friends!
Monday, April 14, 2008
Whimper.... Medic!!!
*sigh* Once again I swear it should be an unwritten rule about getting sick when you are single parenting (or even a stay at home mom) of little ones!
This weekend I had the most wonderful massage... well earned and worth every penny! However the following morning I felt like death warmed over. I had assumed it was because I hadn't drank enough water to flush all the stored up toxins that were released. I tried to make up for it (even tho I thought I had been drinking plenty) and to no avail. Sunday night I tossed and turned and tried not to whimper to much in my sleep, for fear of waking Julian. After getting zero amount of sleep, I bundled julian up early and took him to school. I then drove to the ER down the street.
Turns out that it WASN'T the massage at all. Oh No... I couldn't be so lucky! No it turns out I had (yes all 4!)
1. a kidney stone,
2. a gall stone acting up again (did I mention I had my gall bladder REMOVED in 2001?? Since then I have been one of the rare and unlucky few that still produce them! I have had 3 removed since 2001 even, not counting this new one!)
3. a large ovarian cyst,
4. a small hernia in the female parts area too!
*whimper*
Somewhere out there I am sure there is a Fate laughing at me!!
*sigh*
This weekend I had the most wonderful massage... well earned and worth every penny! However the following morning I felt like death warmed over. I had assumed it was because I hadn't drank enough water to flush all the stored up toxins that were released. I tried to make up for it (even tho I thought I had been drinking plenty) and to no avail. Sunday night I tossed and turned and tried not to whimper to much in my sleep, for fear of waking Julian. After getting zero amount of sleep, I bundled julian up early and took him to school. I then drove to the ER down the street.
Turns out that it WASN'T the massage at all. Oh No... I couldn't be so lucky! No it turns out I had (yes all 4!)
1. a kidney stone,
2. a gall stone acting up again (did I mention I had my gall bladder REMOVED in 2001?? Since then I have been one of the rare and unlucky few that still produce them! I have had 3 removed since 2001 even, not counting this new one!)
3. a large ovarian cyst,
4. a small hernia in the female parts area too!
*whimper*
Somewhere out there I am sure there is a Fate laughing at me!!
*sigh*
Monday, April 7, 2008
It's the silly things sometimes...
Some of you know I play on Neopets, and have since mid 2000. It is one of my sanity savers, my stress reliever, the place where I can talk and call many folks friends. What a lot of folks see as a kids site, really isn't. Yes there are a lot of kids who play it now, and it has a lot of content geared towards them, but it actually started out as a college kid created site for bored college kids :P In fact over 20% of their players are over 18 and clear into their 80s. I only say this because I know a few who read this blog aren't neopet players.
I have been trying for a long time now, especially since neopets revamped their site to win the UserLookup trophy. Their user lookups are customizable using CSS and it has been a lot of fun creating graphics and code to redo mine. I have done many for friends and entered tons of times but to no avail.. till today!
**for those who aren't neopets players the below links won't work.. but here is an example of my winning UL. If interested in signing up for a neopets acct, it is free, and I have a referral link listed here in the places of interest :)
http://www.kroegercreations.com/ulsnapshot.png
This had me jumping for joy and screaming :D silly maybe but finally custom graphics and code won and proved that Neo can finally chose complete revamps (before most tended to be all of one style... very frustrating!)
and then to boot one of my pets got chosen 1st place in the custimization awards too!!
Week of:
March 31, 2008
Neocash
1st
Pet: Wallie2000
Owner: ickle_pengu
Lets just say.. it has been a real NICE day!! :)
I have been trying for a long time now, especially since neopets revamped their site to win the UserLookup trophy. Their user lookups are customizable using CSS and it has been a lot of fun creating graphics and code to redo mine. I have done many for friends and entered tons of times but to no avail.. till today!
**for those who aren't neopets players the below links won't work.. but here is an example of my winning UL. If interested in signing up for a neopets acct, it is free, and I have a referral link listed here in the places of interest :)
http://www.kroegercreations.com/ulsnapshot.png
| |  [theneopetsteam] The Neopets Staff » Make this user your Neofriend |
| Sent: | 7/4/2008 05:12pm |
| Folder: | Inbox |
| Subject: | You won the Lookup of the Week! |
| Message: | Congratulations! Your User Lookup has been chosen as a winner and is currently on display on the Lookup of the Week page. To see your winning entry, visit http://www.neopets.com/ul_spotlight.phtml . A nifty trophy has also been added to your lookup. Hoorah! |
This had me jumping for joy and screaming :D silly maybe but finally custom graphics and code won and proved that Neo can finally chose complete revamps (before most tended to be all of one style... very frustrating!)
and then to boot one of my pets got chosen 1st place in the custimization awards too!!
Week of:
March 31, 2008
Neocash
1st
Pet: Wallie2000
Owner: ickle_pengu
Lets just say.. it has been a real NICE day!! :)
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Crawls away and hides
Ok.. Now I know it is said the more your child loves you the more they test you. But is there ever a point where your child can love you to much?? *sigh* Some days Julian's behavior just goes beyond the extreme :( Yesterday was one of the ones that fall into the "refund please" category of having enough :/
He woke up out of sorts. He threw minor fits all morning and then the turning point seemed to be when the cat jumped off the computer table and landed on julian's foot. Yep, you guessed right, claws were out and toes got scratched :( we spent 30 minutes crying full sobs. He wanted to be cuddled.. then threw my arms off yet still rocked. then he told me to go away and sat and cried into the rug. when I went to leave he threw a fit because I wasnt holding him. *shakes head* I should have known we had hit that stage where nothing is working and nothing can help. We left to get some lunch and came home and the simple request of asking him to remove his shoes, made everything come undone. he screamed for an hour, hitting, head butting, kicking... finally I removed his trains and put them in the closet. I told him he could have them back when he took them off. after me having to wander about and try not to get hurt (me not him mind you) he finally sat down and took them off. I gave him back his trains and things were fine for awhile. Of course he calmed down just before HOPE Consulting came for thier visit (behavorist group). HOPE has been out to evaluate his behavior issues.
Then later a nap set it off, he didnt want to. On fridays I usually insist because we go out to dinner with family and he isnt fit for public if he doesnt nap. All hell broke loose again and after 2 hours of him constantly hitting, screaming etc I lost it and ended up crying. Called my mom and she told julian that she didnt want to see him if he was throwing a fit. What does he do then? calms down and stops crying! WTF??? grrrrrr we did end up going to dinner and he was asleep by the time we got home.
I think I could probably handle the fits easier if he wasnt so damn violent and I wasnt trying to cope myself. Maybe parents without bipolar or even parents that have both in the household can deal but for me there are times where it seems like I am losing the battle.
He woke up out of sorts. He threw minor fits all morning and then the turning point seemed to be when the cat jumped off the computer table and landed on julian's foot. Yep, you guessed right, claws were out and toes got scratched :( we spent 30 minutes crying full sobs. He wanted to be cuddled.. then threw my arms off yet still rocked. then he told me to go away and sat and cried into the rug. when I went to leave he threw a fit because I wasnt holding him. *shakes head* I should have known we had hit that stage where nothing is working and nothing can help. We left to get some lunch and came home and the simple request of asking him to remove his shoes, made everything come undone. he screamed for an hour, hitting, head butting, kicking... finally I removed his trains and put them in the closet. I told him he could have them back when he took them off. after me having to wander about and try not to get hurt (me not him mind you) he finally sat down and took them off. I gave him back his trains and things were fine for awhile. Of course he calmed down just before HOPE Consulting came for thier visit (behavorist group). HOPE has been out to evaluate his behavior issues.
Then later a nap set it off, he didnt want to. On fridays I usually insist because we go out to dinner with family and he isnt fit for public if he doesnt nap. All hell broke loose again and after 2 hours of him constantly hitting, screaming etc I lost it and ended up crying. Called my mom and she told julian that she didnt want to see him if he was throwing a fit. What does he do then? calms down and stops crying! WTF??? grrrrrr we did end up going to dinner and he was asleep by the time we got home.
I think I could probably handle the fits easier if he wasnt so damn violent and I wasnt trying to cope myself. Maybe parents without bipolar or even parents that have both in the household can deal but for me there are times where it seems like I am losing the battle.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Rite of passage...
Well my son has officially passed into childhood... he went to his first birthday party today. It was at a new Bounce House that just opened in Folsom and the kids went wild! That part was great.. four of the kids, my son, the birthday boy and two other friends from school were inseparable.. it was like watching the four musketeers :P And it is nice to finally put a face to who Jack was, since julian always is saying Jack did this and Jack did that. However he had such a hard time when it came to the pizza/cake time.. and the real hard time of watching the birthday boy open gifts and not get to touch :( poor kid. How do you explain to a 2yr old that his birthday is coming up really soon? *sigh* The parents of this little boy hired a professional photographer and I have offered to put them together on a website. I personally am hoping some good ones were taken of my son ;)
Saturday, March 29, 2008
The little things...
Well Julian is spending the weekend at his dads and while I love the little hellion to death, it is nice to be able to breathe occasionally. Not to mention catching up on the impossible such as cleaning, laundry and the important stuff... like a nap ;) Things which are doable when julian is around but definitely alot easier when he isnt. I used to feel such guilt when he went to his dads for the weekend and I "relaxed". I used to think it meant I must not love him if I didn't want to be around him all the time. I have come to accept that mommy time is allowed, to not feel guilty for wanting a bath without interruptions, and that sometimes it is good for us both to be apart. I have a much better appreciation (and envy) for families with both parents there. I never got pregnant with the intention of doing this solo, but sometimes life throws a fast ball and you have to catch and make do with what you can. As much as I can not deal with his dad, I would NEVER trade having Julian for anything! If it meant doing it over and over I would, as long as it meant having this wonderful ball of energy to love and raise!
On a side note tho.. I am so excited! I get to go see Phantom of the Opera for my birthday! Granted my birthday isn't until Aug 1 but they are here in town from mid May through mid June and my mom got me tickets. I haven't been to the Ballet or anything artsy in like forever and I do so miss it! The last time I saw Phantom was in San Fransisco in I believe 1989 or 1990 with a friend from work. I can't wait!!
On a side note tho.. I am so excited! I get to go see Phantom of the Opera for my birthday! Granted my birthday isn't until Aug 1 but they are here in town from mid May through mid June and my mom got me tickets. I haven't been to the Ballet or anything artsy in like forever and I do so miss it! The last time I saw Phantom was in San Fransisco in I believe 1989 or 1990 with a friend from work. I can't wait!!
Friday, March 28, 2008
Question to ponder: Do you lose hair from stress, or is it the result of pulling it out in frustration?
Or maybe my question is a catch-22 moot point? *lol* Sigh... Why is it when your child is sick, you have to be sick too? There should be some universal law (Murphy's be hanged!) that won't allow a parent and their child to be sick simultaneously! At least julian, health wise, is feeling better. His infection seems to be backing off. The lab results came back showing E-coli. Excuse me? Wanna run that by me again lab? Sheesh! How the heck? Any number of possibilities I assume but *shakes head* sheesh!
Behavior wise... Julian as usual is off the charts :( Nap time has become a literal war zone, and I seem to be the usual casualty :/ I know he loves me! He always tells me so, kisses me and gives me hugs... yet at the same time this little man can hit, kick, scratch, smack, bite.. you name it with out any conscience getting in the way! He doesn't seem to (or maybe want to?) understand that it just isn't funny when you hurt someone *sigh* I have tried to raise him with options, feeling that spanking, flicking or stuff of that nature is wrong because I can't understand how he is to learn not to hit etc if someone is doing that to him in response. This child changes his mood (and mind) more then I do at the height of a manic swing! I have a bad (sad) feeling he did not escape my Bipolar. Only time will tell I guess.
He is at his dad's this weekend so hopefully at least I can get well before Sunday night, or at least healthier. Rest is definitely on the agenda (squished somewhere in there between laundry, house cleaning and all those wonderful impossible things when julian is running around like a mad chicken :P)
Behavior wise... Julian as usual is off the charts :( Nap time has become a literal war zone, and I seem to be the usual casualty :/ I know he loves me! He always tells me so, kisses me and gives me hugs... yet at the same time this little man can hit, kick, scratch, smack, bite.. you name it with out any conscience getting in the way! He doesn't seem to (or maybe want to?) understand that it just isn't funny when you hurt someone *sigh* I have tried to raise him with options, feeling that spanking, flicking or stuff of that nature is wrong because I can't understand how he is to learn not to hit etc if someone is doing that to him in response. This child changes his mood (and mind) more then I do at the height of a manic swing! I have a bad (sad) feeling he did not escape my Bipolar. Only time will tell I guess.
He is at his dad's this weekend so hopefully at least I can get well before Sunday night, or at least healthier. Rest is definitely on the agenda (squished somewhere in there between laundry, house cleaning and all those wonderful impossible things when julian is running around like a mad chicken :P)
Monday, March 24, 2008
When kids are sick (sigh)
I feel for my little one. He once again has an infection in his little boy parts :( It seems since we started school he has had one illness after another. As if he needed something else to cause him difficulties! When he gets out of schedule too, man does life get interesting here at the house! He gets so frustrated and mad and I am the one who is always blessed (can you hear the sarcasm here?) to witness his meltdowns.
Today we went to get his prescriptions filled together since his school told me he was not welcomed until he had been on antibiotics for minimum 24 hours. After arriving at the pharmacy, I discovered the Dr. who helped us the second time in the ER didn't sign the prescription form, didn't date it, nothing! So after being on hold for an hour with my son's Dr.'s office, then being transferred to the ER triage nurse, who then transferred me again to the pediatric ER nurse, I got left on terminal hold.. and then my cell phone battery died. *head desk*
Son had had enough, I was fed up and he melts down full force in the car. Prompting a trip home instead of to the park like we had planned. Let me tell you, full force screaming of a 2yr old in a closed car is enough to deafen the deafest! :( And no.. never did get the prescription fixed! *sigh* I need a vacation! :P
Today we went to get his prescriptions filled together since his school told me he was not welcomed until he had been on antibiotics for minimum 24 hours. After arriving at the pharmacy, I discovered the Dr. who helped us the second time in the ER didn't sign the prescription form, didn't date it, nothing! So after being on hold for an hour with my son's Dr.'s office, then being transferred to the ER triage nurse, who then transferred me again to the pediatric ER nurse, I got left on terminal hold.. and then my cell phone battery died. *head desk*
Son had had enough, I was fed up and he melts down full force in the car. Prompting a trip home instead of to the park like we had planned. Let me tell you, full force screaming of a 2yr old in a closed car is enough to deafen the deafest! :( And no.. never did get the prescription fixed! *sigh* I need a vacation! :P
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