Looking Back...

Thinking about the little things and looking back to how things with Mr. Frogmans school started and all of the school officials telling me I should have him medicated. He is hyper or he is way too distracted. Yet when I had him repeat what the teacher said for the last 5 minutes he would repeat it word for word including any comments by any student to answer questions, verbatim. This would baffle yet infurtiate school staff,Teachers, psychologists, special ed. No one had an answer. They recommended testing, during one parent meeting. I asked for what and they continued to tell me add or adhd.

Having worked with children for 14 years I knew that was not the case. I had already done the research but could not afford the independent psychologist testing without the help of my ex husband or Mr. Frogman's dad. I was finally able to convince Mr. Frogmans dad that we really needed this, he finally acquiesced.

One week later I was in the office of a psychologist recommended to me by other parents. She met with my son for a few hours and then we got to go home. A week later Mr. Frogman and I went back. As he politely requested to play the computer game again while the doctor and I talked. She agreed and he was off to the computer. The psychologist and I sat and talked. She explained what tests she ran. She went over the test results and showed where he didn't show ADD or ADHD but where the spectrum ran differently into the Autistic side. She continued on. All I could think of was, my son was autistic. What did that mean? What do I do? Who do I go to for help? What can I do for him? How will this change our life?

After some tears, and trying to explain to his dad who would not accept there was anything wrong and told me that I could handle this. I thought to myself of all times to really be a single parent. Who do you talk to? Who can you rely on? Who is going to support you through this emotionally? Where do you turn? What do I do now? It took me 24 hours to turn this thought process around. Within the next week I had done so much research on autism and the spectrum. Treatments and procedures, possible causes, attempted cures. I know I didn't get all the information. I did get enough how ever to know what I did or didn't want to do. I was not going to medicate my child or put him through many unneeded tests if there was no "cure" to autism. This is something we were going to live with and do what we could to make life the best for us.

Having ended a marriage where my husband made most of the decisions I was on my feet in full motion at this point. Was I going to fight or flight on this one. Of course being the mom I only wanted what was best for Mr. Frogman that was and is still the only thing that matters. If you met him on the street you would not know he was autistic he is high functioning. But if you meet with him one on one or in social or large group settings you will notice a big change. If you change the rules, not follow a schedule or routine thats when you will notice a huge difference in him, his attitude, behavior and attention span. He becomes quite different.

It was time for me to stop being teh behind the scenes mom to the parent at the forefront of the offensive lines. It took me about 20 minutes into the firt meeting to realize that I had to take charge. The first few school meetings were not good ones. Everyone kept treating me as though I didn't know what was going on. Below are the accounts of what happened in the third meting where for me at that time a light bulb came on and enough for me was enough. It goes like this:

All names have been changed so as not to jeopardize anyones position.

SCHOOL

Have you ever had a time when someone gets between you and your child or your way of doing things? Usually it is a government office or the school district in my case they are almost one in the same. In the past year my son was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, which is a form of Autism. In order to best suit his needs I met with the school to see what programs were available to him. Over the course of his life as we went through I made sure to engage him in activities to keep him calm and kept him on a routine which I found he took to very well. As with any school system they recommend programs that they feel will best suit the child’s needs. The school psychologist and I since I was in high school (as he was my high school psychologist too) never got along. He always thought, in my opinion, that I may have needed help. With my brother having set the standard by being as active and outgoing and crazy acting as he could be, it gave me a lot to have to correct and live up to. He was a tough act to follow.

Going into the meeting not only had the school psychologist not had in front of him my sons diagnosis of which I had provided for them a few months prior so that I could get my son the help he needed through the district, he did not keep current on everything that was going on. When I walked into this meeting I felt like it was me against everyone. His first grade teacher was pushing for putting him on some sort of medication. The nurse wanted me to check out various other activities that could possibly help. Everyone had their own opinion of what they wanted for my son and they felt that what they wanted was what was best for him. I did not agree.

As his father and I agreed when we separated that I would take on the task of making sure I provided for his education and well being as far as what he needed with his diagnosis and if I needed anything to just ask. As his father he would step in and help provide for his son as necessary.

I went into this meeting and felt as though I was up against the world. But felt that I had all the power as this was my child and who to best make the decisions for him but me. I kept that in the forefront of my mind as this meeting started. The nine people around the table wanted what was best for my son and felt that what they wanted was right. I listened as each person who was involved with my son in some way or another at school gave their input. Then the school psychologist looked at me and asked me to sign some forms. I was looking at them and I looked up and asked what these were. As I had started to read he explained that they were the classes they wanted to place my son in over the next year. I looked them over then asked what kind of schedule this was going to create for him, as my son thrived on a set routine and schedule. It was set up something like this: Every Monday he would attend a friendship group from 11:30 to 12:00 and have lunch, Every Tuesday and Friday he would go to occupational therapy in the afternoon to work on his fine motor skills, Every Thursday he would go to another class of sorts to work on his large motor skills. Then Monday through Thursday he would attend another class after his lunch recess. Wednesday there was another class they wanted him to attend. At this point I was confused and going in circles as I had the normal daily classroom schedule as well and was trying to coordinate what he was going to miss there and what he would gain from doing all these classes. I made notes and wrote out his weekly schedule combined with what his classroom had planned each day and was trying to figure out how this was going to work. The more I tried to see how it was going to help the more I saw it hindering. The times they scheduled for him interfered with the things at school that he looked forward to.

For a child who needed a set routine I was confused. How was he to have a set routine with this kind of schedule and be part of his regular class at the same time? Just reading over it had my mind going in circles.

The school psychologist handed me a pen and said if you will just sign right here Mrs. Murphy we can get things set up. I took the pen and looked at the sheet sitting in front of me. My mind was running and he wasn’t scoring any points with my trying to rush me into signing the forms. I was taking my time purposely when the psychologist pointed out the locations to sign which were plainly obvious. I’m sure he was thinking, “Boy is she slow.” When I looked up and put the pen down. He gave me a very curious look. I then looked at him and around the table and asked how much money is my sons’ diagnosis was bringing in to this school? They looked at me somewhat stunned. What they didn’t know is I had done my research on the district and what funds were available to them by the state and other sources for children with disabilities. The more I thought about all they were trying to have my son do the more I was thinking they were looking at the dollar signs.

The psychologist hadn’t realized I was getting angry with what they were hurriedly trying to push thinking I didn’t know any better. I asked many questions and had done extensive research finding I had already done a lot of the things necessary for my son to deal with his disability. I had him involved in activities that had clearly defined rules and boundaries. I had him involved in social groups that kept him interacting with other children his age. I had it set in my mind what would be best for him and what I felt he needed. As I started to say something I was immediately interrupted by the psychologist who again stated, “Mrs. Murphy, we have designed a plan that we feel will most appropriately meet your sons needs. If you will just sign here…” At that point I interrupted him. I asked him how much one on one time he has had to spend with my child. He responded with, “I have spent about 2 hours a week with your child over the past month working with him on skills to see what level he is at.” I just nodded and became even more frustrated but didn’t say anything else as of yet. The meeting was going on longer than they had anticipated and I hadn’t signed the forms yet. I looked up at him and stated because he had spent 8-10 hours over the course of a month with my child that told him he knew what was best? “Mrs. Murphy, I do have a Masters Degree in Child Psychology so I would think I would know what I am talking about.” It was the wrong thing to say to an already frustrated person. I’m sure by this point they could see the frustration on my face. So I looked at him and said, “And I don’t know what I am talking about? I have spent the last 8 years with my child. I know likes, dislikes, things that set him off and keep him calm, the age group he prefers to socialize in. I can read his feelings and keep him on an even keel with a positive attitude and allowing him hands on learning. Do you think I do not know what is best for him?”

At this point the principal who was sitting quietly at the end of the table sat up and was listening intently to the conversation. I believe he sensed my frustration and could see I was reaching my boiling point. The psychologist went on about what was best for my child and how with his Masters Degree gave him the knowledge to know how to work with and what was in the best interests of children. As he was going on I was becoming angry. I had just been insulted. I interpreted what he was saying was I was a mom without a degree in psychology that it meant I didn’t know anything nor did I know what was best for my child. While the psychologist was talking the principal called out his name lightly, then again a second time a little more loudly. When the psychologist looked at him he stated that I think we need to give Ms. Mohar some time to think about the decision she is about to make for her son. The psychologist looked at me again and stated, “Mrs. Murphy, do you need any of these things explained to you?” I looked up at him and met his gaze. In a very calm voice I said to him with teeth clenched, “Number one, there is only one person in this room who has gotten my name correct. If you were aware of what you are doing you would have realized along time ago that my name is no longer Murphy. If you look at all the contact paperwork in front of you, you will see that the last name is Mohar. Number two, I have understood and interpreted every word you have said very clearly you do not have to treat me as though I am a child. He then went on and stated that if I knew what was best for my child I would sign the form. I at that point stood up as did the principal and he went to say something and I looked at him and said I will say what I have to say first. I took the form he had given me and torn it in half in front of him. No one else around the room had said a single word during this time period. I looked at him and said that I would make the decisions for my child and what I was seeing was not in my child’s best interests it looked as though it was in the schools best interests financially. The psychologist then stood up and said that he would know what was best he had a Masters Degree in Psychology. I looked directly at him and stated that I may not have a Masters Degree in Psychology but I do a document that would supercede his Masters Degree, I have a birth certificate with mine and my sons name on it and until his name was on that certificate, which would only happen over my dead body, I would be the one responsible for making the decisions that were in my child’s best interests. I stated exactly what classes I wanted my son in and after looking at the schedule his teacher had provided and the class times they were offering I had, during all of this, put together a schedule for my son that was consistent and gave him the necessary tools that I could not give him at home. I then walked out of the meeting stating that I would call them to reschedule any meetings necessary and I would be contacting each of them individually. I would under no certain circumstances meet with the school psychologist again.

The principal followed me out of the meeting and stated that he knew there was conflict with the psychologist and I from the beginning. I looked at him and stated again when it comes to the well being of my child I am not one to be reckoned with. He laughed and very quietly stated that he had been waiting for someone to knock him down a bit he was too big for his britches. But most parents feel because he is educated they can’t argue with him. I told him that I may not have a degree but again I do have a birth certificate and that far outweighs his degree. I also am not stupid and to be treated as such does not fly with me. He chuckled and said apparently so. Two days later the principal invited me in to another meeting where we sat down and again went over the classes they wanted to have my son attend. I had had ample time to go over my sons daily schedule with his teacher as well as what programs were going to best work with the Occupational Therapy Teacher as well as the Special Education Teacher, Reading Specialist and Nurse with time to go over what I could do at home to best work with him. We again had the same group meet to go over the classes.

The school Psychologist was again in this meeting and again attempted to try to get me to sign the form with all the classes. I looked at him and put my hand up, which immediately silenced him. He was not going to get away with running this meeting. It was my turn. I looked around the table and thanked everyone for coming. I then wrote on the form that I was too sign, the class schedule that worked best for my son. I had managed to get him into classes Monday through Friday in the same room at the same time of day but with the different instructors. Mondays he would join the friendship group for lunch and then meet with the Special Education teacher for his writing and problem solving social skills. Tuesday through Thursday he kept the same schedule with the Special Education Teacher at the same time of day to handle the transitions and go over his writing skills. Then on Fridays he would meet with the Occupational Therapist who would work on his Large and fine motor skills testing and send home a report to me so that I could work on specific activities with him over the course of the next week.

The school psychologists face turned beat red. I then looked at him to try and make the point hit home much further to him as I’m sure it already had. I said to the group that it had taken me approximately 2 hours to look over his schedules and the needs that needed to be met and a few phone calls to see if this was doable. After talking with everyone and the wonderful cooperation on behalf of all involved we managed to work out a schedule that included the teachers and me in meeting the needs of my son. Amazing how far a birth certificate will get you in life.

This is one of the many stories I have written. Many of them humorous about the simple things in our life. I found this to be one of the harder ones but Mr. Frogman is and always will be worth the fight. I know he is not as "autistic" as I was told the other day. He is autistic only high functioning although not all attributes show up at school we see alot more at home where he is more comfortable in his environment to share his feelings and some behaviours. We have alot of structure and routine. When Mr. Frogman does homework so does mom. I can't leave the homework table until he is done. He has to read for 3o minutes. Dinner always comes before reading time not after. We are pretty stuck to our routine. It is difficult to explain but I am pretty sure most of you know what I am talking about. We have our share of outbursts and tantrums, social ineptness plus much more. But I am blessed to have him just the way he is.

The Little Things!

I had someone comment that my blog is boring. So be it, it's boring. I could sit and talk about corporate taxes for a small S-Corp company but what fun would that be? Besides, I would not post information about my company online. I would be a fool! Not only that what would be the point of posting about my full time job at a mortgage company as well? I would sound as though I was whining. Usually when I complain about my job that's all it is is whining.

I would prefer to laugh at the little things. Let me share one of these moments of the "Little Things". Mr. Frogman for those that don't remember or don't know is Autistic. For Mr. FM to show emotion is very rare. About 2 years ago we were visiting our friends Intimidator and his son Intimidator Jr. As we were leaving for the evening I looked at Mr. Frogman and said, "You need to say good bye." All of a sudden Mr. Frogman turned around and hugged Intimidator. I took a shocking step backwards. Intimidator and my eyes met, he saw the look of shock and realized what had just happened. Mr. Frogman had made a huge step in showing feelings and emotions. Without coercion he showed affection for someone other than a parent. Intimidator felt very priveledged that Mr. FM would show the affection to him. I could feel the tears welling in my eyes and see his mist over as well. He shook his head no to indicate to me not to cry, I was so happy.

This may not seem like much to anyone but for us it was a huge break through. He was opening up to other people. These little things are what we look for on a daily basis.

The happenings of my business, getting my book published, or even my job are nothing in comparison to my son being able to live his life day to day and focus on what is important, family, friends, sense of humor and the basics. We take our days one step at a time and one day at a time.

Oh no! Not Again?!?!?

Mr. Frogman came home today, he and Monkey Dude Jr (MDJ) had a good time at his dad's. They were demonstrating when I got to his dads to pick him up how to jump 10 feet down from the top of the swing set to the ground. Wow! Nothing like an emergency room visit waiting to happen. My only thought was, "Get down before you hurt yourself or you break something!!" Instead of reacting that way what I said to him was, "I know you can jump down from there but I would prefer at this time if you didn't." He immediately saw my reaction and climbed much lower and then jumped I'm sure to make me happy and keep me from panicking too much at him jumping.

We again sat down to dinner only to have someone at the table decide to make bodily function noises at the table. Mr. Frogman sat there and smirked and then broke out laughing completely. No one knew what was funny until we started to sniff and all of a sudden almost everyone had to leave the table. I couldnt believe it he had us leaving the table! I finally when everyone stopped choking and laughing asked him what he had had at his dad's house. He replied, "Chili!" I laughed as I had served home made chili for dinner. I couldnt believe it. I was going to have to deal with him passing gas for the next few days with all the beans he ate in the lasat 2 days. It will be a never ending session of bodily function noises.

Trucker came over to visit this weekend for his once a week, while he is at home visits. I sure miss seeing him home more than this. We used to have some really good conversations when I lived in his house. Now, we still have good conversations it just seems short since we aren't under the same roof. Although he sure misses Mr. Frogman a lot. Mr Frogman used to run out the door when Trucker would come home in his large truck and wait for him to park and just watch in awe as the big sleeper truck would pull into the driveway. Now that Trucker has to park his truck in a permitted lot Mr Frogman can't see it as often. Although it didn't diminish Mr. Frogman's excitement to see his Uncle tonight. He sure missed him.

I took Mr. Frogman over to his grandparents to pick up his clarinet. They wanted to do something for their grandchildren for school this year. Being that the older 2 are taking band they wanted to rent their instrument for the year. They picked it up today and I took Mr. Frogman over to pick it up. As he got out of the car he was giggling and he shut the door to the car quickly and ran to his grandma (his dad's mom and dad) and gave her a big hug. He is as tall as she is right now. As he ran to her he was giggling and I didn't know why. After we spent a few minutes visiting as it was late, we went to leave. I climbed into the car only to have to suddenly role down the windows. Mr. Frogman broke into laughter. I had to drive with the windows down for a good 2 minutes to clear the air. Mr. Frogman finally admitted he had passed gas in the car before he got out and that it still smelled by the time we got back into the car. He kept laughing as I tried to breathe. You would think he could wait until he got out of the car...but noooooo....he had to leave it all in the car. He must have laughed halfway home. Not only that but he laughed at grandmas and grandpas too as he had let loose there and no one said anything. We all just kept stepping away from Mr. FM.

I guess this is something I am just going to have to get used to. You would think Iwould be used to it by now. **Sigh** Not yet....

Stunningly Amazing...

After our history, even though we are still friends, my ex husband and Mr. Frogmans dad (one in the same) sometimes absolutely amazes me. Last night, Friday, Mr. Frogmans dad Septic Man came to pick him up for his weekend stay at his house. It's an every other weekend occurance. Not only did he want Mr. Frogman but he invited Monkey Dude Jr too! Suddenly Wolfman, Little Sister and I are at home and we can't think of a spur of the moment thing to do. As we sat there discussing it, my only thought was that I wanted to sleep. I had been up since 4:30 in the morning, at work since 7am and finally off work at 6:30pm and home by 7pm. As we sat in the living room pondering what to do, Wolfmans cousin came over to visit for a bit. During his visit I put him in contact with my brother Trucker, since they both like to ride motorcycles and he wanted to see if he wanted to go for a ride. It was all good and I told him to call me back sometime tonight.

I decided by 10pm my day was over. I climbed into bed after a 20 minute hot tub soak and went to sleep. I woke up suddenly to my cell phone ringing. My brother Trucker was calling and it was a quarter to 12. My own fault I told him to call me anytime that night and he did. We talked about his week and then hung up. I curled up under the soft, warm fuzzy, very inviting blankets and put my head on the pillow and I was out.

What seemed like only minutes later my phone was ringing again. Who would be calling me at midnight I thought? I looked down at the phone and it was my baby sister. If she was calling something was wrong. She would never call me in the middle of the night unless it was an emergency. I missed the call and called her right back. She was in tears. She needed me to come and pick her up. When I asked her where she was she didn't know, all she knew is that she had gotten into a fight iwth a friend and the friend clocked her good in the eye, the fire department and police department were there and they needed someone to come and pick her up. I asked her to hand her phone to the nearest person fire or police. They told me her location and I set out. Wolfman had heard the phone ring and part of the conversation and volunteered to come along to drive her car home.

I had thought it was about 12:30 am and looked at the clock when I climbed into the car. It was 3:30 am! I felt like Mr.Frogman at dinner wearing the invisible cape and holding the sword shouting, "Here I come to save the day!" Big sister to the rescue.

Come to find out she had been drinking and her and her friend from kindergarten had gotten into a fight. Good Ol' Cat Fight between 2 girls who were drunk. I finally got her home and managed to drag my sorry back end back to bed by 5:30am after another 20 minute soak in the hot tub to relax again. And here I thought I was going to get to sleep in with no kids at home to wake me up to the sound of cartoons Saturday morning. Although after last night I would have rather dealt with that than someone drunk and puking.

As I headed into work this morning, yes yes I had to work today too, I called Mr.Frogmans dad to arrange pick up of Monkey Dude Jr. It was all set, we were to go out to the house, have dinner with their family and get MDJ and come home. I would pick up Mr. FM tomorrow so he would have one more day with his dad.

I headed out to pick up Monkey Dude Jr from my ex husbands house tonight when I get a call that says he is asking to stay another night. Wolfman of course agrees as he knows he is having fun. We sit here again wondering what to do or if we should attempt another good night's sleep. I will sit here and ponder a bit more and see what happens. The hot tub beckons again....Ohhh a massage sounds so good too! Hmmmmm.....Wolfman what are you up to???? ;)

Daily Dose of Dinner

We now have dinner around the table so we can talk about our day and what has happened or what is happening during the week or weekend. The current topic is the camp out coming up for Boy Scouts. Sheriff joined us last night for a Boy Scout Patrol meeting and dinner. We do this every Tuesday (and this week on Thursday). In return Notyouraveragemom--Sheriff's mom, will take Mr. Frogman home once a week after Acting Class on Tuesdays. So once again this year Tuesdays will be our busiest day of the week. Acting Class, Boy Scouts, Cross Country, No band on Tuesdays his days have changed Woohoo! And of course school. These are all the activities Mr. Frogman has chosen to want to participate in, nothing encouraged by mom. He told me he was going to do them and I explained that I had to arrange transportation. I made arrangements with work and Sheriffs mom so we exchange time and she is always more than willing to help out.

We were all sitting down to dinner last night. Chicken patties, mac n cheese, green beans, milk, pickles and olives on the side. Oh yeah and Mr. Frogmans favorite pepperacinis. As we sat talking about the school year with Sheriff and Mr. Frogman and Monkey Dude Jr. the topic of conversation turned to, what else? Bodily Function noises. Go figure only 4 boys around the table I was quite out numbered. Although it came to laughing so much, I still don't think from what I have been told that they will grow out of finding bodily function noises funny. Eventually Mr. Frogman finished his dinner, excused himself and showed up with a blanket tied around like a cape and his Star Wars light up light saber and announces with Fan Fare (Da da da dunt da dah!) "Here I come to save the day! I will fight off all farts, burps and tummy grumbles." All fo a sudden he pulled out a can of lysol smelly spray and says, "Okay now I am fully armed." We all started laughing and he stood there with a completely straight face in a heroes stance ready to save the world from bodily function smells. Amazing what they think of.

Sweeeeeet! Peace

It has been a while since I heard this sound at home. This is my first morning at home this week where I have not rushed out the door at 5:30 am to get Wolfman to work by his scheduled time and then myself into work 2 hours early. I got Wolfman to the bus at 5:30 instead and came home to have a few minutes to myself before the hustle and bustle begins. Sweet silence.

It's amazing what 20 minutes to yourself does for your whole day. Peace and quiet, news on in the background to get caught up on the daily headlines, cup of fresh brewed Starbucks coffee (my youngest sister works there have to support her) Yes yes it's decaf! I am still having to pretend it's not so my body will think it's getting it's caffeine rush. Besides I add enough milk to make it more of a mocha without the chocolate (chocolate not my favorite).

It is sooooo nice to sit here not having to listen to Mr. Frogman and MonkeyDude Jr. argue over whether or not a hand towel found in the laundry is mine or Wolfmans. Amazing the small things they argue over.

I am noticing the sounds of the house. We have been in this house for 6 weeks and I am learning the sounds when a car drives by, the wind blows, when it rains, the hot tub, dryer vent outside, and now the buzzing of alarm clocks as they start to go off. Little Sisters goes off first. She gets up at 6am on schedule so she is ready if I have to leave for work early to get the boys up and out of bed. I am so lucky to have her here. This is a 500% improvement over where she was living and I prefer her to be near me adn Wolfman than living in a room to rent in what I consider the slum area of North of Seattle. It works for her so she is close to her family (She is Wolfmans sister and Monkey Dude Jr's aunt) and it works for Wolfman and me as far as getting the kids onto the bus. We don't have to use daycare any longer and pay out the kazzu for that for either one of the kids. Mr. Frogman is old enough that he doesn't need daycare and can get himself on and off the bus (he is responsible enough too but still) I was not ready to have him do that this year. He will be headed off to **(dare I say it again?)** Junior High next year...and he will have to be getting himself up and going.

There goes Mr. Frogmans alarm...it's only a matter of time. He has to take some time to wake up and get going. He is a slow starter but once he starts he is going and going. Monkey Dude doesn't get up for another hour yet. I make sure he gets more sleep, he seems to need it.

It's on to another fun day!

School Follow Ups!

The first day of school was fantastic. Mr. Frogman and Monkeydude Jr would not let either Wolfman or myself in the front door until we heard in detail about their day at School.

Mr. Frogman is so excited. One more year and off to Middle School or Junior High (whatever they call it now) he goes. He is so growing up.

He has a teacher at school Mrs. P. She has been with him since the 4th grade. This year she is only with him 2 days a week. I so miss her and all our conversations.

The Sheriffs Mom and I are finally catching up after a long summer of not being able to get together. Curriculum night was tonight and I found Mr. Frogmans desk with no issue. I sat down and of course The Sheriff and Mr. Frogman get to sit next to one another (they are the closest of friends at school). I asked both Sheriffs mom with a grin and a giggle if that was a wise decision. She laughed with me. We know how they are together.

Mr. Frogman has 2 male teachers. He is so excited about this year and how things are going to go. He gets to comment on his teachers website and parents have access to go in and read. I can see he is going to do great things both this year and in the future. Considering I am really scared for next year. I think mom has more trepidation for what is to come than he does.

**SIGH**

They grow up so fast.....He is now almost as tall as me and I am 5'10"

Funny story of the night...things I would never expect from Mr. Frogman...

Sitting around the table tonight (most of these things happen around the dinner table) we have been discussing jokes getting old and dying. When they die it's time to stop telling these jokes and put them to rest.

Wolfman was teasing Little Sister about trying to ask me a question over dinner (I don't even remember what the question was) he kept interrupting and saying, "Huh? What? What'd ya say?"

He wore it out time and again. It was funny for the first few times but got old rather quickly. Mr. Frogman looked at Wolfman and said, "It's time to put it to rest." Then he proceeded to pretend to play a trumpet and play the song you would play at a funeral (Taps?) to lay someone to rest before the gun salute (for those that have earned that salute). I don't remember off the top of my head what it's called. I started laughing as I was not expecting him, after our discussion of putting jokes to rest, to play that song.

I have to start making notes at dinner to remember all the good laughs we have. We are having a great time.

There is more to come and I will try to post on a regular basis.

I'm Back and ALL is well...

I have gotten all my test results in. There is nothing to worry about. All these lumps are a combination of a few things. Somewhat embarrassing but still just things.

The lump they biopsied came out to be benign! You can bet I sighed a huge sigh of relief hearing that. Although they found a few blood clots that a little blood thinner could cure for a short time. Nothing major. Just have to make sure I don't hit myself too hard on anything and cause bruises. Besides the one lump of several they biopsied, the other lumps were swollen glands and a staff infection of sorts. One of the worst kinds. I am still on antibiotics almost 17 days later. It is pretty much gone but I am finishing off this set.

Of all the "lumps" they have removed one and the others are optional. Being that the others can't be seen I am not too worried about them at this time until I drop another 100 pounds (I've dropped 120 in the past 3 years its time for the final 100) I am told that will help with some of the issues I have had in the past.

All is well, I am sleeping at night again after of course 12 hour days and all the good news...In our world though we are only able to look at the positive since I have been through looking at worst possible case scenario and I only prefer to look at the positive.

Speaking of positive we are headed up to the hot springs in another week for a 2.5 mile hike in and a 2.5 mile hike out. It's a very easy hike but a great get a way for everyone. Traveler, Wolfmans Cousin, Alaska Man, and myself are headed up and out. Finally a nice getaway from the busy ness of life. I am so looking forward to it.

By the way we are having a final garage sale of the season. I have lots of stuff that needs to go. If you are looking for anything specific let me know. I might have it. I do not however have much kids stuff, I have furniture, fishtanks and miscellaneous stuff! Ok enough with the sales pitch. :)

Alot more work to be done.

**UPDATE**

For those that are going to ask...Yes I was scared waiting for the biopsy. I did lose sleep but not as much as I will be accused of :) As Intimidator keeps telling me and I really should learn to listen to him and I quote, "Nothing is going to happen. You are too stubborn and ornery for anything to happen." He knows me quite well, I suppose I should listen to him...I just find it more fun to debate with him and make him think I don't listen :)

Work, work and more work...

That seems to be the title of the week. Work, work and more work. We had a challenge at my office this week. For my company we have 2 branch offices one upstairs from the other. My office was opened 3 years ago and the office upstairs 2 years ago. We are the top producing branches nationwide so the expectations for our offices are higher than others for production.

Recently the part time administrative assistant (AA) left to pursue her choice of careers with a large hotel chain. The full time AA took a full time job elsewhere and moved into the part time position in her office. For 2 weeks now they have had no one so as the full time AA downstairs I was relied on to do the work of both offices. It wasn't bad just busy and a lot of prioritizing. Myself and my part time AA were quite busy with the constant work load. Although it was easy enough to do it was time consuming.

My part time AA after a confrontation with a co worker gave her 2 weeks notice this last Wednesday and decided she was not going to come back on Thursday or ever again except to get her things. Which left my manager panicked. Not that I mind the overtime, I don't but when I have to work 8am to 8pm with little to no break, and then be back at work at 8am again and work straight through until 5pm again with no break it gets tiring. Now I am not complaining as I know there are many people out there who work more hours and do alot more than I do. Again not that I mind the overtime. But this is going to be the case until they hire someone new that I can train.

Usually my work days on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are extremely busy, usually Thursday and Friday are extremely slow. This week however each day was extremely busy. I had the new full time AA start on Thursday and I was swamped training her and doing the workload of 2. Friday she was able to pick up more of the tasks but it was still a challenge. It won't be so bad soon she will be able to take on all the tasks she is to do but until then I will pick up the pieces. This weekend I am taking some time to relax and do alot of the things I enjoy doing.

Like freezing and canning peaches, making my homemade seedless blackberry jam (maybe), making banana and zucchini bread, possibly chocolate chip cookies, definitely peanut butter cookies and who knows what else. You wouldn't think this would be relaxing but being that I enjoy it, it is. What a way to relax huh?

The other item is my sister is going to come over later tonight and Wolfmans cousin adn we are going to hang out, play cards and just BS. Our social groups are small and this is one way for us to stay at home and relax and still have a good time.

Ok..I will be off shortly to start cooking, baking, freezing, and canning.

It's Friday!! It's Friday!!

It's the Friday before a long 3 day Holiday weekend. I am sitting in the living room, with the news in the background that I am not even interested in listening to. Mr. Frogman left with his dad last night for an extended weekend. I think I am over tired, getting up at 4:30 am is taking its toll today.

I decided not to go out of town this holiday weekend. Since Mr. Frogman isn't home I am going to get caught up on some work. I have corporate taxes to finish, a room to get finished being unpacked. A short hike later in the weekend will be good. Hmmmm...I think the hot springs could be calling again. A Hike around Deception Pass. Just a night out playing pool, darts and karaoke with some friends might be a good change of pace too. That list of things to do this weekend is suddenly getting longer. I knew it wouldn't take me long, its a pretty good distraction.

I get test results back today. I don't think there is anything wrong, but there is always that small doubt in the back of my mind. It's not something I have been thinking about, but its been on the back burner for a few days now. At least they won't make me wait through the holiday weekend before they tell me. :)

The thought of having to get ready for work is a dreadful thought today. I don't want to get out from under this fuzzy green blanket and put my feet on the cold hard wood floors. Just the thought of getting going is a challenge. I really and truly don't want to move. Call it 4:30 wearing me thin, call it Friday call it whatever you would liek to. I think I am ready for a day off.

Okay okay its time for me to move my lazy back end and head off to the great blue yonder (yes the hallway leading up the stairs is blue and it leads to yonder room)...So great blue yonder here I come...

Have a great day!!