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!!

1st Day of School

What a morning. As I sat drinking a cup of coffee this morning at 5:30 I could hear the rustle of blankets and tossing and turning coming from Mr. Frogmans room as well as Monkey Dude Jr's room. The natives were getting restless.

I turned on the news to get caught up on traffic and weather and some of the headlines to keep up with current happenings. About halfway through my second cup of coffee Mr. Frogman came walking out of his room (not thinking) he was in a t-shirt and his unders, wiping the sleep from his eyes, sleepily saying, "Good Morning, Mom." I told him Good morning and he sat down next to me for about 30 seconds and then jumped up to go find the right outfit for the first day of school.

As he was dressing I was able to catgch up on a bit of brief reading, as he and I talked about his morning I heard footsteps from Monkey Dude Jr. emerging from his room for the morning. It is now 6:30am. Monkey Dude Jr is up and wiping the sleep from his eyes and just like Mr. Frogman is racing to get dressed and find the same right outfit for the first day of school. He wants to look really really cool. When he and I got done trying on different ensemblesw (only 2) he looked like quite the very cool kid headed off to school.

I have not seen those 2 boys eat a meal as fast as those 2 ate breakfast this morning. Absolutely amazing. As soon as I was ready to leave for work they were ready to head out the door to the bus. Half an hour earlier than was necessary. I waited a little longer than usual to leave for work and stayed back a bit to walk Mr. Frogman out to hte bus stop.

When I got home from work tonight Mr. Frogman and Monkey Dude Jr. came running out the door to talk about their day. I didn't get into the house for a good 15 minutes until Mr. Frogman was able to regale me with his tales of the day. Then instead of being able to make dinner I had to go through the back to school packet and fill out all the paper work before I could do anything else at home. Okay okay now I know he is more excited about school starting than me. I forgot about the wonderful parental amounts of homework. It will only last for so long and then it will be over and the homework will be all his. Yay!!

The most exciting fact....His friend Sheriff from school is on his bus route. Now not only do they take the bus in the mornings together but spend all day together in the same classroom too.

Mr. Frogman has made 2 really good friends in his lifetime so far and they have been friends for 3 or more years. The Sheriff and Intimidator Jr. Amazing at this age they have bonded with friends they will have, it seems, for many years to come.

Now its a wait and see game to see how Mr. Frogman and Monkey Dude Jr will handle day number 2. :)

Stay Posted...

Waiting...and Waiting...

Biopsy waiting. Culture processing. Doctors office visits. The waiting is the hardest part. Waiting to find out test results and moving on. The waiting of course is the hardest part. So I sit and wait for all the final test results. UGH!!

Ok well I can find comfort in the fact that Mr. Frogman starts school tomorrow. He wouldn't let me tuck him in tonight. He wanted to do it himself. Again I am not sure he is the one most excited that school is starting although he shows it on the outside, on the inside I am jumping with joy!

He is going to have a great school year!

All things come back to something positive. Even though I am waiting for a few test results and I am a little apprehensive the only thing on my mind is what a great year Mr. Frogman is going to have. He is in the class of the teacher he wanted, with his Best Friend "The Sheriff". They were so excited to get back together and find their classroom. They had to say Hi to Mrs. K the principal, Mrs. P and Mrs. P and Mrs. G, Mari and of course the custodianMr. E (who has been a personal friend of mine for almost 22 years now - I went to school with his wife's son).

I think he pretty much said hi to everyone at the back to school BBQ. He was so excited to see everyone and find his room, meet his teacher. You would think he hadn't seen school in much longer than just summer vacation. **Sigh** I am so excited for him rather than being excited that school is starting. I think his excitement is just boiling over.

Tomorrow is the Day!

School begins! They go back! Time to get on to a schedule and get ready.

I am not sure who is more excited about school beginning Mr. Frogman or me.

The countdown is down to the hours now. 12 hours from now (it is currently 7:35pm PST), Mr. Frogman has to be waiting for the bus at 7:35 am.

After visits to the 2 schools, Monkey Dude Jr will be going to one and Mr. Frogman will be going to another, they have met the teachers and the principals, found their desks, put their school supplies away and have gotten back in touch with friends that they haven't seen all summer. Mr. Frogman is at the top of the hill so to speak. My 6th grader. One year from Middle School or Junior High.

He is currently standing next to me asking who is more excited me or you? Huh? Huh? Who is more excited...as I keep typing he is stating between clenched teeth...Mom you are not answering my question...So who is more excited?...Tell me please? I want to know, tell me, please, please (kiss on the cheek) plays with my face and then gets frustrated and finally realizes Im just going to sit here and smile and make him wonder who is really more excited about shcool starting tomorrow.

He is running around all excited about school starting. I can honestly say and I truly do believe he is much more excited than I about school starting. I will give him that one.

Relaxation is Over, Paranoi begins...

After all my heart stuff and finally getting resolution to the issues causing my heart problems. I thought I was in the clear.

I won't go into too much detail I started getting "lumps" on my neck. I went to the doctor since of course they were painful and they told me I had some sort of staff infection. I started antibiotics and after 4 days they weren't working. I had developed more "lumps". They cultured one and have many concerns. They want to now biopsy one of them to make sure. So far all they can tell me is that I have a severe bacterial infection that is immune to many of the antibiotics but they don't know which antibiotic will work.

So now I walk around wearing turtlenecks in 80 degree weather to avoid looking like a freak. They are still not sure of what is happening but I know what biopsy means and that has me the) most concerned. It leaves me wondering if this is a side effect of the heart medications I was previously taking? Making it so any infection I have now or in the future able to resist basic antibiotics? This is why I didn't take medications before. They clear up one thing and then another happens and its resistant to even the basic antibiotics.

I know I shouldn't panic on the biopsy thing. But how do you not? Im not panicked I have been through worse, but it still has me concerned. The doctor has already told me what would have to happen over the next few weeks if the next antibiotic doesn't work and depending on what the biopsy shows.

Yes, my gut is in knots, but I am still smiling and living life to the fullest (how do you not?). I haven't said anything to Mr. Frogman except that he has to hug me a different way and avoid the neck. He has wanted to see the "huge bumps" in my neck and thinks its "cool". Boys go figure. We laugh about it and make up stories on our own of what it could be. He keeps saying Aliens. I am about to believe him. In a way thats exactly what it is. He is such a trooper and positive guy!

Time to wait and see...

Day of Relaxation!

I spent the day following Monkey Dude Jr's birthday relaxing. Sightsee'r had tickets to the Mariners Baseball game. How can you pass up seats in the 100 level (field level) only 14 rows behind and 1 section to the right of home plate. What a fantastic game! It was over 80 degrees outside (hot for this area) and Sightsee'r and I were in the shade for the entire game. It was warm yet cool with a slight breeze which made it perfect. The roof was open, blue sky, an eagle flew over the stadium, not to mention the Mariners Won! Yay Mariners! I was hoping their losing streak would end and between Sunday and Monday their 20 game losing streak has ended for the AL West.

I hadn't had a day off in a while and that was the perfect distraction from the running of everyday life. Mr. Frogman wasn't too happy that mom got to go to the game and he didn't but being that he prefers to watch it on TV than see it in person he thought he would watch it to see if he could see mom at the game instead of watching the game. He is not much of a sports person but really wanted me to waive at him if he saw me on TV (not that I would know if I was on TV or not) But he had fun anyway.

Sightsee'r came over after the game to see the new house. So far everyone has been very impressed. I am not out to impress just to show my friends the new house so they know where to come and visit me when they come over. I think it is the hard wood floors. :)

The Pirates Have Arrived!!

Today is Monkey Dude Jr's Birthday!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIG GUY!!!!

He had a pirate birthday. We had a bunch of pirates running around all day having fun. What a great time!

As I sit here typing tonight Wolfman is out watching them play in the hot tub, Mr. Frogman, Monkey Dude Jr and Intimidator Jr. (low temperature of course). They have been bugging me all day to go in so they could end their day relaxing. Amazing how the small things entertain. The age of 7 is a wonderful age. Still innocent yet wanting to grow up and be independent.

Now that I have moved you will here a bit more about Intimidator Jr. He can now come visit without having to worry how much noise he and Mr. Frogman make in the house (since I'm not in a place with thin walls).

So many things are racing through my mind tonight and so much to write about just not enough time. After our busy birthday day I am exhausted.

Good Night Monkey Dude Jr! Love you! Have great birthday dreams!

It Begins!!

The beginning of the school year begins. First comes meeting parents who are new to the program. Mr. Frogman is main stream in school. He has a teacher that works with him in the classroom with his best friend "The Sheriff" as labeled by his mom.

It was a great time meeting the other families at a concert in the park Thursday. What a great group of people!

The new mom to the group who is still trying to deal with the fact that in her mind based on social biases that her child is not perfect. After meeting this young man what a spectacular child. I saw Mr. Frogman and how he was 2 years ago when beginning this program as well.

Listening to this mom and how she fought against all odds (like most of the parents had to including myself) to get the necessary help for her child from the school district. I know the school district gets money for children with special needs and the ones with the actual diagnosis. I would be curious as to how much. Not that I don't know but I would like to see the cut and dry side of things.

It still hurts in a sense knowing my child is not "normal" and very quickly I kick myself in the backside and realize that he is as normal as could be. No one is perfect and I was rushing back into what society thinks is "normal". As I talked to this mom I saw myself 4 years ago when he was diagnosed, in tears wondering where to turn and what to do. What resources were out there? Who could I talk to? Now I find myself one of the people that others turn to for the same questions I had.

All anyone of those new parents is looking for is a hand to reach out to, hold and talk to. They are still in denial. They will be broken in soon enough. It's getting past what society tends to control in peoples minds.

This got me back to thinking of my fight to get Mr. Frogman the help he needed after he was diagnosed. I fought for 2 years being a squeaky wheel from his 2nd and 3rd grade year, with meeting after meeting with the counselor (who really didnt like me - Long story here I will go into soon) and many other people in the school. Then I heard about a program at another school that I could get my son qualified for with his diagnosis.

I talked to the counselor, and kept getting the run around. He kept "losing" Mr. Frogmans diagnosis. Finally his teacher at that time helped me by going around the counselor to the head of special ed services. The only problem I had was that the head of the special ed department was the wife of the counselor I was having problems with. She wasn't thrilled with me, but I put a quick end to any issue that may have come up between us. She hemmed and hawed a bit and I introduced myself to her. She mentioned that her husband and me had issues. I looked her straight in the eye and replied, "Yes, we did. I don't like him at all. But being that we are here for the benefit of Mr. Frogman my feelings are not important. We can do one of two things. If you are not going to approve him for this program due to my feelings for your husband coming here was a waste of my time. If you are here for the benefit of Mr. Frogman and can put behind you my feelings and opinions for your husband professionally then we will get along just fine." Mr. Frogman was approved on the spot. The next school year he was in the program he needed, we had and still have in district transportation to the school from our house any where we are located in the district.

I shared my experience with a few other parents that had shared theirs. It seemed when we were all done that I had had the worst experience. Again my opinion is due to this particular counselor but again I will share that story another time. Against all the unsolicited opinions of teachers who kept saying he is ADD or ADHD you need to put him on medication Mr. Frogman is right where he belongs. He is now with one of the best teachers who is working with him and has diligently for two years. We will definitely miss her when he moves into middle school after this year.

Being a single parent and not having very many people understand what you need to do each day to keep things on an even kiel is what is difficult. Most people think your life is just like theirs. People with children with Special Needs from Autism, ADD, ADHD, MS, Downs Syndrome and many others (this is all I could think of after todays Hullaballoo) have to do so much more. Over time this all becomes the norm of our daily lives.

I, however, would not change a thing about my life or his abilities or lack there of in certain areas. After meeting these families though and meeting with Mr. Frogmans teacher for the final year of his elementary education before entering Jr. High or Middle School depending on what they want to call it had to be a great beginning to what I know is going to be another fantastic year for him at school.

With the Previous Post...

During our dinner last night Mr. Frogman wore out the milk out your nose thing. Wolfman talked to him a bit about timing and stopping when things are still funny and only using things when the time is right. If he uses it too much it is no longer funny.

Tonight sitting around the table having chicken and coleslaw we were discussing Little Sisters burping. Mr. Frogman of course pipes up and says, "Be thankful its coming out as burps and not the other end." Everyone burst into laughter and Wolfman asks Mr. Frogman, "How do you do that?" Mr. Frogman looked at Wolfman without skipping a beat and says, "Timing, it's all in the timing." I sat there shaking my head trying very hard not to laugh but it was too funny.

I looked at Wolfman and whispered, "Touche."

LSHTMCOYN (Laughing So Hard That Milk Comes Out Your Nose)

Now that we have combined a few households into one we have family style meals. We all sit down at the table and have conversation during dinner. There is Myself (Kasey), Mr. Frogman, Wolfman, Monkey Dude Jr., and Little Sister (Wolfmans Sister).

Funny Title? Yes! This is the incident we had over dinner tonight.

We were chuckling about how it was difficult for Little Sister to pour more of her juice into her glass laughing over the conversation we were having. The more she tried to pour the more we all laughed to keep her from pouring.

I told her it was better than drinking the juice and "laughing so hard that milk comes out her nose."

All of a sudden Mr. Frogman stands up and says to her, "Little Sister, would you like me to fill your cup?" As he said this he placed his finger upside his nose and offered to blow out through his nose as though he had fluid coming out over a cup (without really doing anything). We all started laughing so hard none of us could eat or drink.

His quick wit is catching up to me. I need to get ahead again :)

He's Home! He's Home! He's Home!

Can you believe it he is home and home early too! What a way to go! He came home for a BBQ and his dad and I discussed him being home today instead of waiting another 2 days. He gets to come home early! I was so excited! I still am and he has been here all of 5 hours now.

We have been spending so much time together and discussing lots of things. He has also been arguing with Monkey Dude Jr. But what's new with that? They argue when they get together for the first time in weeks, they argue when they have spent weeks together. The comfortable sounds of home. **Deep Sigh** It's so nice to have the family back together.

**CRASH~BANG~BOOM!! MOOOOMMMMMM!!!**

Only 10 days until school starts! Now the next countdown begins....

Story from Camp

Mr. Frogman sent me a letter from Boy Scout Camp that I just received. Talk about Snail Mail. Oh well, when I got the letter it made me laugh so hard I had tears running down my face. For camp his dad had bought him a tool kit that included all the tools Mr. Frogman had on his pocket knife or swiss army knife. So we decided to take the took kit back and Mr. Frogman opted for a waterproof watch instead. This watch he thought was so cool, it told the time and would light up at night. It had what the outside temperature was, and a small compass so he knew what direction he was headed in.

As I read his letter he explained, " I am having a great time at camp. I only have one problem, I lost my watch in the lake while I was swimming. It's not such a bad thing since the watch is waterproof now the fish could tell the time and the lake could know how cold it was."

I sat laughing at this since I know exactly how he would say it with a smirk on his face trying not to smile since he knew it was funny. I laughed even harder picturing him saying this to my face very matter of factly and doing his best to keep a poker face in the process. Since the letter was received while I was at work I had to explain why I was laughing so hard I was in tears. It was just too funny. One of those parental things I guess.

He is waiting for them to drain the lake since they do it every year to release the fish that are stocked into the river. They said they would probably find it at that time and return it since it is waterproof. We will have to wait and see if he gets it back. Not likely but you never know.
He had a lot more fun at camp and there is so much more to share.

I sent a little guy to camp and a young man has returned in his place that is alot more responsible than when he left. He is definitely growing up too fast.

I sure do miss this little guy and can't wait for him to come home. Only 3 more days!! Hooray!!!

3 Days and Counting!!

Only 3 more days and he is going to be home. Only 3 can you believe it? I am so excited.

I was so excited for school to be out and I know Mr. Frogman was too...I don't know, however, if he was more excited than I was. Now I don't know who is more excited about school starting, him or me. :) It has been too long of a summer with him at his dads. But he is in for a big surprise when he comes home.

We have moved into a wonderful house that we are gradually making into our home. It's coming along one room at a time. I actually have a kitchen! No more boxes. Everything has a place and I will be able to cook in no time at all without having to dance around boxes and packages.

The living room is coming along nicely. It has no more boxes, just some random clutter and a little more rearranging, then I can hang art work. We are still discussing where to hang family and friend photos, as well as, other things that mean something to us. The art of negotiation in this household is being tested as we go through creating a comfortable living environment. Not to mention that we are combining 3 households into one so we are having to compromise as well.
My next step is moving all the stuff out of and around the dining room so that we can actually eat at the table rather than converge on the small table in the living room that we have to sit on the hard woods to actually get to a level where you can actually eat. It's rather hard on the knees or the back end depending on how you sit. It's time to actually eat at the table and become a family rather than individuals who stare at the tv to eat and then not get very much eating done. We don't actually turn the tv on when we eat but I don't like the idea of eating in the living room. We have a table and chairs and it's time we started using them properly. By tomorrow night we will have it set up and ready to go.

By tomorrow night I will have that final room and the upstairs bedroom that I now share with Wolfman that currently has his king size bed, my queen size bed and an office in set up and mostly usable with my wireless internet ready to go. Then I can sit in my room and actually work when I need to without being completely interrupted by everyone walking through and asking questions. It will definitely be a task since most everything in the dining room is boxed and needs to be gone through before we can put it in the correct location in the house. You know how it goes. The joys of moving and getting completely moved in. **Sigh** Almost done.

Wish me luck as I start to unpack in the wild unknown!

10 Days and Counting!!!

We are unpacking and getting moved in. Days are long and nights are short. That would be summer for you though wouldn't it?

Between work and Boy Scouts for Mr. Frogman and all the extra activities going on. I am still not sure of which way is up.

Mr. Frogman comes home full time after next week. Finally back to having him home full time! I can't wait. I miss having him here at home being able to wake him up in the morning and listening to him moan and groan and ask, "Do I have to get up?" "Just five more minutes mom, please?" or the all time favorite, "I don't want to go to school!" **Sigh** The wonderful things to look forward to as parents. When I haven't had to nag him about picking up his towel off the bathroom floor or turning off his lights when he is not in the room.

Definitely looking forward to him coming home. He has developed a wonderful sense of humor (takes after his mom) with zapping one line comments that just zip and make a huge impression. He and I go back and forth with all the jabs to one another and the playful jargon that goes along with it.

Starting today it is 10 days and counting!!

Still Here....

I am still here just very busy. With the summer season and moving and Mr. Frogman and all of our activities together and what not. Now with the school year about to begin at the end of this month, I thought I was going to have more free time than I do and lo and behold I don't at this time.

For those that were wondering I have moved into a large 4 bedroom 2 bath house in my local area with a huge yard and a hot tub. The hot tub was a bonus! I knew nothing about it going in. I only saw the yard and the outside of the house and I was sold. With houses ranging in the $400,000 plus per home on less than a third of an acre in our area, I would have to win the lottery to be able to afford one. Although for the time being I have a rental that is well under the rental rate for the area.

We are almost fully moved in. Due to restrictions for time off on my current job I haven't been able to get any time off of work so this move has had to happen after working hours and on the weekends. I have not wanted to rent a truck so I have used the company truck and trailor this time.

Next time I am hiring movers again. I really dislike moving.

Another 2 weeks and I should be back on track for posting on a regular basis. Mr. Frogman and I are going to work on getting settled and back into a daily routine.

Enjoy the rest of the sunny days of summer!

Road Trip!!!

I am headed out to pick up Mr. Frogman from Camp. Think good thoughts. No arguments amongst the boys heading back from this 7-8 hour drive and all the positive thoughts you can muster for a safe drive.

I will post more when I get back. Have a great weekend! More updates on his week at camp soon!!

On the road again......

Friends and Their Relationships...

I can't offer advice to my friends since I come from a broken marriage myself. I know what I would do the next time if there is a next time but at this time I am not holding my breath. I am living life for what is best for myself and Mr. Frogman. I have several friends in relationships that they have expressed they aren't happy in.

I have one friend going through a divorce and is very bitter and angry. He has his days but still it is a painful process and not one you get over too quickly. His wife left him for reasons to him that are unknown. I have spoken to them both and I know who I do or do not support. I can't mention it here so as not to offend either of them. But I wish them both well in whatever they choose.

Intimidator has been involved with a woman more than 20 years his senior. He is very unhappy and has been working on an exit strategy or so he says. He claims he is absolutely miserable. My thoughts are if he is that miserable he needs to grow some severe "Kahunas", "Coconuts" or whatever you want to call them and kick her out or get her to leave on her own. As I have told him before it's his problem and no one else's. I just don't understand how he can expose his son to what he is going through. But again that is his choice as a parent.

Sightseer has been seeing someone, and then again not. She is a hermit more so than he is...it's time he found someone new and really "Good!" he also needs to stop comparing them to me :) There will be no one out there that can meet my high standards. ;)

By the way ladies...Sightseer is a great guy, and single!! Email me if you want more info!!

Boomer - Boomer has recently (in the last 6 months) gone through round 3 of not knowing what he does or doesn't want. Red is a sweetie and I love her to death she is a beautiful person with a heart of gold. Boomer just isnt always sure about everything. With them I know they have survived some tough times and will in the future. They will pull through and come out winning!

Myself on the other hand. I have dated but very little. It becomes the same old story. I will go out with some one a few times which does not include holding hands, kissing, or anything more and when I have reached the friend level that will not go any further (I thought it was pretty clear as I told them from the beginning) they break up with me. I thought that was funny. It has happened three times. We weren't even dating and they break up with me....

Maybe I don't want to know what will happen if I really do get serious about someone...hmmmm then maybe it would be the opposite, they wouldn't break up with me....hnmmmm.....that might not be a good thing either....have to think this one through some more.

Traveling, Traveling and More Traveling....

The summer has gone by so quick so far. Mr. Frogman will be headed back to start school here very soon at the end of August. For him being at his dad's most of the summer we have sure spent an awful lot of time together. He is currently at Boy Scout Camp in Moscow, Idaho. I go back next weekend to pick him up. I'm driving this time instead of flying.

This past weekend him and I flew over. What a trip it was. Although the flight was short we had several laughs all the way through.

The day before he left he had to pack up his clothing for the trip. He was leaving for a whole week. That meant a weeks worth of clothes and more! Fishing gear, orienteering gear, pocket knife, money for the trading post, woodworking tools, flashlights, batteries and much more! He had to have all of his boy scout equipment, sleeping bag, cot and so on. He is definitely a boy scout! He was ready to go. He finally fell asleep about 11pm. He was so excited! The unfortunate side of things is that we had to be up at 4am to make our flight at 6:30am.

As we got through security, checked in, and headed to our flight we were able to board as we walked up. We were running a bit on the late side. We were booked on a dual prop plane that seated about 70 people. Mr Frogman had not been on a plane that small before (aside from a friends small Cessna) and was a bit apprehensive. I do mean only a bit of course as he clutched my arm during take off and made his I'm ok but scared face with an attempted smile. He held onto my arm in a death grip until we finally leveled off about 15 minutes into the flight. We sat and talked through the flight until the complimentary package of trail mix and water came through. Then we came in for the landing.

We got off the plane and headed to baggage to collect his things. As we stood and waited for his pack and bag to come off the plane he started walking around the belt that would carry our luggage out. He started pacing and waiting and asking when his stuff would come out. It eventually came out and we headed over to get our rental car.

We stood in line. It was the only line in the whole rental car shop line ups. There were a whole 2 of us! What a deal...Only it took us almost 30 minutes to get our car. I was approached by 2 of the other rental offices to see if I wanted to get a car from them at the same price I was getting from the original rental company.

I chose to wait as I had a reservation. I was so sorry I did. The car I got was a mid size vehicle. I had the choice of a PT Cruiser, which I can't stand or a Chevy HHR. I didn't know what an HHR was so I opted for that. For those of you that don't know the HHR is a knock off of the PT Cruiser. It looks so ugly, in my opinion. Although driving it was smooth and comfy it really stunk as far as looks. It was a cross between the Element back body and the PT Cruiser front. My next rental car will be a car...not that.

As we drove on to Camp Lutherhaven to meet our group, he napped and rested. He laughed at me several times on the road as I wasn't familiar with the roads and trying to find the Mapquest directions. I was going off memory. I was certainly lucky that day. We made it just in time for one of the Boy Scout Leaders to offer me a cup of strong coffee before breakfast. That was what I had needed.

We got to look around the camp at the fun that Mr. Frogman had missed the night before by not traveling there on Saturday. He was still excited that he was headed to Camp Grizzly for a week and having alot of fun there.

I was told Camp Grizzly was only 30 minutes from Camp Lutherhaven. Was I informed wrong, it was still another 90 miles or almost 2 hours away. Luckily I had sucked up enough coffee to keep me running for quite some time. I was told by Mr. Frogman I was starting to act like Twitchy in the movie "Hoodwinked."

It was time to lay off the caffeine and head out. "On the road again..."

Not only last weekend, this upcoming weekend I am having to travel to pick up Mr. Frogman, then in 2 weeks having to fly out to San Francisco, 3 weeks from then a cruise, then school starts. Maybe a weekend getaway to Vegas or Reno....working on that one...just have to make the time....

See...traveling, traveling and more traveling....What a great time!

I'm here! I'm here!

Or that should read I'm back! I'm back. I know it's been a while since I posted. So many things have happened and not enough time to do them all. I will be posting about all that has been happening over the next few days. Until then here is a list of all that has been going on:

1. Temporary guardian of a wonderful little boy (all I do is get him to and from daycare and make sure he has a great day!)

2. Mr. Frogman off to his dad's and Boy Scout Camp (many stories from this trip, get ready to laugh).

3. Power of Attorney - for a friend...Interesting twist of fate.

4. Executor of an Estate Completion -- Ugh! This has been a challenge closing out the estate and dividing it among family.

5. My book has taken on a new twist or should I say a large turn. More stories coming!! With lots of laughs included.

It all sounds busy but not as busy as most would think.

I do have to close out today with this. It seems to be how the world goes 'round.

I flew in from Spokane last night and we had landed in Seattle. I was seated above the wing on the left side of the plane in a window seat. We had to wait on the tarmac for 10-15 minutes so that the plane could actually park somewhere. Can you believe it? No parking for the planes at Sea-Tac? I had to chuckle a bit at that. Then I noticed the reason as to why. As our plane came in to a stop one of the men guiding the plane in with the orange hand cones had a large bandage on the side of his forehead. From where I was it looked as though he had been clobbered by the wing of another aircraft earlier. Now I am sure that was not the case as the wing was much higher, but from my view it looked like the wing could hit him at any moment. And here I was thinking that this was the person who was guiding our plane in. Could he see straight? Maybe that was the reason for all the back up? Who knows...As I sat there waiting to get off the plane as there were folks that had to catch a connecting flight, people were commenting about how warm it was and started talking amongs themselves. One guy marched up to my seat and bellowed forward, "I'm about to be sick can you please move!" He made it part way up the aisle and was stopped again. Many people pulled out the vomit bags from their seats and handed them to him. He just stood still with his head down. I called forward and said, "You know if you really were going to throw up it would do us all good if you did instead of faking it, you probably would have moved further forward on the plane." He stood up laughing and asked me how I knew? I laughed and replied, "Any parent here could tell you were faking, our kids have tried it on us more than once I'm sure." After a good chuckle everyone was finally let off the plane to catch a connecting flight or head home....

Even heading home was a challenge with the traffic at the airport.

Coming up....the guy directing traffic, catching my ride and people in general, along with Go Speed Racer! Stay tuned!

Overview of My Week

My week isn't any tougher or different than anyone else's. It was a busy week though and I am not sure how I got through it. But I did and so did Mr. Frogman. Our week went as follows.

Sunday night - Arrive at Wolfmans to unpack, Mr. Frogman and I are staying overnight so that I don't have to get up at 4am to take Monkey Dude Jr to Daycare. Wolfman had to get him into a new daycare after last week and he leaves for work at 4:30 am. Mr. Frogman and I agreed we would stay the night at Wolfmans and get up and start our day from there.

Monday Morning - Wake up 5am - Wolfman's alarm woke me up at 4am but finally climbed out of bed at 5am. Took my shower and woke up Mr. Frogman and Monkey Dude Jr at 6am.

7am leave for first child drop off at the Leaders home at 7:15 then drive back to Monkey Dude Jr's daycare by 7:30 am and then off to work.

8:15 arrive at work 15 minutes late. Work a full day. Wait for Wolfman to get the bus to my work to carpool out of Bellevue.

4:45 Leave work

5:15 Pick up Monkey Dude Jr from daycare

5:30 Get Wolfman and Monkey Dude Jr home

5:45 Get home to Mr. Frogman and take him over to Wolfmans

6:00 paint store to match paint from Irishswordsman Home - unable to match

6:45 Back to Wolfmans to take the kids to an ice cream social

7:00 Head out to Irishswordsmans Home to help finish painting and cleaning.

7:10 Call from Irishswordsman and telling me he isnt feeling well and not to come up.

7:30 Arrive at the school where the ice cream social is.

8:00 Back to Wolfmans for the evening.

Tuesday......

Same as Monday

6pm Boy Scouts.....

8pm Pick up Monkey Dude Jr.

8:30pm Home!!

Monkey Dude Jr and Mr. Wolfman off to bed for the night

Is it my turn to sleep yet? After the dishes and the laundry and some business bookkeeping.

Wednesday......

Morning Same as Monday and Tuesday.....

6pm Wednesday night Dropped off Wolfman and Monkey Dude Jr at an appointment.

Between 6 & 7 Run to Costco to pick up a few things, go home to get changes of clothes for the night.

7pm Pick up Wolfman & son take them all to Wolfmans house.

7:10 Leave for Irishswordsman house to clean and do some small stuff.

7:30 Get to Irishswordsman and do miscellaneous needed tasks.

11:30 Leave Irishswordsmans house and head back to Wolfmans to fall asleep on the couch. To get up and start over at 5am.

Thursday:

6pm drop off everyone at their respective houses and head home.

7pm Storage Unit to pick up a TV Then back home

8pm Petsmart for pet supplies (duh!)

8:30 Pick up Monkey Dude Jr and go home.

Everyone goes to sleep

Friday.....

I am taking the night off!!

Drop everyone off at their respective homes and head home myself.

Mr. Frogman has a friend over and I am able to sit back and relax.....

Saturday is still a very busy day....Wondering when it is going to slow down.

Finally Over!!

This week at work we took over 1200 incoming calls. My cohort at work is a very nice person and we had to put up with a ton of crap. The two things that irk me about my job is when someone assumes their position is better than the administrative assistant or that we are just the receptionist what do we know. Thats the attitude that we sometimes come up against. I have been with the company since our branch opened in 2003. My cohort has been there a year. Our job isn't hard but it is busy and very detailed oriented. Whats funnier is when one of us isn't there for a day, we are thanked profusely when we get back and they realize how much we truly do in our position. It only lasts for so long before things are taken for granted until the next day off.

The second thing is when they want you to do something that is very low priority and they demand it NOW! My office knows better. They don't rush me on anything if it is not priority it will get done in the right amount of time for the priority level of that project. My cohort on the other hand has folks that demand a UPS label at 10am that doesn't have to be ready to go until 4:30pm.

I keep reminding people not to piss off the AA (Administrative Assistant). You won't get nothing done for you until it needs to be based on time levels and priority levels. Be warned now. If you value your admin you will get whatever you need done in good time. If you piss them off.....BEWARE!!

Each day has it's ups though. I love taking calls from people with a sense of humor who laugh when you mess up the greeting on the phone. You always want to hope that when you accidentally suck in spit taking in a deep breath to answer the phone that someone you know will be on the other end as you start to choke and gasp and avoiding coughing.

My all time favorite is when people call up and start speaking in their native tongue like you speak their language. They keep going and going until they finally say a name of someone in the office. Don't get me wrong I have nothing against any of these people. I just think its humorous from my standpoint as I don't speak their language and I can only hope at some point they say a name of someone in our office so I can transfer them. Usually if we have a client call in and they are speaking spanish I know exactly who to transfer them to. We only have one person who speaks spanish in our office. But in my head it sounds something like this.......

blah blah blah blah blah--gibberish--more gibberish---Jason--blah blah blah....**pause in conversation and my chance to say "uno momento" and transfer them to the appropriate person. Once they state that name it all becomes clear. I know exactly where that call is going to be transferred to. That is my only thought since right behind that call as I am listening is another line ringing. **Sigh** The joys of ones day.....

This week though is over. School is out on Monday for Mr. Frogman. I took the day off so him and I could do something really fun to celebrate. I am not sure again who is more excited about school being out me or him. No more nagging about homework, no more hounding him to get up and head out the door, no more fighting with him when things have to be done. School is out and we are both ready! Yes he does go to his dads for the summer but we will get through that. He is only 40 minutes away so I can go and see him anytime I feel I need to.

Friday night and sitting here at home. Mr. Frogman has a friend over for the night and they are busy on their own. I haven't seen them for 2 hours so far but they are doing really well. Mr. Frogman hasn't seen his friend for almost 6 months they are thrilled to be able to spend time together. I am thrilled to have them back together. Mr.Frogman doesn't have many friends so keeping this one is a very good thing. It will be kept that way.

Over view of my week is coming up. I am going to try to detail out a few days of my week so you have an idea. Not that my day is any different than any other parents nor is it any tougher, but some people don't realize that with or without kids life can be busy and tough.

Staying Connected!

I am now connected! Almost everyone I talk to is on my wireless network. What a way to save minutes. I won't have to use hardly any of my anytime minutes! Although I have plenty with roll over too.....it won't matter.

How exciting! Between Mr. Frogman and myself we will have a lot of talk time to not have to worry about! I will be able to keep in touch as much as I want with him....oh wait! I mean him with me without worrying about our minutes! What a way to go!

It's the small things that keep me very happy!

Do All Parents Endure This???

Do all parents endure the fight of kids doing homework the last week and a half of school? We are down the the last week and a half of school, Mr. Frogman battles me daily on his homework. I keep telling him he needs to get it done, but it is a struggle and a fight.

I finally told him just because we are at the end of the year doesn't mean he is going to pass, he has some major projects due tomorrow and next week and if they aren't done he won't. That lasted about all of 10 minutes.

It's a battle getting him out of bed just to get to school and to get the homework done. **Sigh** I need to find another form of motivation. :)

Thursday...Almost Through!!

Happy Thursday!

Only one more day to Friday! Hang in there. I will post more soon!

Happy Wednesday!!

Happy Wednesday Everyone!!

Me...Me...Me....It's All About Me!

I just received an email that said this....

"Your blog is worthless. You don't write anything worthwhile."

I am sitting here laughing. That's why it's my blog and no one elses. Deal with it. If you don't like it don't visit and don't read. Do you honestly think I care? Not really.

I live my life day to day with my son Mr. Frogman and it's all about us!

Happy Reading!!

Toilet Paper Caper

I couldn't figure out why the toilet paper in the bathroom was disappearing so quickly. I would just put up a roll only to have it disappear within 24 hours or less. It's just Mr. Frogman and me on a daily basis. We aren't here most of the day, we can't be using that much....I couldn't figure out what was going on.

I knew something was happening. Was it mice? The ever elusive escaping gerbils? Or was it a big mouse. I did some investigative work one night when I heard the toilet flush more than once. I thought to myself, "unless Mr. Frogman really had a job to do, he shouldn't be using that much." I went to the bathroom door to only listen. I heard, "Ready, set, go!" Then the flush of the toilet.

I knocked and opened the door. There was Mr. Frogman standing in front of the toilet with two rolls of toilet paper on pencils in his hand with each end in the toilet wanting to see them spin as the toilet flushed. Wondering which one would run out first.

That solved my problem of where the toilet paper was going. I asked him where he learned to do that. "My dad and I do this all the time at his house!" I wondered why but his dad is a septic installer and repair specialist. Did it really matter?

Music to My Feet???

I sit at work now with a whole new awareness of things around me. I sit and listen to the sounds of people walking around. Some might say I have way too much time on my hands. Which is probably true. My job is easy, mindless yet I do enjoy it.

Its funny though the sounds you hear as people walk. One of my co workers has a squeak to her shoes. Others its a flip flop. Then there is a click click as heels click across the floor. Squeak, flip flip, click. Squeak, flip flip, click. Thump thump, squeak, flip flip, click.

You set the right tempo and we have the beginning of great music. What would I call this? Music to my feet???

The End is Coming!!!!!

Can you believe they are taking bets in Vegas??? What makes anyone think that the sun won't come up tomorrow? For Crying out loud people....It's just numbers.....It happens to be June 6, 2006. Don't you think it hasn't been predicted that the end of the world would be on 6/6/1906, 2006? How about 3006? How about in the year 6.

You know, even placing a bet that the world would end on todays date is a losing battle. Even if you win.....You Lose! Go figure huh?

It's Monday Again....

It's Monday again and the same things are happening. Time to get up, get ready for work, wake up the little guy (ok so he stands almost as tall as me at age 11 and he's not so little, but he will always be my little guy), make breakfast, start a load of laundry, pack my lunch for the day, and leave. Not that I dislike the routine, it's this time of year when I am ready for my next vacation. Which for me is less than a month away.

I woke up this morning very elated and happy yet very defeated.

I am conceding. I am giving in today to what I can't control. Me being the control freak that I am, and yes I can admit it, I am giving up those things I will not allow to frustrate me since I have no further control over them. Amazing how I let things do that. Even things that I do have control over for a day I am going to give them up. I need a day with no stress and no worries. Is there a day like that? Have to wait and see. I am sure sometime today I will bounce back into being my controllling self :) But I will give it an hour or so and see how things go.

HAPPY MONDAY!!

The Ultimate Excuse!

I had a co worker who was being hounded by a client that would call every 10 minutes through out the day. Getting updated on their loan, set the time for their closing. This co worker would stand by me when the phone would ring just to wait and see if it was for him. When I hung up after one particular call, he asked me if it was for him. I told him no and he explained to me that if one particular client called that he was out of the office.

I asked him how long it would be before he was back in the office. He told me that I was welcome to tell the client that he took a huge stack of magazines into the bathroom and would be a while. He was looking at redecorating his office and would need the extra time to customize the bathroom stall walls with pictures he likes to get an idea of what he would like to have on his wall.

Better yet he said, "You can tell her I came down with the bird flu and will be out for a very long time." I laughed and told him that I would add that by next week we should have his desk moved into the local facilities along with his extension transfer. **FLUSH**

The End is Coming!!

The end of the school year is coming. As much as it is a trepidation of sorts as Mr. Frogman is leaving for the summer its also a time of eager anticipation. In one way I don't know who is more excited about summer, Mr. Frogman or me? No more nagging about homework, I'm sure he hates hearing it as much as I hate nagging. Although it is a parental joy to be able to nag my child now and then.

As the end comes closer him and I are both excited but yet nervous. We will make the most of our 3 weeks and then go on with what has to happen.

It will all be okay and good.

Answered Prayers....

I am not a religious person but more spiritual. I had a rough weekend. On Sunday I had enough. I was dealing with anger, frustration, jealousy and an uncontrollable urge to really do some damage. I am not a physically violent person but I could have done some damage.

I had gotten bad news all the way around, the business isn't doing well financially and I was putting budgets back together, a good friend of mine is going through a divorce and I have been there to listen and support him, my doctor did not have good information for me on Friday. My stress level was over what I was able to handle. I had to be different places for family obligations, the whole picture became overwhelming. I started having chest pains, heart palpitations. It was time for me to slow down. I don't handle stress like I used to. I needed a break. Before I could take a break I ended up on my knees in tears. I really needed a friend that would understand to talk to. I didn't feel there was anyone I could call. I felt like I had when I was suddenly separated after my marriage. Alone and very empty. I felt as though I had fallen into a hole and I could not get out. I needed something.

As I sat in the middle of the floor in tears I made a sudden reach out, I had nothing left to hold onto except my beliefs. I said a prayer. Something I hadn't done in a very long time. I didn't ask for anything I couldn't create for myself but maybe verbalizing it helped.

I asked for the strength to verbalize to my business partner the dire situation the business is in. To be able to reset all the budgets and control where he had run free. So far 4 days later my words have not fallen on deaf ears.

I asked for the strength to support my friend and find positives for him to hold onto. With all he has going on in his life he needed something positive. Today talking to him, many positive things have happened.

The third thing I asked for was to be able to have a certain friend back in my life. Under unusual circumstances that prayer was answered to. I'm not sure how nor do I care. I miss my friend and to have him back in my life would be a good thing.

I sat at my desk at work at 11:19 this morning and came to the realization that what I needed I had done. I don't know if it was my prayers being answered or if I just had the strength in me after some time of being low and it was my way of pulling myself back up. Does it matter?

I am at a point I need to pull out of the melancholy mood that has gripped me this past week. I know what it is stemming from. Mr. Frogman is down to what he and I call the three week count. School is out in 3 weeks and he goes to his dads for the summer. We are down to the time where we will see each other every other weekend for the summer and it becomes very difficult for mom. I am so used to having him with me each and every day that every other weekend is seeming like torture. His dad needs to have time with him too and I know I am being selfish wanting more time with him.

After doing homework this week and getting his projects done. Mr. Frogman and I will go on a much needed bike ride, roller blading session (or more so watch mom fall on her back end session) and spend some quality time together before he leaves. We both know what is coming and he is excited to spend time with his dad and his dad's family, but yet he says he will miss the quiet comforts of home too.

Not sure my point of this post but here it is. I just had to get this out. Whether people understand it or not doesn't matter. I had to get it out of my system.

When You Least Expect It.....

When you least expect it someone comes into your life that amazes you. People come into your life and go. What you don't realize is that is for the time they are in your life you don't realize their purpose until after they are gone.

I have had someone come into my life suddenly. I have met this person a few times in the past here and there but didn't realize the person I was meeting. I have spent the last 2 days being allowed so to speak to get to know this person.

What amazes me is this person looks you in the eye when you are talking to them. I have the utmost respect for this person. Something that is not easily earned from me.

I enjoy the no BS attitude and the honest retorts in conversation. There is nothing dull in conversation between us.

Mark you are one unique individual that I appreciate spending time with. Thank you for your honesty, respect and friendship.

Not A Full Moon

Somehow with the exception of My Dad, My Son and Sight See'r. Every man in my life has found a way to make me angry or cross the wrong line.

My ex husband, Enough said :)

Another friend who spends a few months not talking to me and then all of a sudden out of the blue doesn't say, "Hi, how are you?" Its "My girl friend wants to email you, what email should I give her?" Wait a second. I'm the friend not the girlfriend don't proceed to tell me I am or not going to do this. I was so frustrated and angry by this. I don't like her why do I have to communicate with her? She has done nothing but force us not to be friends. The only difference is he has allowed it. He made his choice and I feel as though I have lost my friend in this whole situation.

My brother, Trucker, bitching about the smallest things. Today it was his parking space. "Grow Up Big Brother" you can park somewhere else for 20 minutes. It will not kill you to walk an extra 20 feet. He threw a tantrum over a parking place in front of one of my friends. After my friend was gone I chewed him out. It was a huge respect issue.

A second friend thought he would step in and pry where he didnt belong. I chewed him out right away and had to wonder why I was so angry about the situation. I have other reasons that I am choosing not to list here and opinions.

Maybe its just me and maybe I am PMS ing with my hormonal levels. Maybe I have to look at why I have all these men mad at me. Nawww.....its just that they like to irritate me all at the same time. I think men take a class on this. :)

Oh well, the day is over and I am going to put it in the past and let it go.