Friday, October 30, 2009

Here's Your Sign

I think I need to make a sign. When my child/ children start screaming and throwing tantrums in the grocery store I will hang the sign around my neck so it hangs at my back and people can read it. Then maybe they will mind their own business. This is what it will say:

"Please ignore this screaming child. He is in no way being abused. I am trying to teach him that his bad behavior does not dictate what I do or what he gets. We will be leaving soon. If his behavior offends you, I am very sorry. If you think you can do a better job... I laugh in your general direction. Thanks for your patience!"

Think it would work?

Halloween Suckage?

First, thank you to all who commented/ gave advice on my last post. I will update more as things progress with him. Wendy, I will be emailing you as soon as I get my thoughts together....

Honestly, what has happened to Halloween? I remember growing up and spending 4 -5 hours on Halloween night begging candy and scaring each other with costumes. Then staying up all night eating candy....

This year, in my town, there are designated hours for trick or treating of 4 - 6 pm. What? It's not even dark then! How silly is that! Yes, it will actually make things easier for the little ones, I will be able to get them home and in bed on time, but that's not the point! How am I going to be able to steal my month's worth of chocolate from their bags if they don't get to trick or treat enough???!!!??? Seriously. I am not sure if this is a delayed reaction to terrorism. Or if maybe it is just because we live in the Bible Belt. But whatever it is, I hate it.

This will be the first year that Jenna will not be trick or treating with us. Se is 15 now and people no longer give her candy, even if she is dressed up! So, since she has been invited to a party this year, she will be attending that and getting her costume all set while we are out trying to get candy. I'm not sure how I feel about her not being there this year.... my baby is growing up! She is going to a real high school party and will be celebrating without me. Too weird for words.

In other news, tomorrow is my third wedding anniversary! I will be writing a special little post about my hubby and the wedding later today or early tomorrow so keep your eyes peeled!

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Seeking Advice.....

When I went to pick Braeden up from preschool today, he was sitting in the Director's office.

#1: I was going to pick him up early because yesterday he spent the entire nap period screaming. I figured I would spare the other children his inability to settle down for a nap.

#2: When I picked him up yesterday he threw a tantrum in the parking lot and ran away from me in the middle of traffic. I then had to drag him (while carrying Malachai) to the van. He then proceeded to try to run away again when I set him down to open the door.

#3: Today, he spit on a little boy in his class.

So, he is not allowed to go on the field trip to the airport that was scheduled for tomorrow. I agree completely. In fact, it was my idea that he stay home. I am concerned that they would not be able to control him and he would cause problems. Be a danger to himself and others.

We saw his pediatrician last week. He has been referred to both a psychologist and a family therapist. I spoke with the therapist's office and his first appointment is in mid November. I spoke with the psychologist's office and we are in the midst of scheduling. I have agreed to a behavior log and observation by a behavior specialist at school.

(This post is just the tip of the iceberg with the behavior problems he has been having since starting school. And not just at school.... he has been horrible at home as well.)

We have tried every form of discipline and nothing seems to make an impression. I am at the end of my rope with him.... I am taking the steps to get him help and to help me help him. If that make sense.

What I need advice on is this:

He has a Fall Festival scheduled at the school for Friday. He will miss tomorrow because of the field trip. My gut reaction is to keep him home on Friday because I have a feeling that the festival will be too much for him. He will be overstimulated and act out. Plus, I think he needs to not be rewarded for his bad behavior. And if his first day back is full of parties and fun then won't he feel rewarded?

I don't know. Steven thinks him missing the field trip is enough punishment. Personally, I don't think Braeden has any concept of what a field trip is. He could care less that he is staying home tomorrow!

Not sure how to handle this one.

Any thoughts?

**UPDATE - My mother suggested taking him to school and just picking him up before the festival. Makes sense. But then I thought maybe I would just let him go.... I would be there to supervise as I was planning to volunteer and work a booth. And maybe it is best to just let it go until we speak to the professionals.... or, like Marilyn said in her comment, maybe it is best to let him see that school can be fun?

Still interested in any advice/ words of wisdom!

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

OMG... I Suck Today

The 2 yo just smeared Organic Miso paste all over my kitchen floor. So much fun.

I am in the middle of one of the worst and most emotionally trying weeks that I have ever had. I'm sorry for the lack of blog posts but it really is all I can do just to get from one day to the next right now.

I am just glad that my teenager is decent and loving. If I had to worry about her doing drugs and getting preggers right now I think I would go insane. Thank you, Jenna, for having a good head on your shoulders. And thanks for the reminder that you love and appreciate me when I am feeling so down!

I promise to share what is going on with the 4 yo in more detail when I can. Just know that I am doing what I need to to get where I need to be with him. And trying to stay healthy and sane while doing so.

Wow. I guess Mal decided that since I just cleaned the kitchen floor and ruined his masterpi ece that it was now necessary to dump a 1/2 gallon of milk all over the clean floor. Impressive.

Just because I need the laugh today and I want to leave this post with something better than "OMG"....... enjoy.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Geeking Out

SQUUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!

Sorry. Geeking out and turning all fangirl there for a moment! But, I am so excited!

There are three movies that are about to start filming that I absolutely cannot wait to see. In fact, I can't wait to hear more about them in general. Casting? Locations? Anything?!?!?!?

First, The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan was sold to Seven Star Pictures. Taht's all I know so far.... except that I lurved the book and I can't wait for the next one to come out. If you haven't read it... you should! Coming of age zombie book. What's not to like?

Next, The Host by Stephanie Meyer will be made into a movie. Read more about this here. OMG. I love love love love love The Host. Don't let the fact that it is written by the author of Twilight turn you off. This book is fabulous. Read a quick review of it that I wrote here.

Finally..... after more than 30 years, ElfQuest is finally being made into a movie. I started reading the comics and graphic novels when I was about 11 or 12. I love the story. I love the art work. I love the characters. I can't wait for this. I hope it is handled well and that it is not screwed up like so many comic adaptations are...

Anyway. I am geeking out majorly right now and I don't know if I can wait for any of these movies to come out! I am getting ready to reread The Host.

And if Carrie Ryan ever wanders over to my blog and sees this... I would LOVE to get an ARC of the newest book when it gets released! I would totally review it. And squee over it. And love you forever. And I would even have your babies. If we could work that out. Just sayin.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Memories Of Peace and Love

Thanks for the comments guys!

TentCamper asks: I'd like to hear about the place from your past/a time when you were at complete peace and the happiest that you can remember...we all have that one memory...what is yours?

Oh, wow. OK. See, I have had many times in my life when I have been completely content and happy and at peace. The times when this happens for me are when I am able to just live in the present. No worries about tomorrow. No concerns about what I might or might not have done wrong in the past. No thoughts about anything but that particular moment. That one spot in time when everything aligns just right to make happiness inevitable. It's all about the "now" of thought. Many of those times have been when I was nursing a child. Or cuddling in the middle of the night with one or more children. Or spending time with my husband. Or having really incredible sex. Or even just playing Monopoly with DH and the Girl... on a night when we had no TV and we all just laughed and had a great time.

Some time ago, I did a question session. And one of the questions was to describe my most sensual experience in less than 50 words. The result was the following poem that is about sensual experiences that, coincidentally, are also some of the most peaceful and happy moments of my life. (Yes, it is more than 50 words! LOL)


Sensual Snapshots Of Love

Soft flesh meeting softer
a kiss that consumes and devours
never the same after

flash

Heat beating down
warm, coconut-scented
oil-slicked skin
against soft grass
Muscles stretching and relaxing
to the rhythm of a Summer day

flash

Crisp Autumn air
wafting wood smoke in the wind
a roaring fire warming bodies
on frost-bitten ground

flash

Three in the morning
hot muggy air full of silence
rocking on the front porch
baby at my breast
a breeze drifts by
to dry the sweat
a kiss lands gently
to fill the heart

flash

Porcelain cauldron of bubbles
sweetly scented air
wavering light envelopes the night
as the candles surround us
music enchants us
love enraptures us

flash

Surrounded by strength
Captured by moonlight
Salty breezes ruffle
the scent that surrounds us
Shifting sands underfoot
Water rocking
Arms supporting.
Midnight at the beach

flash

Booming thunder
Roaring winds
Day bright lightning illuminating
icy rain on wet skin

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

It's All ABout The Attitude

Welcome to my corner of the Universe to any new visitors! The Castle is my place to be myself and kick back a little bit.

Since I have been nominated as a Hot Mama by the dads over at Hot Dads, I have been thinking quite a bit about attitude. Being "hot" has less to do with a physical "look" or a perfect body than it has to do with attitude. While I consider myself to be quite hot and really sexy, I am not perfect by any means. I carry extra weight and have flaws and features that I am not happy with. However, when a woman carries herself and acts as if she is desirable and sexy, then she is much more likely to be perceived that way by others. And that attitude and the ramifications of it can carry over into other parts of your life as well.

My friend, Chelle, has always called me her "Hot Mama" and it only seems appropriate that the rest of the world follow suit! LOL Here is my fave pic of Chelle and I together...


I am on the left and Chelle is on the right.... I am her "Hot Mama" and she is my "Sexy Lady". And whenever we went out..... everyone knew we were the shit! LMAO

As a part of embracing my "hotness", I decided it is time to change my attitudes about the hardships my family is facing right now. Rather than bitch and moan all over this blog, I need this to be a place to relax a little more and forget about the troubles. I am fighting enough depression IRL that I do not need to drag it into the internetz as well....

So, all of my regulars and any new visitors, tell me what you want to read about here at the castle! Ask me questions.... I promise to answer truthfully. There are only a few things that I will not discuss on this blog, and I would tell you why I won't answer a question if it hits that spot. And I am more of a NC-17 blog than Rated R or X... but only because my daughter reads me regularly. And so does my Mom! So, I will not give detailed info regarding me sex life. Unfortunately. hehe

For any of you who have not visited Hot Dads, you really should pop over. It is always interesting for women to read about things from a man's viewpoint. I love reading their posts and think you will too!

Sunday, October 18, 2009

My Balls Have Sharp Edges

Juggling can be dangerous.



I may not be juggling knives but I am feeling pretty "on edge" right now as I juggle our finances. *groan* (I know. Very punny, right?) Seriously though, I feel like if one more financial ball gets thrown into the mix, all of my balls will come crashing down around my head. And my balls have sharp edges. (hehehe) It's been a rough time here at the castle lately. And I see no end in sight. So, while I would love to be able to post amusing and enlightening posts for the entertainment of my teeming masses of readers, I will probably be stuck in the same rut I have been lately. Bear with me. I am sure I will get my funny back one day. While we wait, maybe I can at least be punny. LOL

I am also struggling with more issues surrounding the middlest child and his behavior problems. I will, maybe, address that in a future post. Right now, the feelings are a little too close to the surface. My emotions are tender and in need of cushioning.... so I will keep them to myself for a bit longer.

I will be planning my menu for the week soon. We are eating out of the pantry again for another week due to, once again, financial issues. I have plenty of food available, I just have to figure out ways to combine what I have to make it pleasing and interesting. Any budget friendly meals based around rice would be appreciated!

I am also in search of a "Steve" costume for my 4 yo. You know, Steve? From Blue's Clues? Yep. That is what he wants to be. The Steve shirts I have seen on ebay are going for about $35 each. Way too much in my opinion.... so, if you have a spare size 4T Steve shirt hanging around.... feel free to send it my way! LOL

The 2 yo will be, hopefully, William Wallace from Braveheart. We have the kilt and costume, we can paint his face blue and he loves to scream and holler. Perfect. LMAO Jenna is planning to be a shifter in mid change from the show Supernatural. Steven is going to be a clone. (He will look just like himself. Get it?) And I still need to figure out my costume. I could be lil' Bo Peep again. Or a sexy witch. Or lil' Red Riding Hood after being ravaged by the wolf. Or a bad Faerie. Or Super Mom. Or..... no idea. I am open to suggestions!

All three of the kids are playing with their guitars right now. Steven really needs to start giving lessons. These noises may drive me to drink. More. he.

Catch ya on the flip side.....

Thursday, October 15, 2009

I Would Totally Be A Vegetarian But I Can't Give Up Bacon

My bacon cravings are through the roof today.... the taste, the smell, the look of bacon all make my mouth water. I could eat bacon and cheese sandwiches every day and be perfectly happy. Fat and unhealthy.... but happy! (Who am I kidding? I am slightly pudgy and unhealthy anyway! Bring ont he bacon!)

For today's viewing pleasure I bring you.... the Bacon Roll! Woven bacon baked in the oven, filled with cheese, rolled up and sliced. Yes. Oh, yes.

And then.... Chocolate covered bacon. So wrong that it seems just right. Anyone ever tried this?


Of course, just bacon and pancakes is always pretty nice, too. Or just bacon. I'm not picky.....

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Something To Blog About....

Yeah. I got nothing.

Wait, not true.

I have a 2 yo you loves to take the poop out of his diaper and bring it to me.

I have a 4 yo who is doing great in school scholastically but is unable to settle down and behave.

I have a 15 yo who just took the PSAT test today.... and makes me feel old.

I have a husband who is pretty fab but NOT HERE. These 12 - 14 hour days are killing me.... and him!

I have a broken AC unit in my living room, a toilet that has been running for 4 days and a living room overhead light that decided it was on strike this morning.

I have dirty laundry, clean laundry and wrinkled laundry awaiting my attention.

I have to do lists and menu plans and coupon clipping and ten million other house wifely things to take care of.

I have a NEED.... desperate and unattainable.... for a stiff drink....

It's been one of those days, folks. Time to go play in the rain, eat ice cream and jump on the bed. I think I am tired of being an adult today!!!!!

Monday, October 12, 2009

Is It Monday Again???

This weekend flew by. The boys were typical overactive and rambunctious boys and kept us hopping! So, with no more than a blink of an eye, here I am back at Monday again! Today's post may be kind of long, so hold onto your hats!

I had to attend a nutrition class today as part of a new WIC program. For those who do not know, WIC (Women, Infants and Children) is a food program geared to help out low income families and feed young children healthy food. They have made some major changes in the food packages we receive each month and have instituted mandatory nutrition classes every three months. It wasn't a big deal, only a 30 minute class. Today they talked about Fiber and how important it can be. I honestly did not learn anything new but several other women int he class seemed to. So, it is a good thing!

The new food package that we recived today was great! It includes a choice of 3 of the following: Fresh fruits and vegetables (choice of bags of apples, oranges, sweet potatoes or carrots) and canned fruit and vegetables (choice of 2 cans of diced tomatoes, green beans, peaches and pears, maybe more) , a choice of either whole wheat bread, brown rice or tortillas, a choice of cheese (American, string, Cheddar and others), a choice of cereals (grits, oatmeal and various healthy cold cereals) a choice of peanut butter or dried peas or beans, shelf stable milk, eggs and juices. They only had apples available this month for fresh fruits, though.

So, we get a food package for each of the boys. We ended up with two cases of milk, enough apple juice concentrate to make about 4 gallons of juice, 8 juice boxes, a package of string cheese, a package of American slices, 2 cartons of eggs, 6 boxes of Kashi Mighty Bites cereal (LOVE this!), 2 bags of apples, 2 cans of green beans, 2 cans of diced tomatoes, 2 cans of peaches, 2 cans of pears, 2 jars of peanut butter, 2 bags of brown rice and 2 loaves of whole wheat bread. I felt like I had gone shopping! What a great blessing WIC is to our family. Honestly, it is so helpful when it comes to stretching our grocery budget. Next month, I plan to get more fresh veggies and fruits rather than canned. And more bread since that is generally more expensive to buy than rice is.

Anyway. If you or someone you know is pregnant, breastfeeding or has a child under 5 years old, WIC can be helpful. It never hurts to apply! Not everyone who receives WIC is low income, some people have other risk factors that make them eligible.

So, after I finished with my WIC appointment, I did my menu planning. I have NO money to do any shopping this week. AT all. So, everything on this week's menu has to be made from things in my pantry and freezer. Hopefully it all turns out wonderfully!

Monday - Pork Chops with Creamy Orzo

Tuesday - Homemade baked beans with whole wheat biscuits

Wednesday - Spaghetti Pie and salad

Thursday - Curried Beef and Apple Couscous

Friday - Leftovers

Saturday - Red Beans and brown rice with Cajun sausage


I am participating in the 30-Day Encouragement Challenge over at Laughing Family. It is a challenge geared towards enhancing and enriching a marriage. As part of the challenge, I am supposed to say no negative things about my husband for the next 30 days. And am also supposed to say one positive thing about AND to him each day. I will be posting a positive message about my husband here on the blog each day that I blog over the next month. Since so many of my posts do complain about him and his foibles, I figured it was only fair to share the good things as well!

So, today's Encoragement is: I love that my husband will eat whatever I put in front of him! He never complains, he never turns his nose up and he rarely eats only one serving of anything I cook! This is a wonderful thing for me as I learn to cook new foods and experiment with recipes that do not always turn out as I anticipate! Thank you, honey, for always being willing to be my guinea pig!

Friday, October 9, 2009

Home Management and Company Girl Coffee!

Welcome and thanks for stopping by to any of you Company Girls who amble over! Hunker down and grab some chamomile tea. The coffee is on hiatus from the Castle right now, I am trying to wean off of caffeine! Plus, you know, chamomile.... all comforting and soothing and stuff. With the way things have been around here lately, that is just what I need!

The kids are being typical kids, one of them acting out in school, one playing with poop and the eldest having moments of true anxiety. "Gah! Senior next year! Gah! College! Gah! Senior project! Gah! OMG! Gah!" And other teenagerly angsty type pronouncements abound here lately! LOL For more from that quarter, feel free to check out either one of The Girl's blogs. She writes over at The Delusional and at As The Plot Thickens. She also owns and moderates a writer's forum at Quill and Ink. She rocks pretty hardcore, really. Even if I do complain about the teenage crap. She just needs some time to get past all of the hormonal and horrible 15 - 21 year old horror. I'm sure you all remember that time!

I have spent my day today doing typical household chores, In between the dirty clothes, dishes and changing diapers, I have been working on setting up a Home Management Binder. I really hope that I can train myself to use it because I think it will be a real help in getting me organized. If I use it. Big if. I always have big plans and usually end up having problems with the follow through. Any of y'all use a binder/ planner to stay organized and on task? Any advice on setting it up and remembering to use it?

I have plans to try to plant some fall crops in my garden... since we stay warm here for so long, I am hoping I might get some actual veggies to grow! The garden was eaten by bugs and killed by horrendously hot weather this Summer. Right now, the only things living in there are some red and yellow peppers, some cucumber plants I planted (again) a few weeks ago and some butternut squash that I planted a few weeks ago. I have some spinach seeds and I may have some green beans up in my gardening cabinet.... I hope they produce something before we get frost here! The weather does not usually get to freezing until December, sometimes close to Christmas around here. Fingers crossed! I certainly want cooler weather, but i also want some actual food to be produced from my garden this year!!

The Girl just got home and informed me that she got a 71 on her 9 weeks test in AP US History. That means she is bringing home a C for the 9 weeks. We had told her that if she brought home a C that she would be grounded. But, she did work hard to bring her grade up from earlier in the 9 weeks. I really am not sure if I should ground her or not. Perhaps just some slight restrictions? Or maybe having her stay after for one day each week and do extra work in class. Her teacher is available every day for extra help/ extra credit work. I will have to discuss with my husband exactly how we should handle this. Her on restrictions from her laptop is basically punishing ME since I will have to listen to her complaining! LOL

Seriously, if this is the worst I have to deal with from her this year, I will be a happy camper. But don't tell her that, 'kay? (Jenna, you did not read that!)

I hope everyone has had a fabulous week and is healthy and happy. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you stop by again soon!!

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

The Soundtrack of My Life

I have been very intensely into music lately. And as I have found new artists and revisited old favorites I have noticed a trend. All of these songs that I have been obsessing over lately seem to be reflecting some of the best and worst times of my life. It made me feel like I must be writing a screenplay for the movie of my life! So, for any who feel like exploring my life through music.... click on any of the below links to be taken to a song that reflects a time and place in my life. Let me know what you think.....

Monday, October 5, 2009

Turd Crayons of Doom

It has certainly been a craptastic couple of weeks here at the Castle! We all have been sick, Jenna more than anyone else. When I took her to the doctor, they tested her for strp and for the swine flu. Both tests came back negative. Then, 6 days later, they called me and told me they had overlooked her test results and she was positive for strep. So, both boys went in for tests. All showing negative at this time. But I am not sure how much I trust their lab right now! AND, I am pretty sure the swine flu test was not accurate. We had classic symptoms.... and now hubby is sick. Yuck.

So, overall, we have just been so blech that blogging was at the bottom of my list of things to do.

And then today, my youngest child did something so gross that I just had to share it with you!

He made a turd crayon. Really. His older brother decided to shit on the floor. I know. Gross. His potty training is doing great with pee but not so hot in the poop department! Anyway... Malachai picked up the turd, rolled it into a ball and came to find me. He then proceeded to draw on my arm with the turd ball. Yes, I freaked as soon as I realized what he was doing. Yes, I then proceeded to disinfect my arm, his hands and anything else I could reach!

Aren't you glad I shared that with you?

Promise to do better blogging now that I am feeling better!