See What I'm Saying - Christmas '08 Edition

No rambling here...just watch the video clip. For once, you'll be able to see what I'm saying!

To see the "sister video" to this, visit my sister at Chatty Kelly...after leaving a comment, if you want.

A New Post

It seems like it has been ages since I have actually sat down to write a new post. I had a few short ones lately but some of those had been written beforehand and scheduled. I, like everyone else, have just been SO busy. So here I sit at 2:00AM on Sunday morning with so much to say that it is just bubbling out of my fingertips. However, even though I am writing this post in the wee early morning hours , believe it or not, I sometimes tend to ramble on and on about nothing in particular. Add that to the wee hours of the night and I could end up sitting here and writing word after word, sentence after sentence, paragraph after paragraph, and even page after page and end up not saying anything at all.

What a waste of time it would be to sit here with all these neat ideas and actually not say anything. You would be reading and waiting and waiting for some sort of plot or storyline. When you finally finished reading, you would end up being baffled, confused, perplexed, bewildered, abashed, muddled, and well, my favorite, discombobulated. (ok, ok, I'm putting away the Thesaurus now).

But seriously, you know what I'm talking about when it comes to being discombobulated. DISCOMBOBULATE: To confuse or disconcert, upset, frustrate, to throw into a state of confusion (that's my fave).

So, you can be sure that I wouldn't want my wonderful readers, who bless me with their precious time and then walk away from reading my post thinking that maybe, just maybe, they missed something.

When you sit down to read something I have written, I expect you to walk away with a feeling that you can now take on the world.I want you to take the things you learn from my posts and apply them to your everyday life. LEARN from them, PONDER over them, STUDY them. You even have my permission to do a book study class on them. After all, in this one post alone, there must be loads of important information that could be discussed amongst yourselves.

I feel really good about this. I feel that maybe I am broadening your minds. After all, if you hadn't read this post today, look what you would have lost. I, for one, learned a lot!

So read it, Take it, Carry it with you, Share it with a friend, Talk about it together.

Just remember where you read it first.After all, this post has taught me more things than I thought possible.

And the wonderful part is. I could very well sit down and do another one in a day of two. And that, my friends, is remarkable.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Surprise in The Mail Box!!

I went out to the mail box the other day and there was a package in it. Not a huge surprise because I was waiting on a few items that I had purchased from e-bay for the kids. I didn't even pay any attention to the return address label.


I opened the box and the person that sent it had Gift Wrapped the item!! It still didn't strike me as odd. I just figured the seller must have alot of time on their hands. Then I saw the card and thought that this is an awful lot for someone to do for an e-bay sale.
And it was wrapped beautifully! (actually it looked even better than the picture does, as I am not in the habit of taking a picture of everything that comes in the mail....yes....I re-wrapped it for the photographic effect!)
And then I RE-opened it!
What a WONDERFUL surprise!! A beautiful plaque from Edie at Rich Gifts!! I was completely speechless (ha!). I am truly, truly blessed to have made such wonderful friends through blogging. I never, EVER expected to get to know anybody, much less meet people that I consider friends.
Anyway, Here is a picture of my plaque. I am going to write out what is on it because my camera doesn't always take the clearest pictures.......unless......dare I say.....it could be the photographer? Nah, it must be the camera.
Oh, and after e-mailing Edie to thank her I found out that SHE MADE THIS!! Amazing!
Thank You. Thank You. Thank You, My Friend, Edie!
Merry Christmas!!
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, Plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11

(she reads me like a book)

Today Is Tuesday. You know What That Means... 12-23

Today Is Tuesday.
You know what that means.
We're gonna have a special guest...........
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I TOLD him to eat his food...

He had been warned.

He should have known.

The minutes were ticking away.

I must have told him 3-4 times.

It was getting late.

The bus would be here soon.

Once he realized what was about to happen, it was too late.

The wheels were in motion......

You need to hurry up and eat your food.
(pause.....he looks at me with alarm)

Please don't think that I'm being rude.
(he quickly begins eating....but it was too late)

To swallow your food, it must be chewed.
I really didn't want to start a feud.
And I don't want this to alter your mood.
If you weren't dressed then you would be nude.

"MOM, I'M EATING!! I'M EATING!!"

You took too long and I'm sorry little Dude.
The Beatles had a song that was called Hey Jude.
You better be happy I am not a prude.
Or I would take you court and you'd be sued.
What I want you to do can not be misconstrued.

"I'M FINISHED!! LOOK! I'M DONE"

Well I'm not finished so don't you brood.
I like tomatoes but not if they're stewed.
The beginning of a song can be called a Prelude.
If I liked coffee, if would have to be brewed.
Please don't think that I am being shrew.
But, I have held back and my list has accrued.

"HEY. IS THAT THE SCHOOL BUS COMING?"

It's not coming yet, don't try to delude.
You need to relax, don't come unglued.
Don't forget your books need to be renewed.
I saw your grades yesterday so they have been viewed.
You grades are very good and we never argued.
You know I'll keep checking, it's my job to intrude.

"OK, THERE'S THE BUS!! BYE MOM!! LOVE YOU!!"

Well , the school bus came and he's been rescued.
I need to go and call my sweet aunt Gertrude.
Then I need to take a shower and have my hair shampooed.
My time alone is something that is really valued.
SO, goodbye every body it is time to conclude.........

Today is Tuesday. You Know What That Means...AGAIN

Today is Tuesday.
You know what that means.
We're gonna have a Special Guest.......

OK, most of you didn't remember the Mickey Mouse Club song that started off my mini series but I'm not giving up on you yet.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy another walk down memory lane.

SO. Without further ado.....Here is today's special guest.....

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Virginia Tacky Light Tour

In Virginia we have what is called The Tacky Lights Tour. They probably have them all over the place but because we are so conservative here in Virginia, (my house, along with most of the neighborhood and surrounding communities pretty much stick with white lights), it is especially fun to go check it out.

There are tour busses you can take but we prefer to go in the car.

So anyway, this week Chatty Kelly and her kids, Our Dad, Alberquando, myself and an unexpected guest (a friend of JM's got stranded and needed a ride so we picked him up and made him go with us even though JM was at work) went and took our own tour.

Of course the pictures don't do these houses justice....or perhaps they give too much, haha.
Anyway, here is a sample of what we saw.

In one of them, it is a mom that lives next door to her son so both houses are done. In another it looks like the entire block got into it. The man that lives at one of the houses said he starts putting things up September 13th and usually finishes taking them down around mid-February. He also makes many of his decorations himself. In other words he spends well over half of each year on this.

They are fun to look at and the hours involved are amazing, but as I've said before...."Woe to the neighbors". (Remember National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation?---and they didn't have to deal with tour busses!). Also, no matter what you put out to decorate your own house with will surely look bland next to houses like these.

In one of the pictures you will see Chatty Kelly's angels peeking through the cut out faces of a snowman and Santa. Hey, Look! There's another picture of the snowman and Santa but with 2 different faces peeking out! Wonder who THAT could be!?!!

Missed Me!!

Hi. Lea, at the Shabby Olde Potting Shed, is playing TAG. She says she tagged me but I KNOW for a fact that I dodged just in time. I was going to deny being it but you know what happens then. I'll say that she missed me, she'll claim that she didn't. Next thing you know, we are arguing in the street, the other kids take sides, and then someone's mom get mad and makes everyone go home.

SO, in order to keep the peace. I'll Be It.

A Christmas Tag......

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?
Egg Nog definately

2. Does Santa wrap the presents or just sit them under the tree?
He wraps them. After spending all that time creating them, he wants the "moment" to last longer.

3. Lights on house / tree are colored or white?
I live in Virginia...White. (but it is fun to go tour the other houses that go
C-R-A-Z-Y.......pictures of that later this week)

4. Do you have mistletoe?
Why? Do you want to kiss me?

5. When do you put your decorations up?
USUALLY, I have it done by the beginning of December. This year hasn't worked out as well. If I don't hurry up, it will be Groundhog's Day!

6. Favorite Holiday Dish (EXcluding dessert)?
Dressing...... Not Stuffing....(here we go again).

7. Favorite Christmas memory as a child?
I was never a child.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
After I put some money in the Salvation Army's bucket, the Santa thanked me for helping to give presents to children, that otherwise wouldn't get anything for Christmas. I asked my mother why didn't Santa give presents to the poor children and she responded with, "What do you think?". I figured it out that day.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
Yes, but it's harder to spread out the gifts as they get older. Stuff is MUCH more expensive.

10. How do you decorate your tree?
With ornaments.

11. SNOW. Love it or dread it?
LOVE it when it's coming down and everything is covered. DREAD it when everything is
slushy and dirty and the kids have been out of school for a week.

12. Can you ice skate?
Purple

13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
It was an honor just being nominated.

14. What is the most important thing about Christmas to you?
No brainer. The birth of Jesus Christ.

15. What is your favorite holiday dessert?
Same as Lea's. Home made sugar cookies with icing and sprinkles.

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Watching How "The Grinch Stole Christmas" with my kids while decorating the tree. Also, in the evenings, our fire dept rides through every neighborhood in our district with Santa in the bucket of the truck. Usually we have 5-7 pieces of apparatus and it's like a parade. Horns and sirens are blaring. Spotlight is on Santa and the people LOVE it. They come out and thank us and bring us homemade treats and donations.

17. What tops your Christmas tree?
A star made out of cardboard and aluminum foil. JM made it when he was about 4.

18. Which do you prefer, giving or receiving gifts?
I actually really do prefer giving. I also would rather exchange a small thoughtful, inexpensive gift than just something we pick up because we can't think of anything else. (I know, cheesy).

19. Favorite Christmas Song?
"Do You Hear What I Hear?" and "Mary, Did You Know?"

20. Candy Canes, Yum or Yuck?
YUM

21. What do you want for Christmas?
A Water Buffalo

22. Do you attend an annual Christmas party?
Everyone comes to my house on Christmas Eve and to my sisters' or brother's house on Christmas Day (and Thanksgiving).

23. Do you usually dress up for Christmas Eve or wear PJ's?
Dress Up.

24. Do you own a Santa Hat?
Yes, and another one with a beard attached and also reindeer antlers.

25. Who do you normally spend Christmas with?
My family, extended family, inlaws, outlaws, etc.

26. What is your favorite Christmas decoration and why?
An old walking cane that belonged to my grandfather. My dad gave it to me after his dad died. It reminds me of my grandfather but also reminds me of Miracle on 34th Street. That was always my favorite Christmas movie. One of my favorite quotes is from it. "Faith Is Believing In Something, Even When Common Sense Tells You Not To.".

OK everyone...TAG...You're It!!

Today is Tuesday, You Know What That Means...

I don't post many videos. Of course that could be because I had to call Chatty Kelly to find out how to post this one. Anyway, it's Tuesday and I think of this song at one point or another almost every Tuesday. I think most of you have heard it....many, many years ago. I used to watch this show on TV every afternoon that I could. Now, I WAS watching the reruns. I think the originals ran sometime starting in the early 1950's.

You Tube is SO cool. You can find ANYTHING.

SO.....sit back, relax and take a walk down memory lane......

The Cough Drop Story

I am in the middle of reading a book. Actually I am in the middle of reading about 10 books, but that's another story.

The name of the book is Driven To Distraction, byEdward M Hallowell MD, and John J Ratey MD. It is about recognizing and coping with ADD and ADHD from childhood through adulthood. I think the authors have been spying on me my whole life as I could have been the person they refer to in just about all of their examples. Most people have a few ADHD symptoms, the problem is when you have most of them.

There is one story called The Cough Drop story that I can relate to so well that I am going to share it with you. A lady is talking to her doctor...

"....that is about a cough drop someone left on the dashboard of our car. The other day I saw the cough drop and thought, I'll have to throw that away. When I arrived at my first stop, I forgot to take the cough drop to a trash can. When I got back in the car, I saw it and thought, I'll throw it away at the gas station. The gas station came and went and I hadn't thrown the cough drop away. Well, the whole day went like that, the cough drop still sitting on the dashboard. When I got home, I thought, I'll take it inside with me and throw it out. In the time it took me to open the car door, I forgot about the cough drop. It was there to greet me when I got into the car the next morning."

Now think about that story and add it to just about every aspect of your life. whew....

What was I talking about???

Can You Relate?

What...Me Ramble?

I'm sitting here typing with nothing to say.
It's time for a post but I have nothing to display.
I guess I'm going to ramble if you think it's ok.
I thought of popping Edie's bubbles but I don't really want to play.
If I was really wise I would use this time to pray.
But my mind is on the fritz and it's running away.

I made a new paragraph so you wouldn't go away.
I read that one long paragraph makes my readers start to stray.

If it wasn't after midnight I could go out and play.
If I sit here too long then night will turn to day.
If i had a horse then it would probably neigh.
And if I had a hen, then an egg it would lay.

If it isn't yet tomorrow then it must be today.
I'm getting kind of tired and my feet feel like clay.
But I'm determined to finish so here I will stay.

If you don't brush your teeth they will start to decay.
yes, I know that was random but I've no rules to obey.

If you do a good job then I'll give you a yay;
But if you make a mistake then please don't dismay.

If you used to be happy, you would say you were gay.
But now people take it in another way.

I'm not a good cook, can't even do consomme.
Not good at crafts either, not even applique.
I don't know how to act so I won't do a matinee.
I need to chooses what to do , maybe write a resume.
Have no idea what do do which is why I delay.
But I can't fight fire, much to my dismay.
You need a back that works and mine refuses to obey.
That's making me sad, off that subject we will stay.

Sometimes I use the dictionary but also the Roget.
I'd probably write better if I had a glass of Monet.
I'm really not picky. I'll accept Chardonnay.

I just put on my PJ's I don't wear a negligee.
It's getting rather late so in my bed I should lay.

Tomorrow will be better than yesterday
Because tomorrow is now and the past has gone away.

Goodbye to my friends, I can no longer stay.
If I don't gt any sleep ----I will be tired and grumpy.
Good Night.
Well, I'm going to bed as soon as I check out a few of your blogs. It has been too long.

See ya,
MyADHDMe!!



I wonder why kids buy jeans that have started to fray.
And those jeans aren't cheap, you need much moola to pay.

The matador sees the bull and he yells OLE!
If you buy your lunch at school, then you carry a tray.

My mom had a friend and her name was Faye.
But if they're still friends, well I just can't say.

If it's not the sea or ocean then it may be the bay.
Oh Look, there's a bird, perhaps a Blue Jay.

I really have no message that I wish to convey.
It could really be worse, it could be Saturday.

If the answer is aye then it isn't Nay.

Mothers of Teenagers Know Why Some Animals Eat Their Young

It all started out as a typical afternoon. JM, my 17 year old son, is a senior in high school. He gets out of school early every day for work release.....of course he only works 2 days a week. The school alternates classes every other day, with A days and B days. On A days he gets out at 2:00 and on B days he gets out at 11:40.....geez, that barely gives me time to get a shower.

ANYWAY, That is entirely too early in my opinion.

OK, back to the story. Yesterday he asks if his friend Sam can come over so they can "hang out" and practice for their band. You would just LOVE their music. The genre is called Grind Core. It really is lovely. Actually, lovely isn't really the right adjective. But it is loud. There is a lot of bass, (did I mention it is loud?), drums, major guitar playing and vocals that sound like ...hhmmm.... how to describe the vocals.....if you make your voice as low as possible, growl , and make noises that sound like blah rahra, la ra oo ou, then perhaps you know what I'm talking about. I think I have a video of it somewhere. If I can find it and get CK to talk me through how to add it to this post I'll let you enjoy the experience yourself. I've checked out the lyrics. I think the idea is to sound as bad and incoherent as possible while singing about random nothingness....meanwhile, your audience thinks you are singing about awful stuff. Example-one of their songs is about a toaster that is toasting your bread. .....did I just hear you ask me why? Who knows. I guess it makes as much sense as "Get off the Bus Gus, Gotta new plan Stan, Don't gotta be coy Roy....". You get the picture.

Sorry. I know you are all extremely disappointed but I can't find the video. However, all it not lost. I did find some pictures of their first "gig". These pictures are from April 2007. He plays lead guitar and is also doing vocals in the top right picture. JM doesn't look like that anymore (thankfully). His hair got about 6 inches longer than it is in the pictures but a few months ago he cut it all off---almost buzz cut. About a month after that he shaved the goatee off. he really is extremely handsome now. (Really). In these pictures he is 15 years old...I know...he looks A LOT older.

OH yeah, I was talking about yesterday.

So, I say "yes", Sam may come over. I allow him to have sleepovers on school nights, (I know..BAD MOTHER). But as long as he gets up without problem and gets his work done and doesn't sleep during class (again) it's ok.

They are here for a while, eat dinner, (lucky for Sam, they picked a night where I actually cooked instead of giving them Hot Pockets)---(or was that lucky?). Anyway they ask if they can spend the night at Sam's house. They have a ride.....remember, JM is still car-less since his last "minor-mishap". He'll probably be licence -less after he goes to court on Dec 18. I know I mentioned this before but just a side note (ever realize that most of my posts are side-notes?), but did I tell you that our auto insurance went from $1,200 yearly to approx $6,500---thank you JM.

OK, I say they can go to Sam's. "Bob" comes to give them a ride. I usually call to check up, but trying to give him the benefit of the doubt I didn't. This happened sometime around 8:00 PM.
At about 10:00 PM Sam's mom calls me and asks if she may speak to Sammy....hhhmmm. So I take it they aren't there? I tell her that, then I tell her I'll text him and see what is going on.

here are the texts:

Me- Did you get to Sam's?
JM-Yeah, we're fine. We might go to Bob's but not for long.
Me-Are you at Sam's now?
JM-We're just leaving now.--- (notice how is is skirting around the truth)
Me-Leaving Sam's house, or leaving to GO to Sam's house?
JM-Leaving Sam's, but we won't be late.
Me- You are lying. (I hate using that word, but I KNEW!) Where are you now so I can come and get you.
JM-I'm not lying.
Me-I just spoke to Sam's mom. She called to speak to him. WHERE ARE YOU?

long pause

Me-"I re-send last message."
JM-Sam just called his mom. We're at Cory's friend, Bob's house.
Me- Call me NOW

20 seconds later the phone rings.

Me-Where does Bob live?
(pause)
Me-Where does Bob live?
JM- off of Altee Road (5 minutes away)
Me- You have exactly 15 minutes to either be here or at Sam's or I am going to come there and bring you home myself. It's late. your brother is in bed and I promise it will not be pretty.
JM-There's no way I can get there in 15 minutes.
Me-Fine-I'm coming right now.
JM-Wait, We'll be there in 15 min.
Me-I'm going to call Sam's mom and if you aren't there in 15 minutes, you can plan on being home for a long time.
JM-We'll be there. Bye

(wonder why I have the feeling that after he hung up he had a few more choice words to say???)

Anyway, I called Sam's mom to confirm and they actually got there before she and I hung up.

2-3 min later I get a text:

JM-We're at Sam's now.
Me- Thank you. I love you. Good Night.

(hhmmm, he must have forgotten to hit send for his "You're welcome. I love you too. Good night" text.)

And THAT my friends, is why Mother's of Teenager's Know Why Some Animals Eat Their Young.

Monday Monday Monday

I LOVE Monday's!

I have incredible respect for moms that can and do home school their children but I KNOW that I am a better mom and even a better person because of that yellow school bus that picks them up on Monday mornings.

Every one just close your eyes for a moment and picture me home schooling....not a pretty picture. Even homework time has been known to send me into a frenzy or at least a migraine. And believe me, Vicoden and Earth Science don't go well together.

Weekends are nice but Monday morning are magical. I go into each of my boy's rooms singing and cheerfully waking them up. For some reason they never seem as cheerful as I am. But I know the remedy for that! If you don't remember it, I told you about it once before.
It's If You hear What I say then You heard what I said.
For some reason I can't get that exact link to come up. It's on the right page though. It's the 6th one down. ( oh for goodness sake....go read it...you're already here anyway) Great, now how do I make this line go away...sigh.
Anyway, as for the song, It works every time! It drives Alberquando CRAZY! And of course another one of my favorites is
The Pretty Yellow Schoolbus. The kids aren't too fond of that one either.

They drag themselves up, usually a bit grumpy...we aren't morning people here. I get them breakfast, they get ready and each walk out the door (Alberquando to the school bus and JM to his friend's car). I give them a kiss, a hug and I love you and I'll miss you....I close the door....sigh....and then I smile. Picture the smile on the Grinches face when he had an "aweful, wonderful, terrible idea" and then his smile got bigger and bigger until it took over his face.
Sad to say, that is me on Monday mornings. SMILING!!

As I've said numerous times, Please don't get me wrong. I love my little sweethearts and am smiling and waving as they come home but I am DEFINITELY a better person for the few hours of freedom that I get every time I see it coming down the street. See what coming down the street you ask????...Oh, you shouldn't have asked. Here I go again....

Oh you Pretty Yellow School Bus
Pretty Yellow School Bus we love you.
And that Pretty Yellow School Bus
Pretty Yellow School Bus Loves us too.
Near, Far, I don't need a car to take them off to school today.
Bus Bus Pretty Yellow School Bus
We know you know the way!
Bus Bus Pretty yellow School Bus
We Know You Know The Way!!!!!!!!

(sorry, you'll have to go to the links to read the rest of this classic tune)

Have a wonderful wonderful Monday!!

Results of Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving dinner was excellent.
The house was spotless.
The atmosphere was cozy.
Everyone had a wonderful time.
All the children were angels.

And even it it hadn't been..........I sure wouldn't write about it.
I may be crazy....but I'm not THAT CRAZY!!!!!

(But every one did have a great time and CK really did do a terrific job!)

Chatty Kelly's Thanksgiving Meme

Hi all. This is Chatty Kelly's Thanksgiving Meme...(hence the title "Chatty Kelly's Thanksgiving Meme").

1. Which do you like better. Cooking at your house or going elsewhere? No brainer...elsewhere.

2. Do you buy fresh or frozen bird? I don't have to buy the bird. (or kill the bird, or pluck the bird etc) See answer to #1

3. What kind of stuffing? My dad's. And it's DRESSING

4. Sweet Potato or Pumpkin Pie? Yes. with Cool Whip please.

5. Do you believe turkey leftovers are a curse or the point of the whole thing? Two words...Turkey Sandwich.

6. Which sidedish would provoke a riot if you left it off the menu? As cooking is NOT one of my specialties...I don't think there is anything that would be riot provoking.

7. Do you save the carcass to make soup or stock? Well, if anyone wants to make Turkey Hash, I'll take a bowl.

8. What do you wish you had that would make preparing Thanksgiving Dinner easier? I already have it. 2 sisters that take turns preparing it.

9. Do you get up at the crack of dawn to have dinner ready in the early afternoon or do you eat at your normal dinner hour? See answer to #1 and #8.

10. If you go to someone else's house, what is your favorite dish to bring? Leftover containers

11. Is your cranberry sauce fresh or canned? They make it fresh?

12. What's your absolute favorite thing on the menu? Well, besides the dressing, sweet potato casserole, ham, greens, rolls, mac and cheese, and all of the other yummy things that everyone makes and brings I also love...big segway here.....

(sung to the tune of, of course, The Bunny!)

The Turkey. The Turkey.
Wow, I love the turkey.
I dream about the gravy and the dressing and the turkey.
The turkey. the turkey.
YES! I love the turkey.
You can buy it in Virginia or even Albuquerque.

I don't want no carrots.
I don't want no peas.
Just bring on the turkey,
And slice it up please.

I don't have to cook it.
I don't have the mess.
I just go to kelly's
And SHE GETS THE STRESS!!

The turkey. The turkey.
Wow, I love the turkey.
It's very very hard to find some words that rhyme with Turkey.

The turkey . The turkey.
(my mind is getting quirky)
I can't stop thinking 'bout Little Turkey Lurkey.

I've got to stop typing.
But one more thing to say.
I hope you all enjoy yourselves
On THANKSGIVING DAY!

The Turkey. The Turkey....(fade out)

The Bunny

Do you ever get a song in your head and you can't get rid of it. Yes you have. We all have at one time or another so I really don't know why you're pretending that it never happens to you. Oh, and thank you to the honest ones out there that said yes.

Anyway, I have the weirdest song (go figure) tumbling around and I just can't get rid of it. Anyone that has kids from ages 1-18 or grandkids may very well recognize it. It's from Veggie Tales. I LOVE Veggie Tales. For my birthday CK gave me a CD of 70's hits from Veggie Tales...not for my kids....but for me. I love it. One of the songs is Funky Town. I was playing it with CK's daughter #2 in the car one day and she kept asking me to play the Taco Belly song again???? I had no idea what she was talking about until she sang it for me. Taco Belly, Taco Belly, Taco Belly, Taco Belly....change words to "Talk About It" and you have the Funky Town chorus. Thank goodness I figured that out. Of course now everytime I sing along I say Taco Belly.

Well, believe it or not, that wasn't the song I was talking about in the first place. Guess I got sidetracked...hhmmm....how odd for me.

Anyway back to the song I keep singing in my head...now I am thinking about it in addition to the Taco Belly song. The song I am talking about now....if you are still with me is The Bunny Song. It is on one of the videos and surprising enough, it is about a chocolate bunny and a bunny making factory.If I don't write down the words I will never stop singing it to myself. So please, bear with me. Hey stop! Put your shirt back on. I said bear with me...not bare with me.....and no grizzly bears, this is about chocolate bunnies. OK, here we go...

The bunny, The bunny.
Whoa I love the bunny.
I don't love my mom or my dad just the bunny.
The bunny The bunny
yeah, I love the bunny.
I gave everything that I had for the bunny.

I don't want no pickles, I don't want no honey.
I just want a plate and a fork and a bunny.
I don't want a tissue when my nose is runny.
I just want a plate and a fork and a bunny.
I don't want to tell you a joke that is funny.
I just want a plate and a fork and a bunny.
I don't want to play on a day that is sunny.
I just want a plate and a fork and a bunny.

Cause Bunnies Are COOL!!!

Thank you and I apologize but I have been singing that song for days and it won't go away.
All it took was one simple sentence to put that song in my head.
it was something like, "Hi, How are you?"

Oh No. Here we go..

Bunnies....Easter
Easter.......Eggs
Eggs......Chicks
Chicks....Chicken
Chicken.....Turkey
Turkey.......Thanksgiving.

So are you all getting ready for Thanksgiving. I am VERY thankful. I am very thankful that I don't have to prepare Thanksgiving dinner. Either ET or Chatty Kelly does Thanksgiving each year. This year it is CK. All I have to do is to prepare a few sides, load the kids in the car, drive over the river and through the woods to Kelly's house I go. It's a long trek. It takes at least 5-7 minutes to get there.

So, you all know what that means for Chatty Kelly....Stress!

Maybe I'll take her a chocolate bunny...hhhmmmm....doubt I can find one this time of year. Oh well, a Hershey's Kiss will have to do.

And That..........Is That!
(unless it is this)

To Medicate or Not To Medicate...What Was the Question?

On November 9th I wrote about my decision to finally try ADHD medication on my 12 year old son, Alberquando (no, that isn't his real name but that was a long story that I posted about back in May). It was my post titled "Still Very Symptomatic" This decision was made after about 5 years of every teacher and many doctors telling me that he needed it. I was determined not to put my child on a medication for something that I felt he and I could conquer on our own....remember now, I AM MyADHDMe. I can barely focus long enough to read his assignment book, much less help him focus on doing it. (ok, minor exaggeration there, but you get the point).

This is a sample of the comments and phone calls I have been receiving from his teacher this year (and it's only been 9 weeks so far)

Alberquando is very smart but it just seems like he's not there, even when he is.
He got another incomplete because he didn't finish his classwork again.
I continually need to remind him to stay on task.
I've asked him 3 times to bring in his notebook but he keeps forgetting.
I gave him an extra week to do his project but he just won't do it.
He rarely has his homework and when he does have it, he can't find it.
He gets Advanced scores on his SOL tests but is barely passing class.

Every night his homework would take approx 3 hours and usually ended with both of us mad, frustrated, him crying, and only half the work done.

I would tell him to go and brush his teeth. He would walk towards the bathroom, only to return 10 minutes later and say "what was I supposed to be doing?".

These are the grades that he brought home (for his core subjects) on his interim (half way through a 9 week grading period):

Math-F
Earth Science-F
History-D (just one grade point above an F)
Language Arts-D

Finally I knew I had to try another route. He took his first does of the medicine on October 31. He was SO against it. It was a battle every morning and I literally checked under his tongue and in his mouth after he took it.

I had a parent teacher conference on November 13th. That's just 2 weeks after he started the medication.
Here are the quotes that the teachers wrote on the paper they gave me at the conference.

"Huge (underlined) improvement in the last week. Homework being completed on time. Classwork completed quickly. Grades improving. Notebooks are more organized. Paying attention in class. MUCH Improvement. Concentration has improved".

This is what his grades are as of today, (he has now been taking the meds for 21 days):
Math-A
Earth Science-B
History-A
Language Arts-B

Last week I asked him if he noticed a difference. Here is what he said to me. "I had no idea how good it would feel to go to class and be prepared and have my work. I always hated it when the teachers would sigh or say they were disappointed in me and knew I could do better. I dreaded each class because I knew I'd be missing something. Oh, and you should see my locker! When I open the door, everything doesn't come flying out like a waterfall!"

A few of you have sent me e-mails asking me questions for your own kids or a friends kids about what I thought about ADHD meds for kids. All I can say is the difference in him is phenomenal.
One of the concerns both he and I had was that the meds would change who he was or his personality. Well, the only difference I see is that he seems happier.

He slept quite a bit more than normal the first 2 weeks. Especially on weekends but the doctors had advised me that that was very probable. Also, he had a few stomach aches at first that I am quite sure were due to the meds, but both of those side effects have gone away.

I told my own doctor about him and asked why I didn't have at least similar results. He said that because I wasn't diagnosed as a child (no one was back in those old wagon train days) that over the years it just got worse and worse. So, I'll probably always be "Still Very Symptomatic". But that's ok with me, because as for Alberquando.......who knows, one day you just might see his name on that ballot in November. Of course it will be the name with the big R next to it!

Part 2 of Edie's Random Question. TAG!

My last post was part 1 of Edie's Random Question. This is part 2.
That was a pretty redundant thing to say. If my last post was Part 1 then it would make no sense for this one to be part 3 or 4 or anything other than 2.

TAG.

15 Things I'm Not Afraid To Admit.

There are very few things I am afraid to admit. The problem isn't the admitting, it's the "open mouth insert foot" syndrome that I get as soon as I hit the Publish Post button. On some days I'll tell you anything you want to know and many things you probably don't...but then I may end up hiding in the closet for a week afterwards. SO, I'm going to list 15 things I'm not afraid to admit AND that I won't regret admitting later...hopefully.

As I sit here thinking of what to write, I realize this isn't as easy as I thought it would be. I could easily write 15 things, such as 1. I get out of bed every morning. 2. I brush my teeth. 3. I get dressed. etc etc etc. But I'm trying to think of 15 things that won't put you to sleep.

By the way. There was another neat game of TAG at Alert and Oriented X 4's post the other day. I'm going to do that one on one of my next posts and by then you will know absolutely tons of things about me....which I'm just sure thrills you to pieces. That one has questions for each answer so it's a little easier but I said I was going to do this one, so here I go. I'm not doing a Mr Linky but I would sure like to see how some of you answer some of these questions. Hopefully, you will write a post about them.

Well, this post is long enough so thanks again for reading and have a great day...oh...opps...I guess I won't get off that easily.

15 Things I'm Not Afraid To Admit:

1. Between the ages of about 17 through 25 I thought I was Scarlett O'Hara. I probably watched Gone with the Wind 50 times during those years...no lie. I can recite almost the whole movie as it plays...which can be very annoying to anyone else watching it. Also, if I can recite a 4 hour movie, why can't I remember to unload the dishwasher?

2. In elementary school and high school I was invisible and VERY QUIET (go figure). Some time around age 20, I came out of my shell and haven't stopped talking since.

3. I have very few close friends. I like almost everybody and have many acquaintances and I think most people seem to like me. I can't think of any enemies but I usually don't get close enough to many people to call them a true friend.

4. I have a guilt complex, so if you are going to ask me if I did something, PLEASE be pretty sure I did it, because if you ask, I automatically assume you think I did whatever it was and feel guilty about it even though I may have no idea what you are talking about. I would probably fail any polygraph test if I had to take one.

5. I truly truly hate having my picture taken. I am not photogenic...unlike Chatty Kelly who shines whenever there is a camera within 100 feet. I do like the picture I use for my blog but that is one of the few ones I like.

6. This is probably obvious, but, nothing in my entire life (except for my children) has given me more joy, satisfaction and just plain bliss than being a fire fighter. It has helped me just as much, if not more, than it has helped others.

7. I can drive a fire engine. I have only driven for training purposes and have no desire to drive one for actual calls. The driver is responsible for EVERYTHING and EVERYONE. HUGE RESPONSIBILITY. Also, the driver doesn't get to go inside the fire. He/She works the water supply. BUT, it is the coolest thing to be driving that huge engine down the road. Also, I must admit that I get a huge kick out of pulling up beside teenage girls (whether I'm driving or not) because they look up and get ready to flirt with the "cool fireman" and the look on their faces when they see me is priceless.

8. I took piano lessons for about 8-10 years but only have about 3 songs that I play well enough to preform for anyone. I have later come to realize that practicing between the weekly lessons may have possibly been a good idea. Too bad I didn't think so at the time. I also played percussion in the band in elementary school..snare drum, base drum (not at the same time) cymbals, maracas, claves, etc.

9. Although I don't hate my mother (I used to, but was able to get past that), anyway, although I don't hate her, there isn't anyone that I can think of that I dislike more or that is as cruel and spiteful as she is.

10. I adored my grandparents (dad's parents). I spent tons of time with them when I was growing up and they were a huge part of the only stability I knew. The little bit that I do know regarding cooking and/or general home maintenance, I learned from them. I have a huge amount of regret that I didn't spend more time with them as I grew older before they died. I was married, had 2 kids and was "too busy". What a shame.

11. At almost every job I've ever had, approx 95%-98% of the employees were men. I like working with men. You know where you stand. I've never met a man that will smile to your face and then talk bad about you when you turn your back. I have, however, known quite a few women that will.

(whew, this is long and I hope you aren't falling asleep reading it)

12. Although school was very difficult, I think having ADHD has been a positive part of my personality. It has helped me see the humor in things that I think many people overlook. Unfortunately, sometimes I see the humor in things that SHOULD be overlooked. Also, having ADHD lets you notice so many things. I think I see things in a different perspective than many people. If only I could remember the thing I was talking about before. It's not that I have a short attention span it's just that.....

13. If you are having a crisis I am usually the first one to drop everything and do what I can to help. As I have mentioned before, that is the one time that I CAN focus. Unfortunately, when it comes to my own problems.....I tend to ignore them and pretend they don't exist.

14.I struggle helping my 7th grader with his homework. As for my 12th grader, the only help I can give him, is to say, "Do you homework".

15. I am too easy on my kids. My husband is generally not a nice person. Therefore, I overcompensate. I know I shouldn't and I do think I've gotten better but I'm still too easy on them.

16. There is a stubborn streak in me that makes me want to push the rules, (i.e. this is #16)

There you go. Definitely not the most exciting post in the world. But it's honest.....and that it's self is a step in the right direction.......Monkey's Are Funny?

Random Question From Edie @ Rich Gifts. Wanna Play Tag?

This week's Random Question from Edie at Rich Gifts is "Wanna Play Tag?"
OK, I'm game.

There are 2 questions.

The first is name 6 things I've learned this year. Not necessarily new things, but rather lessons that God has brought and is still bringing into sharper focus.
OK, Here goes....

1. I've learned that sometimes when people say "How are You?", that there are actually some people that REALLY want to know how you are.

2. Because of my first answer, I've learned to actually trust people a little bit. And sometimes tell them how I really am doing.

3. I learned to listen.....or rather Shut-Up and Listen...I should say "I'm LearnING". Still could use some work on it but sometimes those thoughts start bubbleing up and the words start flowing out of my mouth and before I know it I am off on a rampage talking about this and that....although more often it is that I am talking about while the other people are still talking about this. THEREFORE that can be very confusing because everyone else is on this subject....

4. I learned some of your best friends can be people you never met......however, this is for blogging purposes only and if you are single and at a chat room or something like match.com please don't follow my advise because those people may be "bbaaaddddddd" (that was my impression of Sheri Lewis doing Lamb Chop). Some of those people may be very nice...just proceed with caution....I'm pretty sure most of my readers aren't chat room people but you never know and it is better to be safe than sorry. (writer does not accept responsibility for any actions taken regarding the statement saying that some of your best friends can be people you never met.)

5. On November 4th I was reminded of a Rolling Stones song, "You Can't Always Get What You Want". BUT, after MAJOR disappointment and feeling the world was doomed, I read some of your blogs and remembered that God is in control and he will protect us. WHICH reminded me most importantly that I need to pray much more often than I do.

6. Speaking of praying, I learned from Chatty Kelly that if you tell someone you are going to pray for them, then you darn well better do it, because it is a sin not to..if you said you were going to. WHICH, completely changed they way I feel when someone says they will pray for me (that trust issue again) AND, because my train of thought is...well..you know...whirling dervish...I learned that if I tell someone I am going to pray for them then I need to stop right there, that moment and do it!

That was part one of Edie's Random Question. I'm going to save part two for my next post.

On that note I am going to pray for all of you...just a thank you prayer...because I feel blessed to have gotten to know you. (but first I'm going to hit the save button").

Just Call Me HOLLYWOOD

I was at Sue J's house the other day for a short time. I had met her youngest daughter, RJ2, on previous occasions and had babysat for her. But until then, had never had the pleasure of meeting her oldest, CJ.

First of all I have to say that these 2 adorable little girls were just...well...adorable! Full of life and smiles. When they were talking to me, I couldn't have wiped the grin off of my face even if I had wanted to.

Most of you have read CJ's poems and know how smart and talented she is but it was even more apparent after meeting her, (no surprise, like mother like daughter).

After only about 20 seconds, CJ got this "awestruck" look on her face. Very quietly she asked me "Do You Blog?". I told her that I did and she covered her mouth with her hands, her face exploded with smiles and she yelled out "You're MyADHDMe!!!" Then she just laughed and laughed with excitement....

....Just call me Hollywood.

Still Very Symptomatic

For 5 years teachers have constantly told me that Alberquando (note to newbies...Alberquando is the code name for my 12 year old son. (long story) ), is definitely ADHD. I knew it but really tried my best to avoid medication for a child. I thought between he and I, we could keep everything straight....as I've said before, "The blind leading the visually challenged".

He is very smart. He always scores proficient and advanced on his SOLs but struggles to pass due to lack of follow up and lack of focus...where does he get that from??

Well, the first 9 weeks of school are over and report cards have come home. At least he is consistent. SO, I bit the bullet and....bit the bullet? Why would one bite a bullet? I read that the phrase probably originated during the Civil War. Patients were given a bullet to bite on during amputations to help then not focus on the pain.....gee I bet that helped a lot. There was usually a shortage of ether and other meds so the patient "bit the bullet" and went along with the amputation etc. Speaking as someone that needs nitrous gas to get her teeth cleaned makes me realize that we have it just a wee bit easier than those men did.

Anyway, I bit the bullet..not really---I.E. I followed the course that I feel needed to be taken even though I wasn't completely sure it was the right thing to do. Then again, the alternate route hasn't been working out very well.

OK...ENOUGH OF THAT!!

Bottom Line. We are trying out the ADHD meds on Alberquando. (against his wishes) It has been about 2 weeks and I think I am starting to see some improvement. Not sure, but I think so. Doctor said it could take 2-6 weeks to work, depending on the patient.

All that said and done, there was one part of the conversation between the doctor, Alberquando and myself that just really stood out.

We all talked for about 20-30 minutes. Alberquando voiced his concerns and I voiced mine. The doctor gave us the pros and cons and I think he did a great job of explaining the meds, how they work etc.

During the conversation, I stated "I am taking the highest dosage allowed by the FDA and I am......" now before I was able to finish my sentence, the doctor looked me square in the eye-or was that rectangle in the eye, and finished my sentence for me, saying......"....... still very symptomatic?". Now, how did he know that I wasn't going to say "I am taking the highest dosage allowed by the FDA and I am very pleased by the results..or am doing so much better."? How did he assume my sentence was going to be " I am taking the highest dosage allowed by the FDA and I am Still Very Symptomatic"?

Ok, he was right and that was one of the concerns I was going to voice...but is it that obvious? THAT IS A RHETORICAL QUESTION! NO NEED TO ANSWER!...but still. Actually, I was more likely to have said something like "I am taking the highest dosage allowed by the FDA and I am still ..er..well..you know...kind of like...crazy."

ANYWAY, we'll see how things work out for Alberquando.

As for "Still Very Symptomatic"....well, I like the sound of that. it suits me to a T.
HHmm suits me to a T...not an X, not an R, but a T. Tailors used to use that phrase to describe how a suit would fit the prospective buyer. he would stand there in the suit with his arms out to the sides and the tailor would exclaim, "It suits you to a T!". Well, I'm not buying a new suit but I still think "Still very Symptomatic" suits me to a T.

I'm probably going to get a blog make over in the near future. Might even change from "Monkeys Are Funny" to "Still Very Symptomatic". After all, I really don't think monkey's are all that funny. I just love the comic strip at the top of the page...and it is a great response for when I lose focus. However, "Still Very Symptomatic"...I think that might just suit me to a T...and a W.

How to Ruin a Touching Moment in 5 Seconds or Less

I occasionally babysit for Chatty Kelly. I earn some extra money and it gives her some free time for the essentials, (manicures, pedicures, shopping etc).

Of course I only charge her to babysit for that type of thing. She knows that I would never let her pay me to watch her children for "family" stuff. You know, when you need help for something or any kind of emergency etc.

Well, yesterday was one of those "family" things. Her husband had a medical procedure done (don't worry, not serious...although he may say otherwise when the pain medication wears off). As it is with most hospitals, they were able to give her an approx "window of time" for when she could expect to go home. The staff assured her that they would be finished some time between 4:00PM and whenever.

She knew it would be a long day. The hospital told her that there would be 3 patients before them but that she and hubby still needed to be there early so the doctors wouldn't have to wait between patients.

And it was a long day for everyone. She finally got home around 9:30PM (she had been there since morning). We were both tired. She was very grateful and proceeded to tell me, "Thank you...etc..etc..etc..". I responded in my typical MyADHDMe way:

"You realize that today would have cost you $110.00 if I had been charging you..."

DEFINITELY How To Ruin A Touching Moment In 5 Seconds Or Less.

Dad (yes, I know it isn't a snappy title...give me a break...I haven't written a real post with actual words in a while!)

It's been a difficult week for many of us. Many of us could use a smile. I aim to please.

I had a picture of the flag at half mast on my blog today. A symbol of our country in mourning. It's time to move on. SO...here I go.

My dad.

My dad is a pretty neat guy.( Many of you may have heard me refer to my mother--'nough said about that), but except for the Pizza dinner, I don't think I've ever referred to my dad.

First the facts. My dad has not had an easy life. He gave up a probable career in professional football to find a "practical" job, marry his high school sweetheart, and have children. They had 4 kids, each about 4 years apart. (that's about 18 years straight of having at least one teenager in the house). He worked shift work at the same job for 32 years. After work he came home to do laundry, grocery shop and do pretty much all the stuff the stay at home mom would normally do if she wasn't "mentally unstable", (being nice).

In high school (early 1950's), he was the Quarterback for his school's football team. As Freshmen, He and his roommate played on the varsity team---something that had never happened in the school's history. He was named All City, All Central, All Group, All State, All Southern and All American. He broke records and held them for decades. He was scouted out by most colleges east of the Mississippi. But, most of all, He was definitely a family man, so in order to stay close to his parents and wife-to-be, he chose Va Tech.

While at Tech he broke more records, He was unstoppable.

He was scouted out by the Greenbay Packers and The Washington Redskins. He was a legend in his time. Even today, when people hear my maiden name, they often ask if I am related to him. And I am always proud to answer.

In 1994 he was inducted into the Virginia High School Hall of Fame.

Anyway, as I said earlier, he gave all that up for a "practical" job and to have a wife and family.



He is now in his 70's. All of his children love him completely. As a matter of fact, I've never met anyone in my life who has ever said a negative thing about him.

He did have a difficult time in school. Although undiagnosed at the time, he had/has dyslexia. (However, as I have mentioned before, he doesn't believe in ADHD...it's just laziness)

oh, and he IS country! He has always reminded me of Andy Taylor from the Andy Griffith Show. I think he resembles him a little and he also had that same hair cut...including the little black tuft of hair on top. Even when he speaks, there is a definite Andy Taylor Twang.

Quite often my friends used to ask me to tell them my "Dad Stories".

Now before I go any further (or should I say farther...or perhaps father), PLEASE, PLEASE know that this is all said with complete love. However, if we can't laugh at ourselves (and I've proved I can do that quite regularly), our family and our friends.....well, things would get pretty boring.

I've actually had people ask me to tell this story more than once:
One year at Christmastime, my dad came to me and told me about the beautiful "african" he got for our mother for Christmas. I was probably in my 20's at the time, so I knew exactly what he was talking about, but couldn't resist egging him on. "An African?", I asked. He responded to me that it was a beautiful african and would look beautiful (actually he said "real nice" ) laying across the back of the sofa. Well, since it was a Christmas "african" I asked him what he was going to do with it the rest of the year.....I bet we were the only family in the neighborhood that kept an "african" in a box in the attic every year from January through November. Lucky for us, we had a different "african" to keep out during those months.

Then there was the time he was telling me a news story about the "bum" that was found in a pregnant woman's car. When I asked him what the "bum" was doing, he looked at me like I was crazy. He said it was just sitting there in the back seat of the car and then it blew up. Luckily the lady got out of the car in time. That could have been very messy.

When ever we went out for "take-out" dinner, it ranged in 2 categories. Pizza or "A Burger And All". Oh yeah, sometimes we also had "Captain D's And All. And where else to get "A Burger And All", than MAC Donald's.

When we had vegetables, we had Ve-Ge-Ta-Bles. Pronounced like that...emphasis on the Ve.
A salad wasn't complete without I-talian (Eye-Talian) dressing.
We never went out in the rain without an Umbrother.
ET and her family went on a trip to Ha-Why-Ya (fine, thank you).
Oh, and all of his daughter's had their "years" pierced. Yep each year....but not every year.

Can't you just see Andy Taylor talkin' to "Ant" Bee and Opie?
Everyone loved Andy Taylor. ( I'm not talking about the Obama Andy Taylor. I'm talking about the Good ol' Country boy, Andy Taylor)
Everyone loves my dad too.
They just don't make them like that anymore.