Life is a Banquet

Family Portraits

2011-06-26T10:29:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, we had our family portrait made. The whole family. Mom, Dad, SIS (!), niece, nephew, Jackman, Hemi, Daddyman, and myself. That's 9 if you didn't count as you read. They turned out amazing. And what a blessing to have us all there.

Alli C

A Major Step Forward

2011-06-14T20:24:00.000-04:00

Part of Jack's issues (sensory/aspergers) is that he is an EXTREMELY picky eater. He has a set list of things he will eat, and has had a hard time adding new items (he will occasionally drop an item, but not add). So, we talked with his OT about it, and she began exploring this with Jack. We figured out pretty quickly, that we need a little more help with this than she could provide, so we were referred to a psychologist who specializes in helping kids like Jack eat. We have been calling it Eating School.

She set up coping skills for him (which have worked WONDERS for him outside of Eating School), and set up rules that she follows (and now his OT follows to work on other foods). There is a reward system in place, and tons of positive reinforcement. He has done very well with this system, but only with his therapists. He has not been able to transfer it to eating at home.

This changed tonight. Tonight, Jack, Hemi, and I sat down and ate a real meal. No chicken nuggets, no pizza, no pancakes. The three of us had BBQ chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, and mandarin oranges.

A. REAL. MEAL.

And there was no arguing, no anxiety, no refusal to eat. There was a lot of cheering on, and lot of discussion about it, but real food was consumed.

And it was GLORIOUS.

Jack has been eating BBQ chicken and corn as part of his Eating School and OT. He has claimed he liked it, but then hasn't eaten it at home. We have a list of preferred foods, sometimes food, and food we'd like him to eat. In order to get an item moved to the like column, he has to eat it at home 2 times. We are half way to getting BBQ chicken and corn to the like column. This is MAJOR. I feel like finally the hard work, and the endless appointments have paid off.

Another MAJOR, WONDERFUL milestone is that he actually tried mashed potatoes at home. He didn't need to try them at Eating School or with his OT first. He ate them with me. Four (4) very small bites, but 4 bites. To say that I am over the moon with excitement is an understatement. I have never been more proud of him. Hemi and I cheered him on, and clapped and high-fived when he swallowed a bite. And then I rewarded both of them with ice cream.

I feel like we have been chipping away at this brick wall, and finally, FINALLY, we have knocked a hole in it. We now have a reference point for when he doesn't want to eat these foods. He can no longer tell me that he can't do it, because we all know he can.

Alli C

Wordless Wednesday (Almost) - From the Archives

2011-05-04T00:22:00.000-04:00

My great-great grandmother, great grandmother, Dad, sis and myself (4 generations!)

Sis and Me - Atlantic Beach, NC 1983

Maria, me, Sis, and Cousin at my wedding 1999

Sis playing in the sand (Atlantic Beach, NC) 1980

Cousins, Me, Daddyman, and Sis circa 2000

I have been searching for photos of my sister for the last month or so, and finally scanned them in. WIll be creating a photo journal for her in the next few days.

Alli C

A Caring Heart and an Update

2011-02-27T10:34:00.000-05:00

We FINALLY got approved for Medicaid services. We will be restarting therapies this week. YAY! It will be rough, as Jack has just started getting used to the new "routine". But if we don't push him to adjust to new situations, I feel he will not get better about it.

In the mean time, we had case management through our Medicaid, and lost it due to the loss of Medicaid. Case managers ensure that we are getting the services we are supposed to, and they also help us find resources within the community (they got us in touch with Rocking Horse Ranch in the fall, for Equine-Assisted Therapy). You may be thinking that since we were not receiving therapies through our Medicaid, we didn't really need case management. Not true. Even though the Respite we were receiving was funded through the state, we need case management to oversee the Respite. Since we were losing case management, we were also losing Respite. Also, there were openings for Developmental Therapies funded through the state that required a case manager.

I was heartbroken. Then, our Respite coordinator called someone she knew to see what could be done to help our situation. She knows Jack, and knows that the Respite has been beneficial for both of us.

Andrea, from A Caring Heart case management (a local company) called, and I explained our situation. She listened to me, and was very supportive. Then, she gave our family a great gift. They offered us case management services FREE OF CHARGE. FREE. I was blown away. I cried and cried. Someone wanted to help Jack (and the rest of our family). Someone cared about something besides money.

I met Sabrina the next day, and we filled out the paperwork to get our case management switched to her company. She worked hard, and in less than a week, all of the paperwork was done and we had been approved for Developmental Therapies - 40 hours a month! We are searching for a worker and setting up goals to be met.

Jack is going to be so busy. OT and "Eating School" (he meets with a psychologist to help him try new foods - he gets extremely anxious about eating things not in his rotation) as well as Respite and Developmental Therapy. Which means, I am going to be driving a LOT. And sitting in waiting rooms a LOT. But I am thankful to do this so that Jack gets the help he needs.

I am so thankful to A Caring Heart for helping us, and working with us even though we couldn't pay. They do what they do for the right reasons.

Alli C

No more services

2011-01-31T13:51:00.000-05:00

Today has been a major #fail. And it is more than just having a case of the Mondays. Before I get into what has made today especially bad, let me take you on a trip back in time.

A few years ago, right before the employment situation in the US fell off a cliff, Daddyman and I decided he should go back to school to get a Master of Accounting. He was unhappy in his job, was traveling 2 weeks out of the month, and we were all struggling with it. He had been searching for a job, but since he had an Economics degree, there wasn't much he could do in Accounting (even though he spent close to 10 years doing tax audits). I had just been laid off (it didn't seem like it was related to the economy, but looking back, it was the cusp of the great fall of the economy), and there were plenty of jobs being advertised in the area of the school Daddyman wanted to go to.

So we took a leap of faith, Daddyman quit his job, we moved, and he started school. Then I couldn't find a job in the area, and no one had health insurance. And I got sick and landed in the hospital for 5 days (mostly in ICU) after having emergency surgery (but that is a different story all together). So we applied for Medicaid. Daddyman and I didn't qualify as we had too much money in the bank (leftover from student loans that we were living on). The rules for kids are different, and the boys qualified.

Then Jack was diagnosed with Asperger's and Hemi gets diagnosed with a speech delay as well as low muscle tone. We get both boys the therapy that they need. Everything is going well.

Now to what is happening now:

Daddyman graduates and is unable to find a job. So we decide to withdraw Daddyman's 401k money from a job he had for 10 years so we can live. In the middle of that, we have our annual review to ensure the boys can keep their Medicaid. We report the funds we received from the 401k, and now (at least temporarily) the boys are disqualified from receiving Medicaid. The state is still determining if this we can begin again with Medicaid, but it does not look promising. The 401k money is counted as income. We are just unsure if it is counted as annual income, or income for one month. If it is income for one month, they will not be reinstated.

In the mean time, OT, ST, and Cognitive Therapy have been terminated. It seems as if we will still get Respite services, but I am not holding my breath (I really thought it was paid by Medicaid, not through a different State run program). Jack is on the waiting list for a special program that is not income based, and it is POSSIBLE that he could receive therapy through this program, but that is a little doubtful too.

I have been an absolute basket case ALL DAY. I was already in a bad mood (hormonally driven), and this has just about sent me over the edge. My kids can't get the services they need. I feel so helpless. I have no clue what to do now. My kids need help. I can help them some, as I have gone to therapy sessions with them, but they need professional help. And I don't have the resources to help them.

What do I do?

Alli C

Sweet Potato Pie

2010-11-18T22:01:00.000-05:00

This recipe has been passed down through my grandmother, whom I called Sancy. She was an excellent cook, and I am honored that I have her recipes.

This is a Thanksgiving classic, and Sancy would always make it with the variation at the end. And she would serve Syllabub with it, which is basically whipped cream with sherry in it.

Sweet Potato Pie

3 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 cup cooked, mashed sweet potato
¾ cup evaporated milk *
¼ cup milk
¼ cup butter, melted
2 tsp. vanilla
10 inch pie shell, unbaked

Preheat oven to 400°. Beat together eggs, sugar, and sweet potatoes. Add milk, butter, and vanilla. Pour into pie shell, and bake at 400° for 10 minutes. Then reduce heat to 325° and bake for 30 minutes more. When knife inserted comes out clean, the pie is done.

*¼ cup evaporated milk and ½ cup dry sherry may be substituted for ¾ cup evaporated milk.

Alli C

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday

2010-11-17T10:46:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago, one of the professors Daddyman works for got us tickets to the ECU/Navy football game. Since the boys had never been to a game, we thought it would be great fun (and it was!). ECU got beat up pretty badly, but the overall experience was great. The boys walked and walked and walked to the stadium and them walked some more to get to the very top of the second tier. Hemi got so tired that he took a 45 minute nap during the first quarter. My only real complaint was that the PA system was EXTREMELY loud. We were close to the speakers, and the noise level bothered Jack a lot. He was a trooper, and hung in there with us. I think he had a great time.

Here are some pics from that day.

Alli C

Happy Halloween

2010-11-01T09:00:00.001-04:00

If you follow me on Twitter, you know by now that my boys decided to go as Imagination Movers (a show on Disney). Jack wanted to go as Mover Rich (he's a drummer, and dark haired, and his favorite). Hemi wanted to go as Mover Dave (he plays bass, and is laid back like Hemi, but also wears a red hat). I scoured the internet for costumes, and found the only ones I could find were on the Mover website, and were $100 each! That was WELL out our price range.

So, I looked through stores to see if I could find regular clothes that could be transformed into Mover jumpsuits. No luck there either.

I was stuck.

I thought about sewing outfits, but was nervous about making a shirt with a collar. I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to create an outfit good enough to pass for Mover jumpsuits. I studied collars on shirts, and then made a prototype. It worked! So I decided I would try my hand at it.

It was not easy, especially with no pattern, but I think they turned out great (not perfect, but great!)!

Alli C

Wordless Wednesday - brothers

2010-10-20T04:00:00.001-04:00

Alli C

I'm Better, but not where I want to be

2010-10-17T08:00:00.001-04:00

I'm still struggling. I have taken some of my meds, but it is not in my system like it should be. I have just about decided to go to a doc-in-the-box some time next week, just so that I can get some more meds and be a better me.

The problems and struggles will still be here, I know this. But I will be able to handle them a lot better and with more grace than I am right now. I hopefully will have more patience my children, and help Jack manage his sensory issues better. And a happier Mommy and Jack will mean a happier family all the way around.

For right now, I am holding on to EVERY teeny, tiny piece of good that happens. Tightly.

And in the midst of this, I am taking stock in what makes ME happy, and trying to incorporate that into our daily lives. For so long, I have neglected who I AM. I am rediscovering myself. Listening to music I like, instead of just the kids' music in the car. Singing loudly to my favorite songs. Music has always been an important part of my life, but it sort of slipped to the background.

I do feel a little selfish adding so many things about me to our lives, but my kids need to learn that my needs and desires are just as important as theirs.

Things are looking a little better, but not where I want them to be.

Thank you for the kind words and prayers. You are great.

Alli C

Where I am

2010-10-11T13:24:00.000-04:00

I am depressed. I have chronic depression, but it has been controlled for the most part with medications. I have a bottle of about 20 Prozac, but I am trying to space it out because I do not have insurance, am not eligible for Medicaid, and don't have the money to pay to visit the doctor (even a doc-in-a-box). To make things worse, I am diabetic, and am having some issues related to that, but there again, I am not able to see a doctor.

We have no money. To the point I am wondering how I am going to pay for Halloween costumes and Christmas presents. I have 2 pairs of pants that I can wear during the winter. I have TONS of tops, but no bottoms. Everything else has been worn to the point of having holes that can't be fixed. The kids have clothes thanks to their grandparents.

In addition, to all of this, I have a special needs child, who is driving me UP THE WALL. I know that my lack of patience is due to depression, money worries, and little sleep. I get a few hours of respite a week for my special needs child, but I still have a neuro-typical child that is not eligible for respite. My respite hours are spent running errands that are not as easy to do with Jack. My kids don't respect me. They don't listen, and they are constantly hitting each other. I know I am not doing enough for him on a daily basis. I am just overwhelmed by it.

My house is an absolute WRECK. It is cluttered and DIRTY. I have never in my life been in such filth, and yet I am unable to get it clean. I feel paralyzed, overwhelmed, and exhausted. I don't know where to begin. I know that if I do clean something, it will be dirty again in about 20 seconds.

I am also addicted to the internet. Twitter and Facebook especially. Again, it is due to the depression. But Twitter is my whine-fest. I can fuss about anything bad going on with my day/life. But that isn't who I really am. I feel like I have been an upbeat kinda gal, and lately, everything is SO negative. And as soon as I decide that I am going to have a positive day, and only speak positively, something happens and I slip back into those negative tweets.

I want to be my jolly, non-overwhelmed self again. I don't like being who I am right now. Something has GOT to change, but I just don't know WHAT or HOW. If you are so inclined, please pray for me.

Alli C

Chocolate Whipped Cream Cupcakes

2010-10-04T12:46:00.007-04:00

Chocolate Whipped Cream Cupcakes

1 (18.25-ounce) box white cake mix (recommended: Duncan Hines Moist Deluxe)
1 1/3 cups water
3 large eggs whites
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350. Line 18 muffin cups with papers.

Mix ingredients together until well blended, about 2 minutes with electric mixer. Use about 1/3 cup of batter for each prepared muffin cup. Bake until pale golden on top - about 15 mins. Let cool.

In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup of heavy whipping cream, 1/3 cup confectioner's sugar and 3 heaping tablespoons cocoa powder on high with electric mixer. Mix until soft peaks form.

Spread chocolate whipped cream on top of cool cupcakes.
Enjoy!

Alli C

A few steps back

2010-10-02T21:00:00.001-04:00

The last few weeks have been pure torture. We had a trip to Richmond, followed by a visit from my mother in law followed by another trip to Richmond. Jack did NOT transition well between any of these things.

Jack does not like riding in the car. Looking back, he never has. But that is a story for a different time. Hemi usually falls asleep pretty quickly, and Jack and I have a 3 hour conversation. I take that back, he usually has a 3 hour monologue. He will ask me questions, and as I am answering them, he is asking about something completely different.

He also gets riled up easily at my mom's house. There are 4 kids in the house, and things can get wild pretty quickly. He doesn't sleep well there either. After about 2 nights of no sleep, he usually gets uncontrollable. If we leave after dinner to come home, he'll fall asleep for about an hour. He sleeps so much better once we get home, although it takes about a week before he gets back to normal.

We have been home 2 weeks, and yet we are no better off than before the start of all of the travelling. He is spinning a LOT more, he's jumping around, hitting, kicking, being rude, saying inappropriate things, as well as others. I have been trying to provide sensory input, but to no avail. It just gets him so hyper, he cannot be controlled. He doesn't listen, even if I stop him and have him look into my eyes. The other day, we got out an office chair, and I spun it around as fast as I could. He would laugh, and laugh. He took turns with his brother for about 30 minutes total. We took a break and did it again for another 30 mins, and he was still just as wild. He was hitting Hemi, running through the house. About the only thing that will calm him down is watching TV (with a blanket on him of course). I just don't want him watching TV ALL the time. I have tried engaging him, but he is very beligerent, and oppositional. I have tried to direct him into other activities, but to no avail.

Also, in the middle of all of this, he has fallen back into old behaviors. Well, he has begun to oppose once tolerated noises, such as the vaccuum, mixer, and can opener. All of these were things that used to freak him out, but he begun to tolerate the noises.

We have been adding things to our schedule in the last few weeks, and I think he is still adjusting to this. I truly want to get into a better routine. Jack was accepted into a local program for Therapeutic Horse Riding for kids/adults with special needs. He has had one lesson so far (10 total for 30mins each), but he absolutely LOVED it. I am not allowed to go to the barn, or watch him ride, which is hard for me, but they have a trainer and at least 2 volunteers to help him.

Hopefully, we will get into a better routine soon. We will begin to receive Respite later in the week, which will help. Not only will I get a much needed break, but they will work with him on his behavior. They are going to set up a token board for him to earn his rewards. Which will come home with us to use here.

We have taken a few steps back, but maybe we're finally going to get back on track.

Alli C

What I didn't plan for

2010-09-14T21:40:00.004-04:00

Today was a busy/rough/strange/exhausting day. I woke up in a bundle of emotions, and ended up crying by myself in the kitchen. Then I got a phone call from a local radio station stating that I had one dinner and a movie as a member of their Fan Club (but that is a whole other blog post).

Then, we had OT for Jack and Speech Therapy for Hemi. Both appointments are at 9, in the same office, and even down the hall. We stayed to chat with one of the OTs for a few minutes. As we were leaving, there was a man on a riding lawn mower riding by the doors, and Jack refused to go outside and started screaming. So we waited for a few minutes as the man finished his mowing, and we were off to the car.

Close to home, we rode by a multi-car accident that had just happened. My sweet, sweet boy Jack said, "Mommy I hope everyone is alright. Can we pray for them?" I melted right there in the car, and encouraged him to pray. He said a sweet, sweet prayer, and I thanked God for him.

Later on, we went to the pediatrician for physicals. Jack needed one so that he can start special horseback riding lessons next week, and well, Hemi just turned 4 so it was time for a visit. I was nervous about taking both of them at the same time, as they both want to be the center of attention and tend to fight a bit. Also, Jack has issues sitting still, and waiting would be hard.

So, I packed and arsenal of things to keep them busy. DVD player, iPod, Leapster, Vtech, coloring books, and crayons. I also packed some juice and snacks just in case. The wait in the lobby was a little longer than usual, but once we got called back, we were moving. Both boys were weighed, measured, and blood pressure taken. Hemi did fine with the blood pressure, but Jack had some issues. He started getting anxious, and didn't like it squeezing his arm, which made it squeeze it harder because his pressure was going up. I literally had to get into his face and make him take deep breaths and physically keep him from trying to remove the blood pressure cuff. His pressure was up slightly, but not enough to warrant another try with it (side note: our pediatrician's office is PHENOMENAL with Jack's Aspergers and trying to keep him even keeled).

Finally, it was time to wait for the doctor, but there were no open rooms, so we sat in the hall on benches. Both boys fidgeted wildly, and I let them. They never got too loud, but I didn't try to make them sit perfectly still like I normally do. I was able to fill out the paperwork about their development with little problems from either of them. I had warned Jack (but not Hemi) that the doctor was going to have to look at his private parts. I find that if I prepare Jack for EVERYTHING, he is able to cope better. The doctor was heading into an occupied room, and stopped to speak with the boys. Hemi proceeds to tell the doctor that she is going to be looking at Jack's wee-wee. And the doctor informs Hemi that she's going to look at his too. He wasn't too excited about that.

We went through both exams, the doctor asked tons of questions, and we went through the list of concerns. Private parts were briefly looked at, and no one freaked out. Then the biggie: both boys are in the overweight category. I knew that Hemi was overweight, but Jack has always been thin for his height. Now, he was officially overweight. The pediatrician had the nutritionist stop in for a bit. I was wanting a consult with a nutritionist since they are both basically vegetarians, and I worry they are not getting the nutrients they need. While she was in the room, the nurses came back with shots for my baby. 5 of them! Hemi had the DVD player, and Jack was supposed to be playing the Leapster. The nurses got the shots together, and started them. I was holding Hemi's top half down, and he started screaming (as I was prepared for).

What I wasn't prepared for was Jack totally flipping out. I mean, a meltdown like I had never seen with him. He had his hands over his ears and was screaming, "Get me out of here! I have to leave! Please, STOP! Stop, you're hurting him!" It was a cross of being concerned for Hemi's safety and not able to handle the noise and chaos. Both kids are screaming, and crying. Neither is consolable. Jack yells at me, "Why did you let them give him shots!" It really bothered him. And the poor nutritionist is still sitting there witnessing it all.

And I am about to lose it.

But some how, I didn't. And with much consoling, and a family hug, and kisses, the boys finally calm down. They turn back to the DVD player, and I can finish the convo with the nutritionist. We came home and I have been a bumbling idiot, and have not been able to put two thoughts together. Hopefully some sleep will help me process it all, and feel better about it.

Alli C

Wordless Wednesday - Happy Birthday Hemi!

2010-09-01T11:49:00.006-04:00

Alli C

Preparing for a Hurricane

2010-08-31T20:04:00.010-04:00

With Hurricane Earl being on its way towards NC, I am once again reminded of how to get prepared for a hurricane. I have a few suggestions for anyone in the path of Hurricane Earl to become prepared.

1. The day/night before the storm hits, be sure to shave. This goes for ladies and gents. Should a hurricane make a direct hit in your area, you may not have access to a shower for a few days or even a few weeks. You don't want to have 2 or 3 days (or weeks) of stubble hanging on because after a hurricane, it gets HOT! You are going to want to be in as little clothing as possible, and you don't want your 4 year old asking what that black stuff is under your arm.

2. Booze. Wine, beer, straight hard liquor. You won't have a blender to make margaritas with the power out. This will help you keep your sanity while your kids are running wild in the days following the hurricane. You won't care if it is 95 with a heat index of 110 if you have several beers. Side Note: If you live in a college town, you might want to get your booze early. Especially if you live in a college town that is known for their drinking/parties (ECU).

3. Refills on birth control and/or condoms. There's not much to do when the power is out and the TV/computer/internet don't work. Especially after the sun sets and the kids go to bed. Lots of hurricane babies are born in May and June. Of course, if you want a new little bundle of joy, you can skip this step.

4. Fill up the bathtub with water. Besides flushing after your normal business, you will need to flush after puking your guts out from too much booze.

And that my friends, is how you prepare for a hurricane.

Alli C

Better than Whoopie Cake

2010-08-30T16:41:00.003-04:00

This has to be my husband's favorite cake. And he doesn't like cake.

1 German Chocolate or Devil’s food cake mix (made according to directions in a sheet cake pan)
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 jar caramel ice cream topping (Mrs. Richardson’s is the best)
1 jar hot fudge ice cream topping (Mrs. Richardson’s is the best)
1 package toffee bits
1 container Cool Whip

Prepare chocolate cake mix according to directions in a sheet cake pan. While cake is still warm, poke holes throughout cake with wooden spoon. Pour milk over top of cake. Then pour caramel sauce and hot fudge sauce over cake. Cool cake completely in refrigerator. Once cake is cooled, sprinkle toffee bits over top of cake (saving a few for decoration). Add Cool Whip and top with remaining toffee bits. Refrigerate. Serve with ice cold milk.

Enjoy!

Alli C

I have learned, but very slowly

2010-07-30T12:06:00.006-04:00

I was very prepared for Jack's SPD diagnosis. I had read some symptoms about it, and KNEW that he had it. What I have learned since is that he he has an understimulated proprioception (which is how your body moves through "space"). He craves swinging, moving, bumping into things. I hadn't really noticed it much before, but now my eyes are open (most of the time) to reading his cues. If he is really "high" and sort of moving around the house in an out-of-control manner, I know that he needs some sensory input. I don't always pick up on it until he has been "WILD" for 30 minutes or more.

I have learned a lot about what he needs for sensory input. We have been to the OT once, and he fell in love with this plastic box that was filled with dry beans and macaroni noodles. The OT put in some plastic bears and had Jack dig in the box for the bears. I have since filled a plasic storage container with dry beans and macaroni. I was able to find a package of 8 plastic frogs at the Dollar Store, and that has worked good. Hemi enjoys playing in it as well.

I have learned that Jack likes to have a blanket on top of his legs (at least) while he is doing quiet things (watching TV, coloring-sometimes, playing card games). I have also learned that this keeps him from getting "too low" or zombie-like. If he does get too low, he over compensates for it and seems like he is wild. But it is just his way of waking up his body.

I have also learned that it is going to take me a while to completely figure Jack out. I know a lot about him, but there is more to learn. And the things I already know will change. But that's the same with any child, right? They all change. And that's what I've learned.

Alli C

Wordless Wednesday

2010-07-21T08:23:00.008-04:00

This is a Crepe Myrtle flower (from the tree) that we found at the park the other day. I love Crepe Myrtles!

Alli C

Another hurdle

2010-07-19T21:00:00.001-04:00

I have not been writing as much as I'd like. In fact, I haven't been writing at all. Hence the 3+ month hiatus I have taken from this blog. I am now ready to share with the world what I wasn't able to face.

In February, Jack stopped eating foods that he usually ate. Normally, this wouldn't be an issue with a kid, our taste buds change. But Jack is an EXTREMELY picky eater. He doesn't eat hamburger or other meat except chicken nuggets, and in February he decided he only ate chicken nuggets from McDonald's. He only ate yogurt and granola bars. For like 2 weeks. I picked him up one day, and noticed that he was lighter than I remembered. I weighed him and he had lost 2 lbs. That isn't a lot, but for a tall 5 year old who is already underweight, that is MAJOR. So I started scouring the internet for ways to deal with a picky eater, and found a website about Sensory Processing Disorder. I looked at the symptoms, and it was like reading Jack's life story.

Everything from being scared of public toilets flushing (in the beginning he would run and scream from the bathroom in terror) to screaming at the top of his lungs because he got a scrape on his knee. He is very uncoordinated, and appears very clumsy. He walks on his toes (even after have casts on his legs on two different occasions). He craves very sweet foods, and is EXTREMELY picky in what he eats.

I sat on the info for a few weeks, and prayed about it. I showed it to Daddyman, my mom and dad, and Daddyman's mom. Everyone was ho-hum about it, and like, "yeah, that sort of sounds like Jack." No one was as sure about it as I was, and that made me think that maybe I was over reacting. Finally, I got up the nerve to call the pediatrician to see if he could send us for a consult. I was lucky in that they had an opening that afternoon, and off we went. I took my paperwork with me, and showed it to the doctor. He looked over Jack a little, and did a neurological exam to ensure there wasn't something physically wrong with him. Then he left, saying he needed to go get someone smarter than him. A few minutes later, he walked in with his wife, who was the assistant to the Pitt County School psychologist. I told her briefly what I had told her husband, and she said that she would get us in as soon as she could. Within a couple of weeks, I had an appointment. No only was she the local school psychologist, but she was a professor at ECU. I figured we had a great person on our side, and I wasn't wrong.

In the initial meeting, I took Jack and Hemi, and she took some info from us. She got to see how Jack was unable to sit still for any length of time, and some of his peculiarities. She asked me what I wanted, and I said that I would like a comprehensive evaluation, just to see where we were. So, for several weeks, and a total of 8 hours, Jack was tested, and I filled out TONS of paperwork. Everything was asked from what my pregnancy was like to when he hit certain milestones. It was extremely hard to recall that information, especially when it was so long ago.

Finally, Daddyman and I were going for the official diagnosis. She went over the whole evaluation, point by point, and finally, at the end, we got the diagnosis:

Asperger's Syndrome

I was FLOORED. I was prepared for the SPD diagnosis, but not Asperger's. Asperger's is on the Autism Spectrum. My son couldn't POSSIBLY have an Autism disorder. I have grieved over this diagnosis. I know his prognosis is great, and that since we have caught it early, maybe we can correct some things, but there is no cure. I have also been a little embarassed. He doesn't do what other kids do, but now I realize that he CANNOT. Maybe in the future, he will be able to, but right now, he can't. The path I thought we were on is now flooded, and we have to find a new route. We don't know where we're going to end up. It might be in the same spot we thought 6 months ago, or it could be a completely different and maybe even better spot.

We have started Occupational Therapy as well as Behavior Therapy. The OT is GREAT! I am still on the fence about the Behavior therapist. Time will tell about that one.

Jack is supposed to start school in the fall, but since we don't know where we'll be in December/January, we are unsure if he will go this fall. We may wait until we move, and start him in Kindergarten there. He is extremely smart (his IQ is WAY high), and he placed out of most of the kindergarten material he was tested on. We don't think that he will miss much except for the socialization that he really needs. But he has a hard time transitioning into new activities, so we don't want to make things worse by putting him in school and then moving him mid-year. We are still on the fence about it.

We are learning what his sensory triggers are, and how to address them. I have a list a mile long on things he needs to make life easier for all of us. He is understimulated, and craves movement. He spins, dances, jumps, and bumps into things. He has meltdowns over things that seem small to us, but to him, they are major.

I have found some new friends online (and a few I hope to make real life friends) that have helped me along to this point. Some have just lent an ear to hear my vents, while others have offered suggestions and prayers. I am so glad to have these friends. Some of these friends have special needs kids, while some do not. I am grateful for all of them.

Alli C

Pizza Dough

2010-07-10T16:35:00.004-04:00

I tweeted about making homemade pizza dough, and was asked to share the recipe, so here it goes!

Pizza Dough (for the bread machine)

3/4 cup water
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or olive oil)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon white sugar
Dash or two of garlic powder/Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon dry milk powder
2 1/4 cups bread flour
1 teaspoon active dry yeast

Place ingredients into bread machine according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Select Dough cycle and press start.

Once the dough is finished in the bread machine, remove from pan. Divide into two balls, and roll out. I usually put oil in the bottom of my pizza pan prior to putting the dough in. Let the dough rise again prior to adding toppings. Add toppings and then bake at 400 about 10 minutes, or until done. Crust should be golden brown and cheese completely melted. Make sure that you don't put too many toppings/cheese in the middle, as the dough will not be as done as the outside crust.

My favorite pizza toppings are onions, green peppers, tomatoes, fresh mushrooms, pineapple and cheese. The boys of course don't eat cheese on theirs.

Enjoy!

Alli C

Wordless Wednesday - Happy Easter!

2010-04-07T10:53:00.001-04:00

Wordless Wednesday - Daffodils!

2010-03-24T17:12:00.004-04:00

These were taken at a local Daffodil field. It is about an acre of daffodils in the woods. It was so beautiful there. A sure sign Spring is here!

Alli C

Happy Birthday Jack

2010-03-16T04:00:00.001-04:00

Today is my Jack's 5th birthday! What a blessing and miracle he has been.

Daddyman and I tried for a few years to get pregnant, but being overweight, and having Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), it was impossible for us to get pregnant on our own. So we went to the BEST Reproductive Endocrinologist in the state of Indiana, Dr. Bonaventura. After many trials, there was much tribulation when I became pregnant with Jack.

My pregnancy with Jack was high-risk due to my hypertension (prior to pregnancy) and my Type 2 diabetes. I was monitored very closely by my OB and by an endocrinologist to ensure that both Jack and I were healthy.

Everything was great throughout the pregnancy, with no major issues. I never had morning sickness or Braxton-Hicks contractions. All of the non-stress tests were good, and at 36 weeks, I had an amniocentesis that showed that Jack’s lungs were not quite developed enough to induce labor. I was having some increased hypertension, so I was put on bed rest until Jack could be delivered.

I had a very rough delivery with Jack, and when he was born (via emergency C-section), he did not breathe right away. He finally did start breathing, but he never cried. We got settled, he went to have his bath, and began to have breathing trouble again. The pediatricians admitted him into the NICU until they could determine why he was having trouble breathing, and get it fixed. He spent the night and most of the next day in the NICU, but was soon released.

The first time I held him, I felt like my life was complete. Although I had wanted a houseful of kids, I was at peace with the fact that Jack might be my only child.

I am so blessed that God chose ME to be the mom of the wonderful, loving, creative, superhero-loving, beautiful miracle that is Jackson Stephens.

I love you, Bud, more than you will ever, ever know.

Jackson Stephens

3-16-05 6:23 PM

8 lbs. 6 oz. 22 in.

Love,

Mommy

Random Tuesday Thoughts - a little late

2010-03-09T17:50:00.004-05:00

So I am just now getting my random on, and I have 10 minutes to get dinner on the table. Why do I always get the urge to write when it is most inconvenient? Why can't I write when the kids have gone to bed or when they are having rest time? That would be too easy. Oh well.

I have been dabbling a little bit in graphic design. When I say a little bit, I mean, A LITTLE BIT. I find it fascinating to do this. It is creative, yet so easy to fix mistakes. I have designed a 600x800 button type graphic to use for an Etsy shop I am going to start soon. I don't think I am going use it, as I have decided on a different name, but I am posting the graphic any how, just to get a little feedback.

The House episode that was on last night dealt with a blogger, who blogged everything. She had a significant other that didn't like that she posted EVERYTHING about her life online. She posted about fights they had, etc. I wondered if Daddyman was upset about my blog, but then I remembered that I don't post very often, so I didn't think he would have an issue with it. I will have to ask him later if it would bother him to put everything out there. Not that anything happens to us (well, except the fall out from bad decisions).

Lots going on in the next 2 weeks...lots of things to ponder, and I promise I will share soon.

Wordless Wednesday - Morning time with Daddy

2010-03-03T13:06:00.004-05:00

Alli C

Random Tuesday Thoughts

2010-03-02T09:00:00.002-05:00

Busy, busy, busy. That is us these days. Also sick, sick, sick. The boys and I got sick while we were in Richmond, and have slowly been on the mend. We still have stuffy noses and coughs, but no fevers!

We have had a few doctors appointments for Jack in the last few days, and I will be blogging about it soon. I am still trying to wrap my brain around things, and want to inform family via phone before I blog about it.

I am so far behind in my housework due to being sick, it is appalling. Yet, I am still zapped from the cold that I can't seem to get it under control. Hopefully soon!

Yesterday, I had a pretty good creativity vibe going on, but didn't capitalize on it like I wish I could have. I hope that this afternoon will bring some quiet so that I can work on a few crochet projects. We'll see.

OK, that is all I have right now. I need to shower for our 2nd appointment of the week.

Alli C

Wordless Wednesday - Kangaroo Jac's

2010-02-24T04:00:00.002-05:00

Alli C

Random Tuesday Thoughts

2010-02-23T04:00:00.002-05:00

I am in Richmond helping my dad take care of my niece and nephew while my mom is living it up in New Orleans. Ok, so she's not really living it up...she's been in meeting after meeting after meeting since last Thursday. She comes home on Wednesday night (really late). And I get to go home on Thursday...hopefully before snow starts. I DO NOT want to get stuck in Richmond in snow. I would really like to go home. I love visiting up here, but I know I will be needed again in the near future, so I'd like to stay home as much as I can.

Daddy and I took the kids to a place called Kangaroo Jac's in Richmond on Saturday. It is a huge office space filled with giant inflatables to bounce on and slide down. The kids had a BLAST! And I admit that so did I. I got to slide and climb with the kids, but adults were not allowed to bounce, which was alright with me. There was this really tall slide that all of the kids adored. Hemi wouldn't go in alone, so I got in there, and slid with them. For almost 3 hours, the kids climbed, and slid, and jumped, and bounced. We bought some really expensive ice cream for them, and drinks, but they were famished when we got home, and tired. We really had a good time!

For those parents with more than 2 kids, I applaud you. I bow down, and I kiss the ground you walk on. Taking care of 4 kids is a lot of work. And I only have all of them for early in the morning and the evening. During breakfast, I feel like a short order cook. Everyone wants something different, and they have finally started to be patient as I fill the orders of each kid. Dinner is a little better. I only accept orders for flavored milk. Then it is on to bath time, which is loads of fun. It is a busy and exhausting 20 minutes. By the time they get into bed, I am ready to pass out as well. Then there's laundry and dishes. I have not been as agressive on laundry, and my dad has been doing the dishes. I truly don't know how you all with 3 or more kids do it. I guess you adapt to make things easier, and with me only being here a week, I haven't had the time to streamline things. Even with things streamlined, it is still a big undertaking, and you have my adoration.

God Bless,

Alli C

Wordless Wednesday - Sleeping Sweeties

2010-02-17T04:00:00.001-05:00

Alli C

Random Tuesday Thoughts

2010-02-16T04:00:00.000-05:00

I am in another mood of wanting to write, but not wanting to commit to it. So I am just going to let my mind wander and take us where it will.

The boys are fighting over a Little Einsteins globe they got for Christmas, and a stuffed doggy that Jack got when he was born. Hemi absolutely ADORES the dog, and Jack only wants it when Hemi has it. I can't find another one online. I found one similar, but it is like $10, and we don't have the extra cash right now.

I am playing Pandora the online radio station, and digging the Carrie Underwood they have one right now.

I am gearing up to go to Richmond to help my dad with my niece and nephew while my mom goes to New Orleans later this week (I know, right after Mardi Gras!). I have made my mental plans about packing, and will probably do it first thing on Wednesday morning right before we leave so that we have all the clothes washed.

Hemi is potty trained! Well, I guess he is potty trained. He is wearing big boy underwear, and has only had 1 pee pee accident and 1 poop accident in the last week. I am so excited! I still put a diaper on him for bed, because he hasn't quite gotten that down yet, but a few mornings he has woken up dry.

We also finally took the rails off of his crib and turned it into a toddler bed, finally. He does pretty good about staying in bed, and will take naps occassionally as well. I guess we are out of the baby phase around here. It is time to sell the pack and play, and any other baby items I have been keeping. We only have big boys in this house!

Alli C

Super Bowl Party 2010

2010-02-08T09:55:00.013-05:00

During the playoffs, Jack became really interested in football. He wanted to play on our old school Nintendo 64 like ALL THE TIME. He watched football with Daddy, although he still doesn't understand it very well. We would watch the Colts, and explain that we used to live near Indianapolis, and in fact he was born there. Jack was SO excited when the Colts beat the Jets, and the "Zanks" beat the Vikings to get to the Super Bowl, even though he still got a little confused about why the Redskins weren't playing.

Daddyman and I don't go to or host Super Bowl parties, but we have "football" snacks and food at home. But with Jack so excited, and the Colts being so close to our hearts, I decided that I would make a big deal about it, and get the kids involved in picking snacks and decorating.

I found some NFL helmets to color here and here. So I printed some, and had the kids color them. I cut out some letters, and footballs, and we decorated in the living room.

As far as food, we had chili, potato skins, pizza, and for dessert, football shaped Rice Krispy treats. The boys saw this on the back of a Cocoa Krispy box, and I decided that it would be a good idea to attempt those. While I was making them, I gave the boys their own lump of treat mix, and they played with it and then ate it. I think that they turned out pretty good, although if I had a pastry bag and tip, they would have been a LOT better. The boys thought they were great!

The boys didn't have any Colts gear, so we made some ourselves with a color printer, iron on transfers, and plain white T-shirts. (PS, we had all the materials for the shirts and the crafts, so I didn't really spend any on the decorations).

Of course, the game didn't end as we would have wanted it. And it was hard explaining to Jack this morning that the Colts didn't win. He said, "But the score was 10-6! The Colts had more points." I had to explain that 10-6 was the score when he went to bed, and that each team scored more after he went to bed.

It was a little fun. A lot of work, but I think the kids (and Daddyman) enjoyed the treats, so it was well worth it.

Alli C

Wordless Wednesday - Snow and Ice

2010-02-03T04:00:00.001-05:00

Random Tuesday Thoughts

2010-02-02T10:23:00.002-05:00

OK, so I believe that I am a genius, or rather I had a genius thought. The latch on my dryer broke, and so I hopped online to find a replacement. Because we live in the country, the part was not in our area, and would have to be special ordered. The part would be $12.50 plus shipping, and would probably take a week or two before it would arrive. First, I couldn't give up my dryer for a week or two (I needed to dry clothes then!). Second, I couldn't see myself dishing out $12.50 plus shipping for this little bitty part. So I thought. And thought. I came up with the bright idea that since the dryer is made of metal, maybe I could get a magnet to keep the door shut. So the boys and I went to Lowe's and bought some magnets. I got 2 different sizes and some duct tape (just in case). And what do you know?! It worked! So now, my dryer door stays closed, and I only spent $8 for all of the magnets and the duct tape. Yay me!

Over the weekend, we got some snow and some ice. I was afraid that we wouldn't be able to make it for Jack's appointment on Monday to get his casts taken off. He had had them on for 4 weeks instead of the prescribed 3, so I didn't want him to wait much longer to get them off. The road in front of our house looked alright, and we decided to get into the car and head out. I figured if the roads were too bad, we could always turn around. The worst part of the trip was walking out to the car. Our door is in a shady area, so the sun hadn't melted it. We got there, and Jack got his casts off. The doctor said that he wants to see him in 6 weeks (which is typical), and that we might have to periodically re-cast his feet. In the mean time, he has prescribed that we get braces for his legs to keep his feet at a 90 degree angle during the night. He is only to wear them at night, so that is a plus. I also have to do exercises with him twice a day to help him.

I keep getting calls on my cell phone from someone (it is a recording), and it is all in Spanish. I don't understand what they are saying, except "Hola". It is quite funny, but I think that I am done answering it.

Hope you have a blessed week!

Alli C

Wordless Wednesday at the Park

2010-01-27T04:00:00.002-05:00

Alli C

Friday Funnies

2010-01-22T11:52:00.004-05:00

I needed a few chuckles, and my mom sent me this email with a lot of these antecdotes in them. I thought they were pretty funny.

WOMAN'S PERFECT BREAKFAST

She's sitting at the table with her gourmet coffee.

Her son is on the cover of the Wheaties box.

Her daughter is on the cover of Business Week.

Her boyfriend is on the cover of Playgirl.

And her husband is on the back of the milk carton.

WOMAN'S REVENGE

"Cash, check or charge?" the cashier asked, after folding the items the woman wished to purchase.

As she fumbled for her wallet, the cashier noticed a remote control for a television set in her purse.

"So, do you always carry your TV remote?"

"No," she replied, "but my husband refused to come shopping with me, and I figured this was the most evil thing I could do to him legally."

MARRIAGE SEMINAR

While attending a Marriage Seminar dealing with communication,Tom and his wife Grace listened to the instructor,"It is essential that husbands and wives know each other's likes and dislikes."

He addressed the man,"Can you name your wife's favorite flower?"

Tom leaned over, touched his wife's arm gently and whispered, "It's Pillsbury, isn't it?"

WIFE VS. HUSBAND

A couple drove down a country road for several miles, not saying a word. An earlier discussion had led to an argument andneither of them wanted to concede their position.

As they passed a barnyard of mules, goats, and pigs,the husband asked sarcastically, "Relatives of yours?"

"Yep," the wife replied, "in-laws."

THE SILENT TREATMENT

A man and his wife were having some problems at home and were giving each other the silent treatment. Suddenly, the man realized that the next day, he would need his wife to wake him at 5:00 AM for an early morning business flight.

Not wanting to be the first to break the silence (and LOSE), he wrote on a piece of paper,"Please wake me at 5:00 AM." He left it where he knew she would find it. The next morning, the man woke up, only to discover it was 9:00 AM and he had missed his flight.

Furious, he was about to go and see why his wife hadn't wakened him,when he noticed a piece of paper by the bed.The paper said, "It is 5:00 AM. Wake up."

Men are not equipped for these kinds of contests.

I hope you enjoyed these few little chuckles. As I mentioned above, I got this email from my mom, which had been on a forward chain.

Happy Friday!

Alli C

Random Tuesday Thoughts

2010-01-19T10:45:00.003-05:00

Really, am I going to bust out a post today? It's only been almost a week since I graced this blog with something. I was a cute kid...wonder what happened.

This Christmas, my mom gave Daddyman and the boys EACH a bank shaped like a butt that farts when you add money. It of course requires batteries and were not included. So, we added batteries to one of them to test it out. Jack brings me his, and says, "Mommy, put batteries in my butt!" Good times.

I recently started listening to Pandora, because I am tired of the 500+ songs on my iPod. The first few times, they were rocking out music that I was totally digging. This morning, they are playing a lot of slow stuff, which does not suit my mood. I need to really rock out. I need something with a lot of energy. I have added new artists to my radio station, so hopefully I will be rocking out soon.

Oh, thanks to Disney for putting out Chuggington! They are the reason I have had 30 minutes to read a few blogs, and write this post. It's like the boys are in some kind of trance. They have no moved since the show started. This looks like the beginning of a beautiful relationship!

I have started crocheting hats, chemo caps to be exact. I got 2 done in 2 days (like 3 hours each), and I will be donating them to the Massey Cancer Center at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond. They have been great with their treatment of my sister, and I feel like I need to give back something. I will also be opening an Etsy shop to sell some other things. I want to make some baby blankets, but I need some specific yarn for it, so I am going to use what I have before investing in some more.

Ok, that is all Chuggington is almost off. Have a great Tuesday!

Alli C

Wordless Wednesday - Retro look

2010-01-13T09:38:00.003-05:00

There is yet another meme going on Facebook to put an old picture of yourself as your profile picture to get some laughs. This is what I put up.

Alli C

Wordless Wednesday

2010-01-06T08:19:00.004-05:00

Alli C

Welcome Back?

2010-01-05T14:55:00.004-05:00

It has been so long since I wrote anything, I am not sure if I even know how to write any more. OK, so I still know how to write. But what do I write about? Should I catch you up on the happenings in my life? OK, here you go.

My dad had triple by-pass surgery on November 19. Everything went well, and he has been recovering nicely. He is currently living with my mom (they are divorced) in Richmond, and I stayed there with my kids until December 18. I came home for the week before Christmas, and then we all went back to Richmond on the 26th. This time to celebrate Christmas with my parents, and so Daddyman and I could go to the Redskins/Dallas game in DC on the 27th. It was a Sunday night game, so we used some Marriott points to stay in the area. It was the first time that Daddyman and I have been away from the kids overnight since Jack was born (almost 5 years ago)! I slept in (until 10:15ish), and we had a nice lunch of Five Guys. That place is GREAT! It was nice to be with Daddyman and have conversations with him uninterrupted.

My nephew's birthday was on the 29th, so the boys and I stayed in Richmond to help him celebrate, and we brought my dad to my house on the 30th. Daddy wasn't feeling well and on Saturday, he was ready to go back to Richmond. I took him halfway, and Mom met us there for the exchange. Sunday was a day of laying around and doing some cooking (Brunswick stew, banana bread, chicken salad). Monday, we took Jack back to Chapel Hill and he was put in casts again to help correct his toe-walking. Due to scheduling issues, he will have them on for 4 weeks. I pray that it will work this time!

My sister has had a drop in her bloodwork. The doctors do a CBC each week, and her numbers are in a downward trend. Her platelets had dropped pretty dramatically at one point, but they have now come back up to pretty decent levels. Her white blood count is down, and she has been considered neutropenic for a while. With her white blood count down, she is more susceptible to germs, and could catch a cold that her body couldn't defend. Her red blood count is down as well, but not enough to require blood products. Red blood cells and platelets can be replaced, but white blood cells are not replaceable. She has finally decided to look into hospice. She has a lot of neuropathy pain in her legs, and the meds the doctors have given her are not working effectively. We have been wanting her to contacting them so that they can help with her pain, but it has been hard for her to finally admit that she needed it, and that this is the beginning of the end. It is hard for me to push it on her, but I don't want her to be in pain, and they can help her. I want to do something for leukemia patients in honor of my sister, but I haven't yet figured out what to do.

We are scrimping and scraping just to get by financially, and we may end up living with my mom in Richmond before the semester is out. We could stop paying our credit cards, but if we do, Daddyman will have lots of problems getting a job in the accounting field if he has bad marks on his credit. I am praying hard that a door or window will open. I will settle for a crack in the wall that I can chip away at. God is good, always, and I know we will get through this. We need to be able to survive financially for 1 more year! Daddyman graduates next December if he can continue on his education path.

So as usual, there is a LOT going on with us. I am hoping I can get to a normal routine again, and get some blog posts cranked out. I enjoy writing, and it is something FREE I can do for myself.

Alli C

Everyone has a (sob) story

2009-11-30T15:47:00.005-05:00

Everyone has a sob story. Here is mine. Sorry if it sounds a little whiny, but I am feeling a little whiny.

I have been out of work since May 2008. I was laid off after being at a job for 6 months. Money became tight, but with the help of unemployment insurance, we were able to make ends meet. I stopped receiving unemployment in May 2009, and we have been living on student loans and the small amount Steve makes as a graduate assistant. But alas, the financial despair is ever so present. We will not get the school loans until after all of our bills are due in January, and could possibly be evicted. We are trying to work with our landlord, but the money is due when the money is due. To be honest, I have been racking my brain on a way for me to earn these funds, and short of doing something illegal or immoral, I've got nothin'.

My sister has cancer, and will likely not make it too far into the new year. We have never been close, and sometimes she is difficult to deal with, but she is still my sister. She has two children who will have to grow up without their mom. And my parents. Why should they have to bury their 30 year old daughter?

My dad recently had triple by-pass surgery. He began having chest pains and went to the hospital. He never had a heart attack (thankfully), but it has been extremely stressful time. I am thankful that he made it through. He is mending well, and is getting more and more strength every day. I am helping him and helping my mom around the house so she can focus on her work.

I miss my husband, although he is in the last week of classes and has 2 weeks of exams before the semester finally comes to an end. I am hoping to be able to spend some time with him in December, but he will need to go visit his Dad and stepmom as well as his grandparents.

I am ready for some good to come along. I want to have a real celebration, not just celebrating the positives of a bad situation. I know a celebration is a celebration. We are celebrating that my dad made it through his surgery so well. We are celebrating that we have today with my sister (and with each other for that matter, as we are not promised tomorrow), but I want to have a joyous occasion that does not have sad undertones. While we are celebrating each day with my sis, we are also mourning that this might be her last Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year. My family just needs some pure joy, happiness, or vacation from reality.

How do we get that?

Alli C

Sweet Potato Pie

2009-11-14T10:19:00.004-05:00

Another southern Thanksgiving treat - Sweet Potato Pie. It is my FAVORITE!

Sweet Potato Pie

3 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 cup cooked, mashed sweet potato
¾ cup evaporated milk *
¼ cup milk
¼ cup butter, melted
2 tsp. vanilla
10 inch pie shell, unbaked

Preheat oven to 400°. Beat together eggs, sugar, and sweet potatoes. Add milk, butter, and vanilla. Pour into pie shell, and bake at 400° for 10 minutes. Then reduce heat to 325° and bake for 30 minutes more. When knife inserted comes out clean, the pie is done.

*¼ cup evaporated milk and ½ cup dry sherry may be substituted for ¾ cup evaporated milk.

We top with homemade Whipped Cream or Syllabub:

Whipped Cream
½ pint whipping cream
1/3 cup sugar

Place mixing bowl and beaters in freezer to chill at least 30 minutes. Make sure whipping cream is very cold (but not frozen). In a mixing bowl, beat whipping cream and sugar until peaks are formed.

Syllabub is Whipped cream with 1/2 cup dry sherry added. Make whipped cream and carefully fold in sherry.

Enjoy!

Alli C

Wordless Wednesday - Trans Siberian Orchestra

2009-11-11T11:28:00.007-05:00

Alli C

Corn Pudding

2009-11-04T11:43:00.006-05:00

OK, this is a request from Twitter. It is Corn Pudding, and a delightful, sweet southern recipe from my Granny. She always had it at Holiday dinners, and I always got seconds.

2 cans cream style corn
1 cup milk (evaporated may be used)
2 tbsp melted butter
1/2 tsp salt
2 heaping tbsp flour
2 tbsp sugar
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 tsp. vanilla

Mix all ingredients well and pour into greased 9X13 glass pan. Bake at 350 for about an hour, or until set. Recipe can be doubled. This recipe cooks better when it is shallow in the pan. If might fit into a smaller pan, but it will take longer for it to cook and set.

Enjoy!

Alli C

Wordless Wednesday - Sidewalk Chalk Art

2009-10-07T04:00:00.000-04:00

Random Tuesday Thoughts

2009-10-06T04:00:00.001-04:00

It's beginning to look like FALL around here! YAY! The leaves are JUST beginning to turn. In about a week or so, it is going to be absolutely GORGEOUS around here. It is a little bit cooler this week, and I hope that it stays that way.

I have really been in the mood to make some fall/winter type meals – like Chili and Shepherd's pie. YUMMY!!!

Shankapotamus

Damn fire ants. I went to take the garbage out with my slippers on, and stepped right on a swarm of fire ants (no, I wasn't looking for them, so I didn't see them). Those things HURT like the dickens. My foot is swollen, and I have HUGE bites on it.

Also, damn crickets. We have been plagued all summer with some crickets chirping right outside our bedroom window, now they are on all sides of the house! Daddyman usually sleeps with a pillow over his head, because he isn't able to sleep with all the loud noise. The other morning, when the kids got up super duper uper early, Daddyman tried to stretch out on the couch with Jack, and was unable to sleep with all the noise the crickets were making. I'll be glad when it gets cold enough for them not to be around as much! I just don't want them in our house. Isn't it bad luck to kill a cricket?

Jack is an extremely PARTICULAR person. Sometimes he has a hard time using his imagination. He LOVES to color. Actually, that is an understatement. He absolutely ADORES coloring. He spends a lot of his day coloring. He likes for me to print out pictures from the internet of things from Disney and PBS Kids as well as Superman, Batman, and Spiderman. The thing is, he can't color Spiderman green. He HAS to color Spiderman exactly the way he is supposed to be colored. He is constantly asking me to look up a character online so that he can see what color a shirt or shoe is, because he doesn't remember ALL the colors. It is almost obsessive…

We get a lot of telemarketers calling. I have been meaning to add our number to the national Do Not Call list, but I keep forgetting. When we lived in Indiana, we had a GREAT statewide Do Not Call List, and only a couple of telemarketers could call (like for Police or newspapers). It was great! I really miss that, and other things from when we lived in Indiana. I miss Papa Murphy's pizza (take and bake, really inexpensive!)

I'm done with the randomness today…

Have a great week!

Alli C

Football Fever!!!

2009-10-04T20:58:00.006-04:00

OH how the mighty have fallen. After being undefeated in the Momspective league, I have now been brought down to earth. I lost this week. And my opponent's kicker was on the bye this week. How bad is that? Oh well, on to the next opponent. I shall spend more time looking over the injury reports and deciding if an injured player is worth playing. If you have an injured player, and he does happen to play, is he going to be the starter, or just a fill in? Well, that's what you have to dig into. You need to read what is being said about the player, and if he is going to be getting a lot of play time.

As for Daddyman and myself, I am still winning. I beat him again this week. Whoo hoo! He had a really rough week with byes and injuries, so I am sure that I will be caught in the near future.

And the Redskins?

A win is a win, right? I guess, even if the team that wins looks worst playing than a team that has lost. Such is the story of my beloved Redskins. They won (barely), but they still don't look very good when they play. They don't seem like they are a team, they are just individuals playing as individuals for an individual purpose. There doesn't seem to be any cohesiveness amongst the players. It is time to come together as as family of sorts, and get the job done. The most successful teams are ones that act like a family. That's not to say that there won't be some fights and some disagreements, but when push comes to shove, they are in it together for the long haul.

Here's to a better week ahead.

Alli C

Wordless Wednesday - Capes and Casts

2009-09-30T08:28:00.005-04:00

Have a great week!

Alli C

Random Tuesday Thoughts - what's left of a Monday Morning Hangover

2009-09-28T09:13:00.006-04:00

What can I say? The Redskins decided that after 19 consecutive losses, the Detroit Lions deserved a win. That would be a fair and true statement, EXCEPT the 'Skins actually looked like they were trying.

A lot of the faithful and loyal Redskins fans are in utter shock. Some are just tired of this attempt at greatness each year, that ends up in utter failure. Some blame head coach Jim Zorn, but the Redskins have not shown any greatness in quite some time. So what is it? They have a TREMENDOUSLY talented team, but some how, they can't hold it together.

Fantasy Notes:

Daddyman has finally beaten me this week...and in good fashion. I don't wanna talk about anything futher, let's just say he is enjoying this win. That's OK honey, I let you have one.

I am UNDEFEATED in the Momspective league. I have some work to do this week in order to continue my streak.

In other news:

I took Jack to UNC-Chapel Hill Ortho yesterday, and he got casts put on his feet to help lengthen his calf muscles and heel cords so that he stop walking on his toes. He is adjusting quite well. I am sure I will have some pictures for tomorrow's Wordless Wednesday.

My mom has been growing some hot peppers to make pepper vinegar. She has been letting them sit on the vine to get hot (they have turned red, but she is still letting them get a little hotter). My niece and nephew have been wanting to try them all summer long, and finally, Mom didn't stop them when they went to pick a pepper. Hannah took a bite, and immediately went to get a paper towel to try to wipe the hotness from her mouth. She then went to get the thermometer to check the temp in her mouth, because she was SURE that it would be hot. Don't think she'll be eating any more hot peppers.

Have a blessed day!

Alli C

All About BBQ

2009-09-24T04:00:00.001-04:00

I grew up in eastern NC, and their brand of BBQ. To Eastern North Carolinians, BBQ is made from pork, and has a vinegar based sauce. Mostly, the sauce is vinegar, a little sugar, crushed red pepper. Some doctor it up with some other spices, and still others let hot peppers marinate in their vinegar to give it some heat. To accompany our BBQ, we usually have Brunswick stew*, slaw, hushpuppies, and banana pudding for dessert. Some people stray away from these sides, but that would be my favorite BBQ plate.

A few weeks ago (while in Richmond with Mama), we bought some country-style pork ribs that were on sale. Since I GENERALLY don't eat meat that has bones attached (no fried chicken for me! I know, I'm not very southern, am I?), I didn't know how to cook these ribs. So, I decided I would get some ENC BBQ sauce, and put the ribs in the crock pot. I left them on low all day (you know, low and slow), and by dinner time, house smelled WONDERFUL, and the pork was, as my mama would say, "Out of this world!" I threw together some Brunswick Stew*, and we had a pretty good meal (even if we didn't have slaw or hushpuppies).

When Food Lion put them back on sale this week, I bought some for the family (although I knew the kids wouldn't eat it). I put them in the crock pot with some Uncle Yammy's BBQ sauce. Again, I made some Brunswick stew*, but this time I also made some homemade Macaroni and Cheese. Daddyman thoroughly enjoyed the meal!

Now Daddyman has an affection for Western NC BBQ, which is very similar to the rest of the country, in that a red (tomato/ketchup) sauce is used. We have tried a BUNCH of tomato based sauces, and I have two favorites – Sauer's and Stubbs. I just recently discovered the Sauer's, and it is a bit spicier than your normal, grocery store brands. Our other favorite is red sauce is Stubb's. It has a good flavor. I am able to doctor just about any kind of BBQ sauce to suit our needs, so I buy what is on sale.

When we lived in Indy, the closest thing we could get to ENC BBQ was GT South's. They had pretty good BBQ, and they had their tomato-based BBQ sauce on the side. Once, I brought it home, and kind of made my own vinegar-based sauce. Well, ok, I didn't KIND OF make my own sauce, I ACTUALLY made my own sauce. It wasn't as good as some bottled stuff I get around here. For years, and years, and years, I got George's BBQ sauce, which is made in Nashville, NC. It is WONDERFUL. However, I recently discovered Uncle Yammy's sauce, which is made in Greenville, NC.

*You're probably wondering what Brunswick stew is. When we lived in Indy, I learned that not everyone knows what Brunswick stew is. I made it for some co-workers once, and someone called it chicken chili. I just about busted a gut laughing so hard. Anyhow, Brunswick stew is a thick vegetable stew that usually includes, beef, pork, chicken, tomatoes, corn, and butter beans. It wasn't until I was older that I actually got Brunswick stew with pork and beef in it, I had just had it with chicken. It is sooo yummy, and filling on a cold, winter day. Here's the recipe:

(3 ½ - 4 lb) chicken fryer, boiled, and boned (2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts boiled in 2 bouillon cubes may be substituted)

2 cups reserved chicken stock

1 can butter beans (lima beans)

1 bag frozen small butter beans

1 can tomato soup

2 cans diced tomatoes

3 cans cream style corn

Salt and pepper to taste

Place chicken, tomato soup, stock, frozen butter beans, and tomatoes in large pot. Mash 1 can butter beans and add to pot. Cook 1 ½ - 2 hours, until stew starts to thicken, stirring occasionally. Add corn to stew and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, and cook 30 minutes longer, stirring regularly (to keep the stew from sticking to bottom). Dried potato flakes can be used to thicken.

Hope you enjoy!

Alli C

Wordless Wednesday - Fireman Hemi

2009-09-23T02:00:00.000-04:00

Alli C

Random Thoughts Tuesday

2009-09-22T08:33:00.003-04:00

So, I have started using baking soda and diluted vinegar to clean things around the house (not together, of course). This is supposed to be better for the environment, and better around my kids – no hard chemicals or fumes. But, every time I use the vinegar/water spray on my counter tops and table, I think that someone is cooking BBQ in my kitchen.

Unless you were from North Carolina (Eastern NC, specifically), you probably don't think that is funny, but when I said it to my mom, she laughed out loud for 2 whole minutes. You see, in Eastern NC, we do not use a tomato/ketchup based BBQ sauce. We only use a vinegar based sauce to flavor the meat. But that is an entirely different post all together.

Daddyman reads my blog, but doesn't give me any comment love (all comment love is welcome). We occasionally talk about it (my blog), but he never says that what I write makes him LOL. Then I got to thinking, what would make him LOL? Especially at school? So, this is completely for him – I'm the nurse…

And if any of you ACTUALLY GET this, you might be in the running to be our new best friends!!!

DUDE! My mom got Daddyman and me 2 tickets to see the Redskins host the Cowgirls on December 27! We are so excited! We have been to a preseason game for the Redskins at home, and we have seen them play in St. Louis (when we lived in Indy), but we have never been to a regular season home game for the Redskins. We have some points for a free Marriott stay, so we are going to be spending the night in the DC area after the game (it is supposed to start at 8:20PM).

My fellow blogger Julie @ Momspective had a unfortunate accident cell phone this week. Please stop by her site Momspective and see if you can help her.

I have the sweetest little boys. Jack was especially sweet this morning. When he got up, he gave me a hug and told me, "I love you Mommy. You look beautiful in that blue shirt." I have on a plain blue T-shirt and sleep shorts.

OK, time for the randomness to end. I will catch you next week with another installment of total random thoughts…

Alli C

Again, with the football?

2009-09-21T12:11:00.003-04:00

What a day in football! The Redskins won…it was an ugly win, but a win none the less. The Cowgirls LOST the home opener in their new-bigger-than-anything-else-in-Texas stadium (OK, so it was to the Giants, but it is a LOSS). The NE Patriots lost to the NEW YORK JETS…THE NEW YORK JETS!!! Carolina Panthers are 0-2, although Jake Delhomme looked a lot better. Let's see if his change in momentum can change the rest of the team. I hope so (although I am a die-hard 'Skins fan, I root for the Panthers as long as they are not playing the 'Skins).

In fantasy news…

It is week 2, and I have been brought down off of my first week winning high. I still have a chance to pull out a win in the Momspective II (MII) league, but it all hinges on Joseph Addai (RB, Indianapolis). In the Momspective II league, my opponent has Joseph Addai, and if he gets more than 11 points, I am toast this week.

In my league with Daddyman, I played the Philadelphia defense against the New Orleans offense, and that cost me a quite a bit of points. Drew Brees had some great numbers, and I think he is the one to watch this year. Otherwise, I got kicked around this week by Daddyman's team. It has been BRUTAL, but I have a chance to pull it out if Joseph Addai (RB, Indianapolis) and Dallas Clark (TE, Indianapolis) can get me some points. I am hoping that Peyton will be throwing a few TDs to Clark, and Addai will get a few yards, but not a LOT (remember, my opponent in the MII league has him). Man, I hope I can pull this out…

I had some pretty poor performers, and I am going to have to re-evaluate this week. This week, I am going to be looking at Defense/Special Teams. In MII, I have the New England Patriots as my Defense/Special Teams. I may be analyzing this too much, but I am not sure that NE is the best defense any more. We'll see what happens this week. I am going to look into injuries, and make a think about changing out my defense. I am going to need to pick up an additional Defense/Special Teams, as bye weeks start in week 4.

Here is a schedule of the bye weeks:

Week 4: Cardinals, Falcons, Eagles, Panthers

Week 5: Bears, Packers, Saints, Chargers

Week 6: Cowboys, Colts, Dolphins, 49ers

Week 7: Ravens, Broncos, Lions, Jaguars, Seahawks, Titans

Week 8: Bengals, Steelers, Chiefs, Patriots, Buccaneers, Redskins

Week 9: Bills, Browns, Vikings, Jets, Raiders, Rams

Week 10: Giants, Texans

Have a good week everyone!

Alli C

Football Fantasies

2009-09-17T11:55:00.004-04:00

OK, so it is official, I beat Daddyman in a head-to-head competition this week! Yay me! We have great competitiveness, and he was not a happy camper that he lost to me in the first week. He kept explaining that since I had Drew Brees (QB for New Orleans, who had a MONSTER week last week), I naturally won. It didn't hurt that I had the Philadelphia Defense that also had a MONSTER week against the Carolina Panthers.

I also won in my first week in the Momspective league. This was an exciting week for me! I love to play games, and LOVE to be aggressively competitive.

Now I have turned my attention to this coming week, and what my match-ups are. In the Momspective league, I am looking at the offensive-defensive match ups. It is important to see how a defense will play against your offense. If your QB or WR is going to be playing against a GREAT defense, that is able to stop passing or gets a lot of sacks, you might want to choose a different player. In my case, I have the Jay Cutler (Chi), Eli Manning (NYG) and Matt Ryan (Atl) as my choices for QB this week. Jay Cutler did not have a good week last week, and is going against the Pittsburgh Steelers defense. The Steelers are a decent defense, and this choice is risky…you just don't know what's going to happen. Eli Manning is going against the Dallas Cowgirl defense. This too in my opinion is risky, as Dallas and NY are division rivals, and NY likes to run a lot. When Eli passes though, and connects, it will be good. I am going with Matt Ryan again this week. He is going against the Carolina defense, which has issues. Atlanta has a good offense (including Matt Ryan), so this is my best option this week.

It is important that you do your homework on your players…especially QBs, WRs, and RBs. You can kind of skate through on Defense/Special Teams, and Kickers. No one likes kickers or punters any how…unless it is Hunter Smith of the Washington Redskins. On Sunday, he was the holder for the kicker, Shaun Suisham to kick a field goal. He picks up the ball, and runs it in 8 yards to score a touchdown leading into the half. The 'Skins were down 17-0, and they needed that boost tremendously.

Tell your hubby about your pick for QB this week, and have a discussion about it. If you do your homework, it will be a good conversation. Then watch the stats on Sunday (During Game Breaks, Half time, and scrolling at the bottom of your TV screen). You can discuss which QB is having the best day, and who is having the worst.

Have a good week!!!

Alli C

Wordless Wednesday - The Giant Spiderman

2009-09-16T09:04:00.002-04:00

This is a giant 4 1/2 foot Spiderman that we found at a yard sale this past weekend. It is Jack's new best friend!

Random Tuesday Thoughts

2009-09-14T21:16:00.008-04:00

I am now back home for a short while. YEAH!!! I love being at home. I could stay in the house for a week (longer without kids). I have so much to clean right now, that I might be home for a whole week. We have so much "junk". I need to go through it to see what needs to be pitched, donated, or sold on eBay. I am having clutter issues...

I need satellite TV or cable, but I would really prefer DirectTV so I can get the NFL Direct Ticket. Daddyman and I had it a few years ago (before 2 kids), and it was AWESOME. I kind of didn't appreciate it when we had it, but I would now. Hell, I would settle for some ESPN, Disney channel, and Noggin. Living in the boonies and no satellite/cable, we get SQUAT on the TV. We can't even get ABC. We JUST were able to tune FOX in, but I had to put the antenna on a Goldfish box, an Accounting book, and an Amazon.com box on top of the entertainment center.

As you might remember, my 4 year old has a little girlfriend at the the babysitter's in Richmond. Last Thursday, he told her goodbye for a while. Miss Robyn reported that Jack told his gf that it would be a while before he would get to see her again. Every time I mention her name, he gets this goofy little smile on his face. It is kind of precious.

Jack is really a sweetheart. At least once a week he wakes up to tell me he had the best dream. When I ask what it was about, he says that he dreamed that he loves everyone in the whole world, even Hemi (his brother). He is usually very joyful on those days.

Have a happy week!

God Bless,

Random Tuesday Thoughts

2009-09-08T08:21:00.004-04:00

Here I am on a Tuesday morning, trying to get out a Random Tuesday Thoughts. It is rainy and the kids have just left to go to the babysitter's. I have a headache, but I think it is the weather.

I am still in Richmond trying to help Mama tie up some loose ends.

My niece started 1st grade today. Henrico county public schools start the day after Labor Day (I think it is a state law). Can't wait to hear how it was.

My sister has an appointment with her oncologist tomorrow to get the results of the latest bone marrow biopsy. I am sure I will have some things to blog about once that appointment happens (stay tuned!)

I am going to get to see some family members I haven't seen in a few years this week. I am really excited about having time with them.

Oh! my 41/2 year old son has a girlfriend. She is 7. She is a newcomer to our babysitter, and Jack talks non-stop about her. The other morning, he came down the stairs and the first thing he said was, "Mommy, it's going to be a good day today, Lily is going to be at Miss Robyn's house!" It is sooo cute. He gets this little almost embarassed smile on his face. He is probably going to be upset when we have to leave her and go back home.

Toy Story and Toy Story 2 are going to be re-released in 3-D starting October 2. My boys saw the commercial for the first time today, and both of them are totally stoked! (OK, is stoked still a cool word to say, or am I really lame?)

Also, Little Einsteins has a new movie coming out today, and I will be going to get it soon as a late birthday present from Grammy. Hemi doesn't know about it, and will be really excited when he gets to see it.

OK, so have a good day, that is all the randomness I can think of.

God Bless,

Alli C

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL?!?!?!?!

2009-09-07T00:00:00.000-04:00

AAHHHH, there is a crispness in the air. School is back in session. The NC State fair is around the corner. It is fall, my favorite time of year.

Oh yeah, I forgot. It's FOOTBALL SEASON!!!!!

WHOOO HOOO!!!! HELL YEAH!!!! HOOOORAYY!!!

Can ya tell that I LOVE FOOTBALL! Specifically the Washington Redskins, and the NFL (but I don't mind some ECU football too!).

We are dedicated, loyal, enthusiastic Redskins fans. Well, anyone who says that they are a true Redskins fan is dedicated, loyal, and enthusiastic. Daddyman has been a Redskins fan for his whole life. I was converted when I met Daddyman. For my safety, and the safety of my children, I will not reveal who I used to be a sometimes fan for. Daddyman has been such a die-hard fan, he put his name on the list for season tickets. Right before we were relocated to Indianapolis, Daddyman was informed he had been selected to get season tickets. What a disappointment.

When we got to Indy, Daddyman decided that he would get the NFL Direct Ticket, so that not only could he watch every Redskins game, he could watch ALL NFL games. In order not to become an NFL widow, I WATCHED football with Daddyman, and learned more than just the basics that my mom had taught me growing up (aside: she had learned about football so that she could talk to the guys in her office-she was the only female). Now, there were times when I would nap for an hour or so during a game, but I would wake up when things were getting good, and I don’t think I EVER slept through a ‘Skins game.

While I was working in Indy, some of the guys in the office started a fantasy football league, and allowed me to join. Even though I hadn’t played before, I did pretty well against the guys. I have played in several other leagues since then.

This year, Daddyman and I are playing against each other in our own private league. This should prove interesting, as we are both competitive. He has a lot more knowledge than I do, but I intend on kicking his butt all over eastern North Carolina. We have had our draft, and I think that my team will be a force to be reckoned with this year.

I also have a team in the Momspective II league through ESPN. I am excited about this league too, as it will be against other moms and women. Since I have played fantasy football before, and have a good understanding of things, I’ll be sharing my tips each week. I’ll also be celebrating my victories, and sharing my frustrations. ‘Cuz I’m good like that.

This Thursday, be sure to check your starters to make sure everyone is you have starting is physically starting their game. It is important this week that you make sure you check it prior to the Tennessee @ Pittsburgh game. If you have a player scheduled to start in the Thursday night game, and you cannot bench him after the start of the game. During a regular week, when games are on Sunday and Monday, it is a good idea to check your players after Thursday afternoon (this is when each team releases their injury report stating if a player is out, doubtful, probable, questionable, or injured reserve). If a player is listed as probable or questionable, the team can make a game time decision, and you would need to adjust your roster within the last hour before kick-off. The pregame specials on CBS and Fox will keep you informed, and you can also tune into ESPN for SportsCenter to get the latest info. You can also tune into www.espn.com to get up-to-date information.

Good luck in your first week as a Fantasy Football team owner!!!

Oh, and…

HAIL TO THE REDSKINS!!!!

Alli C

Wordless Wednesday!

2009-09-01T22:42:00.005-04:00

Hemi's birthday was last Saturday, and we were supposed to go to the beach to celebrate. Life being life, we were unable to go, so we had a little party at home.

Happy Birthday, Hemi!

Alli C

DUH!

2009-08-30T18:31:00.004-04:00

OK, so I thought that this blogging thing was just me jotting down some random thoughts about kids, work (or lack there of), housework, hubby, life in general, etc. I did not think that this was going to be WORK. Me, work? After over a year of unpaid, unwanted "vacation", now I have to WORK in order to write a blog. That sounds too much like, well, WORK.

I mistakenly thought that ideas and blog posts would just POP into my head, and then magically appear on the screen. WOW, I WAS WRONG (OK, now note this day, and print this page...I admitted I was WRONG).

The best bloggers out there (well, the ones I have found) plan out their blogs, and some even pre-write them and have them scheduled to upload. I have also found, that I don't tell a story as well as I thought I should. Most of the bloggers (again, the ones I have found), can tell a story with all of these details that you read for like 5 minutes (or longer). I tell a story in like 5 sentences.

I have often thought about an exercise that my senior year english teacher had us do. We were to keep a journal. It would be for her eyes only, no classmates were going to be getting these to read. Most of the time, it was just for her to see that we had completed the assignment, not necessarily if our writing technique was good. Also, she would give us a subject to write about, but periodicaly, she would let us choose. The first exercise that she gave us, was for us to "brainstorm" and write down everything that came to mind. EVERYTHING. If it was something about ***, we were supposed to write it down.

I have thought about having such an exercise to see if it will work now. I hope it does, or you just might be looking at this post forever!

Alli C

Happy Birthday Hemi!!!

2009-08-29T01:00:00.007-04:00

Today is a special day for me. Today, my younger son turns 3. Wow, was it really 3 years ago that I had him? I still see him as my baby. Since I am not having any more kids, he is my baby.

Daddyman and I did not plan on having Hemi when we did. He was God's gift to us. And what a great gift he has been!

Hemi's pregnancy was a lot rougher on me than Jack's, but I think it was because I got pregnant so soon after having Jack. I have diabetes, so any pregnancy is high risk, but it was even more high risk because of getting pregnant so soon. I had to have weekly doctor's appointments throughout the pregnancy, and was even sent to a pediatric cardiologist to ensure that Hemi's heart was alright. I did eventually have to go to the hospital twice a week for non-stress test, and to the doctor's office once a week.

Everything about him was perfect, except he kept trying to escape early. I went into labor at 30 weeks, and began to have some bleeding, so we ended up in the hospital overnight. The contractions were stopped, and I went home. Again, at 35 weeks, I went into labor again, and was given the choice to have him, or stop contractions and wait. I chose to wait because I wanted him to be as developed as he could be. I knew that if he was born early, he might have some problems, and have to stay in the NICU. I wanted to do whatever I could to prevent that. So, I was released from the hospital, and put on bed rest. That is hard when you have an 18 month old at home. Finally, at 37 weeks, an amnio was done to see if Hemi's lungs were developed (and they were).

Henry McAllister was born at 8:16 am on August 29, 2006 weighing 8 lbs. 6 oz. and 21 inches long.

Alli C

Fitness Friday - DO OVER!!!

2009-08-28T08:25:00.003-04:00

After I committed to exercising more and drinking more water, I was challenged. My sister got gravely ill, and I dropped everything to sit by her bedside for the better of 3 weeks. During that time, I did not drink enough water, and I did not exercise at all. I sat in a chair and watched her, and got up to help her when she needed it. It was the most sedentary 3 weeks I have spent in a long time.

But now I am back!!! I am at home for the time being, and now that we are into our routine again, I am beginning to add exercise to it. I did walk 2 miles this week, I just didn't have the motivation to walk any more. I am going to recommit to walking. Everyone I have talked to has said that exercise helps relieve stress, and Lord knows I need to relieve some stress. Please stay tuned for some fabulous tips, and maybe even a recipe or two to help you along.

Let's get moving!!!!

Have a great week!

God Bless,

Alli C

Sancy

2009-08-27T00:16:00.009-04:00

I am the oldest grandchild on my mom's side of the family, so I got the honor of naming my grandmother. My grandfather had passed a few years before my birth, so I only knew my grandmother.

She was very prim and proper, and she thought that at age 56, she was way too young to have any grandchildren. She decided that I would either call her Grandmother, or Frances (her given name). I attempted to say "Frances" and it came out "Sancy". Well, it stuck. For her, it was good because it didn't REALLY sound like a old lady's name such as Nannie, or Nana, or Granny or something, and it also wasn't formal like Grandmother.

She was a "cool" grandma. She was definitely NOT one to sit around knitting or crocheting. She went on trips...lots of trips. She travelled all over Europe to Italy and France and Great Britain (and I think she went to Yugoslavia). She went to Asia to China and India. She also went to New York quite a bit. There was a group of people from the small town we are from that would rent a bus (kind of like a Greyhound), and they would travel to New York to see shows and go shopping.

I think that her favorite place was the beach. Atlantic Beach, NC to be specific. My extended family would gather for at the beach and vacation together. We would either stay at the Oceanana or rent a house/duplex in neighboring Emerald Isle. She was always looking for an excuse to go to the beach for a quick weekend, or longer. So it came as no surprise to us when she purchased a trailer on a strip of land right next door to the Oceanana, a place our family had stayed for years. She would move down to this trailer (single-wide) in June, and stay until Labor Day. She even had her mail forwarded there.

The summer before my senior year in high school, Sancy invited me to come and spend the summer with her at the beach. I got a job at Roses, which is kind of like a Wal-Mart, but not really. At the time, there was no Wal-Mart in the vicinity of Atlantic Beach, so Roses was where most people bought their sunscreen, water toys, and beach chairs. I worked most of the summer, and got a few days off to spend in the sun. I had a blast with some friends I met at work.

Sancy was a strong woman. She liked to be in control of things (kind of sounds like my mother, and myself). I asked her why she didn't remarry after my grandfather (Butter, as he was affectionately known) passed, and she said that she didn't want to give up control of the car keys, the checkbook, or the thermostat. Later she added she didn't want to give up control of the remote control. And as I have learned being married, sometimes you have to give up control of one or more of those things (at least temporarily).

A friend of mine recently lost her grandmother, and I was reminded of what a gift grandmothers (especially mine, and hers) are to us. I miss Sancy a lot. It is hard to believe that she has been gone for over 3 years. I think about her just about every day. She was a powerful force in my life, and I still ask myself WWSD (What would Sancy Do?) in certain situations.

Sancy did so much for me. She taught me to appreciate classical music. She taught me to appreciate art. She opened up new worlds to me.

There will never be anyone like Sancy.

Alli C

Random Tuesday Thoughts

2009-08-18T14:02:00.005-04:00

Last week, Jack went to Vacation Bible School with his cousins, Hannah and Drew. At first, Jack was a little hesitant, but he warmed up to it quickly. On Sunday, we went to church for the VBS wrap up. The kids got up and sang some of the songs they learned during the week. It was soooo cute. We decided to go up to the altar for special prayers for my sister. I leaned down and whispered to Jack that we were going to do this, and he asked, "Is it going to hurt?" I had to contain myself from laughing out loud.

Grammy and Hannah were watching a clip of a movie on TV, and there were two people kissing, and Hannah said, "Grammy, I'm not supposed to watch this am I? There are people really smooching on there." That just really fractured my mom.

I have learned about a lot of things medical. Yesterday, I made up a new song - "The small bowel's connected cecum. The cecum is connected to the large bowel." I could go on, but you probably don't want me to.

OK, so I am writing this pretty late in the day, and I just learned the Brett Favre is meeting with the Vikings, and thinking about coming back. WTH! This is CRAZY. He needs to STAY retired. Don't come back, PLEASE. I am sure that I or my husband will write more on this later, so stay tuned!

Have a blessed day! Today is looking great for me!

Alli C

Fitness Friday - Planning and Journals

2009-08-14T13:14:00.005-04:00

In the past, I have followed the Weight Watchers Points system, and found it extremely simple. This might be because I am an accountant, and I LOVE numbers. The other thing that I found helpful as I was losing weight with Weight Watchers, is planning. I planned the supper menu, and then I could plan the rest of the day's food based on the remaining points. I could also plan how to get my fruits and veggies in as well as the milk/calcium. It allowed me to eat what I wanted, and not feel like I was dieting. Spaghetti was my fave, and I liked to eat a lot of it. I would eat as few points as possible during the day, so that I could "load up" on pasta at night. I tried to make spaghetti on the weekends, so I could eat it early enough in the day and not go to bed with a full tummy.

Another tool that helped me was writing down everything that I ate. It was a chore, but it made me accountable, if I didn't eat within my points range. I could also go back and revisit the journals to see when I had a big weight loss. Once I stopped journalling, I noticed that I would sneak food, and forget to count my points. That's when the weight came creeping back.

TIP OF THE WEEK: Caffeine can make you bloated. Add a cup of non-caffeinated, sugar-free liquid for each cup of caffeine you drink. This will help you flush out the caffeine in your body. (Please note I am not a nutritionist or doctor, this is just something I have noticed in my own body).

Have a good week!

God Bless,

Alli C

Elizabeth's sister

2009-08-13T02:00:00.001-04:00

As you might know, my sister Elizabeth has been in the hospital for 2 weeks fighting a really bad infection due to chemo for leukemia. My mom is caring for her small kids (4 1/2 and almost 6), as well as keeping her job. So, as Elizabeth's sister, my job is to be there for her, and help monitor the situation, and keep everyone posted. I have started a Caring Bridge site for her, to help keep everyone informed as to how she is doing. You can click the button to the right - Update on Elizabeth.

Elizabeth's nurses have been passing on that Elizabeth has a sister who asks a million and one questions, and may ask a question 3 or 4 times until she fully understands what is going on. Elizabeth's sister also likes to know all of her blood numbers, her vitals, and if any extra pain meds have been given. Elizabeth's sister will not wait for a nurse, and will use the termometer on the wall to ensure Elizabeth has no fever. Elizabeth has a sister who sits in there CONSTANTLY, and occasionally tweets and blogs from the hospital room in her gown and gloves (which is not an easy task).

Elizabeth has a sister, that even though things have been rocky between them, loves Elizabeth very much, and has been completely changed by this experience. Elizabeth has a sister who will continue to ensure that Elizabeth is comfortable. Elizabeth has a sister who will keep an eagle eye on her to make sure that no small symptom goes unnoticed.

Elizabeth has a sister who prays that Elizabeth will make a full recovery and be able to enjoy life again. I am proud to be Elizabeth's sister.

God Bless!

Alli C

Wordless Wednesday - Whatcha lookin' at

2009-08-11T21:22:00.006-04:00

This is my nephew Drew. It is being saved for his prom/wedding day.

God Bless!

Alli C

Random Tuesday Thoughts

2009-08-11T10:44:00.004-04:00

Well, I thought that I was going to be writing one thing, but I think I will switch gears and write about something else.

If you have seen me tweet in the last week, you know I am typing with gloves on, as my sis is in a contact precaution room. It is not total isolation, but we have to be careful around her. Let me tell you, it is REALLY, REALLY hard to type with gloves on, but I think I have gotten used to it.

My kids love to sleep in their diaper/underwear, because that is how Daddy sleeps. They also like to run around the house with no clothes on.

My sister used to get a new baby doll or Barbie, and the first thing she would do, is strip it, and it would be naked forever.

I had so many random thoughts that I thought would be good for this post, but now I can't remember ANY of them. I am getting old.

I love chocolate. I think that I want chocolate cake...with chocolate icing and vanilla ice cream. Or a warm brownie with vanilla ice cream on it. This is the first thing that has even sounded decent to me in so long.

OK, I think that is enough randomness for one day...until next time...

Alli C

Absence makes the Heart grow fonder...

2009-08-09T09:03:00.007-04:00

Let me start out by letting you know that Jennisa at Once Upon a Blog is hosting an extra special giveaway. I have been looking at her designs, and am really impressed by them. She also designs the layout for MckMama. By clicking here, you can find out all the details.

I have been in Richmond for 10 days now, and it doesn't look like I'll be home any time soon. I have had the kids with me, but Daddyman has stayed back in Greenville in order to try to find a job, and take care of some things. We are used to being apart, as he used to travel quite a bit with his job, but this separation has been different. Being away from him has been really rough for me. He is my bestest friend ever!! I miss talking to him. Yes, we have spoken by phone, but it is not the same as seeing him, and talking to him. We can't cuddle if I am sad about the situation at hand. I love feeling his presence when we have conversations. We have some really great conversations, too. Especially if we are in the car for an extended period of time.

I think though, that this separation has reminded us how much we love each other and how much we rely on each other for support. It is times like this when I remember why I love him and why I married him. I truly treasure his friendship. Thank you Daddyman for being my friend, and my partner through life. I love you so much.

God Bless,

Alli C

Fitness Friday

2009-08-07T10:28:00.004-04:00

Good Morning! I do not have an update on my weightloss (or gain), as I have not been home this week. I have spent the week at the hospital with my sister, who is fighting post-chemo infections. These have been serious infections, and she is not out of the woods yet. For more info, you can click the button on the right-Update on Elizabeth.

I will tell you that I have not been able to get in my water, and I have not been able to exercise. I am a little disappointed, as I had begun to notice some muscle tone in my upper arms and thighs, and now I am losing it. I have also pretty much stopped eating. I am an eater, but when I get extremely stressed, I don't eat. I drink. And I have had tons of Mt. Dew and Starbucks to get me through. I do try to eat at least one thing a day, so I am not passing out on the hospital floor. I haven't been pushing the water because you have to de-gown and go down the hall a ways to the restroom. And my sister's condition has been bad enough I didn't want to leave her that often.

I know, I know that I have to take care of myself. It is easier said than done sometimes. I am committed to getting back on track once we get this situation under control.

TIP OF THE WEEK: Portion control - 3 oz of meat is the same size as the palm of your hand.

Have a great day!

God Bless,

Alli C

Random (kid) Thoughts - THURSDAY

2009-08-06T08:00:00.001-04:00

I am committed to Blog Hopping with MckLinky on Tuesday, so I thought I would do a Random Thoughts Thursday. This may or may not be a weekly thing, it was just something I wanted to do at least this week. I have a lot of little tidbits, as I was at my mom's for a few days with my kids and niece and nephew.

My nephew Drew is 4 (he would tell you he's 4 1/2, but whatever). He was home sick with my mom last week, and they had to stop by her office for a few things. He saw the letter "T", and he said, "Grammy, did you know terd starts with the letter T?"

We were eating a meal that one of the parishoners from Mama's church had brought to us. It was a chili-mac meal, and my older son wasn't eating it. I could not get him to even try it. Finally, I said, "You know, if you eat the beans, you'll fart." That got him eating!

My nephew Drew wiped his face on my mom's shirt. Mama told him not to wipe his face on her shirt, and he replied, "But I didn't wipe my face on your shirt, I just wiped my nose!"

I guess this is going to be the Drew show today! One day this week, he sneezed into his elbow, and said, "Grammy, I blessed you in my elbow!"

My niece (who is almost 6) has a special words for boobs - nickels!

Have a great day!

God Bless!

Alli C

Wordless Wednesday!

2009-08-05T08:18:00.003-04:00

Superman saves the day!

Have a great day!!!

God Bless,

Alli C

Encouraged

2009-08-04T00:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome to another weekly installment of the MckLinky Blog Hop. This week's theme as you know is encouragement. Lately, my family has not had a whole lot to be encouraged by. My sister is gravely ill with leukemia and trying to fight off several infections. She is really, really, really sick. Also, my husband and I are facing a financial crisis.

My sister's most recent infection battle started last week, and has been very scary for us all. I dropped everything on Thursday to go to her and my mama to help any way I could. My mom is caring for my niece and nephew, who are almost 6 and 4 1/2. We spent the weekend figuring out what was going on with my sister, and on Sunday we went to church. I was pretty hesitant at first, but I am now glad I went.

The priest at Mama's church, St. Thomas Episcopal in Richmond gave me a message from God. She told this story about Franciscan Friars from Chicago who took a pilgrimage from Roanoke, VA to Washington, DC (read full version here). On this journey, they did not take anything with them except the habits on their backs, wool blanket, toothbrush, water, a change of underwear, and a cell phone (for emergencies). They were going to rely on the kindness of strangers to feed them and give them shelter. They were going to completely trust in God to provide for them. They traveled with so little, so that they would have more for God.

They completely trusted in God, and God provided for them. They did talk with lots of people, and witnessed to them, and gave advice where appropriate. One woman, whose adulterous husband had thrown her (and their daughter) out of the house and on the street came across the Friars and stopped to speak. The daughter found a soda and a chocolate bar to share with the Friars. As the conversation was winding down, the woman gave the Friars her last few dollars. She wanted to learn to trust God, and this was her beginning.

This is my beginning (well, maybe my re-beginning). I am re-learning to trust God. I am reminding myself that He has a Perfect Plan, and that my imperfect mind might not understand right now. He will resolve the financial issues that surround my family. He will wrap my sister in His arms and take care of her. He will provide for our needs and sustain us all.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

Alli C

Fitness Friday

2009-07-31T07:06:00.002-04:00

This week's Fitness Friday is going to be short and sweet. I lost 3 lbs. this week, with a total of 2 lbs. lost (I gained 1 lb last week). I am excited that I have lost the weight, and I can tell a small difference in the muscle in my legs and arms, which is great too! I am working on a "new normal" around my house, as we are going through some changes. I am committed to my exercise, and will find a way to continue it. After all, if President Obama and his wife, Michelle can fit in a work out, then so can I.

God Bless,

Alli C

Tuesday Blog Hop

2009-07-28T08:37:00.006-04:00

This week's theme for the Blog Hop is a favorite kid photo. I don't have a favorite, however, I do have one that is great of my kids. My kids really take great pictures. This picture is from May 2008. My older son, Jack had just turned 3, and my younger son was 1 1/2.

Happy Hopping!

God Bless,

Alli C

Pray for Stellan

2009-07-27T09:32:00.002-04:00

If you are already aware, Stellan (from www.mycharmingkids.net) is seriously ill. This little boy is amazing, and he is only 8 months old. His mom is amazing too. Really, I would say that their whole family is AMAZING. They have all been through so much. More than any family should have to endure, and yet they are steadfast in their faith. MckMama has reminded me that God is in control, and I have to TRUST Him...COMPLETELY. She has also brought together a whole bunch of people together to pray for sweet, sweet Stellan, and to rejoice when prayers are answered. She reminded me that I need to improve my relationship with God, and that through Him, all things are possible.

I ask that you pray for Stellan, MckMama, and the MckFamily. They are wonderful people, and really need your prayers. You can follow MckMama on Twitter, and her website.

Lord, please heal Stellan's heart, and give him the strength to get better. Please hold him in your hands, and make him well. Please guide the physicians to do what is best, and give them the wisdom to help him. Give MckMama and Prince Charming the strength to keep going. Please comfort them and give them peace. All this we ask in Christ's name. Amen.

Hug your children a little more today, and be thankful that you have healthy children. I am very thankful for my kids, and that we are all healthy.

God Bless,

Alli C

Fitness Friday

2009-07-24T02:00:00.001-04:00

Well, I have to say that I am really disappointed. I actually GAINED 1 pound this week (aside: I did weigh in on Thursday morning instead of Friday so I could get the blog out this week.). I have a feeling that it is due to the increase in exercise and an increase in muscle. Muscle weighs more than fat, and if I lost a pound of fat, I might have gained 2 pounds of muscle. I could also make excuses like, I didn't start exercising or drinking water until Monday, I had a lot of stress this week, etc. All I can say is that I gained a pound, instead of losing any.

That put aside, I am going to stick by my routine. If you have been following me on Twitter, you know that I have been doing the Leslie Sansone walking DVDs. As of Thursday, I had completed 7 miles of walking this week. For someone like me, who is OBESE (not fat, but OBESE), walking 7 miles in addition to the normal activity is quite an accomplishment.

I have also been trying to add more water and less sugary drinks, which I am greatly accustomed to. I have not been able to give up my morning 2-3 cups of coffee, but I have been drinking either water, or Crystal Light the rest of the day (another aside - unless of course my blood sugar drops, and then I have had something with sugar in it).

I have a weightloss goal of 100+ pounds. That is a lot of weight, and I am trying not to think about how much that really is. I am trying to take this one day/one week at a time. There are several reasons for doing this.

1. I am tired of being fat. I have been fat most of my life.

2. I want to get my Type 2 Diabetes under control. If I lose the weight, and stop eating/drinking the sugary, fattening things, I might be able to control it without the use of drugs.

3. I want to do more with my boys, and that means I have to get my energy and confidence up.

Stay tuned to see what happens next week.

Oh yeah, I forgot. Each week, I will give you one or two things I have learned over the years during my many attempts to lose weight. While these are things that I KNOW, they are not always things that I follow.

This week's TIP: 3500 calories = 1 pound. If you decrease your caloric intake by 3500 calories (or increase your caloric output or exercise), you will lose 1 pound.

God Bless,

Alli C

Parmesan Chicken and Rice Casserole

2009-07-21T04:00:00.001-04:00

This week's theme for the Blog Hop is recipes. I couldn't decide between 2 recipes, but finally decided to use my husband's favorite meal. I usually serve steamed broccoli (tossed with a little butter, salt, pepper, and lemon juice) and cranberry sauce (the jellied kind like you have at Thanksgiving).

Parmesan Chicken and Rice Casserole
1 lb. chicken breasts (diced)

1/2 C - 3/4 C parmesan cheese

2 cans cream of mushroom

envelope onion soup mix

2 cups rice

2 cups water

Olive oil (to cover bottom of pan)

salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste

Put Parmesan cheese in a ziploc bag along with chicken, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Close the bag, and shake until chicken is coated with cheese. In a medium skillet/saute pan, heat oil over med/med hi heat. Add chicken and cook, stirring and turning as to not burn cheese. In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, and water. Once chicken is done, put soup mixture, chicken, and rice in a large casserole dish with cover and put in microwave for 12 minutes. If your microwave isn't big enough, you can bake at 350 for 30 minutes. When the casserole is cooked, stir and let sit for 5 minutes.

Hope you enjoy!!!

I am writing a cookbook, so look for it in the near future (in time to give for Christmas!)

God Bless,

Alli C

A new adventure in Fitness

2009-07-17T10:48:00.000-04:00

Since I have been blogging, I have found a LOT of great women. Some of them have inspired me to get off my lazy butt and do things - like sewing, crafting, and now a Life-style change (aka DIETING). I have been thinking about it for a while, and I REALLY need to lose some weight. I have some medical problems that would probably go away if I changed my habits. I don't think that I will be able to do this "cold turkey", meaning giving up EVERYTHING right now. I think if I make a few changes such as drinking more water, some portion control, and exercising, I will start losing weight. I don't think I am ready to give up my morning coffee with flavored creamer, but if I drink extra water, maybe it will balance out. Any how, I will post my success (or failure) on Fridays, as part of Fitness Friday.

I have tried (and succeeded) to lose weight in the past. I have used Weight Watchers as my support group. Right now, I am not able to go to WW meetings, but I feel I have a great support group online. I am hoping that eating a little better (well at least a little less), hydrating myself properly, and exercising will give me the extra energy that I am looking for. Every thing I have read and seen has said that my energy and focus will be increased. If that is the case, well bring it on!

I have weighed myself this morning, and will weigh myself each week to track my progress. While I won't be letting you know how much I weigh, I will let you know how much I lose (or gain or stay the same). Check back on my progress each week!

Happy Fitness!

God Bless,

Alli C

Deals, Deals, and more DEALS!

2009-07-15T20:52:00.004-04:00

I have been clipping coupons for a while, trying to save a few pennies here and there. I had sort of gotten out of it the last few weeks as we were really busy with family. It is a part time job to scour all of the ads and coupons to get a good deal! Well this Sunday, I went and bought two different papers - The News and Observer out of Raleigh and The Daily Reflector out of Greenville (NC, not SC). Usually The N&O has a better coupon selection, and I buy The DR since I live in Greenville (support the local economy).

This week I felt like I had hit the jackpot of couponing. I got several WONDEFUL deals.

Target
Finish brand dishwasher packs (I chose the 40 gel packs, orange scented) were on sale for $3.49, and low and behold, there was a coupon in the paper for $2.50 off! I got the 40 gel packs for $.99! And they will last me a while, as I usually only run the dishwasher every other day. Also at Target, I got 200 flexible straws for $1.00 in their See, Spot, Save section near the front. Every once and a while, I will allow the boys to choose something out of the dollar bins as a treat. It keeps them occupied, and I don't have to quarrel with them over whether I am going to buy them a new toy. Usually, before we even walk in the door, I will tell them that we are not getting anything extra today, that we have a list, and Mommy is going to stick to it.

Kroger
Kroger had a deal this week, that if you purchased 10 participating items, you would get $5.00 reduction in your bill (it equals to $.50 an item). So I went through the list, and my coupons, and got some GREAT stuff:
Sargento cheese (I love this stuff!) - 11 slices for $.99
Quaker granola bars - 2 (10 bars each) packages for $2.25 total
Kleenex (with lotion) - 2 boxes for $.99 each
Those were my BIG deals, but I bought 15 items (including bread and milk which weren't on sale) for $20.17 and I SAVED $17.12. Their sale goes until Sunday, and you can get their ad on the web here.

For me, this was a great deal week! I hope that I will be able to continue the great savings. I am finding that since we are post-4th of July and pre-Back to School, not a lot of stores are having absolutely terrific sales. I am going to keep scouring the internet and the papers for great deals. I will keep you posted!

Here are a few websites that I have found recently that give great tips:

Super Jenn
Mommy Savers
Freebies 4 Mom

God Bless!

Alli C

3 things you didn't know about me...

2009-07-14T04:00:00.002-04:00

I have to admit, that this has been a hard assignment this week. I have been thinking about it since it was announced earlier this week. If you read my blog, you know that my life is an open book (or open blog).

3 things you didn't know about me:

1. I was laid off from my job as an accountant in May 2008, and have been unable to find a new accounting job. I have enjoyed my time at home with the kids, but I could really use a job right now.

2. My husband and I met in an online chat room in late 1997. We "met" in person in early 1998, and have been together since. In November, we will celebrate 10 years of marriage!

3. I have an ebay store - Best Friends Collectibles with my mom. If you click on the link to the right, you can see all of our items for sale. I am in the process of uploading the Christmas items, as well as other seasonal items.

Well, there you have it. I finally came up with 3 things you didn't know about me. If you do have a question for me, please let me know.

Happy Hopping!

God bless,

Alli C

Life is a Banquet

2009-07-13T11:45:00.001-04:00

"Life is a banquet, and most poor fools are starving to death." ~ Auntie Mame

This is a quote from one of my mom's favorite movies, and it seemed to fit as to what I want this blog to represent. Life IS a banquet, but most of us don't take advantage of all that is given to us. I want to use what has been given to me (talents, family, opportunities etc.).

I also want to force myself to sit down and write the cookbook that has been in my head for 4 years. God gave me a talent to cook, so I am going to share my recipes (good, southern recipes passed down from my mom and grandmother).

I also want to treasure time with my family. ALL of my family, not just the ones that I live with. My sister has leukemia, and it has returned. She starts chemo again today, and she will also need a bone marrow transplant in the near future. I really hope that I am a match. What greater gift to give someone, than a second chance.

Thanks for reading, and join me again for more!

God Bless,

Alli C

This and that

2009-07-07T22:46:00.004-04:00

Today, the world said good-bye to Michael Jackson. While I was a fan of his, I have to admit that I am EXHAUSTED from all of the coverage that the media has been giving to him. I did however, see most of the memorial service today. It went past 3 PM, which is when Barney comes on, so naturally I had to change the channel. Back to the memorial service. I thought that it was a beautiful service, and truly a celebration of his life. But now, let's PLEASE let the man rest in peace.

Changing gears -Yesterday, Daddyman took the boys outside after their dinner so that I could get our dinner going. Jack wanted to play soccer. Apparently, Hemi did not. Arguing pursued, and Jack got in Hemi's face. Hemi slapped Jack across the face, and Jack screamed, "Look, Bi**h, I told you, we're not playing that game!" Hemi hauled off and slapped Jack again. Daddyman busted out laughing, and sent Hemi in the house for timeout. Jack was told that Bi**h is not a word that should be used EVER.

Over the weekend, the boys and I went to Richmond to visit with Mom and the kids. I was able to secure some Silver Queen corn (THE BEST corn in the WORLD!). We cooked it on the 4th to go with our hamburgers. Drew (my 4 1/2 yo nephew) ate the corn, and couldn't stop talking about how good that corn on the COG was. I tried to explain to him that it was corn on the COB, but he still liked calling it corn on the COG. I am still chuckling over that one!

God Bless,

Alli C

My Favorite Photo

2009-07-07T05:00:00.000-04:00

Whatcha thinkin'?

Alli C

Blog Hopping!

2009-07-03T05:00:00.003-04:00

***Hi! I am Alli, and I am a SAHM mother of 2 boys - Jack and Hemi. I am also a wife, daughter, sister, and follower of God. I am in the process of finding out WHO I am. I sort of lost myself along the way. I do know that I LOVE to cook, and LOVE music. I am also attempting my hand at creative arts. I have been inspired by other creative people in the blogger world to find something that I enjoy!***

Long Time - No See

2009-07-01T14:44:00.003-04:00

It has been quite a long time since I wrote a post. So much has gone on. Last weekend, I had a yard sale. It was semi-successful. I wouldn't say it was totally successful, as I had to give some deep discounts, and didn't get rid of everything. Most things I still have will be going on my ebay store (www.stores.ebay.com/bestfriendscollectibles) in the near future. We did sell the crib (for what we wanted), and we did get rid of a LOT of stuff.

The day after the yard sale, Steve's dad and stepmom came for a visit. We had a lovely time, and they brought some new toys for the pool. I haven't put water in the pool to swim since the new toys, so the boys came up with a new game.

Monday, I took Jack to the University of NC-Chapel Hill to see a pediatric orthodaedist. Jack has been walking on his tip toes for quite a while, and does it exclusively. He is able to stand flat-footed, however his foot and leg are not able to be in a 90 degree position. The muscles in his heel are extremely "tight". The doctors would like to put casts on his legs to force his foot and leg to be at 90 degrees. He has to wear them for 3 weeks (24/7). Thankfully, it is not something that has to be done immediately, so we can wait until after beach season before getting him fitted.

I am not sure WHAT I did on Tuesday. I think I did some housework and laundry. I rested mostly, as the weekend and the trip to Chapel Hill wore me out!

Today, I have been to the park for a short amount of time, the veggie stand, and Wal-Mart. I am so excited to have some Silver Queen corn. I haven't had any in a LONG time, and I can't wait to eat it. If you have never had Silver Queen corn, it is a white kernel, and is SUPER sweet. I think I got some pretty young corn, which in my opinion is better. I also got some tomatoes, blueberries, and 2 canteloupes. I have cut up one canteloupe, and we have been snacking on it this afternoon. Hemi fell asleep in the car on the way home, and didn't wake up too much when I brought him in. He took a pretty long nap, and had some cheese and canteloupe when he got up. Jack has been eating like a HORSE the past few days. I cannot seem to get him full at ALL. He is eating canteloupe and Papa crackers (aka Ritz crackers with peanut butter).

What a busy week! I am planning on taking the kids to visit with my mom, niece and nephew over the weekend. Mom wants us to take all 4 kids (ages 2 1/2-5 1/2) to Kings Dominion on Saturday. I have mixed emotions - 1. There are 4 small kids 2. It is a HOLIDAY, and the place will be PACKED!!!! I would prefer a less crowded place with that many kids, although it will probably be a lot of fun for the kids. Mom has taken my niece and nephew, and they had a blast. Steve will be home for this, as he has a test on Monday that he needs to study for. I'll keep you posted as what we end up doing. I am sure that I will have a TON of pictures.

Until next time - God Bless!!!

Alli C

Beach Day/Hide and Seek

2009-06-22T10:07:00.000-04:00

My mother-in-law came for a visit last Wednesday, and on Friday, we all went to Atlantic Beach, NC for the day. It was a great day. I packed a picnic, and off we went - without my camera. Even without my camera, we had a wonderful time. The boys were well behaved for most of the day. We got done at the beach, and then went to Tony's (aka Sanitary Fish Market) for a nice, fresh seafood meal. LaLa (my MIL) got some extra sun in spots, as did Steve. Since the boys and I already have a base tan, we didn't get burned (yes, sunscreen was applied to all).

Saturday was a recuperation day for the adults. The boys seemed to bounce back from fun in the sun a lot quicker than we did. Also, Saturday was a HOT, HOT day. We decided to stay inside and enjoy the coolness of the air conditioning. The boys, well they wanted to play. So we played Hide and Seek in our house. A fun time was had by all (as you can see). I tend to take some GREAT pictures while we are playing Hide and Seek.

Have a BLESSED day!

Alli C

Wordless Wednesday

2009-06-17T10:32:00.001-04:00

I found this great website through the Ladies' Home Journal - Momspective. She has Wordless Wednesday. Check it out!

In the meantime, here is Wordless Wednesday:

Have a great day!!!

Alli C

De-Cluttering

2009-06-16T10:38:00.001-04:00

I am trying to de-clutter my house. This means, I am going through everything, and will be having a yard sale in a week and a half. We have so much JUNK. A lot of the items we have are baby items - a baby bed, high chairs, baby bottles, etc. I am not planning on having any more kids, so it seems like a good time to get rid of this stuff. I am also going through TONS of boxes of our other stuff to determine if there is anything we don't NEED any more. There is soooo much stuff. How did I collect it all? Why haven't I de-cluttered prior to this.

I think the answer to that is, that we collected all this stuff during our marriage (some of it is stuff from our childhoods), and we had a HUGE house in Indiana in which to store it in. When we moved to Raleigh, I think we realized how much we really had. We had to get a 10 x 10 storage unit to hold the vast majority of our stuff. When we moved to Greenville, we got a 3 bedroom duplex so we wouldn't need the storage unit, but now, somehow, we are busting at the seams. At any rate, I am getting rid of as much as I can. If I don't think that I can sell or donate items, I am THROWING AWAY STUFF!!! This is a new concept to me, as I don't like to throw away ANYTHING. But I am throwing away stuff. YEAH ME!

I am also de-cluttering old worn out stuff from my head. I am TRYING to throw away past transgressions against me. Mainly from my sister. My sister is unique - SO different from the rest of my family. She has done some things in the past that have hurt me. I have held onto that hurt for a LONG, LONG time. Part of the reason I haven't been able to move on, is that she doesn't think that some of the things that she did were wrong. At this point it doesn't matter if she thinks that she was wrong. She has to answer to a Higher Power than me for her wrongdoings. In order for me to answer to a Higher Power, it is time for me to forgive and move on. That is not to say that I TRUST my sister, but I need to move on.

I am not sure I would have ever forgiven her had it not been for her illness. She is sick with leukemia (specifically, M-4 AML). She is in remission and has one more round of chemo. She has not been able to have the last round due to having spots on her liver that have been unidentifiable as well as MRSA. She is finishing up antibiotics for the MRSA, and we hope that the spots will be able to be indentified soon. Once the spots are identified, a course of action can begin. Once she has gone through all 4 rounds of chemo, and stays cancer free for 2 years, she will be considered cured. Her particular type of leukemia only has a 30-35% rate of survival, but she has a genetic marker that has boosted her rate of survival to 50-55%. Those aren't great odds, and this is serious stuff. That is why I have to forgive her and love her for who she is, not who I want her to be. I forgive her.

Alli C

Swimming Pool

2009-06-14T21:32:00.000-04:00

A week or so ago, Steve took a trip to see his grandmother, who was in a Rehab facility after having a stroke. He went by himself, as there wasn't a babysitter for the kids, and they weren't allowed at the Rehab facility. I was EXTREMELY bored. We have this inflatable pool and I have been unable to find the electric air pump in order to get the pool ready for water. Did I mention I was EXTREMELY bored? So, I took our newly purchased bicycle tire pump, and blew up this 4-5 foot wide inflatable pool. It is in the shape of a flower, and had 3 rings that have to be individually blown up. Jack, Hemi and I went outside, and I let the boys run around in the sprinkler. Jack told me it wouldn't take too long, although I kept telling him that it was going to take a while. After about 5 minutes, he came up to me and said, "Mommy, this is taking forever!" I wasn't able to finish inflating the pool on Saturday, so I finished on Sunday, cleaned it out pretty good, and filled it with water. This is what Jack thought of it.

He's living the sweet life, huh?

Alli C

Getting Started

2009-06-14T00:31:00.000-04:00

I have thought for some time that writing a blog was a good idea. The problem is, that getting started is hard. How do you start a blog? I guess you start by telling a little about yourself.

Hi, my name is Allison. I am a wife to Steve and mother to 2 young boys - Jack, age 4 and Henry (Hemi) age 2 1/2. I didn't plan on having two children that close together, but God had another idea. After having a difficult time conceiving Jack, Steve and I were completely over the moon for him, and felt like our family was complete. SURPRISE! Along came Hemi, and I now know my family is complete.

Steve and I are from North Carolina originally - he from Gastonia and Lumberton and I from Rocky Mount. We met through the internet while we were still in college, and will be celebrating 10 years of marriage this November. After we graduated from college, we both landed jobs in Raleigh (he was already there due to college). Pretty soon, his company offered him a chance to grow, however we had to move to Indianapolis. So we did. We lived in Indy for almost 7 years, and moved back to Raleigh in August 2007, right before Hemi's first birthday.

Steve was travelling a lot for his company, so he decided to go back to school to get his Master degree in Accounting and sit for the CPA exam. We moved to Greenville, NC (home of the East Carolina University Pirates!) which incidently is where I got my undergrad degree in Accounting. I have been unable to find a job in this part of the state, as it is REALLY rural. If I can get a job in the Raleigh area, we will be moving back there, and Steve will commute. He only has until December 2010 (next year!). He currently has a 4.0 GPA. I am SOOO proud of him.

As for me, I am reinventing myself. I used to know who I was, but 2 kids, and a long lay off from work, and I am not so sure any more. I think that I will use this blog to discover what I like, and what I don't like. It will be an interesting journey.

Alli C