3 Boys and a Mom - Diary of a Tagteam

2009-09-11T00:03:00.001-04:00

ORIGINALLY POSTED 9/11/06

September 11, 2001 - Boy just that date says soo much doesn't it?? There are so many dates and events we remember in our lives but this one day, this one date is one that I think almost everyone will always remember. It's the day our entire world changed. I remember it more clearly than so many other momentous days in my life. I was on my way to work - running late from dropping the boys off at preschool -- it was their second week there and we were still adjusting...
As an EMT and federal employee I was to participate in a WMD exercise that day -- boy was I ever!!! Nothing could have prepared me for just how much I was to participate that day and since. But as much as MY life changed that day so many others had their lives changed too...
I joined "The 2,996 Project" because I have friends whose lives were directly forever changed even if mine wasn't... When I joined my person to remember was randomly assigned to me - imagine my joy at receiving a firefighter!! Not only did I receive someone who's daily job it was to be a hero and take risks but in the end he made the ultimate sacrifice making him one of the greatest heros of all... I want to honor the memory of this hero and celebrate his life...
History books will say things like -- On September 11, 2001, four U.S. planes hijacked by terrorists crashed into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania killing nearly 3,000 people in a matter of hours. Behind the staggering number of deaths are the individuals, each of whom left behind family, friends and co-workers who feel the national tragedy on a personal level... But they won't tell you all the individual stories so it's up to those left behind that aren't going to forget - people like me - a member of The 2,996 Project... Here's a little about one of those individuals...

Capt Joseph Farrelly

Cpt Farrelly, 47, was a firefighter with the NY Fire Department, Engine Company 4, Ladder 15. It is believed that his company was one of the first to respond to the WTC North Tower on 9/11. That was his job and he did it proudly. One news article/memorial I read about him had the headline “He was “a born firefighter”. Another said “firefighting was this captain's dream job”. He was also no stranger to terror at the WTC. He’d been there before - he was hospitalized with smoke inhalation after a terrorist's bomb exploded at the World Trade Center in 1993. Mr. Farrelly accepted it as part of the job. "He always wanted to be a fireman, and always wanted to be a New York City fireman. That was like the ultimate for him," Mrs. Farrelly said.But Joe Farrelly was MORE then just a firefighter – he was a son, brother, husband and father – it’s THAT Joe Farrelly I learned the most about in my research. It was that Joe Farrelly I connected with as a fellow parent... Joe loved kids and he loved romance. Even after 25 yrs of marriage he still left love notes and flowers just because for Stacey, his wife – in fact he left a note for her Sept 10th as he went to work – it read ““I can’t begin to tell you how much I love you. Words are inadequate. Already I can’t wait toget home”. She’s kept them all. The last note he wrote is now framed in their home. One family friend is quoted saying “"Joe made it a point to make her happy, I used to tease her all the time and call her the queen. He treated her that way. He dedicated his life to making her happy." Chivalrous describes him well – he opened doors for his wife, washed dishes after supper, planned romantic getaways and even warmed her car for her on cold days. Together they had wonderful, loving home. T hey were foster parents to neglected and crack addicted babies for 10 years before starting a family of their own. They took in newborns and nursed them through their addictions, returning them after six months to foster or adoptive parents. Stacey Farrelly said her husband loved the babies. "He used to like doing the nighttimes," his wife said. " He would talk to them and tell them not to worry, that they would have a good life." The Farrelly’s also have 3 children of their own, 2 boys, Ryan now 24, Devin now 23, and a daughter, Juliann now 16. Joe was an assistant Boy Scout leader when the boys were younger and was active in the PS 3 and Totten Intermediate School PTAs, forever hanging decorations from the classroom ceilings. He took pride in his knowledge of fire prevention and shared it with children on the South Shore. He was known as "Fireman Joe" to students at PS 3, where he taught children "not to be a afraid of the men in the masks." From all that I have read about Capt Joseph Farrelly he led a life and left a legacy that I can only hope mine will come close to. I can imagine that he is sorely missed in ways that I can’t even begin to imagine by his family and friends. I will continue to remember them and all the victims of 9/11 – both those still here and those we have lost. THANK YOU CAPT FARRELLY for all you did while you were here and thank you to his parents, wife and children for sharing him with us while he was here. I hope my small tribute written here does your son, husband, father a small amount of justice and that your sorrow is somewhat eased knowing what a wonderful man the entire world knows he was.Information obtained from the following links -http://www.legacy.com/Sept11.asp?Page=TributeStory&PersonId=145290

http://www.silive.com/september11/lr/index.ssf?/september11/lr/farrelly.html

http://cf.newsday.com/911/victimsearch.cfm?id=1127

So none of the 2,996 are forgotten I want to share yet another one of our 9/11 heros...

Timothy Matthew Welty

Timothy Matthew Welty, 34, FDNY, Squad 288… Tim was one of the 340 firefighters from 75 firehouses that earned their wings that horrible day not so long ago. But he was more then just a hero that gave all of himself, he was a son, a husband and a father. I read he was strong, intelligent, patient and full of life. He skied, he sky-dived, parachuted, rode motorcycles, played hockey and volleyball – an all-around athlete. Tim was on the City Fire Department Volleyball Team and traveled the world playing. He was on a hockey team and between periods was teaching his son Jake, now 9, to play. His mother still takes him to the park where his dad skated. Sadly his daughter, Julia, now 5, will not remember her father directly but he will live on for her in the stories and memories of those that do remember him. He’s left behind a legacy of life and love. His mom has some of that legacy in a tangible form – he had recently started a construction company. He renovated his mother's house, gutting it and adding skylights, new molding and handmade parquet floors. "My son rebuilt my home in Flushing," she says. "We miss him each and every day."From some of the tribute sites I found messages left by his mom last year – you can feel the love and loss in her words - Timmy, you were always a ray of sunshine, your smile lit up my life. It is four years later, and we miss you desperately, love you intensely and hold you forever in our hearts. MomIt has been four years since you disappeared inside that towering inferno. It still does not seem possible the world could go on without you, your smile, your energy and your love. We miss you and love you and keep you forever in our hearts. Love, MomThe Welty’s lost a son, a husband and a father. Squad 288 lost Tim and 5 others, FDNY lost 340 total – the world lost sooo much more. Information gathered from –

http://www.legacy.com/Sept11.asp?Page=TributeStory&PersonId=146596

http://www.9-11heroes.us/v/Timothy_Welty.php

http://cf.newsday.com/911/victimsearch.cfm?id=686

http://www.nriinternet.com/Section4HistoryNRI/After%20Sep11/070104/GrandMAinRally.htm

As part of The 2,996 Project I want to ensure that everyone is remembered - here's a little about another one of our 9/11 heros...
David W. Bernard

David W. Bernard, 57, from Chelmsford, Mass. was an industry specialist for the Internal Revenue Service who was on one of his regular business trips to NYC that fateful day. For most there was very little or no time for good byes – the end came quickly and unexpectedly. It was a different story for David W. Bernard. For Dave and his family the end, while unexpected, was delayed. They had time to say good bye but in the end Dave’s passing was the result of the terror – Dave was struck by falling debris on Sept 11th and survived. For three long months he fought extensive injuries - two punctured lungs, 13 broken ribs, a broken shoulder blade and a severe spinal cord injury. After three months his wife thought he was going to pull thru but fate had other plans. On Dec 11th – exactly three months after the terror attacks David W. Bernard succumb to his injuries. I know that this is so much more time and preparation then many of the families had but still heartbreaking none the less.From all I read Dave was a true family man and an avid golf player – his family came first and he combined his love of his family and his love of golf. The entire family – Dave, his wife, his 2 sons, his daughter and her husband – would spend time together on the golf course. I read that every July Dave participated in a father-son tournament where he would play the entire 18 holes TWICE so that each son had a chance to play with him. He patiently taught his wife to play so that “when we traveled together we could do it together." (In return, he went shopping with her.)” It was also noted that "Nobody could ever be mad at him. He just had a very easy way about him." said Mrs. Bernard. “He could laugh at himself and had a good sense of humor.”On a memorial page in the guestbook a long time friend wrote “I knew him for about 30 years. He made everyone feel very special. He liked everyone and everyone liked him. He was a kid at heart but a man in every sense of the word. He is dearly missed by too many people to count. It was my priviledge to have been considered one of his friends.”My thoughts and prayers to his family and friends for their loss. I hope that time has eased some of the pain. David and the other 2,996 will never be forgotten.Information gathered from -http://www.9-11heroes.us/v/David_W_Bernard.php

http://cf.newsday.com/911/victimsearch.cfm?id=3410

http://inmemoriamonline.net/Profiles/Folders/B_Folder/Bernard_David.html

http://www.legacy.com/Sept11.asp?Page=Story&PersonID=161181

2009-02-18T16:02:00.002-05:00

In Memory of John Quinlan -

It's been 2 years today but it doesn't always seem real to me and yet 2 years ago the war on global terrorism took on a much bigger meaning to me... John was like a brother to me and an uncle to the boys - a dear friend I felt so privledged to know and love.. Has it really been so long? It seems like just yesterday I was talking to him about his upcoming trip back home and our hopes of managing to grab a visit with the families.. It seems like just yesterday I was returning a call to Golly only to hear "we lost John"... It seems like just yesterday I was standing in Arlington for a final goodbye..

I have been remiss on keeping in better touch with his family but his parents, sister, wife and daughters are always in my thoughts... I am soo proud of how strong everyone has been when I know it's been sooo hard for them - I know that John must be looking down feeling the same way... I have heard that John has let it be known he's watching over and I am not surprised - John had a love for his family that was astronomical... I hope Julie, Susan, Golly and PopPop know how much the boys and I love them.. I hope the know we think of them often and forgive us when the daily trials of life side track us from keeping in touch more often... Today I am sending extra love and prayers their way - I am also extra appreciative today of all our armed forces and the sacrifices that they and their families make for all of us...

Til next time...

2009-02-14T18:45:00.002-05:00

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

It's been a busy 6 months for us... School started - the boys are doing very well - Deven is 100% mainstreamed and doing wonderful; Dilen is in the Gifted and Talented program and both are playing basketball... Football seems to have come and went - Dilen had a great season - Deven decided not to play - I was a little sad about that but if he's ok with it then I am - we still supported his team thru playoffs - they were the Division Champs but didn't make it thru the Regional playoffs - still it was a great season for them.. I am still chugging along with school although some weeks it kicks my ass but I am keeping on - the goal is there in the distance and I am going to reach it... I started a new job end of Sept and I LOVE it... Still with the Army, still on the post, just with a different organization - LOTS of room for advancement and the group of people is wonderful - I couldn't ask for better right now... I am trying to get back into the groove of writing so I hope to be back much more often... I am also on facebook now so look me up here too... Until next time..

2008-09-11T13:16:00.000-04:00

You are NOT forgotten!!!!!!!

2008-06-27T21:08:00.002-04:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEVEN!!!

I can't believe my first baby is 11... Seems like just yesterday I was pregnant with him and now he's on the cusp of teenhood...

Happy Birthday baby - I wish you all the best and the highest of stars!

I am sooo proud of you and all you have accomplished so far - you are growing into a wonderful young man. {{HUGS}}

Happy Birthday Deven - I hope you have the best day ever! Love, Mom

2008-05-23T10:08:00.000-04:00

"They are not dead who live in lives they leave behind. In those whom they have blessed they live a life again."—Eleanor Roosevelt

It’s been over a year since we lost John – I still can’t believe he’s gone – I was cleaning out the shed recently and came across a memento of a concert he and Eric attended – it’s funny the things we hold on to. When I stopped to remember the fun times we had it hurt to think about the loss but I am glad to have some tangible memories to share with the boys later. I truly admire Julie and the girls as well as Kate, Bob and Susan for all they have endured and yet are doing so well – their strength amazes me, we are truly blessed to know and be loved by them. The boys and I talk of John often and while we can’t make it to VA to visit John’s grave this weekend we will be remembering him. As we enjoy the long weekend and nice weather I will be sure to remind the boys WHY we have a holiday. I hope everyone else will take time to remember the true meaning of Memorial Day and take time out to observe the holiday as it was intended and remember those we have lost.

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. It’s a day to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The National Moment of Remembrance, established by Congress, asks Americans wherever they are at 3 p.m., local time, on Memorial Day to pause in an act of national unity (duration: one minute).The time 3 p.m. was chosen because it is the time when most Americans are enjoying their freedoms on the national holiday. The Moment does not replace traditional Memorial Day events; rather it is an act of national unity in which all Americans, alone or with family and friends, honor those who died for our freedom. It will help to reclaim Memorial Day as the sacred and noble holiday it was meant to be. In this shared remembrance, we connect as Americans.

“ Last Monday in May”©
By
John T. Bird

We pause to remember those who died
With so much courage, so much pride

They’ll never come back, yet memories endure
To remind us of freedom: fragile, pure

We’re worthy of their sacrifice if we pause each day
Not just on the last Monday in May

©John T. Bird, copyright 2006

2008-02-20T11:57:00.002-05:00

Wow!! It's been a long time since I have updated... Let's see - the football season went very well for the boys.. Dilen is developing into a running back and Deven's team was undefeated and won the Eastern Regional Division 3 South Jr Pee Wee Championships. I am very proud of him and how well he did playing this past year. For their reward the boys have a couple trophies and a lovely leather letterman's jacket. Registration for next season is March 14th and they are both playing again (even if they don't want to! *L*). I am also stretching the budget to send them to a football camp in July - supposedly it's sponsored by the NY Giants Chris Snee and quite a few of the football players from our PopWarner organization attend.

School for the boys is good too!! Deven is on the honor roll for the second time this year and Dilen is doing great too!! Ethen moved up to the preschool room this week - so far so good. It's hard to believe he's growing soo fast and going to be 3 this April. I am chugging along with my class as well - 3 down, taking 2 more at the moment. It's hard to juggle it all and I am often up late on Sundays to complete and submit my work but I am enjoying it. I just wish I felt more like I had a brain and was retaining things so that if I were to have a conversation with someone I wouldn't feel like I fish out of water not knowing what is being talked about or what to say. I know alot of it is self perception but man I feel like I have mush in my head some days.

I have a new boss as of Sept 1st at work - he's someone that already worked in the office but has been promoted as my old, wonderful boss left the govt for more money... Can't blame him with 8 kids to feed and house but man I miss him. We still email regularly though.

E is being E lately - he disappears for a couple weeks then claims he's been in the hospital. Of course this means he's not been working and not seeing the boys but man he sure has all sorts of advice and opinions on how to parent - grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. It's ok though - I am doing the best I can and I know in the end the boys will appreciate all my hard work, even if I do tend to yell and nag more then they (and I) would like.

I was working towards weightloss and doing well but I got side tracked at the end of the year and now I am starting up again. My goal is to be down atleast 25lbs by Memorial Day.

Finally - it's been a year since we lost John. I can't believe it's been a year and I still have such an emptiness. I struggle to accept that he's really gone - I keep wanting to shoot an email to his job asking how everyone is or share a joke or just say HI. I haven't been in touch with his parents (Golly and Poppop) or wife (Julie) as much as I want to or should be but I am working on correcting that. They need me as much as I need them. I sent flowers last week to Julie and his parents -- for each of his girls a lovely St Patrick's Celtic Rosary to honor his faith and heritage. For the 2 older girls I included a crucifix necklace. I have the same rosary and necklace for his sister Susan's daughter. I will be sure to keep in much better touch from now on as they will always be family and Uncle John forever treasured by me and the boys.

Well I better get back to my report for school - the boss is on travel today so I am working on some lessons to get a little ahead. Til next time...

2007-09-11T23:16:00.000-04:00

WE HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN!! {{HUGS}}

You are still in our thoughts and prayers every day... This year the 9/11 anniversary has even more meaning for me as I have lost someone very dear to me in the War on Terrorism in Afghanistan.... We will never forget any of you - I only hope that you are watching us and smiling...

Til next time..

2007-07-24T16:47:00.000-04:00

Ok it's officially official - I have signed my life away for financial aid and student loans... I am signed up for 3 classes for the fall semester that starts Sept 3rd... 1 16 wker and 2 8 wker's back to back... EEEEKKKKS!!! I am thrilled and nervous at the same time...

I can't believe it's almost the end of July... Football starts Monday for the boys - I am taking them on a day trip this Friday to DC and Arlington but they don't know... In the next 2 or 3 wks I am going to take off a day here and there to go to Six Flags and such with them...

I DO have pictures I just need to get them off my camera - soon I PROMISE!!! Not much else going on for me - just chugging along... Til next time...

2007-07-18T23:34:00.000-04:00

WOW it's been a while huh?? Let's see - the boys have completed school and now are offically 2nd and 5th graders... They are enjoying summer camp and we have been to Six Flags a few times although I would love to get there more... Football starts the end of the month and both are excited for that - we even had a little clinic with the head coach of Kean University and some of the students/players last weekend - it was alot of fun... The house is going to pot because I am usually running or tired but it will be there when I have more time so I am not too worried - plus the dish/floor/dinner fairy stops in regularly to help me out....

My BIG BIG News??? OMG I must be INSANE!! I just completed my FAFSA paperwork and will be submitting it in a few days when my PIN arrives and I registered to be a student at AMU - American Military University - to earn my BA in Business... I need to send them a copy of my HS Diploma and $75 for them to evaluate my 39 credits from the local community college for transfer... I am excited and nervous as hell at the same time!! At the same time I just got approval to do a bunch of online classes at work for certification/advancement at work as well - I am going to be VERY VERY busy!

AND I interviewed for a job on Monday - it's gonna mean more structured hours but weekends will be ALL mine and it's a slight promotion.... I came away from the meeting with a very positive feeling - my current boss who begrudgingly sent me with his blessings is NOT happy at all!! That makes me feel good but on the same note there isn't alot of room for advancement in the office and I am getting a little burned out - plus he's job hunting too!!! If he were to leave I would be soooo out of there as he's one of the best I have worked for....

Yesterday I told E that it was time for him to grow up and move on - he needs to put the car in his name - registration and insurance... And when the phone contract is up in March he needs to get his own phone... He was NOT happy but as we were talking all the sudden I had this need to have a clean break from him other then the boys... I feel very good about it all, nervous as I am not sure how he's gonna handle the support issues but overall I feel at peace and I am ready to move on too... My first goal is to take care of ME!!! Complete my degree, get into better shape, drop some weight and work on my mood...

Well it's late so I better head off to bed..... Til next time...

2007-05-13T09:46:00.000-04:00

It's been a while but we are still here.... I have been taking things day by day - I'll update more later but just wanted to say I am still alive....

Til next time...

2007-02-20T09:48:00.000-05:00

IN BRADLEY BEACH: Pilot spent summers at the Shore
ACCIDENT: Deadliest incident of the year in Afghanistan

Soldier dies in copter crash

Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 02/20/07
BY KEITH BROWNCOASTAL MONMOUTH BUREAU Post Comment

BRADLEY BEACH — Army Warrant Officer John A. Quinlan, whose helicopter crashed in Afghanistan Sunday, may have grown up in Maryland, but it was Bradley Beach that he called home.
Quinlan, one of 22 service members aboard the C-47 Chinook helicopter, was one week shy of his 37th birthday when the helicopter crashed Monday in the southeastern region of Afghanistan, killing him.
The crash killed eight military personnel in all and marks the deadliest single incident this year for the 47,000 U.S.-led coalition and NATO forces in Afghanistan. Fourteen survived.
Officials on Monday were quick to say the helicopter was not shot down, that the pilot had reported engine problems just before the crash.
That pilot was Quinlan.
"He was the lead pilot," Robert J. Quinlan said of his son Monday. "He was what they call the "pilot in command.' "
The Quinlan family hails from Baltimore, but after spending every summer in Bradley Beach since 1984, the family eventually turned their Monmouth Avenue summer home into their permanent residence.
"He always called this home," the elder Quinlan, 68, said. "It was the only home we kept."
Robert Quinlan, a retired Army major, said he never pushed his son to pursue a military career and was shocked to find out John had joined the Marines, after graduating high school in Maryland in 1987.
"My attitude at the time was, "If this is what you want — go for it,' " Robert Quinlan said.
John Quinlan's military career spans 18 years, with stints in both Iraq wars, a tour in Somolia and multiple tours in Afghanistan, with an elite military unit.
Quinlan left the Marines after 10 years when he was commissioned as an Army warrant officer, training as a helicopter pilot.
He eventually joined the elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, nicknamed the "night stalkers." The regiment's missions include attack, assault and reconnaissance, and are usually conducted at night and in secret.
"I never pushed," Robert Quinlan said. "He fell right in. He was right off and running. He signed up for four years, and then four more."
Susan M. Ripke, John Quinlan's sister, said the dangerous military life simply fit her big brother.
"He was never going to be the kind of guy who was stuck at a desk," Ripke, of Seymour, Conn., said. "He always had to go, go, go. He had a personality that just took over a room. He was just a big, Irish guy."
Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall, John Quinlan could only fly Chinook helicopters, his father said. They were the only ones with enough headroom.
"I always said he was the only man I look up to," said Robert Quinlan, who is just two inches shorter than his son.
John Quinlan made his home in Clarksville, Tenn., with his wife, Julie, and the couple's three daughters — Keely, 10, Maddy, 8, and Erin, 3.
The helicopter had a "sudden, unexplained loss of power and control and crashed," U.S. military spokesman Lt. Col. David Accetta said. The military did not release details of the crash or the helicopter's mission, but said the crash is under investigation.
A memorial service is planned for today at Fort Campbell, Ky., where Quinlan's regiment is stationed. He will be buried next week in Arlington National Cemetery, with a local memorial to be scheduled later.
"We're doing the best we can do," said John's mother, Kathleen Quinlan, 62. "We know and have the faith that we will pull the pieces back together somewhere down the road."

2007-02-19T08:12:00.000-05:00

I work for the US Govt, I support the war, I support the troops in the field, I support Bush because by freeing Iraq we are helping the people... Today that war that I have supported for so long came WAY WAY too close to home... Sunday, 2/18, in Afghanistan a CHINOOK heliocopter went down with 22 aboard - 14 survived, 8 US personnel were lost... One of those 8 was like a brother to me - pilot CW3 John Andrew Quinlan... We grew up thru our teen years together, Eric was like a 2nd son... His parents were my parents, his parents my children's grandparents.... Today I found out that we all lost a piece of us... John joined the Marines back in the late 80s after high school - he served with the Marines in the first Gulf War... Then he switched over to the Army to become a helio pilot - he was a fast tracker - raising thru the ranks as quickly as possible because he was a great solider and he loved flying... My only comfort is that he died doing what he loved... He leaves behind a wife, 3 beautiful girls around the ages of my boys and more family than I am sure he realized that all loved him dearly... I love you John and we'll see you again someday...

2007-02-16T14:37:00.000-05:00

Ok so we are all moved into the new place - STILL unpacking things and working on the decor BUT I am slowly making progress... I think I am FINALLY on the upswing with my health after being sick pretty much non-stop since early Nov... The boys are doing well too... I am still alive and will update more often now... I FINALLY replaced my camera that broke back in late Sept so I can even post some new pics of the boys... Til next time...

2006-12-01T14:39:00.000-05:00

OMG THE MADNESS!!! Who knew that moving could be such a pain in the arse!! We are about 80-85% moved - there is really only about 2 van loads of boxes and such left to get from the old place... This weekend I will take care of that and get pics of the old place to send to the people interested in it... My neighbor has started tearing down the shed and I got all the decorative bricks piled up... Man it's ALOT of work and never seems to end - doesn't help that I am doing things piece meal because of work and the kids... But we are getting it done slowly and I am actually tossing things along the way - that feels good!! It's also nice to have a blank canvas to work with in the new place... We have the Living Room and hall painted - Bran Muffin - a nice neutral tan... My mom painted the ceiling in the kitchen, LR and hall - man it was GROSS in the kitchen esp... The Living Room now has lovely oak laminate flooring and the hall will be done next week I hope... The boys room has the main color on the walls - I need to go back do the extras like their stripes and I am gonna put some tire marks too since it's a NASCAR room... For now their old bunk bed is in there and it's a bit cramped but a neighbor is upgrading her boys in the next month or so and will give me their old single over single wooden bunk set which will give my boys a little more room - the single over full is nice but takes up a lot of room... That's about it for now... Just busy with completing the entire move before the end of the year...

OH and the boys got their report cards - not bad - Deven did WONDERFUL this time around and I am proud of him - Dilen did good too but he has some issues with attention/impulse control - we are working on getting him help...

Well it's off to finish up some work and head home.. Til next time...

2006-11-02T11:16:00.000-05:00

YEAH WE ARE MOVING!!! WOOO HOOOOOO!!!!

My InLaw's FINALLY gave in and sold me their trailer - now the mad dash to declutter, pack and move... I will be busy the next week and hope to be in the new place next weekend... I have already been decluttering this week and UGH I have soo much more to go... But we will get there - slowly but surely...

2006-10-20T12:01:00.001-04:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DILEN!! HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

2006-10-20T12:01:00.000-04:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DILEN!! HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

2006-10-20T11:23:00.000-04:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DILEN MIKAL!!! I can't believe that today you are SEVEN! Just yesterday it seems I was first holding you in my arms and now you are a big 7... We have done so much together and I look forward to doing so many more things with you!! I am very proud of the 'big boy' you have become!!! {{HUGS}} I hope your day is as wonderful as you want it to be!!

2006-09-13T16:44:00.000-04:00

I am going to leave up the 9/11 Memorials for a bit - be sure to scroll down - I have done tributes to 3 people. THANKS!!!!

2006-09-10T16:17:00.000-04:00

I Remember
Capt Joseph Farrelly
World Trade Center

September 11, 2001 - Boy just that date says soo much doesn't it?? There are so many dates and events we remember in our lives but this one day, this one date is one that I think almost everyone will always remember. It's the day our entire world changed. I remember it more clearly than so many other momentous days in my life. I was on my way to work - running late from dropping the boys off at preschool -- it was their second week there and we were still adjusting...

As an EMT and federal employee I was to participate in a WMD exercise that day -- boy was I ever!!! Nothing could have prepared me for just how much I was to participate that day and since. But as much as MY life changed that day so many others had their lives changed too...

I joined "The 2,996 Project" because I have friends whose lives were directly forever changed even if mine wasn't... When I joined my person to remember was randomly assigned to me - imagine my joy at receiving a firefighter!! Not only did I receive someone who's daily job it was to be a hero and take risks but in the end he made the ultimate sacrifice making him one of the greatest heros of all... I want to honor the memory of this hero and celebrate his life...

History books will say things like -- On September 11, 2001, four U.S. planes hijacked by terrorists crashed into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania killing nearly 3,000 people in a matter of hours. Behind the staggering number of deaths are the individuals, each of whom left behind family, friends and co-workers who feel the national tragedy on a personal level... But they won't tell you all the individual stories so it's up to those left behind that aren't going to forget - people like me - a member of The 2,996 Project... Here's a little about one of those individuals...

Capt Joseph Farrelly

Cpt Farrelly, 47, was a firefighter with the NY Fire Department, Engine Company 4, Ladder 15. It is believed that his company was one of the first to respond to the WTC North Tower on 9/11. That was his job and he did it proudly. One news article/memorial I read about him had the headline “He was “a born firefighter”. Another said “firefighting was this captain's dream job”. He was also no stranger to terror at the WTC. He’d been there before - he was hospitalized with smoke inhalation after a terrorist's bomb exploded at the World Trade Center in 1993. Mr. Farrelly accepted it as part of the job. "He always wanted to be a fireman, and always wanted to be a New York City fireman. That was like the ultimate for him," Mrs. Farrelly said.But Joe Farrelly was MORE then just a firefighter – he was a son, brother, husband and father – it’s THAT Joe Farrelly I learned the most about in my research. It was that Joe Farrelly I connected with as a fellow parent... Joe loved kids and he loved romance. Even after 25 yrs of marriage he still left love notes and flowers just because for Stacey, his wife – in fact he left a note for her Sept 10th as he went to work – it read ““I can’t begin to tell you how much I love you. Words are inadequate. Already I can’t wait toget home”. She’s kept them all. The last note he wrote is now framed in their home. One family friend is quoted saying “"Joe made it a point to make her happy, I used to tease her all the time and call her the queen. He treated her that way. He dedicated his life to making her happy." Chivalrous describes him well – he opened doors for his wife, washed dishes after supper, planned romantic getaways and even warmed her car for her on cold days. Together they had wonderful, loving home. T hey were foster parents to neglected and crack addicted babies for 10 years before starting a family of their own. They took in newborns and nursed them through their addictions, returning them after six months to foster or adoptive parents. Stacey Farrelly said her husband loved the babies. "He used to like doing the nighttimes," his wife said. " He would talk to them and tell them not to worry, that they would have a good life." The Farrelly’s also have 3 children of their own, 2 boys, Ryan now 24, Devin now 23, and a daughter, Juliann now 16. Joe was an assistant Boy Scout leader when the boys were younger and was active in the PS 3 and Totten Intermediate School PTAs, forever hanging decorations from the classroom ceilings. He took pride in his knowledge of fire prevention and shared it with children on the South Shore. He was known as "Fireman Joe" to students at PS 3, where he taught children "not to be a afraid of the men in the masks." From all that I have read about Capt Joseph Farrelly he led a life and left a legacy that I can only hope mine will come close to. I can imagine that he is sorely missed in ways that I can’t even begin to imagine by his family and friends. I will continue to remember them and all the victims of 9/11 – both those still here and those we have lost. THANK YOU CAPT FARRELLY for all you did while you were here and thank you to his parents, wife and children for sharing him with us while he was here. I hope my small tribute written here does your son, husband, father a small amount of justice and that your sorrow is somewhat eased knowing what a wonderful man the entire world knows he was.

Information obtained from the following links -
http://www.legacy.com/Sept11.asp?Page=TributeStory&PersonId=145290

http://www.silive.com/september11/lr/index.ssf?/september11/lr/farrelly.html

http://cf.newsday.com/911/victimsearch.cfm?id=1127

2006-09-10T15:58:00.000-04:00

To read more tributes of the 9/11 victims please visit -
http://www.dcroe.com/2996/?page_id=2

Or this site as dcroe is having server troubles - http://www.geckopad.com/2996.html

2006-09-10T15:50:00.000-04:00

I Remember
David W. Bernard
World Trade Center

As part of The 2,996 Project I want to ensure that everyone is remembered - here's a little about another one of our 9/11 heros...

David W. Bernard

David W. Bernard, 57, from Chelmsford, Mass. was an industry specialist for the Internal Revenue Service who was on one of his regular business trips to NYC that fateful day. For most there was very little or no time for good byes – the end came quickly and unexpectedly. It was a different story for David W. Bernard. For Dave and his family the end, while unexpected, was delayed. They had time to say good bye but in the end Dave’s passing was the result of the terror – Dave was struck by falling debris on Sept 11th and survived. For three long months he fought extensive injuries - two punctured lungs, 13 broken ribs, a broken shoulder blade and a severe spinal cord injury. After three months his wife thought he was going to pull thru but fate had other plans. On Dec 11th – exactly three months after the terror attacks David W. Bernard succumb to his injuries. I know that this is so much more time and preparation then many of the families had but still heartbreaking none the less.

From all I read Dave was a true family man and an avid golf player – his family came first and he combined his love of his family and his love of golf. The entire family – Dave, his wife, his 2 sons, his daughter and her husband – would spend time together on the golf course. I read that every July Dave participated in a father-son tournament where he would play the entire 18 holes TWICE so that each son had a chance to play with him. He patiently taught his wife to play so that “when we traveled together we could do it together." (In return, he went shopping with her.)” It was also noted that "Nobody could ever be mad at him. He just had a very easy way about him." said Mrs. Bernard. “He could laugh at himself and had a good sense of humor.”

On a memorial page in the guestbook a long time friend wrote “I knew him for about 30 years. He made everyone feel very special. He liked everyone and everyone liked him. He was a kid at heart but a man in every sense of the word. He is dearly missed by too many people to count. It was my priviledge to have been considered one of his friends.”

My thoughts and prayers to his family and friends for their loss. I hope that time has eased some of the pain. David and the other 2,996 will never be forgotten.

Information gathered from -
http://www.9-11heroes.us/v/David_W_Bernard.php
http://cf.newsday.com/911/victimsearch.cfm?id=3410
http://inmemoriamonline.net/Profiles/Folders/B_Folder/Bernard_David.html
http://www.legacy.com/Sept11.asp?Page=Story&PersonID=161181

2006-09-10T15:43:00.000-04:00

I Remember
Timothy Matthew Welty
World Trade Center

So none of the 2,996 are forgotten I want to share yet another one of our 9/11 heros...

Timothy Matthew Welty

Timothy Matthew Welty, 34, FDNY, Squad 288… Tim was one of the 340 firefighters from 75 firehouses that earned their wings that horrible day not so long ago. But he was more then just a hero that gave all of himself, he was a son, a husband and a father. I read he was strong, intelligent, patient and full of life. He skied, he sky-dived, parachuted, rode motorcycles, played hockey and volleyball – an all-around athlete. Tim was on the City Fire Department Volleyball Team and traveled the world playing. He was on a hockey team and between periods was teaching his son Jake, now 9, to play. His mother still takes him to the park where his dad skated. Sadly his daughter, Julia, now 5, will not remember her father directly but he will live on for her in the stories and memories of those that do remember him. He’s left behind a legacy of life and love. His mom has some of that legacy in a tangible form – he had recently started a construction company. He renovated his mother's house, gutting it and adding skylights, new molding and handmade parquet floors. "My son rebuilt my home in Flushing," she says. "We miss him each and every day."

From some of the tribute sites I found messages left by his mom last year – you can feel the love and loss in her words -

Timmy, you were always a ray of sunshine, your smile lit up my life. It is four years later, and we miss you desperately, love you intensely and hold you forever in our hearts. Mom

It has been four years since you disappeared inside that towering inferno. It still does not seem possible the world could go on without you, your smile, your energy and your love. We miss you and love you and keep you forever in our hearts. Love, Mom

The Welty’s lost a son, a husband and a father. Squad 288 lost Tim and 5 others, FDNY lost 340 total – the world lost sooo much more.

Information gathered from –
http://www.legacy.com/Sept11.asp?Page=TributeStory&PersonId=146596
http://www.9-11heroes.us/v/Timothy_Welty.php
http://cf.newsday.com/911/victimsearch.cfm?id=686
http://www.nriinternet.com/Section4HistoryNRI/After%20Sep11/070104/GrandMAinRally.htm

2006-08-29T15:18:00.000-04:00

7 days and a wake up!!! I soo can't wait for school to start again!! I need to be able to take off the day and REST!! *LOL*

Football is going well - we had a pre-season game on Sunday and both boys' teams WHOMPED!!!!! Actually I was told all our teams whomped!! YEAH!!!! This week starts the real season....

Not too much else going on other than that.... same old same old.... Til next time...

2006-08-23T13:56:00.000-04:00

ARRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG Sooo Mr Asshat is at it again!!! First he's just impossible and expects me to drop everything service him/jump thru hoops IMMEDIATELY for him and when I don't he throws a fit... OH WELL Hey I have a life too ya know and it DOESN"T revolve around you buddy!! Soo he broke his phone - then he tried to say a machine did it at work - yeah right - I guess I look stupid!!! It will be his $$ paying for it in the long run... THEN he agreed to take Dilen to his game on Thurs which is 1/2 hr away - today he calls me and asks what van he's taking - EXCUSE ME??? You are NOT gonna take one of MY vehicles - you have your own... IDIOT!!! Soo he got all huffy and puffy and hung up on me - was just being a general jerk... I just LOVE his new outlook on life - he's still drinking just as much as he was before even though he CLAIMS he's seen the light and since he's been told he's "ALLERGIC" to alcohol he's NOT drinking - yeah I am DEFINATELY stupid - see it written on my head???

ANYWAY!!!! Deven had his first real "GAME" on Saturday and while they don't keep track of score at this level he did GREAT!! He was on defense and man he's good - just needs to focus a bit more but he's a very good player - fast and strong! Tomorrow Dilen has his first scrimmage in flag - I'll try to get pics if I can... Summer is almost over and I feel like we didn't do any thing... Things are starting to get tight but I am gonna try to get the kids back to the Philly area for the museums again soon and maybe ONE MORE visit to Sesame plus we have the Philly Zoo membership that is good thru next June.... I just never seem to have enough time and energy for everything.... Speaking of which I need to get some paperwork done... Til next time...

2006-08-18T13:09:00.000-04:00

We went back to Sesame yesterday - the boys had fun although it was crowded and we were all feeling tired to start... I would love to go back again next year... We even got to see David Jack perform although sadly we learned he WON"T be at Sesame next year as of right now... BUT atleast we got to see him perform!! We even got his autograph!!!

2006-08-18T12:48:00.000-04:00

Our first "real" scrimmage... Our team did very well - they don't keep score BUT they said our boys did well and the other team would have lost due to alot of flags for errors/violations if it had been a real game.... I am sooo proud of how well Deven is doing overall...

2006-08-16T15:25:00.000-04:00

I am joining in a tribute ring for 9/11 victims... Details of the "program" can be found at http://www.jamulian.com/db911/ and http://www.dcroe.com/2996/?cat=2 They still need bloggers to sign up... Please stop by - check it out and sign up!!!

I Remember
Capt. Joseph Farrelly
World Trade Center

2006-08-03T18:29:00.000-04:00

OMG it's HOT!!! It's Africa hot! It's so hot you could fry an egg on the sidewalk....

Seriously it is hot - they closed work at 3 yesterday and today due to heat and power useage cutbacks... The boys started PopWarner football Tuesday night - it was so hot they cut practices down to 30 min for Dilen and an hour for Deven... Last night was just Deven - only supposed to be an hour again - but ended up being the full 2 hours - he got his uniform, helmet and pads - he's gonna look soo cute!!! THEN we find out the 3 hrs past 2 nights DON"T COUNT towards the 10 they need before they start hitting/tackling.... WTFarmer is that???? We sat out there while boys learned positions/plays for TWO HOURS and it doesn't count??? They are gonna hold practice for 2.5 hrs Thurs, Fri, Sat and Sun - yes Sat and Sun!!!! Again WTFarmer??? Some of us work all week and that is our family time!!! These little kids are practicing more then the high school team!!! Five nights a week, 2 hours a night for the month of Aug.... I KNOW Deven wants to play but man it's unreasonable if you ask me.... As it is the boys are gonna miss some practices cause we are going away last weekend in Aug... I am NOT sacrificing my fun time with boys just for football - I don't care how much I paid for them to play... BUT practice was cancelled for tonight and I am gonna rest - tomorrow we go to the waterpark for a summer camp field trip.... For now I am gonna go veg under AC.... Til next time...

2006-07-27T15:51:00.000-04:00

HEY!! We have been busy with summer camp workshops and trying to stay cool... Not an easy feat when the housing office told us I had to take down the easy set pool I had up... Was against base regulations - mosquito attraction and drowning hazzard... WHATEVER!! It's a chlorinated, chemical treated FILTERED pool I covered each night AND we have individually fenced in yards... BUT I took it down and I am selling it for $60 to try to recoup most of what I spent less then a month ago... Luckily the kids are busy with the summer camp workshops so they aren't missing it too much... I am still holding onto hope that my In-Laws will wake up and take me up on my offer for their trailer - housing is reaching end of ropes with them and they are about to get a nasty gram... If they DON'T take me up I will be pilfering the furnance and a few other little things before it's destroyed/taken away...

And the van sort of died... It was eating oil and just not riding smooth and I just didn't have the heart to put MORE $$ into it... So I shot it in a way - I traded it in a for an '04 Dodge Caravan... Not a bad van and an ok deal but now I am stuck with a payment for the next 6 yrs... Ehhh such is life...

Football starts next week for the boys so I will be busy every afternoon/early evening thru the start of school early Sept... Not too much else happening - well there are a few things but I need to get ready to leave for the day so it will keep... Til next time...

2006-07-06T09:37:00.000-04:00

Asking if you all could help out a good cause....

Dear Corps Stories Readers,
This fund raising will cost you nothing! However it will help fund this important Marine Corps support mission immensely - With Your Help!
Please pass it on...

Now you can raise money for Corps Stories just by searching the Internet at GoodSearch.com.
You use GoodSearch.com like any other search engine - the site is powered by Yahoo! - but each time you do, money is generated for us. Here’s how it works:
1. Go to www.goodsearch.com
2. Type Corps Stories into the “I support” box and click on “verify”
3. Search the Internet just like you would with any search engine
4. Since GoodSearch shares its advertising revenue with charities and schools, every time you search the Internet at GoodSearch, you’ll be earning money for us.

GoodSearch also has a toolbar you can download from the homepage so that you can search right from the top of your browser.

You can keep track of Corps Stories estimated earnings by clicking on “amount raised” once you designate us as your organization of choice. The more people who use the site, the more money we’ll earn, so please spread the word...

Thanks MUCH!!! BTW if you want to check out the site... http://www.corpsstories.com/ Thanks much!!!

2006-06-29T15:52:00.000-04:00

My boys are soo silly sometimes - Deven has been in a cuddley mood and I love it - he's nine now and cuddles don't come often... Yesterday was just a super silly mood... We have the DISNEY'S MOVE IT CD and one of the songs is the CHA CHA SLIDE... Dilen LOVES the song so we were listening yesterday and Deven was dancing with his FINGERS as we drove down the road... We all cracked up...

And Ethen is just growing in leaps and bounds... I have been working on sign language with him - we can do MORE, EAT, WATER, PLEASE and THANK YOU... It just amazes me to see him all the sudden the past few days do more then just the sign for MORE which was his big one... We have some verbal words too - BROTHER, MAMA, CRACKER, COOKIE, DOG and GRAMMA... I love watching the amazement on his face as things click - plus watching him grow and develop is awesome!!!

Well I need to get ready to leave for the day... Til next time...

2006-06-27T12:13:00.000-04:00

Often I am reminded quite blantantly just how lucky I am to have 3 wonderful, healthy little boys.... As many know I am a member of many online communities - some are for my 99 child, some for my 05 child and one that I lurk on but never quite feel comfortable speaking up on is for women who have suffered the loss of a pregnancy/child - (PALP)... So many of those women have been thru so much just to have a child and many still don't... I don't always feel I fit in since while I have suffered a loss I also have 3 wonderful blessings so I can't fully know the heartache that others have gone thru... One of the women in particular has been trying for years to have a baby - this year she finally got her wish - a miracle - she found out she is expecting... This joy I know!! I am so happy for her... And then she found out it's a boy - this joy I know too!! But then she found out that destiny has other plans for her little boy and my heart aches for her... I can't imagine how she must feel with her son growing inside knowing she will never get to see him grow up or hear him laugh or see him smile.... Such bitter sweet sorrow to know that someone you have been waiting for so long is JUST out of reach.... My prayers go out to my SISTA from PALP... May the joys she will experience during the remainder of her pregnancy forever warm her soul and comfort her in her sorrow... {{HUGS}}

HAPPY 9th BIRTHDAY

2006-06-27T09:44:00.000-04:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAY DEVEN!! Today you are 9 and I still can't believe it... It seems like just yesterday I was preparing for you and then holding this itty bitty baby in my arms.... I love you more then you will ever know and I am sooo proud of the young man you are becoming... {{{HUGS}}}

2006-06-26T15:08:00.000-04:00

We did Phila on Friday and Sunday... On Friday we enjoyed seeing the Liberty Bell (however we had to go thru a metal detector to include emptying the stroller, folding it up and sending it thru the XRay machine - WTF???) and we went to the Ben Franklin Museum (sorry no pics) both were fun - the boys want to do it all again and add Please Touch Museum too - I need to map out a better plan for next time to ensure we see it all AND get pics... Sunday we did the Phila Zoo - AGAIN no pics cause originally we were just going to stop in gift shop so we didn't take the phone or camera... We ended up walking about 1/2 the zoo in a drizzle and had fun... We will be going back again as we are zoo members for the year.... I WILL get pics next time... I am also planning a trip to the Hershey Zoo and a Chocolate Tour - maybe even Hershey Park for this summer... OIY I must be nuts! *L*

2006-06-26T14:55:00.000-04:00

I met with some of the Mommies and Babies from Ethen's April 05 board - we went to Sesame Place and had a blast - not many pics taken but we still had fun... I look forward to meeting with some of the girls again soon!! Look out Niki and Brenda - I am headed your way!! *grin* Now our trip to Sesame was cut short due to torrential downpours but I got free come back tickets so we will be going back again this summer with a plan of attack for the rides and shows...

2006-06-21T11:42:00.000-04:00

Interesting article....

Fla. Restaurant Sells $100 Hamburger

Updated 9:37 AM ET June 21, 2006

BOCA RATON, Fla. (AP) - A hundred bucks might buy you more than six dozen burgers from McDonald's, but the swanky Old Homestead Steakhouse will sell you one brawny beef sandwich for the same price.

Boca Raton Mayor Steven Abrams could barely speak between bites as he devoured the 20-ounce, $100 hamburger billed as the "beluga caviar of sandwiches."

"Heaven on a bun," restaurant owner Marc Sherry said.

The burger debuted Tuesday at the restaurant in the Boca Raton Resort and Club, where a membership costs $40,000 and an additional $3,600 a year.

"We've never had a hamburger on our menu here so we really wanted to go to the extreme," Sherry said, calling it "the most decadent burger in the world."

At about 5 1/2 inches across and 2 1/2 inches thick, the mound of meat is comprised of beef from three continents _ American prime beef, Japanese Kobe and Argentine cattle.

The bill for one burger, with garnishing that includes organic greens, exotic mushrooms and tomatoes, comes out to $124.50 with tax and an 18 percent tip included. The restaurant will donate $10 from each sale to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
----------------------------

Now my only complaint is that the burger is selling for $100+ and they are only donating TEN DOLLARS each burger??? Come on now - you can't tell me that they couldn't have afforded to donate more then that AND still make a profit!!!! What is is this world coming to???

2006-06-20T14:36:00.000-04:00

We are going to Philadelphia to see the historic sights on Friday and then Sesame on Saturday and maybe back to Philadelphia on Sunday before heading home... We are starting to get excited and need to make a list of what to pack and what we plan to do!! Only 2 more days and a wake up! YEAH!!!!

2006-06-20T14:30:00.000-04:00

And then of course are the police in the town I spent all of my formative teen years -

Probing mayor's arrest

Prosecutor investigates Saturday's Bradley Beach incident
Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 06/20/06
BY A. SCOTT FERGUSON
STAFF WRITER
BRADLEY BEACH — The Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office will investigate the circumstances that led to the confrontation between Jersey City's mayor and the borough's Police Department during this past weekend.

On Monday, Prosecutor Luis A. Valentin confirmed the 2 a.m. Saturday incident was under investigation by his office, but declined to elaborate.

Meanwhile, Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy, 55, in a written statement issued Monday, said he had retained an attorney and will file criminal charges against the borough officer, who, the mayor claims, assaulted him and his wife Saturday.

Healy was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest after police said he interferred with an investigation of two people fighting, not far from Barry's Tavern and Restaurant on Main Street.

The mayor's first court appearance is scheduled for 10 a.m. June 27 at the Bradley Beach municipal court.

Acting Deputy Police Chief Leonard A. Guida declined to comment about the incident Monday and referred back to a statement his department issued during the weekend.

"It's in the courts, and we don't comment on issues that are in the courts," Guida said Monday.

In his statement, Healy said he was leaving Barry's Tavern — owned by his sister — with his wife and found a couple fighting nearby.

When police officers arrived, Healy began to tell them that the woman was not at fault. Then an officer grabbed his arm, threw him to the ground and handcuffed him, the statement said.

"While immobilized by several police officers, the officer who handcuffed me asked another officer for Mace and proceeded to spray me in both eyes," Healy, who owns a home on Monmouth Avenue, said in his statement.

The mayor added that his wife, Maureen, also was shoved to the ground by police and injured her ankle and leg.

Later, Healy was taken to the Police Department and issued two complaints. Those charges were signed by officer Terry Browning, according to the documents. The charges carry a possible $1,000 fine each and a possible six-month jail term each.

In its statement, the Police Department said that the officers asked Healy to leave the scene of the fight or he would be arrested. When Healy refused, he was handcuffed and then tried to resist arrest.

On Monday, Healy said he would file criminal complaints against the officer who arrested him. He did not name the officer in his statement. It was not clear if those charges had been signed. His attorney, Ralph Lamparello of Secaucus, could not be reached for comment.

Bradley Beach Mayor Stephen G. Schueler could not be reached for comment Monday.

Kathleen Barry, Healy's sister and the owner of Barry's Tavern, was not at the restaurant Monday.

2006-06-20T14:27:00.000-04:00

It never hurts to keep key members informed!!!

As seen in my local newspaper online today -

Woman faked own death, collected $744G
Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 06/20/06
BY KATHLEEN HOPKINS
TOMS RIVER BUREAU
TOMS RIVER — A 55-year-old Dover Township woman admitted in court Monday that she faked her death in an attempt to collect more than $1 million in life-insurance benefits.

Authorities said they do not know how Mary Maschuci was able to obtain death certificates with raised seals, but she did, and filled them out to say she had died of a massive coronary at Kimball Medical Center in Lakewood in 2003.

She forged a physician's signature on the death certificates, authorities said. Then, posing as her daughter, who was the beneficiary of her policies, Maschuci submitted them to nine different insurance companies.

In applying for the benefits, Maschuci directed the insurers to forward any correspondence to her address, not her daughter's, said Deputy Attorney General James Jones.

But Maschuci was foiled when one of the companies mistakenly sent correspondence regarding the claim to Maschuci's daughter, who knew nothing about her mother's scheme, said investigator Kristi Procaccido of the state attorney general's Office of Insurance Fraud Prosecutor.

2006-06-20T14:25:00.000-04:00

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!! I had a great afternoon... E took the boys overnight and I went to Karaoke!! Had a blast... I hope everyone had a great day too!!! I have the cutest pic of Ethen from his little card he made his Daddy to scan and share a bit later....

Dilen's KINDI LEAP!!

2006-06-12T16:51:00.000-04:00

My baby LEAPED into 1st Grade on Friday - I am sooo proud of him!!!!

2006-06-11T13:59:00.000-04:00

Keep praying everyone... The longer that their trailer sits vacant the better chances I have... Dilen had his Kindi Leap (Kindi graduation) on Friday and it was adorable!! They dance and sang a whole little show... Pictures later... Otherwise it's just been a long weekend... The boys tested for their next belts in Karate and did well - ceramony next week... Not much else - Ethen has a cold and is super fussy but we march on... Til next time...

2006-06-08T16:39:00.000-04:00

Some headlines are just too good to pass up....

Hotel: Put that 'CrackBerry' down, you addict!

Thursday, June 8, 2006; Posted: 11:20 a.m. EDT (15:20 GMT)

CHICAGO, Illinois (Reuters) -- BlackBerry addicts have a crack at freedom when they check into one Chicago hotel: the manager will put the communications devices and others like them under lock and key for guests who want a break.

Rick Ueno, general manager of the Sheraton Chicago Hotel, said the program which began on Wednesday grew out of his own personal BlackBerry addiction. His one-step recovery was switching to a regular cell phone.

"I was really addicted to my BlackBerry. I had an obsession with e-mail," he told Reuters. "Morning and night. There came a time when I didn't think it was healthy ... I quit cold turkey."

He believes guests might want to try the same thing for a day or two anyway, so they can concentrate on meetings, business and socializing while at the hotel.

Ueno said he would take personal charge of any BlackBerrys or related devices guests want to surrender and place them in his office locked up until their return is requested. There is no charge.

"I run a hotel with over 900 employees and thousands of guests. I think I'm more effective. I feel better. I sleep better. My family likes it," he said of his post-BlackBerry life.

The popular hand-held devices, sometimes called "CrackBerries" because users become so reliant on them, are made by Canadian-based Research In Motion Ltd.

As found at http://www.cnn.com/2006/TECH/ptech/06/08/blackberry.addict.reut/index.html

Til next time...

2006-06-08T15:54:00.000-04:00

Soooo I took the boys to see Dorothy The Dinosaur's Dance Party friday night... Ok so maybe it was a little below Dev's age group, maybe even Dilen's but all three really enjoyed it except for it being at 7pm and my boys are usually getting ready for bed around that time on a school night... The next day I got a Wiggles Wiggle Time video and Ethen LOVES watch/dance/sing along to it... I need to get a CD for him for the car...

On Monday I took the boys for their teeth cleaning... Dilen did VERY well - he let the gal clean his teeth without a fight or major fear - I was sooo proud of him... He even let the dentist look in his mouth afterwards... We discovered he has an absess under one of the $2000 teeth... They wanted to pull it then and there - yeah right GOOD LUCK on that one... Instead we put him on an antibiotic and I called the oral surgeon who will do general ansethesia in the office on him IF we need to pull it... First we are going to see how things go with antibiotic - I can't see pulling a baby tooth I paid a fortune to fix already if we can just clear up the infection for now... It's not hurting him - he manages to eat and brush his teeth without pain so I am of the mind to let sleeping dogs lie... Plus I have spent so much already on his mouth....

Not much else going on - just planning for our little vacation at the end of June to Phila, PA and Sesame Place.... Til next time...

2006-06-07T11:32:00.000-04:00

Keep praying friends!! Keep on praying!!!!

2006-06-05T09:18:00.000-04:00

ARRGGGGGGGG Sometimes I get sooo frustrated... There just doesn't seem to be enough time in the day and I get on a roll at home only to have it interrupted by work! *L* By the time I get back to things I have lost my focus and energy...

The boys are just a handful - what balls of energy they are sometimes!!! But such wonderful joy..

I offered my FIL/SMIL $1000 cash for their trailer because they HAVE to vacate the premises 5 days ago... They were going to donate the trailer but that didn't/doesn't seem to be working out from what I had heard from housing... Now don't you think that cash in hand would be a better option then donating it and getting nothing?? I don't get them - they CLAIM if they were gonna go that route they had offers of $10K - yeah RIGHT!! If they did they would have jumped on that option IMMEDIATELY and not gone the donation route... Their trailer is in better shape then mine - doesn't need a new furnace and has central air.... I can easily trash mine if they would just see it to sell me the trailer... I need as many prayers as I can get at the moment so EVERY ONE please PRAY PRAY PRAY PRAY that my FIL/SMIL will see it in their hearts to sell me the trailer and take care of their grandchildren... You would think for the grandchildren they would be willing to do it...

Just thought over the conversations I had with them in my head and I guess I could have been a little more diplomatic with them but still... I know they are between a rock and a hard place at the moment and while it's not entirely christain I know they are facing continuing to pay lot rent while the trailer sits there as well as possible abandonment fees from housing so my offer would benefit them too.... Everyone pray please... Til next time...

2006-05-30T16:44:00.000-04:00

We had a nice Memorial Day weekend... I took the boys to the Strawberry Fair and we rode the rides... We went to Six Flags Hurricane Harbor for opening day and had a blast and we BBQ'd at home... It was a very nice time for us all!! And the best part - I didn't go to work for three whole days!!! THREE DAYS!!!!! It was heaven!! I even managed to get a tiny bit of house and yard work done... Friday night E took all three boys overnight - I am such a party animal I was in bed and asleep by 10pm! *LOL* Ehh atleast I got some rest... Now it's back to the daily grind.... Til next time...

2006-05-30T16:43:00.000-04:00

And yet another waterbaby is created!!! We had a WONDERFUL time opening day at Hurricane Harbor this year! I look forward to many more!!!

2006-05-26T11:43:00.000-04:00

Another week gone... YIPPEEEEEE!!!

Martie - great to see you stopping by!! I hope all is well with you!! {HUGS}

I am finding that the hypotism works well as long as I listen to the reinforcement CD each night - I am finally getting into a habit of doing that...

E is supposed to take all three boys tonight for his birthday - happy birthday butthead! I am looking forward to a quiet evening ALONE!!!!! We shall see, we shall see!!!

Not doing much else - just been working... I have a list of household chores a leg's length long I need to get to... We have been given a reprieve from the Garrison Commander and do NOT have to move by 30 Sept... YEAH!!!!!! Seems that while the Army land owners don't really want trailer parks we don't have to be out IMMEDIATELY - esp w/the base schedule for definate closure in 2011... Plus the commander had NOT A CLUE how hard it is to just move a trailer in NJ for various reason - there are no parks with spaces available, if they have a space the trailer has to be no older then 2 yrs and then you meet with finding someone to move it... Another sticky wicket was that those with mortgages have clauses that say they have to pay off the mortgage before they move it... The commander is from Louisiana where trailers and trailer parks are a dime a dozen and they don't have such constraints... Another thing that I think got him to side with us was the number of young children in the trailer park... Whatever his reason I am just thrilled that the weight has been lifted off my shoulders for a couple more years and I won't have to worry until we are ready to move to MD for the base transfer.... YEAH!!! Now I can go get some flowers to plant in the yard and make it purdy!!!!

I have some new pics just need to get them off the camera but for now I am out of here - they gave us a 2 hour early release - YIPPEEEEEEEE Til next time...

2006-05-23T15:32:00.000-04:00

HEY ALL!! Not much new - we had a good weekend for the most part.... E was E and gave me a hassle on Saturday but nothing major... The boys are doing ok and so am I.... I have a meeting with housing tonight about the trailer park situation - everyone pray very very very very hard that things go positively for us... I have heard a rumor but not banking on anything at the moment... Work has been busy too but we are still alive... Til next time...

2006-05-19T14:51:00.000-04:00

ARRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGg - if there is one thing I can't stand it's asshats!! Pardon my french!!! E is just such an asshat!!! Last month he gave me all of 200 where as he agreed to give me 300 PLUS his half the phone bill each month so about 360 total... AND he tends to borrow $10-20 now and again each month from me so let's say ABOUT 400/mon is what I should get from him... Beginning of month he gives me 300 - ok that covers last month's support and phone and a tad of this month... Then today he was gonna give me 270 out of which he wanted me to get his Six Flags pass - ummmm great EXCEPT what about this month's $$$$ - shouldn't you pay THAT first... His comments throw me in circles I swear - he tries to double talk me all the time or remembers things from WAY PREVIOUS convos but thinks they went with the last convo - as in "you said I was paid up" and "you said just give me $50 for the phone" ummmm that was for LAST MONTH!! What about THIS month??? So then it's "Well that's your first payment" oh really?? But you don't get paid again this month so I am gonna have to hear your sad song and dance again next month and the month after... Don't go cutting me short on the $$ I need for the boys you JERK!!!! Honestly I really don't depend on his money anymore - I do what I can without it so that when I do get any it's a bonus but I HATE that he just can't pay me what I deserve without all his games!!!

ANYWAY!!! Ethen has a double ear infection but is on antibiotics and doing well... We went to Deven's art show last night and I am impressed with his artwork - he's come SOOOO far since Kindi... We also stayed for a bit of the school concert - I enjoyed watching the kids try to dance and run around with little friends although WHY WHY WHY do the schools schedule things like Chorus/Band concerts on school nights and start them at 8pm??? It's a school night - my boys are in bed ASLEEP by 8:30 most nights and I can't be the only one!! But we had fun - just had to fight to get them moving this morning...

Well it's quitting time so I am out of here - til next time...

2006-05-14T10:50:00.000-04:00

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!!

It's been a long week - I went to the hypnotist, the boys played at after school care, I did a Mother's Day Tea w/Dilen, Deven has been under the weather... Oh the list goes on... I'll update more tomorrow or Tuesday for now I am off to enjoy Mother's Day with the boys!! Til next time...

2006-05-07T17:00:00.000-04:00

ARRGGGGGGG I hate allergy season!!! We ALL have headaches and Ethen is so snotty he's been coughing alot, esp in his sleep... He todders between a good mood and miserable!! Deven and Dilen have been a little off too and I know it's because of the pollen counts... But this too shall pass... I mean the good parts of spring are that it's been lighter longer, and warmer during the day but nice cool evenings... Plus it's that time of year to buy some flowers to plant... I can't wait to do some planting next weekend...

Today I ran out for some lunch for a coworker and I... In the strip mall I noticed a new business that caught my eye - CUTS (or was it CUTZ) either way I thought it was a new hair place then I looked closer - it's a FITNESS FOR MEN work out place... The male version of CURVES from what I gather... Now maybe I am wrong but aren't most gyms for MEN?? Did they really have to start a place just for men that is just like the new places just for women?? I mean it even advertises circuit training like CURVES.. Cut me a break!! Just thought it seemed so copycat like...

E had the boys today for all of 2 hrs - that's about all he can handle.. He dropped them off to my mom and I guess went home to sleep... Then he calls a couple hours later and starts babbling about Deven's wallet being misplaced - Deven supposedly threw it on the table at CEC today... Soo I call Deven and he tells me he gave it to Daddy - call Daddy - Daddy says I don't have it, he left it on the table at CEC.. Soo I try to call CEC (did you know you can't get a human voice on their phone - ARGGGG) and while I am on the phone E calls back - he has Deven's wallet.. BUT - don't plan any trips cause Deven can't go and he's keeping Deven's wallet for a while... WHY?? Because Deven was irresponsible - he wants Deven to write a paper on the meaning of irresponsible... WHATEVER!! I swear to GOD the man is a total psycho even more so then I am!! Guarantee you when he sobers up tomorrow he won't even remember half of what he said!!! GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

Well it's taken me a while to write this post and it's really disjointed - sorry about that - but I do feel better after venting... and look it's time to head home - til next time...

2006-05-05T14:04:00.000-04:00

Ya know just when you think it's safe to go back in the water! *LOL* Soo it's been a very quiet week - haven't really heard much from E all week which is lovely.. This morning I had the boys call E cause you know if I didn't he would be calling me complaining they don't call and he's making other plans for the weekend... Well that just opened up the flood gates for him to call me.. 4 times already today - acting way tooo sweet and apologetic the first time, then calling about something else but still nice, then calling to ask a question acting like he hadn't talked to boys this morning and then AGAIN rambling about something else and complaining he couldn't sleep - this is my problem HOW??? Here I was thinking we hadn't heard from him cause maybe - hope against hopes - he got some ~~sucker~~ ~~skank~~ ho friend to keep him occupied and free me... APPARENTLY no such luck... *sigh*

Along that line of thought - I realized at the Titanic Ball the other day - I have no real friends - I don't really know any of the other parents of the boys classmates and I feel like an outsider... I don't have any girlfriends I can call and chat with or go hang out with - I don't know any one with kids same/similar ages that I feel welcomed by enough for regular playdates... Basically I feel VERY lonely somedays... I mean I LOVE my boys - I LOVE doing for and with them but I want to have friends too - I want to go places and do things with ADULTS once in a while... Ehhh I guess I'll eventually have a life as the boys get older and this too shall pass but some nights it's hard to forget/accept what I DON"T have...

Work is getting busy and I am trying to be involved in more things - the more on my resume the better... Plus I like being a team player... Soo I better get back to the research - til next time...

2006-05-03T14:13:00.000-04:00

Meet Edward Beane!! He 32 years old in 1912 and was traveling on the Titanic from England with his wife Ethel. He was a 2nd Class passenger who survived in Lifeboat #H..

The entire 3rd grade did an enrichment program - they learned about the Titanic, were assigned a person to be and learned to waltz... Then they all met at one school for a ball this morning... I am still trying to find out WHY they learn about the Titanic but overall it was really interesting and the kids really did learn some history... Thinking about it, it's a great way to get the kids interested in and retaining history facts...

2006-04-30T15:47:00.000-04:00

Ok my boys have attitudes lately... Major attitudes!! *L* Must be a spring thing! But overall we are doing well.... At Dilen's IEP meeting we decided to see how he does with medication first - if he still needs assistance we will get him a 504 plan... I met with his doctor (the same shrink Deven sees) on Friday and we started him on a mood stablizer... Once we have him stablized on the moods we will work in a small amount of Strattera for the ADHD...

Work has been good... I am employee of the quarter and we had our annual ratings - I got an exceptional... All the shredding has been completed - I finished last week and then the shredder died... It threw a nut onto the teeth - dunno what exactly caused it but I am sure that all the staples that SOME ONE had been shredding had something to do with it...

E has been quiet for the most part so this is good... He cut me short on the $$ but overall he's been ok - I'll survive without his little bit of $$ for now but he better get up to date soon or I am gonna flip on him....

The weather has been nice this past week so we have been doing more and more outside... I am trying to get a walk in with Ethen each night to get moving - he loves to be outside... I signed the boys up for the after school program on base starting tomorrow... They will have homework help and plenty of free time to play with other kids and I won't need to worry about Mom having to watch them... It's nice to be able to do it for now - I paid off the KIA so my payments for that now go to the Youth Services! *L* But the boys are happy.... We had week 2 of Karate this weekend and they both did very well - we need to practice atleast once during the week but overall they did very well - I am so proud of them...

Not too much else going on at the moment - I am sure I had other things to say but I am drawing a complete blank... Til next time...

2006-04-23T14:29:00.000-04:00

Well karate season is back in gear and we are now committed every Saturday from 9:40-10:40am... Of course it got off to a rocky start this week with Deven who didn't want to go then didn't want to participate and was just generally whiney and driving me nuts!! Sensei Dave took him aside and talked to him for me - whatever he said to Deven he got Deven out on the floor... Deven participated and did well... After class I thanked him and he looked at Deven - told him to look at him and had Deven acknowledge that "we will not be repeating today"... YEAH DAVE!!! Deven loves karate but sometimes needs that extra push...

After karate the boys and I went for a ride to find cheaper gas - 2.73/gal is as good as it gets around here... Then I treated them to chinese buffet for lunch... Last night we went out to Kareoke (sp?) - we didn't sing but the boys got to run around a bit, we had some food and had a nice time socializing... If it weren't for the torrential downpour it would be a nice weekend... Guess being at work today isn't so bad with the rain and boys stuck inside... Poor mom - atleast she has laundry to keep her occupied - Dilen has a little poison ivy and grrrrr we have to wash all his stuff...

I went to dentist Friday afternoon for my new temporary and to have the molds cast for my new bridge... Today my mouth STILL hurts... UGH!! Well it's back to the shredding - I am making lots of progress and hope to be done by tomorrow afternoon... Keep your fingers crossed that the contractor comes to take the last of the boxes to the decinigrator in the morning.... Til next time...

2006-04-16T13:41:00.000-04:00

HAPPY EASTER!!!!

2006-04-14T11:25:00.000-04:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ETHEN!!!

2006-04-13T11:29:00.000-04:00

Hmmm I owe a long update AGAIN! *L* Life with three boys can certainly keep you moving!! I took the boys to the egg hunt on Saturday - Deven won first prize for the 8-10 yo group...

Dilen was a bit upset but he's getting over it... Then we went back for the kids carnival and we all had a blast - we won a door prize of Battleship... Boys got their faces painted - Batman

Supposedly Robin mask w/a Punisher on the cheek... Not too much else went on over the weekend - I came to work on Sunday and the boys stayed with my mom and played..

I went to the dentist on Monday - what an experience - the man has NOOO bedside manner and I guess I was a little hysterical but hey when you treat me like crap and have almost no compassion and my anxiety is high to start... But anyway - seems I DO need a new bridge and it's NOT covered under the insurance - HOWEVER they are gonna cut me a price break... A 3 tooth bridge is $2625 plus $60 for initial appt.. When they took my insurance (which they don't anymore) the insurance company gave them 375 and my copay was 575 which is 975 for a bridge cash in their pocket and a 1650 WRITE OFF... This time they are cutting me a break and only charging me 300 per tooth so 900 for the bridge plus 60 for the initial appt... So there goes the little savings I HAD started to build but atleast it's gonna be fixed... I go back on the 1st for a new temporary and to cast new impressions - til then I have the old temporary glued back in and filed down to adjust for my bite...

AND to keep the money flowing out of my pocket this week - I signed the boys up for Pop Warner.. There goes a chunk of cash AND I have to work 2 Sundays during the season too!!! UGH!! But the boys wanted to play - Deven has been asking for years... Practices start in Aug - Deven will be on the Might Mites and Dilen will be playing Flag...

Ethen's birthday is tomorrow so we are gonna go to Walmart for pictures and then the Chinese buffet for dinner... Here's one of him playing the other day - Other then all that it's been a quiet week here... Til next time...

2006-04-07T12:00:00.000-04:00

Sooo I have had this temporary bridge in my mouth for almost 3 yrs.. I just didn't have the $525 to spare to get the permanent one out of hock... Today I do - so I called - I needed to call, I have had the money for over 2 months now but just haven't called - then I cracked the temp bridge - argggggg so I called... I got billing - told them I wanted to take care of my bill BUT first is my perm bridge still there - yeap it is but she said things might have shifted and it might not fit she is gonna talk to doc and call me back.... I am praying that things will work out - I don't think/doubt things have shifted - I mean I have been wearing the temporary one all this time to keep things in place... But we shall see - I can't afford anything to go wrong... I am also starting to pay off old bills and clean things up one by one... While it's a good thing the calls make me nervous in the pit of my stomach... Maybe it's the thought of chunks of money going out of my account quickly or just the worry of getting lectured for letting bills go so long but hey what can ya do when you don't have the spare $$$... Til next time...

2006-04-06T13:39:00.000-04:00

Well it was a great weekend- the boys and I had a blast at Six Flags on friday.. It was a mad house but we went on some ride and eventually got our passes processed... We stayed to see the fireworks at 10 pm and while they were going off the boys go airbrushed tatoos - couldn't pass up the bargain of 4.50 for any size/color... I am just THE coolest mom! *L* Saturday Dilen got his yellow belt - teacher said his form was very good but he needs to get more serious and less goofy in class... Deven did wonderful at bowling... Karate starts again on the 22nd - Deven is only a high white and Dilen is one step up as a yellow - after this next session they are doing a short 6 week session which Deven will take alone (or Dilen can take for refresher only) so that he can catch up...

E took the boys with a friend on Sunday to Six Flags - they had a very good time and hit a bunch of rides...

E went to doc this past week for a physical and blood test results... Seems his drinking has really started to have an effect on him - liver numbers were over 300 and should be around 70... Other numbers were high too... At first he told me that doc said he needed to cut back to atleast 1/3 of his drinking otherwise he's not gonna last but 10 yrs... THEN he called me later and said the truth was he's in the beginnings of organ shut down from his drinking and has to take some med for 3 months and go back for a follow up... Ok am I supposed to be shocked cause I am not... I know this probably sounds heartless but I tried for years to get him to cut back or stop drinking but he didn't - he just got nastier and nastier with me to the point he's killed pretty much any feelings I had for him... Sadly I know he's not gonna cut back/stop drinking so his time on earth is gonna be pretty short and for the boys I am sad cause they do love their dad - but in a way I know our lives will be better eventually too...

You know a few months back I could have told you how much I hate him and how insane he makes me, etc... But I recently managed to find a peace in me and now there's only indifference to him... Life goes on... I guess it is true that the opposite of love ISN"T hate but indifference - hate indicates passion/feeling... The only thing of my entire adventure with E that I truely appreciate are the boys... A friend just found out she's pregnant and it was a woops, surprise!! As we were all congratulating her a couple ladies commented about their surprises and how now they couldn't imagine life without their newest addition - how true that is... Ethen was my woops and as I look at him I know he's here for a reason... He adds a sparkle of joy to our lives every day and I could't imagine him NOT being here...

Ok I guess I have rambled on enough for now... I really need to get some rest - the time change has really kicked my butt this week and I am soo tired... Til next time..

2006-03-31T14:04:00.000-05:00

OMG he's a fricking lunatic!!!! He just called me and said - "just for the record - no phone call I make other plans"... Ummmm ok but you have plans with the boys on Sunday - no they haven't called... WTF???!!!!! - Deven has talked to his dad twice about them going to Six Flags and E's talked to me a couple more times so how can he say they haven't talked to him to make plans??? The boys are even bringing a friend and they HAVE talked to E about it... You know I hate the games he plays - he's really really immature and in the end the boys are gonna be the ones to get short changed for now then in the future they are gonna see him for what he really is... It's sad too....

2006-03-31T12:55:00.000-05:00

YEAH it's FRIDAY!!!! Thank god too cause I need a day off - I have been dealing with trashing boxes of old filing and man I am ITCHY!! VERY VERY ITCHY!!! I hate paper mites!!! Atleast I am making progress on the job - just not as quickly as I would like but I am slightly at the mercy of others, slightly p.o'd cause the swing shift girl was supposed to be doing this for months now and hasn't done jack... But it's getting done FINALLY just slowly...

Tonight we are going to Six Flags for opening night!! The boys and I are excited.. Tomorrow is the final day of bowling and this round of Karate - Dilen gets his next belt or stripe - dunno for sure yet... Then we are doing the town egg hunt in the afternoon...

Sunday Asshat is taking the boys to Six Flags cause I got him a free ticket for the day... Of course he's being a jerk about who is supplying the $$ for food/games - ummmm you can do that asswipe - it's not like you do much else other then give me a hard time!! ANYWAY - remember his crap Weds during the day - and I commented he would be calling next day all cheerful like nothing had happened - if you placed bets that I was right you would be rich right now... That evening he called me to come pick up the child support and was all sweet and nice... Even yesterday a brief call was polite... He's just a major IDIOT I swear!! But great for the entertainment factor! *L*

My friend Skip passed away this morning - don't know much else yet... I just hope he's in a much better place... Til next time...

2006-03-29T14:10:00.000-05:00

This is VERY MUCH something that I could picture my kids doing! *L*

http://wcco.com/topstories/local_story_086201948.html

Boy, 3, Gets Stuck Inside Toy Vending Machine

(AP) Austin, Minn. Devin Haskin isn't the first little boy to find the inside of a toy machine too enticing to resist. When the 3-year-old Austin, Minn. boy crawled through the discharge chute of a Toy Chest claw machine at a Godfather's Pizza here, he ended up on the other side of the glass surrounded by stuffed animals. Rescuers had to pry the door open to get Devin out, though the boy was in no hurry to leave. "When we got it open, he didn't want to come out," Fire Chief Dan Wilson said Tuesday. "One of my firefighters had to reach inside and get him. He was happy in there." Two years ago, a boy crawled inside a toy machine at a Piggly Wiggly in Sheboygan, Wis., and was rescued with the help of a locksmith. Last year, a toddler climbed into a toy machine at a Wal-Mart in Elkhart, Ind. Workers used tools to free the boy. Ron Morocco, chief executive of Rock Management & Associates, a Spirit Lake, Iowa, company that owns the Godfather's restaurant in Austin, said the machine would be removed until the company talked to the manufacturer. "We're very happy the young boy wasn't hurt," he said. An official with Smart Industries Corp., a Des Moines company that makes the toy machine Devin crawled into, didn't immediately return a phone message Tuesday. To use the toy machine, a player tries to grasp stuffed animals and other toys behind the glass by manipulating overhead claws. Devin's mother, Heidi Haskin, declined to be interviewed Tuesday. Wilson said there was a lot of activity at Godfather's on Sunday when the boy got inside the machine. He estimated that 75 to 100 people were in the restaurant when rescuers arrived and that three birthday parties were taking place. But there was plenty of air in the machine and people were taking pictures of Devin. He said the gap Devin squeezed through was about 7 inches by 9 inches.

(© 2006 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

2006-03-29T12:25:00.000-05:00

Hey have I ever told y'all that E is an asshole??? YEAP He sure is!! Yesterday he is all nice and kind when he calls in the morning then in the afternoon after he's had a few he calls back and is giving me a hard time about Dilen saying he's not allowed to use the phone, there is no phone in his room anymore and he's not allowed in my room when I am not home... Ummmm he is free to use the phone to call, yes there IS a phone in his room (the jack is there) but we went cordless for $10 so the handset is usually in LR and no he's NOT allowed in my room when I am not home - rarely when I AM home for that matter - it's MY room - MY sancuary.... E then proceeds to attempt to ream me for all this - why weren't the kids kept out of the room when he was there and had that rule, what's so special about me? and tells me that as long as he's paying for things Dilen call him whenever on whatever he wants... Ummmm buddy your little chump change that you EVENTUALLY give me each month doesn't pay for everything - doesn't even come close - hell it doesn't even pay for Ethen's daycare in full so don't go tell me how I am going to run MY house.... I just hung up on him repeatedly (don't know it's him til I answer)... Well instead of getting the message that I will NOT be talked to/yelled at like that he calls back with MORE threats - 1st it's that he's gonna call my boss and the general, etc to get me in trouble and then later it's that he's not gonna pay me the support he agreed to (whatever I really don't count on it anyway!) to he's not gonna be taking the kids anywhere/coming to see them to telling me to NEVER call him again.... Hey if you are that ignorant enough to put the kids in the middle and "punish them" because you can't control me then you don't deserve to see them anyway! and hey no sweat off my back not calling you ever again but isn't funny that HE calls ME??? Just today he calls me here at office (AGAIN!) and asks if I am done being rude and am I going to apologize - ummm for what?? I didn't think I was being rude.... He says I was... Soo I very business like ask him - Is there something I can do for you?? He replies "I guess not" and hung up - haven't heard from him since!! YEAH!! Sadly though he will be calling me again tonight or tomorrow once he sobers up a bit and will act like all is well... WHATEVER!! I just continue to live on and make plans as if he doesn't exist!!! Of course it all makes for great entertainment here in the office! *LOL*

Sooo now that I am done with that vent I feel better... Now on to Dilen - who managed to get marked absent yesterday because apparently he dawdled long enough walking from cafeteria to room after breakfast to miss morning head count - although he claims he was in his room but teacher missed him... Who knows - maybe she did.... The boy DOES move slow as molasses some days.... Teacher didn't comment on it though....

We are gearing up for Friday evening - Six Flags opens and I am gonna take the boys!! We are all very excited to be going - I enjoy doing family type things like amusment parks with the boys now that they are older...

Well - I am busy busy here at work doing someone else's job - better get back to it!!! Til next time...

2006-03-28T12:45:00.000-05:00

Sooo I am sitting here talking with a co-worker... Another friend of ours that we would see and chat with daily hasn't been in for about 2 wks now... Last we heard directly from him was he didn't feel well, was in some pain and had a doc appt... We hadn't seen him since... Just found out he's NOT coming back - he has pancreatic cancer and probably WON"T make it the week... Just seems so unfair - he's a vibrant man who had plans of retiring before the year end...

God bless you Skip... {{HUGS}}

2006-03-28T10:04:00.000-05:00

Ohhh and Graceland is now a National Historic Landmark!! YEAH!! I soo want to go there someday with the boys - Deven has an interest in Elvis for some reason - I am thinking of getting him a couple of Elvis's CDs for his birthday...

2006-03-28T09:57:00.000-05:00

Kids' Music Soars to Top of Charts
Updated 9:31 AM ET March 28, 2006

The music industry increasingly looks to cash in on music made for children who are beyond Barney but not quite ready for Beyonce.

The top-selling Kidz Bop series offers kid-friendly versions of adult hits. Co-founder Cliff Chenfeld said the group has sold 7 million copies in less than five years. And he added that it's not just kids who are listening.

Disney's made-for-TV movie "High School Musical" is a runaway hit with children between ages 6 and 12 who have watched it multiple times. The soundtrack has spent five weeks on the Billboard Top 10.

"I think the music has to have somewhat of an appeal to the parents now," Chenfeld said. "We're kinda past the day where parents were kind of buying kids music, giving it to them and not even knowing what they're listening to."

And parents are one group still buying music on CDs, not just downloading it.

Climbing the Charts

This year album sales across the board are down about 2 percent. But children's music is on fire -- sales are up nearly 60 percent.

Ralph Covert used to play in a Chicago rock band. He still sells out at hip clubs, but his fan base is a whole lot younger.

"I'm not trying to dumb it down, you know?" Covert said. "In a sense, I'm trying to smarten it up. And the parents end up enjoying it as much as the kids."

Established musicians see a lucrative market. Parents who enjoy Jack Johnson have picked up his new "Curious George" soundtrack while shopping at Whole Foods. And folk singer Laurie Berkner's latest CD is on sale at Starbucks.

"In my car, I've got like five CDs," one parent told ABC News. "Four are Laurie Berkner CDs and one Springsteen CD."

And remember the '80s band Devo? Children of their fans can now listen to Devo 2.0, updated for young listeners.

"There's always kids," Chenfeld said, "and they always like music."

And, as long as the parents like it too, these albums are as good as gold.

ABC News' Kate Snow reported this story for "World News Tonight."

Yeap!! This is my life - we have Toddler Favorites, Dance in Your Pants, Veggie Tales and Winnie the Pooh music for our car!! Here I thought I was an odd duck because my kids listen to this instead of "today's" music.... Turns out I am in the "IN" crowd!! Wooo hoooo!!!

2006-03-26T16:59:00.000-05:00

While it's still not completely settled this was a great headline to read this afternoon -

Afghan Court Drops Case Against Christian
Updated 4:30 PM ET March 26, 2006
An Afghan court on Sunday dismissed a case against a man who converted from Islam to Christianity because of a lack of evidence and he will be released soon, officials said.
The announcement came as U.S.-backed President Hamid Karzai faced mounting foreign pressure to free Abdul Rahman, a move that risked angering Muslim clerics here who have called for him to be killed.
An official closely involved with the case told The Associated Press that it had been returned to the prosecutors for more investigation, but that in the meantime, Rahman would be released.
"The court dismissed today the case against Abdul Rahman for a lack of information and a lot of legal gaps in the case," the official said Sunday, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.
"The decision about his release will be taken possibly tomorrow," the official added. "They don't have to keep him in jail while the attorney general is looking into the case."
Abdul Wakil Omeri, a spokesman for the Supreme Court, confirmed that the case had been dismissed because of "problems with the prosecutors' evidence."
He said several of Rahman's family members have testified that the 41-year-old has mental problems. "It is the job of the attorney general's office to decide if he is mentally fit to stand trial," he told AP.
A Western diplomat, also declining to be identified because of the sensitivity of the case, said questions were being raised as to whether Rahman would stay in Afghanistan or go into exile in a foreign country.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said she could not confirm that an Afghan court had dismissed the case and stressed the U.S. needs to respect the sovereignty of Afghanistan, which she called a "young democracy."
"We have our history of conflicts that had to be worked out after a new constitution. And so the Afghans are working on it. But America has stood solidly for religious freedom as a bedrock, the bedrock, of democracy, and we'll see." Rice said Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press."
Asked if American Christian missionaries should be encouraged to go to Afghanistan, Rice said: "I think that Afghans are pleased to get the help that they can get" but added "we need to be respectful of Afghan sovereignty."
Rahman has been prosecuted under Afghanistan's Islamic laws for converting 16 years ago while working as a medical aid worker for an international Christian group helping Afghan refugees in Pakistan. He was arrested last month and charged with apostasy.
Muslim clerics had threatened to incite Afghans to kill Rahman if the government freed him. They said he clearly violated Islamic Shariah law by rejecting Islam.
The case against Rahman put Karzai in an awkward position.
While the U.S., Britain and other countries that prop-up his government have demanded the trial be dropped, Karzai has had to be careful not to offend Islamic sensibilities at home and alienate religious conservatives who wield considerable power.
Rahman had been held at a detention facility in central Kabul since his arrest, but he was moved to the notorious Policharki Prison just outside Kabul on Friday after threats were made against him by other inmates, prison warden Gen. Shahmir Amirpur told AP.
Policharki, a high-security prison housing some 2,000 inmates, including about 350 Taliban and al-Qaida militants who were blamed for inciting a riot there late last month that killed six people.
"We are watching him constantly. This is a very sensitive case so he needs high security," he said in an interview in his office in a crumbling building inside the jail.
Rahman is being held in a cell by himself next to the office of a senior prison guard, the warden said. He showed the AP the outside of Rahman's cell door, but refused to allow reporters to speak to him or see him.
He said Rahman had been asking guards for a Bible but that they did not have any to give him.
Rahman, meanwhile, said he was fully aware of his choice and was ready to die for it, according to an interview published Sunday in an Italian newspaper La Repubblica.
"I am serene. I have full awareness of what I have chosen. If I must die, I will die," Abdul Rahman told the Rome daily, responding to questions sent to him via a human rights worker who visited him in prison.
"Somebody, a long time ago, did it for all of us," he added in a clear reference to Jesus.
Rahman also told the Italian newspaper that his family including his ex-wife and teenage daughters reported him to the authorities three weeks ago.
He said he made his choice to become a Christian "in small steps," after he left Afghanistan 16 years ago. He moved to Pakistan, then Germany. He tried to get a visa in Belgium.
"In Peshawar I worked for a humanitarian organization. They were Catholics," Rahman said. "I started talking to them about religion, I read the Bible, it opened my heart and my mind."

Somehow I don't think it would have been good for anyone if the story had turned out any different....

2006-03-26T16:20:00.000-05:00

Sooo he's walking!!! He's still a little shakey but he's walking!! Next thing you know he'll be running marathons....

Dilen is sick today... Started last night when he threw up, then he had diarreah.... Today he had it so bad he messed himself trying to get to the bathroom... It reminds me a bit of the ROTAVIRUS smell - I have him on lockdown at home with a BRAT style diet.... and of course doing lots of laundry and LYSOL spraying... Yesterday morning Dilen tested for his yellow belt in karate... I think he did very well but we won't know if he got a yellow or a double high white til next week.... Next week is the last week of karate for Dilen and bowling for Deven... Speaking of bowling Deven did very well with a 71 this week - this year he's been bowling without the bumpers and honestly he's been doing pretty good... After next Saturday we are off for a couple weeks then the boys will start up karate again on Saturdays....

Not too much else going on.... I am back on the weight watching wagon so to speak... I fell off HARD back in early Feb when Ethen got sick and I have GOT to get back on and quickly... We shall see how it goes... Now that I am making progress in the house I am going to take a little time for ME in the evenings... Plus the weather is getting nicer so we can go for a nice walk when I get home from work.... I am sitting here at the office goofing off so I better get moving on my to do list... Til next time...

2006-03-23T15:51:00.000-05:00

Ethen has a molar!!! And we have another coming in on the other side... He's growing WAY too fast.... and while we are on the tooth topic - I cracked my bridge last night so I need to call dentist - it's only a temporary one that was put in 2.5 yrs ago *blush* I hope they still have the permanent one... add to that I have been having these funny tooth pains like I have a cavity or something on a couple teeth UGH!! I am so NOT having fun... Other than all that things are going well.. Ethen is starting to walk - he's taking more and more steps on his own and he loves to push around his walker/push toys... We haven't been too sick lately and the atmosphere is calm... Things are good... Til next time...

2006-03-23T15:18:00.000-05:00

And of course there is this incentive to get up for work each day - 100-year-old decides it’s time to retire - L.A. transit worker missed just one day of work in 75 years

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11964284/ My god I can't even imagine working another 22 years or so here and retiring at age 59 let alone being 100 and still working every day! God bless him!!!

2006-03-23T15:13:00.000-05:00

Ya ever wonder what this world is coming to??? Here's an interesting article I found on MSNBC --
Mississippi outlaws s*x toys (Dan Abrams)

There is a landmark legal battle of constitutional proportions being fought down in Mississippi. It involves fundamental rights protected by the First and Fourteenth Amendments, not to mention the rights of certain small business owners to satisfy their customers. This week, another court refused to recognize Mississippians’ right to find companionship for 29.99 and so a law outlawing the sale of s*x toys will stand.
“A person commits the offense of distributing unlawful s*xual devices when he knowingly sells, advertises, publishes or exhibits to any person any three-dimensional device designed or marketed as useful primarily for the stimulation of human g*nital organs or offers to do so or possesses such devices with the intent to do so.”
Well, I am glad to see that the local legislators are focusing on the most pressing issues of the day. I’ve long believed that a three-dimensional, possibly battery-operated device is far more menacing than a handgun. In Mississippi, people can buy guns at a gun show with no background check and certain weapons can be carried almost anywhere. Sure, guns and toys can bring joy and a sense of comfort to the user, but apparently the legislators concluded that a g*nital replica is a far greater threat to society.
This, from a state that levies only an 18-cent tax on cigarettes, 55 cents below the national average and where 62 percent of residents are overweight, making it the fattest state in the country. Yet still the public schools don’t make gym class compulsory. Mississippi’s laws would make you believe s*x is the single greatest threat to public safety and well-being. After all, it’s illegal in Mississippi to have s*x with someone you’re not married to or to live with someone other than your spouse.
Both can result in a $500 fine and six months in jail. And men are not permitted to be @roused in public. But at least good people are protected from the disfigurement that could result from an accidental electrical overload from a defective toy.
Georgia and Texas have passed similar bans and courts have repeatedly ruled the legislators have the power to do it. I guess the Second Amendment doesn’t say anything about the right to bear a stimulation device.
But the s*x activists are not closing up shop in the South Pole just yet. They formed a lobbying group based in Florida called the National Alliance of Adult Trade Organizations or NAATO. Not, of course, to be confused with the other NATO, which is based in Brussels.
I don’t mean to pick on Mississippi. I love the state and the people, but I just don’t get why the legislators are fighting so hard for this law. We’re talking about adults here. It’s not that I really care about ensuring that these toys are ready accessible. Really. It’s just that you have to wonder, is one of these toys really a greater threat to the community than what real live people do to each other every day?

Edited to discourage perv searches.... Still strikes me that sometimes we have the oddest values and pre-occupations in this country....

2006-03-13T15:09:00.000-05:00

Well I have managed to get quite a bit of housework started... I have managed to fold, sort and hang all but 1 bucket of clothes and I have a bucket ready to be donated.. We got the tarp covering over the mudroom roof as a fix for the leaks and it works well!! I started to clean the boys room too!!! Slowly but surely I am making progress... E is still a MAJOR asshole - how can ANY ONE talk nicely to me and then call me back an hour later screaming at me and expect me to be nice and kind and lovely to him??? THEN he calls back later and acts like nothing is wrong... I am soo over that!!!! ESP after he's called my job REPEATEDLY and aggrevates me and keeps calling back - tells me his main goal for the day is to get me FIRED!! Now I give him ONE call - if he starts his crap then after I hang up if he calls back again I will hang up IMMEDIATELY after seeing it's his number on the caller id!!! I am just soooo behind letting him get to me MOST days.... Yesterday he couldn't manage to go buy diapers, wipes and maybe a can of formula to deal w/the baby all day!!! I had sent 2 bottles and he managed to drink them by 11 am (still working on that one cause he never does that at home or sitter!) then we forgot to give him diapers... Do you think he figured out that he could go to store and buy a small pack??? NOOOO He calls me to give me crap!!! I just went and got the baby and took back to my mom for the afternoon - quieter that way... I think even Deven is starting to see things as they are cause he didn't want to go with Daddy this weekend... Stayed home with my mom yesterday by request!!

The weather is turning nice again and I am looking forward to opening up the windows and just sweeping the whole house out!!! Work is good and I have gotten back on the diet/healthly living wagon.. I really need to drop about 30 lbs... HOPEFULLY I can do that before June... Just gonna take things one day at a time... Well it's time go get Ethen - WHO is starting to walk!!! He is taking more and more unassisted steps and he can crawl UP on the couch and is so proud of himself!!! I even caught him trying to climb ON his Intellitable with a big grin on his face!! Silly boy!!! Ok time to head out - I need to stop at the store quickly on my way to get Ethen... Til next time....

2006-03-06T14:51:00.000-05:00

Eric is an asshole, Ethen is doing ok at the new daycare, bigger boys are doing well - I have a teacher conference for Dilen on Thurs - asking for Child Study eval... I am doing ok - finally back on my meds on a daily basis and starting to feel a BIT better... Work is good... Eric is an asshole... Boys need haircuts - taking them tonight - hopefully pics tomorrow... Almost time to go... {{HUGS}} Til next time...

2006-02-19T14:55:00.000-05:00

It's been a long week - Ethen was cleared for general population and started at the daycare on base here Thursday morning - he seemed to really like it up til about 2:30 when they called for me to go get him cause he was 101... ARGGGGGGGGG he's been spiking up to 103 and I have been giving him motrin/tylenol to keep the fever down all weekend... Looks like HOPEFULLY just a nasty head cold... I took him for follow up blood work Friday afternoon.. While I was there I also had the older boys done as I have been holding scripts for some routine blood work since their physicals in Sept... Mom and I took them over and I took them into the lab one at a time starting with Dilen who I knew would be my hardest customer... Sure enough once he found out what was going on he started to verbally protest and gave a little struggle while I held him on my lap but we got the blood drawn fairly quickly.... Took him out to the van and brought in Deven - I was worried he would put up a fight too cause when he was about 2 he gave major fight over some blood work but he didn't make a peep - was very calm and cooperative.. I was SOOOOO proud of him... Then it was Ethen turn - he fussed a bit but seeing how he was sitting up this time on my lap he put up less fight then he did in hospital where he was laying down... So it took about 40 min including all the paperwork and we were done and on our way... I stopped at KFC to treat the boys as a reward because I hadn't told them a single thing til we were going in to the room - sneaky but the best way to deal with with my boys... Today the older ones are with Daddy and Ethen is home resting w/my mom... I'll be leaving work in about 30-60 min to enjoy a quiet evening home with mom and the little guy.... Til next time...

2006-02-15T15:52:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was an entire year I haven't smoked... Still doesn't seem possible - I miss smoking now and again but honestly I am finding it a distant memory that I was a smoker.... Well except for the extra 15 lbs I now carry.. UGH!!! But anyway - here's to a longer life... The best part was having Deven tell me he was never gonna smoke.... Til next time...

2006-02-14T09:54:00.000-05:00

HAPPY VD!!!!!

Ok so it's really Happy Valentine's Day!!! *L* I hope everyone has a lovely day!!!

Ethen is healthy and cleared for day care - I am going to aim for Thursday to start.... Not much else going on today so far.... Just trying to catch up on the mess on my desk..... Til next time....

2006-02-13T12:56:00.000-05:00

Ok first I need to adjust my spelling - it was a ROTAVIRUS not ROTO - ehhh 6 of one, half dozen of the other... ANYWAY!! Ethen was discharged late afternoon Weds and we went to doc Thurs afternoon for a re-check/follow up.... It was touch and go on him that first night but he managed to make some progress before the doc appt so we didn't have to go back in... This virus is especially ugly this yr... Saturday there were 25 kids in the ER w/it and while we were up on the Pedi ward a couple of kids were discharged and came right back again the next day... I will say that it's a very very distinguishing odor involved and it's definately one you will NEVER forget... But we are just THRILLED to be on the road to recovery again... We have a follow up follow up appt this afternoon to see when we can rejoin the general population and start over at the center on base.... Yes, we have given up on the home care providers and are going to use the center on base.... I am pleased with what I have seen of the room he will be in and I just feel better about it... The last lady he was at the 3 days before he got sick just didn't give me a warm fuzzy from the $$$ issues to the fact that quite possibly he got sick from her place/under her care..... He wasn't really feeling her and I wasn't really feeling her.... Plus she seems to have some health issues of her own and will be needing medical care that will require her to be closed for an extended amount of time in the near future... *sigh* I am tired - it's been a long and exhausting journey for sure!!!!

On happier notes - we are all doing pretty well although the boys are still a bit off schedule and it will be a bit before we are back on track again... Overall things are good - we got about 16 inches of snow over the weekend and I look forward to throwing the boys out in it for a bit this afternoon... Tomorrow is Valentine's Day and it's my one year anniversary since I stopped smoking - we are gonna do something special for that - not sure what yet but we are going to celebrate - the boys and I....

Not too much else to report - I need to get my desk straightened up so I can head out door in a bit for doc appt... Til next time...

2006-02-07T18:43:00.000-05:00

Ethen is sick and has been in hospital since Sunday - he has a/the ROTO Virus which is a NASTY NASTY intestinal virus.... Hopefully he comes home tomorrow - I'll fill in more later... Gotta head back to sit w/my baby... Til next time...

2006-01-30T14:22:00.000-05:00

SOOOO it was a semi long and ever so slightly productive weekend... I didn't do TOOO much cause I had the baby but I got a little bit done... I am tired and achy from NOT going to the gym so tonight it's back to the treadmill for me... Trying to decide on if I am going to get myself a Gazelle or not to work out at home... E is being E but not overly annoying this weekend... That in itself is just a tad scarey! *L*

Now Ethen on the other hand is going to drive me INSANE!!! He is obviously suffering from separation anxiety and SCREAMS anytime I am not in his immediate sight AND touch line.... He's fine if I drop him off to sitter but other then that he's a real pistol lately.... Add to that Deven is slightly unstable and manic and Dilen really needs to be evaluated to see just how out of control his moods/activity are and I am exhausted... The good news is that I am FINALLY starting to get my chin above water though and I am paying off some bills.... YEAH!!!!!! Slowly by surely I am catching up.... Well the boss when home cause his kids are sick so I am gonna boogie out early myself... Til next time...

2006-01-27T14:48:00.000-05:00

SOOO the van FINALLY passed inspection and I am good til end of Sept 07!! YEAH!!!!! Miraculously after adding a bit of oil as it was low the heat is even working well again.... That van is a real POS but I am stuck w/it for a few more years...

Annie was good last night considering it was opening night AND it was a middle school production... We had a nice time although we got home a bit later then I would have liked and the boys were tired and whiney last night... Dilen carried his whine over to this morning UGH!!!! We have Deven's pdoc appt today and I will be bringing up Dilen's behavior too to see what the doc thinks....

Not too much else going on.... Well there was the call from Dev's school nurse about the bites on his face... Don't know what to tell you lady - bugs LOVE Deven and he's been outside alot lately since the weather has been warm... It was THE oddest call - like she was fishing for info on us or something... Basically ended w/her saying "well they aren't bothering him so he doesn't have to come home but if they get worse you might want to have them checked out" Gee THANKS lady I hadn't thought about that!!! Besides the fact I have talked to Dev's pedi about the way bugs LOVE him and he's just one of those types of people... It could be because of the medications he's on but I don't know... Guess I will have to really watch my back cause the call just seemed off..... UGH more crap to deal with.... Well til next time....

2006-01-26T15:00:00.000-05:00

It's been a busy busy month for sure... Ethen has dealt w/the stomach bug, a cold, start of another ear infection and a cold again.... He's been cranky and clingy but overall such a joy... I am still going to the gym although I need to work out a schedule/time line for my days in general... Work is work but I have been keeping busy... Deven has been off the wall and I really think he needs a med change or adjustment... Little things like Dilen winning by a small amount in bowling has him flipping out... We got Friday to the pdoc to discuss things.. Dilen is starting to have more and more mood swings and anger issues... Not sure what the deal is with him but his talking all the time and manic activity are growing so I will be commenting to pdoc about him - it might be time for a full school eval and meds.... Otherwise he's good too!! Deven is bowling w/the school again this year and Dilen is doing karate - Deven really just can't handle both so he's sacrificing karate for a session... Tonight we are going to see the school production of ANNIE and we are excited about it... Not much else happening - all else has been fairly calm and quiet... Til next time...

2006-01-12T14:42:00.000-05:00

So it's Thurs and I am a little tired, a tad achy in the hip area and hungry... I have been behaving myself and sticking to the Weight Watchers Points as well as possible... But there are moments when I find myself hungry... I just grab another water instead of eating something... Co-worker gave me the starter kit to look thru and a few things to keep... Should help... I forced myself to go to gym last night even though it was just after 8, I was tired and the baby was CRANKY!!! Actually mom shooed me out cause I was getting a bit frustrated w/the baby.... Well not exactly with him but SOMETHING was bothering him and I couldn't figure out why he was cranky and I guess basically I felt helpless I couldn't sooth him... I went to gym and got on treadmill for 33 min... It's a 3 min warm up and a 30 min program - supposed to be a 5 min cool down but they were closing... I like the pre-programmed things in the treadmill but the machine kept telling me to slow down... *LOL* So far this week I have put in 80 MINUTES (oops hrs was a typo - I am NOT Superwoman!) of exercise - I think that's AWESOME for me - I just need to be sure to keep it up... Tonight I am gonna see about trying the elliptical machine - I understand that is more of a total body work out as opposed to the walking on tread... Well it's almost time to go home - wooo hoooooo - til next time....

2006-01-11T13:00:00.000-05:00

I am feeling sort of blah and icky lately... In a dark funk and just tired and frustrated... and for once it isn't even cause of E.... Maybe it's the weather or time of year - not sure but just having one of those moments... I am shorter w/the boys and things like mom clinking dishes as she washes them behind me drives me to want to scream at her STOP!!!! Ethen has been a little fussy in the afternoons - he's teething AGAIN and this time it's not going as smoothly as the last 8 teeth... All he wants is to be held and I just want to have a little quiet... The boys are just boys and for the most part they are good - but they do things like sneak all the fruit snacks in the am and eat them all or they get up early and play the Xbox before school KNOWING that is NOT allowed... OR Deven plays football in the hall when I ask and then tell him REPEATEDLY not to do that.... Nothing out of the ordinary - just normal things were they are constantly testing me and lately I end up screaming at them which I HATE HATE HATE... I know some of it is my own fault - I stopped taking my meds - well today I started them again... and I am working on my self image - I started going to gym each evening and I am doing Weight Watchers Points (on my own in a modified version but serious about it) - I want to drop atleast 25 lbs by Easter - which is doable - I just have to stick with it - and everytime I look in the mirror I get my motivation to stick with it.... UGH!!!

Then there is my message boards... I honestly only hang out on two that I have any real attachment to - my April 05 one at BB.net and my Oct 99 one at TPP... Both have had their share of turmoil and drama but seem to have lasting power... ESP the Oct 99 one - we have been together for 7 yrs now and I have met many of the gals in person and plan to attend another meet this summer... Well the site we are at is closing down after next month so we are looking at moving again... The whole subject brings up the pain and drama of the last move when we left Ivillage/Parents Place... Man I got my ass bit off that time and ok maybe I wasn't the most emotionally detached but I was wrung thru the ringer.... I guess the hurt is still not completely scabbed over cause it's been brought back to the surface with the news of our current site closing down... Someone commented about the current group leaders doing sooo much to keep us together and man that just made me feel like crap - forgotten and unappreciated.... Then again I do little more then lurk since all the drama and I am sure I could be missing for a couple weeks and not missed... Common sense tells me I am being too sensitive and overly dramatic but I am having a major WOE IS ME day...... OH well - gotta just keep moving on.... A friend just reminded me that while it's not right - the people most visually in the leader position get all the credit and past leaders are forgotten and it's true.... Those directly in the line of fire at the moment get all the credit or all the crap.... I guess that's why it's lonely at the top.... Ok enough wallowing... Others have it far worse then I.... It's off to nibble on lunch... Til next time....

PS. If you managed to read all of this post and follow my train of thought you can have the extra brownies that are no longer allowed at my house! *L* You earned them - just come and get them!!!

2006-01-08T10:59:00.000-05:00

SHHHH it's sooo nice and quiet here in the office.... E has the boys since yesterday - the bigger ones anyway... Ethen is home w/my mom snotty and coughing but fairly happy most of the time and I am here at the office relaxing... I need this quiet - I need to recharge my brain as I fear I am totally losing it....

The dumpster for the housing area is just over a block away - not much distance but more then enough when you have a bag or two of trash to carry so we have been putting it in or on the van and stopping by the dumpster on our way out somewhere... I have a bad habit of forgetting that I have it on the van's roof and well it falls off somewhere long my travels! *LOL* Ok so it's funny - the 1st time or two but when it happens 4 or 5 times it becomes a concern - how is it that in the span of less then a couple minutes I forget the trash??? What is going on that I can't remember something so simple as to STOP and put the trash in the dumpster??? I put it ON the van, mom puts it IN the van... I tend to remember it was on the van when I reach the office - like today so now I need to go backtrack and find it completely EMBARASSED!!! Mom puts it IN the van (although usually she is the one that drops it off but sometimes I am the one driving) and I once found/remembered the bag when I had COMPLETED grocery shopping and opened the side door to put the bags of groceries in.... ARRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG I guess I REALLY REALLY need a vacation... and if any of you see a trash bag on the side of the road this week - it probably WAS mine! *LOL* Til next time....

2006-01-05T09:20:00.000-05:00

All quiet on the western front.... Boys are in school although Deven has this just woke up/still sleepy look - I do hope he's not getting sick... He was home yesterday and vegged in bed almost all day... Dilen has been super whiney but he DOES go to school - just whines the whole time he's getting ready... The van is still acting odd - I no longer have the delay on cold/wet days for the radio but the heat still doesn't blow warm - it's almost like something isn't quite connected right... I ordered new plugs and the cat today... Have to go fail inspection one more time tomorrow then next weekend I will put the parts in and hopefully pass once and for all... We just need to get thru another year w/this van... If I pass inspection I will be good til Sept 2007 - I don't plan on having the van still by then... Everyone keep their fingers crossed for us....

Now can I ask you all about name brand vs generic foods??? Kraft makes Mac N Cheese - it's the cheesiest right??? Deven will NOT eat it - argues with me it's not the right stuff - same with their Easy Mac - he wants Express Mac - the ALDI's version.... I LOVE my children I really do - and even more so when they DON"T want the more pricey stuff - can you imagine arguing w/your child that you are trying to feed them the better version and they want the generic??? It just struck me as sooo odd.... But my wallet loves it! *L*

A quick Ethen update before I go - he's clapping with a little yeah!! He's cruising like crazy and stands for small bits of time without hold on to anyone/thing... He even said Mama too but not consistently... He's a little stinker for sure but such a joy - now if someone could PLEASE PLEASE convince him that we don't wake up til atleast 6 or 6:30!!!! *yawn*

Well it's off to work on timecards - til next time....

2006-01-03T13:12:00.000-05:00

OMG he's totally INSANE!! He calls me and is nice and apologizes for being so heartless and callous on Sunday and expects me to jump for joy and be all happy and sappy??? BAHAHAHAHAHAHA I sooo want to be on his planet!!! Says he broke his finger - a hairline fracture and all they can do is tape it.... OH poor baby - I hope he didn't expect any sympathy from me....

I have a headache - it's pouring outside since yesterday.... The boys were slightly grumpy this morning and Dilen gave me a heard time about going to school.... CRAP I think forgot to give Deven his meds this morning... UGH he should be bouncing around about now..... Oh well....

Ok I am going to finish up a few things and then leave in about an hr.... Til next time....

2006-01-02T12:38:00.000-05:00

New Year's was nice... we had a nice little spread, the boys crashed around 10:10 and were out cold... I went to bed at 10:40 and slept!!! Sunday I came to work only to leave 3 hrs later cause asshat was at it again.... AFTER calling my cell at 1am which I totally missed he called the house phone waking me and Dilen at 3am and 3:30am.... It was be here by 8:30 SHARP or don't bother - we were 6 min late - FUCK HIM!! Then it was "what time are you coming to get them?" then it was I was cutting into his time by coming at 4 - well then don't ask me when I am coming - tell me when you want me to get them!!! Then it was come get them they aren't listening, then it was don't bother they don't want to go home cause they are scared of G'ma and I am keeping them because your mother touched them (My mom was joking and tugged their hair saying her dad used to hit heads together - at total JOKE and the boys were told that but Deven knows just how to play his dad!) and of course add in - I am calling CPS on you for abuse, and then he wanted to swap Xboxes - NO WAY JOSE!!! The boys were given that Xbox to prevent you from controlling it and them - why would I give you a BRAND NEW ONE for your OLD ONE??? Kiss off buddy!!! and it goes on and on.... The man is a complete idiot I swear!!!! Best thing I ever did was get rid of him.... Now to stay strong and learn to ignore him for the most part - problem is I don't trust him - don't trust him at all!!! Til next time...

2005-12-31T20:31:00.000-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

We are having a lovely little party.... I made a hoard of horderves for dinner - we had dogs in croissant rolls, hot crab dip w/triskets, chips and dip, breaded mushrooms, mozz sticks and onion rings... I got us party hats, blower horn thingies, confetti and a little bottle of champagne.... Mom is snoozing on the couch, Ethen is sleeping, the boys are running wild in the hall and I am struggling to stay awake... We just have to last 2 more hours - just 2 more hours... at 10:30 we will raise a ruckus along w/my fellow Newfoundlanders and then it's off to bed.... Real party animals aren't we???

E gave me a major rash of shit today... The boys lost the Xbox cause they almost broke a toy of Ethen's, E tried to tell me they were NOT grounded from the Xbox and he was coming to get them cause I was being mean and rude to them... EXCUSE ME??? YOU have NO RIGHT to tell me how to discipline the boys and you most certainly do NOT have any control over the Xbox - you bought them an extra controller and memory card today that's YOUR problem buddy - no one asked you to!!!! THEN he asked again if I wanted to go out tonight with him.... Man what fucking world does he live on??? I want tickets to that show for sure!!! The asshat really boils my blood some days but my new resolve for the new year is to just let it flow over me.... He gave me crap the other day too - the boys weren't feeling well on Monday, Wednesday they had school friends over - they have been asking for weeks now... He was pissed I didn't give him first crack at them if they were better and threatened to come get them even if they did have company... Then he went on about some vacation/visitation crap - yes you have liberal visitation but it's also supposed to be REASONABLE - last minute just to piss me off is NOT reasonable you asshat!!! Then he had the nerve to ask me if I wanted to go out with him tonight..... Tonight's conversation ended with me telling him to stop calling ME and harrassing ME - he was free to call the boys but not me.... He made some comment about stopping him - he could call ME all he wanted.... I told him if I had to I would get a restraining order if I had to... His adult reply - "Then I will never see the children again" and he hung up.... I am assuming he passed out cause he hasn't called back thank god!!!

The boys and I are going to work on being a better, calmer family unit and do more fun things together and be more organized in general... I need to work on a chore and reward system for them.....

For now I will nurse my Jack and Coke and veg in front of the tv..... Out with the bad and in with the better!! HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!! Til next time...

Christmas 2005

2005-12-26T10:42:00.000-05:00

Here's a little summary of Christmas 2005 for us... not necessarily in chronological order as the immediately above pic is from Weds night when we did the tree and the very first pic is the last taken yesterday but still a good summary!! HAPPY HOLIDAYS to you all!!!!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!!!!!!

2005-12-25T12:34:00.000-05:00

2005-12-23T11:26:00.000-05:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS - HAPPY HOLIDAYS -

SOOO I am done with shopping - just have to pick up a couple pr of thermal/pj thingies at KidCity today and of course WRAP!!!! WOOOOO HOOOOOO and THANK YOU to my guardian angels that helped out a bit...

We put up Bruce the Spruce (George - the real tree - got the flu shot this yr and couldn't make it but he sent his cousin Bruce in a neat little box! *LOL*)... We just need to decorate tonight... I made a bunch of Nutter Butter Santa cookies for the kids to take to school and candy cane reindeer.... Mom made cookies for the office (aka my Boss! *L*) and the bus driver... The teachers and aides got Xmas Trees made from Star Shaped Sugar Cookie cutouts... They came out ok - not as great at Food TV but still looked cute.... I just hope that everyone liked them...

Home Depot held a workshop a couple weeks ago at the Y and E volunteered for it so the boys went and Dilen made a bird house for the neighbor, we have a bird feeder for us, Deven make himself a CD box and we have a train bank that Deven made.... I am finally feeling the holiday spirit just in time for the holiday... I am off for 2 whole days and looking forward to just relaxing at home!!! Well lunch is here and then it's early release.... Til next time.... HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!

2005-12-21T13:52:00.000-05:00

HAPPY WINTER!!! It's the first official day of winter and brrrrr it's definately chilly out!

and in other news -- MEN SUCK!!!!!

E giving me a hassle AGAIN soooo I decided - screw him!!! I spent a bit more then I really should have and got each boy an item of their list even though he had already got Dilen the Optimus Prime Transformer that was SUPPOSED to be from Santa... Well it will be from whoever at E's place cause he wanted to give me a hard time today so I just spent $$ I didn't have and took care of the boys myself (isn't Xmas all about over extending yourself anyway??)... He actually even threatened to tell them there is no Santa!! Oh I am fuming - totally fuming!!! Anyway - boys are FINALLY taken care of - I just need to exchange some pj's and we are done... Well there are still tons of crafty/cooking things to do but shopping is done... YEAH!!!!! Sooo it's off to make my list and get ready to head home and start cleaning/cooking/crafting!!! Til next time!!

2005-12-19T15:37:00.000-05:00

Can we say SCREWED boys and girls??? That's S-C-R-E-W-E-D... Used in a sentence - Santa is sooo screwed cause he can't find ANYTHING on one particular 8 yo's list....

Oh wait - there are 2 items in the online store.... ARRGGG they are SOLD OUT!!!! Well I still have three more places to check before I fully give in!!! Til next time...

2005-12-18T11:45:00.000-05:00

Perhaps I am partially to blame....

Bipolar
You scored 61% depression and 53% mania!

You are bipolar.There are different types of bipolar disorder, of which I am not very experienced, but I will tell you what I know. Type I is the most serious one, with mania and depression, being both quite serious. Type II, with hypomania (a milder mania) and depression. Type III is usually called cyclothymia, with mild episodes of depression and mania. Bipolar disorder affects around 1% of US citizens (statistics made in the US). From my own experience I know this is a difficult disease to cope with, which can be said for many reasons: the sudden changes of mood, the highs of the manic phases and the lows of the depressive ones... Plus, most psychiatrists agree that one is a bipolar for life, since there is no cure for it, only a stabilizing treatment. Wait, this is no reason to go kill yourself... I'll tell you my own opinion: the best thing to do is to see a psychiatrist if you haven't done it yet, and then follow the treatment. I mean, I sincerely prefer following a lifelong treatment than being so ill, being hospitalized or even killing myself. There is always someone who loves us, we have to stay here. Please. Usual treatment is a mood stabilizer, the most used thereof being lithium, even though some psychiatrists prefer using the milder valproate. Lithium is not so evil as it is usually painted, of course it has a couple side effects, but even a simple aspirin does. It requires periodical takings of blood: after a while you will get used to it. If you are on a depressive phase you might as well have to take mild antidepressants. A well-led psychotherapy can also do some good. For more information you can check this site: http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.bipolar.html And I extremely recommend this one forum to Italian-speaking people: http://www.freeforumzone.com/viewforum.aspx?f=43204

Or maybe it just rubbed off from asshat! BAHAHAHAHA

Holiday preparations continue at a SLOW pace but they are continuing... Til next time...

2005-12-06T13:22:00.000-05:00

Arrggggggg the father of my sons is a complete and TOTAL ASS sometimes.... I swear!!!! He actually gigged his child support payment $10 for the money he gave me at Karate this week to register the boys for the next session - TEN DOLLARS!!!! Ok not a bunch but hey that's almost 1/2 tank of gas in the van!!!! THEN he is being a twit about helping out with Xmas gifts/$$ and had the f'ing nerve to tell me he was going to sign away his rights to the kids - like that's going to stop him from having to support them!!!! GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR I just LOVE having such warm, fulfilling conversations in the morning after he's already managed to polish off atleast a pint of vodka and 24 oz of beer and I am struggling to get the boys ready for school and myself together for work.... Now watch - he will call tonight or first thing in the morning when he's sober or semi sober and be all sweet as punch again!!!! Lord grant me the serenity to deal with him!!!! I am trying to just keep smiling and swimming....

He took the boys overnight this weekend and they are still not calmed down - even the baby has been restless at night and waking up a bit more then usual.... Just as I get them calmed down it will start all over again cause he will have them for a visit again this weekend....

BUT on a happy note - I had a dream that Ethen was walking... He was just sooo cute too - just a little itty bitty thing toddling along.... The scarey part is that it's not gonna be just a dream for long - the boy soo wants to MOVE!!!!

Shoot I am so tired suddenly today I just lost my thought - I'll come back later to finish... Well til next time....