What's the recipe for your personality??

The Recipe For Rhonda

3 parts Desire 2 parts Fascination 1 part Impishness Splash of Imagination Finish off with whipped cream

What's the Recipe for Your Personality?

What a year we've had!!!

It's been a big year for us. First we got to meet Mickey Mouse and all his friends at Disney World. We got to meet Curious George at the zoo (we stood in line to meet George for a lot longer than we had to wait for Mickey!!) and Alex got his picture on Times Square for the New York Buddy Walk.

My friend Laura Q was kind enough to snap a shot of it as it whizzed past on the Jumbo Tron. I love it, as I was so disappointed to not make the big trip to the big city!!! So here it is, in all it's glory!!!

Guess what I got for Christmas????

If you guessed a guitar and some M&M's (note the chocolate mustache and beard) you are correct.

Merry Christmas from my little Guitar Hero!!!

For my dear friend Annette

heaven will receive a beautiful angel and we on earth are losing a beautiful friend! I know that you are surrounded by beauty and light.

Until we meet again........

Another Fun Christmas Poll

You know I'm gonna tag you Christine!!!!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both

2. Real tree or Artificial? I prefer real, but we have an artificial

3. When do you put up the tree? Usually by 2nd week of Dec

4. When do you take the tree down? As soon after the 25th as I can

5. Do you like egg nog? ohhh yeah

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Easy Bake Oven

7. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes

8. Hardest person to buy for? Steve

9. Easiest person to buy for? Alex

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? snail mail

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Hmmm I don't recall

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? A Christmas Story

13. When do you start shopping? Way too late

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? No

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Ham and Christmas cookies, no not together!

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? clear

17. Favorite Christmas song? Hark the Herald Angels Sing

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Home

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Yes

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel Bear

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Morning

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? The messy slushy snow while shopping

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Country looking

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Ham

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? Leather Jacket

OK.... tag you're it!!! Christine, Jan, Tara Marie

Tagged by my Favorite Utah gal!

You can go visit her here.

What is your favorite thing about the holiday season?
Seeing all the decorations go up, whether it's at the stores or work or home.

What is your favorite holiday memory?
Santa Claus would always bring us these huge red apples! Yes we had apples alot and we even had apple trees, but those big shiny red apples were my favs!

What is the best gift you ever gave?
I'll have to think on that one!

What is the best gift you've ever received?
An Easy Bake Oven!!! LOL no one of the originals... the ones that could burn your house down.. no safety codes back then! I loved it.

What is your secret holiday wish this year?
Now if I tell, it won't be a secret

I really like Alex's new doctor

WOW! Talk about putting a new perspective on things! I think we needed to change immunologist and I think we waited too long. Our old Doc just gave up on Alex. He wasn't looking to find any new treatments or options etc. This new guy is so enthusiastic about finding something to help Alex, it's amazing how much my attitude has changed.

We're upping Alex's IV dose and doing it every 3 weeks instead of 4. After December, we'll more than likely go to the subcutaneous IG rather than the IV. It is once a week, but less traumatic and less time off of work. We can actually do it ourselves at home if we want.

This is the first time in over a year that I don't feel like my child will be dead in two years. I know he can't cure Alex, but it sure is dang nice to have someone at least fight!

Thank God for the doctors who still give a damn!!!

UGH! Another short bus reference!

I love Sell This House on A & E. I've watched it for the past couple of years. But today I was blown away, when during the episode, the homeowner said "yeah it turned out short bus yellow" WTF??? I couldn't believe that they left the comment in. So off I head to my computer to shoot an email to A & E. So I searched for the episode and what did I find??? Holy Cow! They actually quoted the lady on their website!!! Like she offered up some kind of profound wisdom!!!

You can read the offensive episode description here. If you would like to email A & E, you'll find them here feedback@aetv.com. I also managed to find Tanya Memme's email addy, so I thought what the hell, I'll fire one off to her too. If you're gonna throw your big ole ta ta's around like someone important, you better be ready to take the heat! TanyaMemme@gmail.com

I also emailed the ARC and NDSS. I tried that the last time I heard a nasty remark made in a TV show, but I got little response. But hey I try!

Shame on you Sell This House. Shame on you A & E TV!!! May your show get cancelled and they replace you with Danny Bonaduce!!! Now that's karma baby!!!

Halloween Tag

From Christine....

What was your favorite Halloween costume as a child?

My mom actually had a poodle skirt from her high school days, so my friends and I dressed up as 50's girls.


What was your least favorite Halloween costume as a child?

We use to have to wear those store boughten costumes, the one with the plastic masks and a little slit in the mouth so you could breathe. I don't remember which one I picked, but I remember it being cold out and yet sweating behind the mask... yuck!


What was your favorite Halloween candy as a kid? Is it still your favorite?

Any chocolate bars. Next came Smarties and bubble gum. My brothers and I use to swap for the candy we liked. Sometimes we got a huge full sized candy bar or money!!! I still love Snickers and Baby Ruths!

How old were you when you stopped trick-or-treating? Do you miss it?

The last time was the poodle skirt and I think we were 13. We had a blast.

What's the scariest movie you've ever seen?

Hmmmm..... The Omen, I know there's others, but I can't think of them... I'm not into the Halloween ones etc. I don't much care for the slasher movies either.

And - have you ever dressed up in "matching" halloween costumes with your date? What were they????

Nope.

Now who to tag.... hmmmmm. Monica (cause she'll never read this and do it!), Jan and Beth. I don't have 5 friends! LOL

I'm exhausted.

We had a glorious time in Indy!!! It was wonderful to meet all the people I've been chatting with for over 6 yrs now! The children were beautiful and fun and active! Jan and Jeff were wonderful hosts, I don't know how they did it all!

Smooches to all of you... oh you know who you are!!!!

Where do we meet up next year???

What should you be for Halloween?

Your Halloween Costume Should Be

Elvis

What Should You Be For Halloween?

A cute girl

Went to lunch with my oldest son today, we both we're bumming around. Went to Jason's Deli. I love that place for lunch. It's as close to a New York deli as you're gonna get in Nebraska! LOL

Anywho, who should appear in the restaurant but a cute little girl, probably about 8 yrs old, gorgeous white blonde hair and a stunning smile. Yup she also had that extra chromosome.

I kept watching her interact with her older sister and someone who had a young baby with them. I tried not to stare... but I couldn't help it. It's irresistible... really it is. You just want to see how other families interact, how the child is doing etc. She was kind of a monkey... hehehe... just like Alex!!! They would have been an ornery pair together!

I tried to give the mom the "I get it" smile... I hope she understood. I wasn't one of those rude, irritating people.... or maybe I was after all??? Hmmmm....

Missed it by this much..........

I intended to blog yesterday, I really did.... but ya know, Sunday night TV is my night! ABC rocks it on Sunday night!!!

Anywho, I wanted to post about what a wonderful afternoon we had, just the three of us. We had shopping to do and Mommy was on a mission for a rug. It took us 3 stores and driving all over Omaha to find it. I'm not really fond of it once I got it home, but it was such a hassle, I'll keep it for now. But I digress from the fun. We stopped at DQ and got hot fudge sundaes!!! Now if you don't know by now that my kid likes ice cream, where have you been? Off reading other blogs and not mine! LOL

My point being is that it was soooo "normal" stopping for ice cream on a warm Sunday afternoon, enjoying the weather and the company. Many people think because you have a child who doesn't fit the mold of "normal" nothing in your life is normal. Couldn't be farther from the truth!!!! While he was licking the bowl and getting fudge all over his face, I realized we are your typical family, complete with a messy, fudge covered kid!!!!

So to the family staring at us.... we are soooo more like you than different from you.... next time enjoy your treats and family time and stop staring!!!!

Tag - I'm it.

Thanks to Kei she tagged me with this little tidbit for our 31 for 21 (thank goodness as I was not coming up with a good idea today!)

What I have learned from Alex:

Prayer
Self-sacrifice
Unconditional Love
Courage
Sleep Deprivation (you asked)

What I wish for Alex's future:

Happiness
Courage
Love
Adventure
Dreams


Your turn!!!

Friends.

On my continuing quest to meet the 31 for 21 ( minus 2 for me so far), I am thinking about my online friends.

I found them on Parent's Place when Alex was about 1. We had struggled to keep this kid alive his first year, I didn't spend alot of time on the computer. I had no idea these communities existed even! I did the usual searches when Alex was born, and eventually I came upon Maddy's (Amy O's sweet daughter) story. She had just passed away. That drew me into the world of online communities. I wanted to know more about her and the wonderful ladies who were posting to her. I didn't know that others felt the way I did....I didn't know many people IRL, who had children with T21.

And I'm glad it did. I have met some of the best people in the world and a few of the really bad ones too online!!! A sub-set of the bestest ones I am going to meet in person next week and I cannot wait! We know so much about each other, our lives, our hopes, our heartaches and to think we've never met in person, yet we have built such bonds, seems impossible. I would welcome any of them into my home and I'm pretty sure I'd be welcome in theirs. I cannot wait to hug them and hug their children, to look into their eyes, to really know them. Although the farting dogs can stay home!!! hehehe

One little chromosome.... packs a wallop huh?

Just like other kids.

Alex didn't want to get out of bed this morning. I talked and chajoled and tickled, but he just buried his head under the pillow, saying no no. Just like other kids.

He complained while getting clothes and complained about combing the hair and brushing the teeth. Just like other kids.

And shoes??? The ultimate in concession..........he had to go to school, just like other kids.

But mommy got a big ole wet sloppy kiss before he left with daddy!!! Mommy was happy... just like other mommies!!!

It's not about the differences.............

I know where stubborn is!

I don't need a PhD in genetics. I don't need to spend years and years in a lab, experimenting on rats. I know exactly where the stubborn gene is!!! (I anxiously await my Nobel Prize in Medicine!).

It resides on the 21st chromosome. Yes I am positive about this. And guess what? My son just so happens to have an extra 21st chromosome........ so you can draw the conclusion he is extra stubborn!

If you want proof, please stop by my house at about 6:45am and try to get him up, dressed for school, give his breathing treatment, comb his hair, brush his teeth and give him 2 other meds. I don't need a fancy dissertation.... I don't need a hypothesis.... I live it each and every day. Come on over you'll see I'm right!

PS. I also believe that the Y chromosome carries some pigheadedness.... I have two sons and a hubby..... the one son with the extra 21st chromosome..... God give me strength.

Get it Down, 31 for 21.

I'll admit up front... I won't hit 31... hey I'm starting on Oct 3rd for pete's sake! LOL But I am gonna try. Click the button below to read more!!!!

I shamelessly stole this from Kei

but I really really liked it... so here goes...

Matt was born on a Monday

Monday's child is fair of face.
You are good-looking, especially when you smile!
You are beautiful inside and out.


Jenny was born on a Tuesday

Tuesday's child is full of grace.
You have many talents, and are fun to be around.
You dance through life!

Alex was born on a Wednesday

Wednesday's child is full of woe.
You are a serious person, and try to change things that seem unfair.
You make the world a better place!

Steve was born on a Monday

Monday's child is fair of face.
You are good-looking, especially when you smile!
You are beautiful inside and out.

And I was born on a Sunday

But the child born on the Sabbath day,
Is fair and wise and good and gay.
You are sunny, fun, and loving.
You bring much joy to other people!


I think they fit! If you'd like to find out your birth "day" click here

And you can find my good friend Kei here

Which Rocker Chick are you?

I am Avril Lavigne!

A bit hardcore on the outside... But sweet and sensitive on the inside. "It's a damn cold night Trying to figure out this life"

Who's Your Inner Rock Chick?

Time is flying by!!

Holy cow. One minute it's 105 out and now it's 75 and a cool breeze!!! Where the heck did summer go? I love fall, the smells and colors, but I sure do hate winter! I am not a snow bunny. I am a fun in the sun bunny! (Ok I'm a big ole lumpy bunny who eats too much ice cream and candy!)

Alex is recovering from his pneumonia. We were fortunate to catch it early and not spend any time in the hospital. He still needs his breathing treatments, but we are done with the antibiotic. He loves school and is doing well. They've already had one field trip and have another next week. Must be nice!

I saw a precious little blond haired boy today at the mall. Complete with that extra chromosome! Big brother was pushing him around in the stroller and he was squealing! LOL I recognized his mom, but she was busy trying out new makeup and I didn't want to interrupt! I know what it's like trying to pick out makeup when you have all the kids with you!!! It was fun to see him enjoying the fast ride!

My Poor Little Guy Has Pneumonia

He's doing fairly well, after 5 shots of rocephin and breathing treatments. He was just starting it when we caught it, so he didn't end up in the hospital. He tires easily and gets cranky if things don't go his way (ok he gets that from his dad!).

He's so excited for Grandma to come on Sunday, so I'm hoping he's well by then. He's been out of school since Thursday.

It's going to be a long winter if we're starting this already in August!!!! *SIGH*

What's in a name?

Ok I know you're suppose to wait to be tagged, but heck that could be ions for me!!! LOL I thought this looked like fun and I only have 3 letters in my middle name!!!

What's in a name?

1. You have to post these rules before you give the facts.
2. Players, you must list one fact that is somehow relevant to your life for each letter of your middle name. If you don’t have a middle name, use the middle name you would have liked to have had.
3. When you are tagged you need to write your own blog-post containing your own middle name game facts.
4. At the end of your blog-post, you need to choose one person for each letter of your middle name to tag. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

K - Kick Ass Quality Assurance Analyst

A - A lame Blogger

E - Exceptional Klutz (hence the broken toe)

Ok so I'm gonna tag.. Christine Rissy Jan

If I can make it there.... I'll make it anywhere...

New York New York.

Here's the photo that the NDSS chose for the Times Square Video! We're tickled pink!

I wish we could go out for the Buddy Walk, but it's just not going to work out. I'm hoping one of our East Coast friends will snap a pic when Alex is up in lights!!!

A Sweet Little Angel Gets Her Wings

Gabi, you were here only a short time, but made a great impact on many. As someone put it, you left footprints on my heart.

Rest in peace sweet angel.....



To read her story, click here.

Love Maxine!

Which one can you relate too???? LOL

First Day of Second Grade!

Of course we didn't get a picture... what do you think we are??? Good parents??? LOL

We've all been sick with a nasty summer cold and mom is the latest casuality! I got him dressed, his backpack loaded and daddy took him to daycare. I went back to bed!

I can't believe my little guy is in second grade. He loves school. He gets to be with his girlfriend Kyra again too. They've been together since they were 3!!!

I'm hitting the couch! Dr Keith is on! Enjoy little man!

Back on the Diet

Ok, I'm back on the diet. I've gained back a few pounds from my last go around and the ole waistband is starting to get snug. Doesn't help that the toe is still causing me problems and I can't really walk much.

So goodbye Dingdongs.... goodbye Dairy Queen...goodbye french fries! I'm sorry to see you go and I am having major withdrawls right now.... can't someone invent carrot sticks that taste like Godiva chocolate????

Give Kids the World

I was thinking about GKTW today, after Alex wore his T-shirt from there. What a magical place. It makes me sad to think we won't ever go back. I would love to take him back next year, he loved it so much.

If you're so inclined to find a charity, I highly recommend this place. If you know of a terminally ill or a child with a life threatening illness, please direct them to Make A Wish and GKTW in Orlando. I cannot stress enough how every child was just a child, no medical issues, no handicaps, no differences. What a break from the grind of everyday living. Not to mention the ice cream shoppe rocks!

Here's some links.... including our personal pics from there! Check it out! And thanks for reading.

Give Kids the World

Donate to GKTW

Our Pics from GKTW

Quote of the Day

Love it!!

I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live by the light that I have. I must stand with anybody that stands right, stand with him while he is right, and part with him when he goes wrong.


-- Abraham Lincoln

Name your Va-Jay-Jay

Here's mine.... what's yours????

Your Girl Parts Are Named:

Heart Shaped Box

Girl Parts Name Generator

I really wanted sunflower seeds today.

I have an intense craving for sunflower seeds. What do you suppose that means? I had a wonderful hamburger at lunch, complete with the forbidden bacon and cheese and a chocolate chip cookie to boot. And yet the craving for sunflower seeds persists. I may try to banish it with an ice cream drumstick.......

I am working from home this afternoon. Playing hookey. I met my girlfriend Sarah for lunch and once I got out of the building, I decided why go back? All the bosses are out of town....good time to go AWOL. But really can you go AWOL, if no one is around to notice you are AWOL? hmmmm Such deep thoughts to ponder today.

I should hobble out and water the new landscaping. There is a slim chance of rain and I am holding onto that chance, rather than leave the nice, cool, comfy basement and my 'puter! If it does indeed rain, maybe I should run out and buy a lottery ticket...... did I mention it has only rained once since May 31st? Think I'll be saving myself a dollar........

Many prayers today!

Two of my really good online friends need some prayers.

First is Annette, mom to Ryan and Kurtis, who is battling cancer. The tumor is continuing to grow and her next move is a new clinical trial. She is one great lady and the thoughts and prayers are needed! I wish I could go meet her this weekend as she visits my good friends Jan, Nicole and Shannon! Girls hug her a couple of times for me!!!!

Also for Andi, who is having exploratory surgery on her ovary. The Dr's are hoping it's a fibroid. Her son Riley and daugher Em are cutie patooties! Many thoughts and prayers are needed here as well.

Cancer is a terrible thing. We need to find a cure!

Crutches are no fun.

Not that I thought they were really, but now I know they are not.. for sure!

As graceful as I am, I managed to break my toe yesterday. While the other 4 toes on my left foot, pointed to right as they should, the 4th one was pointing out to the left. It wasn't a pretty sight. Went to the ER to make sure I didn't break any bones in my foot, they took an Xray and said yup it's broken (no shit sherlock, what was your first clue?), taped it up and sent me out with a lovely blue boot and some extra tape. I'm at home today, with it propped up. My parking garage is 2 1/2 blocks from my building.... my armpits are screaming already from the crutches, I surely didn't want to try that! I'm such a whiner.

Wouldn't ya know it. I had just gotten out of the shower and had removed all my pretty polish too!!! So I went to the hospital with straggly wet hair, no makeup and one toe headed the wrong way, all toes with no polish! No wonder they asked me all those domestic violence questions! I must have looked sweet!

It's a lovely shade of purple today. Poor Alex, he was so upset that mommy was upset! I'm sure all the nasty names he heard me call the leather chair that jumped out and snapped my innocent toe didn't help! LOL When I got home, he kept pointing to his toes and saying hurt! He loves studying the tape too. Not sure I want my feet studied that much (unless it's by Johnny Depp or George Clooney)!

Today is all about me and my achy breaky foot!!

Where is summer going?

Seems like it took it's sweet time getting here, now it's whizzing by me so fast, I'm afraid I'll be Christmas shopping in another week!

After reading Emma Sage's blog, I want to go to the county fairs, pick wild berries and watch fireworks! I want lazy days at the beach, family picnics and catching lightening bugs in a jar! Maybe Emma and her momma have room for a worn out mom and her ornery little boy (look out Nash......)????? LOL

I'm hoping the landscaping gets done this week. We've waited so long and now the heat is upon us. I can't wait to get a birdbath in the new flower bed and be able to watch all the butterflies and humming birds from my sunroom. Curl up with a good book and watch the wildlife (as much as you can get in the city that is).

Alex is doing really well at daycare this summer. We were concerned that behavior might be an issue. He's been blessed with a really good teacher who knows how to handle him and loves him to pieces! He is managing to stay healthy somewhat, although the sinuses and ears continue to plaque him. We've also seen a dermatologist for his alopecia. We are seeing some regrowth in one spot, which is encouraging! I hated adding yet another specialist to our list, but the balding was getting so noticeable.

Have a happy and safe 4th of July!!! God bless our troops and keep them save!

I am properly shamed.

I am a terrible blogger of late. Mostly because there is nothing exciting going on and why bore you?

Alex is taking swim lessons and he loves it. He is doing ESY for speech and seems to be doing well with that too. He is really trying to talk. And we are on top of the potty training. Not quite ready for real underwear but getting close.

We're hoping to finalize our landscaping bids and get that going. Our house sorely needs some sprucing up. But boy is it expensive. I wish we weren't such lazy asses, we'd save ourselves a bundle!

You know it's bad when all I can talk about is poop and landscaping. *Sigh* Such is my life!

Look who lost his first toofy!

Lucy - we're home!

I'm so tired, so here it is. I probably missed a few details, but what a great time we had!

Day 1

We had an awesome time at Give Kids the World and Disney! GKTW really knows how to treat families with young and sick children. Alex absolutely loved it. We couldn’t keep him off the carrousel! And we put a dent in the ice cream at the ice cream shop.


They really do a great job with the kids, it is all about the kids. I would highly encourage you to donate to GKTW or Make A Wish if you ever have the opportunity. It means so much to the families and it is a wonderful, magical place! I know sometimes you wonder where your dollars go when you donate and I have to say, this place is well worth it!

Day 2

On to Disney. We started out at the Magic Kingdom. Seeing the castle for the first time is awesome! Pluto was waiting for us at the front too! Steve called him Goofy and Pluto thought that was funny. Then we were off to meet Tigger and Pooh and ride the Dumbo ride. Alex enjoyed that. Then Mary Poppins met us at the carrousel and rode with Alex on that! That was fun. All the little girls wanted her attention, but she talked to Alex the whole time. He’s so like his dad – attracting all the females!

Then we ate some wonderful but very expensive hot dogs and moved on to Mickey’s Toon Town. There is where we got to meet Mickey! We actually got about 10 minutes alone with Mickey in a private room. I guess that’s quite unheard of! We all enjoyed it! We then got to meet Minnie, Goofy, Chicken Little, Chip and Dale, Daisy and Donald Duck. Chicken Little thought it was cool that Alex had glasses too! Daddy wanted to meet the princesses, but mommy said no.

By this time, the crowds were getting thicker and the humidity was rising. Also the love bugs were “in season” and it was quite gross, so we headed back for the Village. We hit the waterpark and swimming pool. That was refreshing. And of course we snagged plenty of ice cream!!

Day 3

Off to Seaworld. It was packed full of people. Rude, annoying people. And more love bugs. And humidity and smoke. Alex really liked the manatees and feeding the dolphins and the Budweiser Clydesdales. We got good seats at Shamu, but not in the soaker section. We enjoyed it, but it was long on video and short on Shamu and friends. I think they could stand to change that a bit.

All and all, we were not impressed with Seaworld. Steve and I have been to the one in San Diego and thoroughly enjoyed it. Orlando, not so much. It was dirtier and crowded and the employees were rude. They sure didn’t treat Alex like the Disney folks did! We ended up going back to the Village, doing our usual carrousel rides and ice cream!!! Grandma and Alex had Ms Mary’s pizza while Steve and I went to Joe’s Crab Shack for dinner.

Day 4

Was Downtown Disney and City Walk at Universal. We were bummed when we got to Downtown Disney at 10:00am only to find out most of the stores didn’t open til 10:30! We didn’t like the first area we went too, I guess where the Cirque de Soliel is. Kinda dirty and not much going on. More of a night time venue I think. We did head up to the Marketplace and liked that much better. Did some shopping and ate lunch at Mickey Dee’s. Alex was in no mood for a sit down place at all. I did get into a fight with an employee at one of the gift shops. I collect spoons and finally found one. So I took it up to pay for it and she told me it was on the sale rack, buy 4 for $10. She wanted me to go back and look for 3 other items. Well it was all junk. Most of it was dated 2006 too. So I found a Bruce keychain and took it up. She wasn’t going to sell me them unless I picked 4 items! I finally screamed at her to sell me the damn spoon for $10 and I didn’t want all that other crap. Finally she sold me Bruce and the spoon for $10. Geez. We left there and headed for Universal Studios.

We only did Citywalk at Universal. We hadn’t bought my mom a ticket for the actual park and Alex wasn’t in a good mood either, so we decided to skip the whole theme park part. So we hit Hard Rock for the proverbial bear and t-shirts purchase and had a huge ice cream sundae there too (you’d think we’d be ice creamed out by now huh?). We also hit Margaritavilles and bought some t-shirts and Alex really wanted Scooby-doo until we got into the store and then he really wanted Cat in the Hat. So the cat won out over the dog. Again it was muggy and smokey, so we headed back for the Village. We did hit an outlet mall for a bit on the way back.

This night was Winter Wonderland. It use to be Christmas, but because of religious views, they changed it. It really was a magical night. They even made it snow!!! Santa gave out presents and we rode in a horse drawn carriage. Alex danced with the snow princess and some elves! We really enjoyed that night. Lots of fun. Of course Mayor Clayton and Ms Mary had their Christmas outfits on! We got the biggest kick out of the parade. This lady was dressed as a Christmas tree and had presents on her feet and she was a bit “out there” if you know what I mean. We laughed our heads off at that one! We rode the train around the village and Alex got to help conduct!

Day 5

Off to Animal Kingdom (after the required breakfast at the Gingerbread house of course). Alex didn’t have a good day here either. Too much walking without a lot to look at for him. He did get to meet Safari Mickey, Goofy and Donald though! We petted the goats and tried to get into Finding Nemo. I do have to say that Finding Nemo was one area that Disney let us down. They have no access for wish kids. We were very upset and disappointed by this. I went to complain at Guest Relations, but Alex was melting down and it was hot and we were all hot and tired and mad, so we went home again for more swimming. Mommy and Daddy went shopping at a mall while Grandma and Alex had dinner and hung out at the Village.

Day 6

Off to MGM. Alex enjoyed this park the most. He absolutely loved Playhouse Disney and danced along with the show. It was nice and cool too…. Nice cool sit down thing! It was very hot this day, the hottest of the trip. We got to meet Jo Jo, Sorcerer Mickey, Buzz and Woody and Mike and Sully. We also did the Great Movie Ride. Alex was a bit scared, but he managed to hang in there. Again another cool, sit down ride! We ate lunch here too, near the Star Wars ride. We missed the storm trooper by a few minutes. I hear Darth Vader shows up, but daddy was too hot and tired to go back. Grandma had a few Disney dollars left, so she bought a t-shirt finally. We headed back to the Village for Mayor Clayton’s birthday party. Alex didn’t want to hang around much that night, but what we did do was fun.

GKTW

Each day we would come back to the Village to find another present on the table for Alex. That was fun to get a surprise each day!

We met some new friends, including Molly and Ben (who also has down syndrome). The volunteers who work there are phenomenal (except for the one stoopid lady in the Castle who wouldn’t let Alex ride the carrousel, yes I went and told on her). They do not discriminate or leave any children out, no matter what the activity. It was nice to be in a place where all kids are equal. We didn’t have to worry about being different. Some of the parents commented on that as well.

Our favorite activities were Winter Wonderland (every Thursday), where Santa Claus comes to visit and brings toys for all the good little girls and boys! Alex picked Alex the Lion from Madagascar of course! Mayor Clayton (the bunny in charge) also had a birthday party (every Saturday). Lots of music and face painting and bubbles and cake! He also loved helping in the Gingerbread House, after meals, by taking all of our dishes up after we finished eating. We all enjoyed our daily breakfast buffet, I sure miss it now!

Hi Ho Hi Ho... it's off to.........

Disney we go!

Catch ya on the flip flop!!!!

I am one brave girl.

I am terrified of heights. My new company has a 19 story building (ok on the great plains out here that is HUGE - this ain't no New York City) and I work on the 4th floor. Our atrium is open all 19 floors and all conference rooms open to the middle. I have a very difficult time during meetings, looking out over that vast, open, empty space. You cannot get away from the fact that you are up a few stories, you can see out of every side. Ok the sunshine is nice etc.... but I have had vertigo since I started.

So yesterday my boss takes us on a tour. We go the 19th floor. We ride the elevators to the 18th (cause the big cheese has the 19th floor and we didn't want to do the walk of shame past his office) and took the stairs. Did I mention all of the stairwells are floor to ceiling windows and the stairs are mesh so you can see thru them? Yeah I love those too, especially at floor 19. So at the top of the stairs, my boss opens the door and we're out on the roof! ON THE ROOF....... outside... 19 stories........ just a small guard rail.......... I can't believe I went out there! I stayed by the wall..nowhere near the edge.. but I was out there.... (picture What About Bob.. I'm sailing, I'm sailing). I did it!!! They wanted me to walk to the edge, but I couldn't do it. They were laughing at me...... but that's ok. I DID IT! I was shaking and had vertigo for a while after at my cube!

To the left of the picture, is the roof I was actually on! It kind of gives you perspective (zoom in on the picture, then you can see the UP symbol and roof better). There were 2 more stories we could have went up on and I said no thanks! The wall jutting out now has my butt imprint on it.....LOL

I have to admit, when we got married in Vegas, I did go out on the roof of the Rio, at 52 stories. We had our wedding dinner there, but INSIDE! They had a high guard rail and I had my hubby to hang onto so it wasn't bad.

Now if I can just get on that plane to Disney.... hehehe. Try to keep me off of it!

Another busy week hits Sunday

Why do the weekdays drag and the weekends fly by? No fair. I am still voting for a 2 day work week and 5 day weekend.. who's with me?

My eyes are doing well. The left one is still slow to heal but feels really good this morning. I may be on the track to perfect far vision. Now for some reading glasses! LOL

Alex's Make A Wish party is May 4th. It's coming up so quickly! We're having a pizza party at school with his class and Mickey Mouse is suppose to show up! Alex will flip out! We're going to have so much fun! I still need to find some decent walking shoes! yikes!

Spring may have sprung this weekend. Fingers crossed. The snow last week was friggin ridiculous! It's time to plant flowers and hear the birds sing. Ok the birds have been singing, but I'm pretty sure they were singing something about the friggin weather too! LOL

Have a good week. Off to do laundry.....

HOPPY EASTER

A big corny, but hey it works!

I love Easter. I love the pastels and little bunnies and baby lambs, easter baskets and Snickers mini bars (appropriately colored wrappers), new dresses and shoes (was never into the hat thing), tulips and daffodils and flying kites!

I do however despise Cadbury eggs. Whoever thought that one up needed some professional help. I also cannot tolerate coloring eggs. I don't why, but I have never enjoyed it.

No kite flying this year. I think with windchill it's about 10 degrees out. So screw the kite thing til it gets warmer. The tulips and daffodils are dead, thanks to the El Nina or whatever it is.

In spite of the cold, the Easter Bunny was very nice to Alex. He got a giant bucket of bubbles (the kids LOVES bubbles), some magnetix doo hickey, a Care Bear complete with bunny ears, a stuffed elephant (the kid also LOVES stuffed elephants) some other small egg toys and candy. I'm sure Grandma and Great Grandma are bringing more goodies, with more candy.

Funny Easter story. Alex's older brother Matt was three at one Easter. His grandparents always had a huge egg hunt. Tons of candy. Matt loved candy (who doesn't right?). He proceeded to gorge on chocolate eggs. When brunch rolled around, Grandpa told him he better eat. Nope, no siree, just some bacon please. Grandpa told him he'd get sick if he didn't eat. But for the wise 3 yr old, it was just "pass the eggs, the chocolate kind that is, please." Soooo at 3:00 in the afternoon, guess who was on the side of the road, puking his chocolate-y, bacon guts out? After he was done, he looked at us, all pitiful and green, and said (from the side of the road near the ditch) "Grandpa George sure is a lucky duck" - his 3 yr old way of saying grandpa sure nailed this one!! LOL

MORAL OF THE STORY: The following Easter we decided eating brunch might be a good idea, and his wonderful parents decided they really should monitor their kid better! THE END.

Hippity Hoppity, Happy Easter Day!

Rissy is really trying to make me a not-so-lame blogger

By tagging me with a Real Mom meme (see Rissy here). I'm not a real mom, I'm totally faking it! So not sure how effective I can be with this one! ROTFL..... So here goes....

Real Moms ~

Real moms rely heavily on Hamburger Helper (or insert favorite boxed meal here)

Real moms only shave their legs when they HAVE too

Real moms can change a dirty diaper in the middle of dinner and not even bat an eye

Real Moms hate mini vans

Real moms will let their kids eat candy for breakfast!!

I win the lamest blogger award.

I would love to deny it, but I can't. Life has been hectic.

I accepted a new job with Union Pacific. I really had to think long and hard about it. The drive downtown will not be a joy and I will be far away from Alex during the day. But the opportunities and benefits that UP can offer were worth it. Needless to say, my old boss was pretty ticked off. She let me go early. Which is not a punishment!!! ROTFL I am going to get this dirty, messy house cleaned up and I need NEW clothes!!! Who can argue with shopping?

On the Alex front.... we saw the immunologist yesterday. He was concerned about Alex's widening bald spot. He said it can be a sign of a secondary immune problem. So we drew 5 vials of blood yesterday to test for things like diabetes and arthritis. Then we did IV IG. All of our favorite nurses were on yesterday, so Alex was spoiled rotten! Of course he deserves it after 5 vials of blood huh?

While in Dallas, our credit card got ripped off. Thankfully Visa caught it immediately and stopped the first transaction attempt! Some weird Italian website purchase, probably porn. We couldn't even find it on Google. While it's been a hassle having the card canceled, I am grateful they do have these measures in place. It worked! We have been watching that no other accounts were opened, etc just in case. Evil Evil identity thieves!

The weather is improving, the birds are singing and the sun is shining! I am always happy when Winter ends!!!!

I'm not sure how to work this whole tagging thing

but I really nagged Christine to tag me, so now I'm tagged. Holy Cow! Now I have to think of something..... I now have to give you my 5 favorite things about feminism....

1) A Tight Sweater can get you anything you want from a male

2) You can blame anything and everything on your kids and/or hubby

3) You can buy all the shoes you want

4) We can use PMS as an excuse for ANYTHING that # 2 doesn't cover

5) We can bring home the bacon and fry up in a pan.......... or just get carryout

Christine, I hope I didn't let you down!

Tag Monica, you're it!!!

This storm is packing a wallop today!

Holy Toledo Batman! The snow and ice and windy is one nasty combo today. I'm glad we still have power!

Everyone in the house is well.... knock on wood. This past week was miserable. I am so grateful I haven't picked anything up. Just watch for my trip next week........

Hope you are all safe and warm. This better be the last snow until December!!!

I jinxed it.

I knew as soon as I said it, it would come back to haunt me! I was dumb enough to tell someone that Alex had dodged the stomach flu and influenza bugs. Guess who was up all night barfing his little guts up? I'm such a bad mommy. I know better. I've lived with this kid for over 7 years now, I know not to talk outloud about anything relating to illness.

So we were going to IV IG today. Hopefully we can reschedule, but I'm betting we wait til next month as the schedule is so tight and was booked when we got this date.

So mommy is washing sheets and jammies and praying like anything she doesn't get it next!!! Although the weight loss wouldn't be so bad....just how you get there!

Look Out Dallas, Here We Come!

I have to go to Dallas on business in March, so I'm staying over and Steve is going to join me! We're excited to have a weekend away. Grandma is going to come babysit!! Hopefully the weather will hold out for us. We'd be excited to see temps in the high 40's! LOL I emailed my old online friend, Judy to see if she can meet up on that Thursday night, as I will be all alone. I would love to meet the dynamic duo - Sam and Patrick!

Alex seems to be trying to come down with some upper respitory thing. The flu is running rampant in Nebraska, so hoping his shot will stave that off. He got Influenza A two years ago even though he had the shot. He starts IV IG again on Thursday.

We're to have warmer weather this week. Maybe even sneak into the 40's. We are breaking out the flip flops and tube tops I tell ya! Forty is a huge improvement over -29 windchills, lemme tell ya!

Snow Day!

What is it that makes snow days so magical? Oh yeah.... I didn't have to go into work today and I'm still in my jammies, no make-up and sportin a scrunchie! What a life! I could do this everyday, I swear! Well except I would send the kid to school first! LOL

Alex is set for IV IG on the 22nd. We all decided with his almost non stop sinus infections, it was time to get back on. Mayo would like some more blood tests, but not sure when we're doing that.

Well off the make the hubby meatloaf for dinner. Is he spoiled or what?

Lame Blogger

Yup that's me. The lame blogger. I wish I had something interesting, creative and so insightful you'd all be glued to my blog page for hours.

However, you must suffer through a bit of trival nonsense and then you can move on!

Alex is going back on IV IG. He has a horrible sinus infection right now. He hasn't been sleeping well, so neither has mom and dad (hence the lame blogging). The risperdal seems to be working. Verdict is still out, but it may be "the one."

Job is boring. Weather is boring (cold, very cold, snow, rinse and repeat).

Thanks for stopping by! Maybe my creative juices will flow tomorrow (ok there is some hope, very little, but some).

Playing Hooky

We played hooky today, my hubby and me. Took the day off from work, sent the monster to school and just had fun!

We went furniture shopping, I wanted to buy, he didn't. Had some breakfast. Went to the mall (I got some new jeans!) and then to the movies. I recommend A Night at the Museum. Not one of Stiller's most hilarious, but it was very cute and somewhat clean for the kids! Then we went for hot wings (for which I will pay later, but damn they were good) and then it was time to pick up the monster.

The monster (aka Alex) is watching TV and generally behaving. Must be the Risperdal. So far so good with it! Even slept last night fairly well!

Going out to look at houses tomorrow. My son Matt got pre-approved for a home loan, so now we're looking. I love house hunting! I'll probably drive him nuts and he won't ask me to go again.....but that's what us moms are for!

Off to lay on the couch, it's been an exhausting day!!!!

E! Hollywood True Story - The Fishman

http://www.ketv.com/video/10911646/index.html


My son. I'm still one proud mom!

What happened the year you were born?

In 1962 (the year you were born)

John F. Kennedy is president of the US John Glenn becomes the first American in orbit when he circles the earth three times in the Mercury capsule Friendship 7 Cuban Missile Crisis occurs when Soviet offensive missile build-up is discovered Cuban Missile Crisis is averted when President Kennedy and Soviet premiere Krushchev agree to remove missiles Maryiln Monroe is found dead in her Los Angeles home The drug thalidomide is recalled when it becomes linked with severe birth defects in thousands of children worldwide Pantyhose becomes available for sale in U.S. department stores Jim Carrey, Sheryl Crow, Jon Bon Jovi and Tom Cruise are born New York Yankees win the World Series Green Bay Packers win the NFL championship Toronto Maple Leafs win the Stanley cup Lawrence of Arabia wins the Oscar for best picture The Beatles release their first recording: the single "Love Me Do"/"P.S. I Love You" Johnny Carson debuts as host of The Tonight Show

What Happened the Year You Were Born?

What's your wrestler name?

Your Wrestler Name Is...

Baby Doll Blondzilla

What's Your Wrestler Name?

~*~*~* HAPPY 7TH BIRTHDAY TO MY BIG GUY *~*~*~

My big boy turned 7 today. Where does time go? Of course my biggest boy will turn 24 in March.....so why is 7 freaking me out anyway?

I remember waking up 7 years ago, feeling a bit crampy and achy. Told dh to stay home (it was a Wednesday), but he needed to go to work. At 9:00am I called him and said it was time to head to the hospital (and I added "I told you to stay home!"). Alex was born at 7:41pm. Little did we know what was in store for us. We had almost 12 hours without down syndrome, without fears, without that just punched in the gut feeling. Boy I remember vividly feeling and agonizing over the "time before" and the "time after" the diagnosis. That line was so distinct. Of course as you veteran parents know, those feelings don't last long and soon down syndrome becomes the norm (wouldn't the normal people laugh at us, thinking down syndrome was the norm, wouldn't that rock their little world? LOL).

Alex is ornery as all get out, he gets that from his dad. His smile is contagious and he has a wicked sense of humor (not many of us find pooping in the tub hysterical). Everyone he meets falls in love with him. I would have never told you that I had met anyone with an old soul... until Alex.

We don't know how long we'll have him....but we sure are gonna enjoy the time we do!

Happy Birthday Little Boy!!!! Mommy and Daddy love you!

The Short Bus

My son rides the “short bus” to and from school everyday. Each and every child on that short bus didn’t ask to be on it. I bet a lot of parents with children on the short bus wish there was never a need for a short bus.

What that short bus does provide is an opportunity for children such as my son to go to school everyday, safely. It gives them a chance to learn and grow and participate in the world just like all the other children. What that provides to children who ride the “long bus” is opportunity to learn tolerance, exceptance, respect and dignity.

A short bus should never be a vehicle for intolerance and ridicule. It’s not an opportunity to laugh and snicker and make yourself feel better about yourself by belittling others.

So the next time someone finds it funny to tell you that you ride the short bus or that you’re a retard, stop and think about those children who are on that short bus and need that short bus, whose lives are enriched by traveling on that short bus each day. Take the opportunity to educate that person about what life really means when you ride the short bus. It takes more strength, determination and will to get on that short bus, than it will ever take to board a long bus.

If you would like to discuss further what it means to ride the short bus, I would be happy to discuss that with you. If you would like to discuss what it means to be developmentally delayed (retarded is so outdated) I would also be happy to discuss that with you.

I love Nebraska

Seriously. Our state is trying to decide whether we change our state song or not. Here is the lead contender for new song.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=P7bzaD6G4vE


I'm sorry you must suffer thru the song, but the COMMENTS are well worth it!!! Please read. It's how most of us feel about the disaster above.

Those of you who live in Nebraska, please write your state senator and just say NO to crack.... errrr.... to Ginger! For those of you outside of Nebraska (and all you Canadians) enjoy a good laugh at our expense!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

Bleeeeech. Snow. Seven inches of it. Somebody please remind me why I live in the midwest? ohhhh yeah... because of the great weather!

We went out and made snow angels. Alex finds it extremely hilarious to throw snow at me, so I took the brunt of the snowball fight. It's really not fair for a mommy to wing a huge snowball at a kid who can't really figure out to duck and run!

Remember the good ole days of snow forts and snowball fights at school? And then spending time with the principal after the snowball fights? Your hands and feet were so cold, they actually turned red and numb? Ahhhhh memories......I'm glad I still have some.

I'd still rather be in the Bahamas... but that's just me. Happy Sunday!

Thank God It's Friday!

Yes Praise the Lord. One more day in boredom hell and I would have gone postal.

Met some of my old co-workers from Netshops for lunch. It was fun to see them! I miss working with these guys/gals! One of them is a Canadian. What can I say? I collect canadian friends like some people collect Elvis stamps. I'll probably end up on the "No Fly" list for all of my international connections. You will find a link to her blog here, along with the others, since half of them are - you guessed it - canadian bloggers! Next thing you know, I'll be celebrating Thanksgiving in October!!!

The One Finger Salute Goes Out to.....

Blogger...for performing maintenance at 7:00pm CST yesterday and crashing one of my most interesting, entertaining and heartfelt posts yet. Now no one will know the real me.

Thanks Blogger Team!!!

Holy Snikies Batman!

Seventeen degrees below zero for a windchill!!! This must be some kind of joke? Why just last week, it was 50!!!! Fifty above that is!!!



I made chocolate chip cookies when I got home today (after a hard day's work mind you), nothing like the smell of chocolate chip cookies baking in the winter and hubby had the audacity to say "Look Alex, mommy broke open the tube and made us cookies!" If looks could kill, he'd be taking a dirt nap about now. I'll have you know that I had to STIR the dough, okay not completely from scratch.... but a mix is close enough. Steve - mommy is going to break open the tube - over your head!!!!

Tomorrow morning I go in for a Lasik consult. My eyesight is getting so bad. Going to cash in some stock I've been holding on to. I'd like to not have glasses/contacts for our Disney trip. Wish me luck! The whole laser in the eye thing is making me queasy....

Off to watch the Nanny. I keep hoping this show will rub off me... so far no such luck. I'm still one of "those" moms. *sigh*

Gotta Love Nebraska in Winter

Wednesday it was 50. Today we're lucky if we see 15! And it's snowing. Okay not enough to complain about.... well ok, just enough to complain about. However it sounds like the heavy stuff may miss us! Check in again on Wednesday, it could be 50!!!

Everyone should be excited to know that I have two bathrooms all sparkly clean! A major feat at my house. I promise to torture the first person who dirties one of them!! Don't ask what the other two look like and I won't tell.... kay?

Tried Alex on Focalin today. It's a no go as well. This ends our trial of stimulants. We'll have to get with our ped and discuss anti-psychotic meds. We need to think long and hard about that.

Time to decide what to take out for din din. We have an exciting array of choices including but not limited too: hamburger helper, meatloaf or pork chops. Applebee's we ain't!

Chinese Food

It is possible to eat so much chinese food you feel like vomitting..........

It is also possible to bloat your stomach with so much chinese food you look 6 1/2 months pregnant

I know I will be hungry again in an hour.........

What's better than a new coat or a new pair of shoes?

Alex got both today! His zipper broke on his coat and the velcro on his shoes wasn't sticking anymore... poor kid was walking out of his shoe! LOL



So Alex is now looking ghetto fabulous!

Happy New Year

Can you believe it's 2007? I remember when 1999 was YEARS away! Where does time go?




My dad got his biopsy results back. No cancer! Thank God. Just a lesion and they need to watch it.

Make A Wish has granted Alex's wish to go to Disney World. We don't have dates yet, but probably in the first two weeks of May! He will love it!

My Uncle Jim passed away on January 1. He was 95. We had a nice service for him. Saw lots of family and shared memories. It was a life well lived.