Melissa explains it all..

COLD

2012-02-06T11:03:00.000-05:00

I feel like death. Seriously. I am going home.

A positive note:

The state settled my case for a gentleman that was being denied adult medical daycare. They cancelled the hearing and decided that he qualifies after reviewing the documents I put together.

-If I wasn't sick I would be jumping up and down. I am so excited I won this case. He deserves to be there.

Pet Peeve: Unprepared when seeking assistance

2012-01-30T15:13:00.000-05:00

(you call me) Your house is facing foreclosure and.....you don't know the interest rate?

(you call me) You want to file for bankruptcy and.....you don't know your exact income or even an estimate of your medical debt?

Peeved.

Moments I've waited for.....

2012-01-28T20:50:00.001-05:00

Just me and my dad out for a couple of hours. We both know how to fill the silence with conversation, so there was never a moment where one of us weren't talking. We went to the patch, renewed our membership, and talked with some old friends.

Time Machine

2012-01-27T22:17:00.001-05:00

Eminem Concert


8th Grade Schedule: First year of public school

Lunch Number

Love Sarasota

Hard to see, but that is a receipt exchanging Us currency to Euro in Ireland

First boy band crush

End of Freshman year report card

Positive results at the dentist

2012-01-27T11:24:00.001-05:00

So for the first time in at least 5 years I have came away from a cleaning and not had a cavity. Something that is a little embarrassing to admit. I swear I brush my teeth. They tell me since they are so close together it is harder to get all of the food particles out. Whatever, it pissed me off.

ANYWAYS: NO FLIPPING CAVITIES! Even the dental hygienist could tell how happy I was and gave me a big hug. Super happy and I was complimented on my beautiful teeth. :)

Amidst a tragedy...

2012-01-23T11:38:00.002-05:00

Two little girls died on Friday as a result of a house fire. Now this is just gut wrenching, earth shattering, horrific news.

Here is what makes it disgusting: (from facebook):

Susan Whitford-Bridges:

Tune in this morning EVERYONE listen to 1270am the Dave Norman radio show at 7:00am to hear the true story about the city police officer that was first on the scene of the tragic fire friday. He isnt the man everyone thinks he is he is a coward behind a badge who shouldnt be out there protecting our community!!!!!
So everyone repost and make sure you all listen!!!!!

Wendy Livengood:
Everyone please tune into wcbc 1270 am Dave Norman show in the morning around 7 . Im going to do what i can to get on the air to share the information i have about the Friday morning fire that took the lives of two precious little girls. People deserve to know what happened and Im not going to sit back and watch this behavior get swept under the rug.those little girls deserved more! RIP little angels ;-(

--I've heard more. Someone stating that the police officer on the scene is no better than a mall cop, etc.

--I listened to as much of the radio broadcast as I could before it cut out on my way to Baltimore

January 23rd, 2012 by WCBC Radio

Several eye witnesses to the early Friday morning fire in Cumberland that took the lives of two young children have serious concerns with the manner in which officials handled the incident. One woman tells WCBC News that she and a neighbor took a ladder to the burning house after seeing the children in the window screaming. Only one police officer was on the scene at the time, and the woman says he prevented any effort to save the children saying that fire units were on the way. Police Chief Charlie Hinnant tells WCBC News that the incident is being investigated. He did emphasize that protocol for officers during such incidents is to restore order and make sure the public remains at a safe distance from the scene- and that they do not interfere in fire fighting efforts.

I'm so burnt out from fuming all morning I have nothing else to write.

a cops wife continued

2012-01-22T14:59:00.001-05:00

Hungry??

a cops wife

2012-01-22T11:57:00.001-05:00

That's parts of his shot gun on my dresser.

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Tragedy at 4

2012-01-21T00:02:00.001-05:00

Wondering how I am going to tell my four year old daughter that her four year old classmate died in a house fire. Addy moved from afternoon to morning pre-k at the beginning of the school year. When I asked her if she knew who jymera was she told me yes, but she only saw her in the afternoon. Addy doesn't forget anything. She's amazing. I love her.Too close to home. May God watch over that distraught mother and give her strength to keep living.

Google

2012-01-18T09:01:00.003-05:00

The search bar today has google blacked out and when you run your cursor over it it says

Tell congress: Please don't censor the web.

I like that one.

Reason #244

2012-01-17T16:49:00.001-05:00

Why I love you Justin:

Even when you are sick physically you reach out and make me feel better emotionally.

Thank you for the texts today to alleviate my worries and stress. I love you.

The "Shine"

2012-01-17T15:22:00.004-05:00

Here's to wishing this was filled with something other than water. I heard it's nice outside. I would have no idea. I've been glued to this seat since 9am. RAWR! This is when I regret having a holiday on a Monday. People must sit and stew about what they need to get taken care of. Tuesday's after holidays are ALWAYS a nightmare.

Better go refill the mason jar, my mouth feels like sand paper.

the destroyer of fruit

2012-01-16T19:24:00.001-05:00

This was a perfectly ripe, golden yellow bannana two hours ago at my parents house. Claire, the destroyer, has decided to use it for play as opposed to its usual function, a fruit.... that ....you eat.

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Tears of Fears

2012-01-12T11:55:00.000-05:00

I'm tired. I don't want to be negative all of the time. I have never intended for this blog to be all about my anxieties and my frustrations, but when it comes time that I need to let it out- here is where I would like to let the emotions flow from my finger tips. A purging of my soul, so to speak.

My three year old daughter has a strong attachment to me. It is the worst in the morning's when I drop her off at daycare (I am sure I have talked about this before)

Well this morning it was particularly bad. She acted like I didn't want her, that I was dropping her off with strangers. She held me and screamed when I tried to put her down. She cried as loud as she could for me and said don't leave me. I wanted to take her with me. I want her to know that I would spend every minute with her if I could. I don't understand why she does it to me. She loves her daycare. She has fun there. Today just seems to be a day where that sweet little girls crying face is burned into my memory and it won't wash away, even with my tears.

Addison had a writing workshop I attended at school today. All was well until she couldn't draw a dress. She cried. Broke right down in front of everyone and just cried. Cried because she couldn't draw a dress or a triangle. Cried for her daddy over and over because he wasn't there. helpless. I felt helpless for this little 4 year old girl that became overly emotional. It's a horrible feeling when you can't seem to get your own child to stop crying.

Things got better and she did a great job sharing her picture in front of the class. She drew me and a church with grass.

We left at 11 and I took her to daycare. We get up to the door to have her sneak in (so Claire doesn't see me) and she looses it. She cries. She cries for reasons I can't understand. She doesn't want me to leave. Claire comes running around the corner screaming for me. Helpless. A helpless mother that hasn't even made it to work yet and it's lunch time. So I turn and walk away from them still screaming and crying as the door shuts.

So here I set with my office door shut, crying. Trying like hell to pull myself together, but feeling like I've done something wrong. Feeling like I am on an emotional roller coaster that just won't stop. Wondering why my little girls give me such a hard time......

In the rain.

2012-01-11T12:30:00.000-05:00

I had a meeting and decided I needed to get off my lazy ass and walk....in the rain....in 28 degree weather. I enjoyed it.

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News

2012-01-11T11:36:00.000-05:00

Van Der Sloot confesses to Murder in Peru.
Why? Well under Peruvian law, a prison sentence for a "sincere confession" to a murder is normally much shorter than one for an outright guilty plea. He could spend less than a decade behind bars. IS THIS FOR REAL????? You can kill a person in cold blood and possible spend less than TEN YEARS in jail.
He was the suspect in the Natalie Holloway case, a missing high school graduate from Alabama that went missing in Peru. She was last seen leaving a night club with none other than Van Der Sloot EXACTLY five years before he killed a local gal in Peru. Even if he didn't do it, he knows something. They have still never found her body.

If you're a Katrina victim I bet you are pissed off at FEMA right now. They have decided to send bills averaging about $4,000.00 to the victims of the horrible hurrican in New Orleans. FEMA evidently miscalculated their distribution of funds and has decided to correct their mistake by getting their money back from the victims. I CALL COMPLETE BULL SHIT on this. It sounds like the Senator down there is working a on waiver. I understand some people abuse the government and it's resources, but not everyone does and to penalize some innocent people for your mistake is just wrong.

--I tend to voice my opinon before I have all of the facts. It's a flawl of mine.

Air Drums....Delfated

2012-01-11T09:00:00.000-05:00

So this morning I am driving down the road to Cash Valley School and I am rocking out my air drums to The Who. Not 2 seconds after my warm up, my 4 year old- soon to be 28 year old daughter, decides to tell me that I need both hands on the wheel. Well, no one likes a back seat driver and someone needs to teach this girl about rock n roll. Not that Justin Bieber-Rhianna bullshit they play today.

Classic Vinyl on XM rang through my stero speakers this morning. I opted to put away the air drums, but soon realized I had to get out the air guitar because Sanata came on with Soul Sacrifice. What an awesome song to drive to work too.

The line up
Santa- Soul Sacrifice
Deep Purple- Smoke on the Water
Eagles- Peaceful Easy Feeling
Rolling Stones- Honey Tonk Woman
Dobbie Bros.- Listen to the Music

Not a bad way to start the morning.

Claire might like the 40s and 50s, but "Still like that old time rock 'n' roll. That kind of music just soothes the soul. I reminisce about the days of old. With that old time rock 'n' roll.

I remember my dad used to bang on the steering wheel, hard, when he got into a song. I loved it.

thought

2012-01-10T14:49:00.001-05:00

It seems people that drive yellow cars are aggressive drivers

gloves!

2012-01-10T08:58:00.001-05:00

Super excited to have my hands warm today for once.

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101.00

2012-01-09T20:41:00.001-05:00

Makes sense now. My daughter has a fever and I have had the cold chills all day. Damn it.Just checked it too because she felt warm when I was putting her to bed. Let's pray she sleeps it off.

America's Poorest Cities

2012-01-09T16:00:00.000-05:00

http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/10/21/americas-10-poorest-cities/

The town where I work is #6.

WOW.

Fruit Frenzy

2012-01-09T15:05:00.002-05:00

My girls love fruit.
Love it.

Strawberries
Blueberries
Black Raspberries
Star Fruit
Pummelos
Pomegranates
Oranges
Apples
Bananas
Bing Cherries
Kiwis
Avocados
Grapes
Peaches
Pears
(I bet I am missing something)

What didn't go over well
Mango
Papaya
(I don't think we picked rips ones- we will have to try them again)

It would be really nice if it wasn't so expensive.

Hugs and a warm heart

2012-01-09T13:08:00.001-05:00

I picked Ad up from school today and two other girls walked out with her. She turned to walk with me and one of the little girls, Riley, came up and gave her a big hug. She smiled so bright and said, "That's my friend mom" What a sweet, sweet thing. It melted my heart.

On the car ride to daycare she insisted on telling me that she would help carry everything into daycare and then when I come pick her and Claire up she will even carry Claire's blanket for me. "Mommy, I want to help you, you don't have to carry everything. Your hands are always full" (that they are my child, that they are, but my heart will always be full with love)

I forgot my coffee this morning and thought it was the start of a bad day. I'm so thankful I was wrong.

Dark Hair

2012-01-07T16:51:00.000-05:00

Where's my money mama?

2012-01-06T13:02:00.000-05:00

Claire always gives me a hard time when I drop her off at daycare. We struggle everyday with saying I'll see you later. So, this morning I told her that I needed to go work to make money, so I could buy her toys. Soon after I was finally able to walk out the door.

I pick the girls up from daycare, get on the road, and Claire mentions something about toys and work. I had no clue what she was talking about. So, I asked her a few times and finally she says, "Where is my money momma! I want to go buy toys. You said you were going to buy me toys after work"

Owned.

first paper cut in 2012!

2012-01-03T12:42:00.001-05:00

And its a good one! Yes!

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Organized

2012-01-02T23:50:00.000-05:00

Whew. I just spent the past 4 hours going through my photos, deleting duplicates, and sorting by year and then by month. Holy cow. My neck hurts and I am hoping that is Justin's car I hear pulling in the driveway so I get pulled away from this position.

Over the last several days I have scrubbed carpets, threw away junk, and cleaned the girls rooms. I even have outfits, socks, and underwear picked out for the next 6 days.

You might think I am crazy, but I am a lot happier with a tidy house. Not to mention our house is small, so you have to be crafty about where everything is placed. I HATE CLUTTER.

I only have a two more days of late shift (Justin's 2-12) to get shit done. FOCUS.

I start back work tomorrow after being off for over a week. Ugh, should have went to bed at a decent hour. Instead I will wait for Justin, have a few beers and then go to bed. I can't help it. I enjoy spending time with him and a little less sleep won't hurt. I'm in love with the guy.

Speak of the devil.

Out ;)

2012

2012-01-01T10:20:00.000-05:00

In the way of priorities over the holidays, my blog was at the bottom of the list. It's time to play catch up. Justin is on 2-12 today, so maybe I can work on it later. Stayed tuned for my "resolution" ideas. I've decided not to call it a resolution. I'm not resolved. I know that I set the bar to high. GOALS. How am I going to better myself in 2012?It's not going to be just about physical appearance. AttitudePrioritiesConservation

2011-12-29T12:27:00.001-05:00

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Only my mother...

2011-12-24T16:48:00.000-05:00

can pull off this hat and look awesome doing it.

cards

2011-12-24T12:21:00.001-05:00

This is when the cost of stamps seems ridiculously high!!!

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Teacher Appreciation

2011-12-21T16:44:00.000-05:00

Addy has 3 different teachers in pre-school and Claire has 3 different daycare providers.

That's a lot of people to buy for!!

Cheap Beer

2011-12-19T16:40:00.000-05:00

This is Scottie, he loves fat tire and other ales. Scottie thinks are choice of beer at home is disgusting. Well Well- I guess when you have a few and come over to our house you'll drink disgust with a smile :)

Caught up in a moment

2011-12-19T14:52:00.000-05:00

In the middle of closing a case file my eyes wandered left, to my bulletin board. Before I knew it, I had spend the last 10 minutes starring at that board, smiling at my family. I even got a little teary eyed. Those pictures are such beautiful memories. Each one recreating the moment in my mind. There is nothing more beautiful in the world than a child's smile. A real smile that you can see in their eyes. I love them with all that I have and I would give them the world if I could.

Rooty

2011-12-17T15:41:00.000-05:00

Glitter Snail Mail

2011-12-09T16:47:00.001-05:00

Some of you guys picked some pretty glittery christmas cards this year! (I love them!)

Slacker say what?

2011-12-07T13:00:00.001-05:00

What.

Holidays. I love them.
Christmas shopping has gotten out of control. Justin has threatened divorce.
Money, gone.
Sanity, being held together with rubber cement, and we all no that shit doesn't hold.

Excuses for not posting pictures or staying current: too many to type. I might get carpal tunnel. In fact, my brain hurts just thinking about it.

Merry Christmas readers!

Let's see if I can get my jolly holiday butt in gear and give you something to laugh about :)

Dance boot camp

2011-12-01T09:11:00.001-05:00

No more dance classes at LaVale School of Dance for my girls. Last night was it. Why did we make this decision? There really isn't one single reason, but a build up of many.

1) Claire looks half scared every Wednesday when she gets on the "line" and that's after she cries for me to come with her.

3) Dance outfits $150.00.

3) Addy needs less structure and rules. I never thought I would say that, but the poor girl just started school. Why should she have to come to a class that is more like a boot camp than a fun activity for a FOUR YEAR OLD. Which brings me to number 4. Possibly the biggest reason for pulling them out...

4)My girls are THREE and FOUR. You would think dance class would consist of the hokey pokey, ballerina twirls, a few little steps and some fun. NEGATIVE. I have $100.00 in 2 pairs of tap and ballet shoes. Class is from 6:15 to 7:00. In that amount of time they practice four different dances. EVERY WEEK. The dance teacher gets frustrated when they loose focus, she told them no bathroom breaks, you don't get a sticker at the end of class if you are bad. They shut off the music and say, "alright-dance to the ENTIRE song yourself, see if you know the moves" HAHAHAHAHAHA! Are you serious? Well, yes, yes they are. "time to do our kick ball changes" WHAT? "your not counting your steps" poor claire can't even count "your doing it all wrong" "your not listening" "Someones not going to get a sticker" "your out of place" "now come on. Which one is your right hand" "I said left not right" "Well it looks like you can chasse, but that's not the steps we are doing right now" ARE YOU F'ING KIDDING ME?!?!?!?!?! THREE AND FOUR! They are THREE AND FOUR YEARS OLD. This isn't a competition nor is it a pageant. Don't even get me started on putting makeup on a toddler. AHHHHHHHHHH!

5)No praise. (other than a star sticker at the end, if they get it)

DONE. We're outta there.

Black Friday

2011-11-25T16:41:00.001-05:00

Mom and I are at it again! I love doing this with her. We watch the crazies, we drop our jaws, shake our heads, and laugh our asses off.....all while being in the middle of it hoping to get the good deals.

Door busters. Love them
Extra Discounts. Make me smile
Getting what you came for. Exceptionally lucky.

I have to say that this was the worst year that I have seen walmart. We thought we were going to go at 10 for the toy sale, but soon realized that it wasn't worth it. So, we waited at Bonton until 12, yep, 2 hours!

After we drug 4 bags that looked like biohazard waste out to the car we ventured into the mall. We went straight to Halmark and it was the best decision we ever made. 90% off table...SAY WHAT????? 75%off table.. HECK YES!!! I was like a little kid smiling and grabbing everything I ever wanted. I mean come on, a cute purse looking photo album for 20 CENTS! I had to have it :) and the other three that were left. Guess what we did then??? WENT TO WALMART! WOOT WOOT!

After walmart, I take mom back to my house. She decided to go home for bed with a promise from me that I will get the traditional JcPenny snow globe. (I got four)

I drank a quick beer with Justin, who just got off of secuirty detail at walmart and headed back out!

MORE HALLMARK SALES! YAY!

I got everything on my list except for a weather thermometer! Well, I may have had a minor meltdown in Penny's. The discovery kids night light lamps were not in their store, when they were in their catalog. I fixed that with a manager and shipping fees waived :)

zzzzzzzZZzzzzZZzzz......

First "unprofessional" haircuts

2011-11-25T15:36:00.000-05:00

My heart sunk to my stomach today. I slept in after being out all night/morning shopping and when I wake up this is what I find:

Mostly Claire's and a little bit of Addy's. We took them to the "professional" salon to try and fix it. Claire's really isn't fixable- it's business in the front and party in the back: aka, Mullet. UGH!

Give Thanks

2011-11-24T21:40:00.001-05:00

I've been going back and forth on what to write today. What to say I am thankful. I read post after post on facebook of my many friends giving thanks.

There is so much I could write, but what comes to mind right now?

I am thankful for my brother. Without him knowing Justin I would never be in the place I am today.
I am thankful for my mother. She carried me for 9 months and went back to school when we were kids to give us an even better childhood.
I am thankful for my father. He is a wealth of knowledge and he stayed at home with us when we were kids.
I am thankful for my brother. He's smart and understanding. I know he would be there for me if I needed him and that's love.

I am thankful for life. For a chance to make my mark on the world. To raise my kids. To see them smile. To make them laugh. To love them always.

I am thankful for family. I have a great one.

Time

2011-11-23T00:14:00.001-05:00

Can't get enough of it.
Hope for more.
Pray for less.
Where did it go
Why did it take so long
Why won't it just stop
I turned my head
27 years flew by
Slow down

Cuddles

2011-11-17T21:01:00.001-05:00

Love them. :)

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Cuddle

2011-11-17T19:33:00.001-05:00

Isn't this supposed to be the other way around? Love them. :)

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Surgery Day

2011-11-17T05:56:00.001-05:00

I would kill someone for a steaming cup of black coffee right now.

I took my cross off for the first time since mother's day.

I haven't taken my wedding band off since the last time I made meatloaf.

Let's do this.

Lots of love to my family.

claires comments

2011-11-14T17:26:00.001-05:00

On our way to grandma's house:

"OK girls. I need you to listen up"

Addy "OK"

"Claire, are you listening to me??"

Claire "No"

OMG- this girl, I'm in trouble.

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weather wow.

2011-11-14T17:18:00.001-05:00

Holy shit. Its 5pm and 76 degrees.

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The Secret of NIMH

2011-11-11T20:18:00.001-05:00

Classic childhood movie. One of my favorites.

The girls were over the top bad tonight, fell asleep on the way home. I tried to put them to bed at 630, but thought that might make for a miserable morning.

We watched The Secret of NIMH and Addison really loved it. Claire couldn't sit still.

NIMH: National Institute of Mental Health.

I might need to find out what they have to offer mom's with a 3 and a 4 year old.

Moon Tacos

2011-11-10T15:44:00.001-05:00

Addison's obsession with the moon is hilarious.

Yesterday evening when we were driving home from daycare she said:

"Mommy look how big the moon is!! It looks like a big taco!!"

I replied, "Really addy? You really think it looks like a taco?"

I wasn't seeing it.

"Yes mommy! It really does. You just have to roll the soft taco out first and then it will look like the moon"

--What do you know. The moon looks like a taco.

2011-11-06T16:15:00.001-05:00

Addy finds a pet Caterpillar today and I told her a while later she needed to release it. It needed to find it's mom.

Addy: His mom is far away
Me: Well, where is his mom at?
Addy: She went to Walmart.

2011-11-05T17:57:00.001-04:00

Addy: pappy we should feed eagles fruit

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2011-11-05T12:02:00.001-04:00

Addy: some moons are soft like tacos.

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Vent

2011-11-05T10:45:00.001-04:00

Oh my goodness. I would never wish twins or close kids on ANYONE!

Don't get me wrong. I love my girls to death, but everyday is a new obstacle. Another round of trying to keep the peace, another moment my sanity gets chipped away. They really don't like to share. They constantly fight and pick at each other. When they stop doing it to each other than they turn on me.

I stand in the shower wondering what kind of war zone I am going to walk into. At this very moment I am trying to get them to work together to put their toys back in the toy box....

How long do you try before you give up?

Here is what hurdles i am thankful they I got over. Some of them fell many many times before i got back up and went at it again.

Night Time Accidents: Both girls slept in pull ups for months, having accidents almost every night. It was horrible. I didn't know if they would ever get over it. It just felt like you were stuck in a hole with no way out and more dirt being thrown in it. In the last month and a half they haven't had one accident at night. It just happened. No pressure. No yelling. I hid my frustrations and how distraught I was and just let it all go and I think that's what did it.

SLEEP: The girls have been sleeping together for a few months now, but recently they decided they are going to stay up every night until around 11pm playing in their rooms. It has taken a tool on not only me, but their moods during the day as well. Two night ago we split them back up and they are in their own rooms. BEST DECISION EVER! It wasn't even as traumatic for them as I thought it would be.

Well... I'm pleased to announce that they did a really good job getting most of their toys put away.

Time to do some hair and head out to Gram's surprise birthday party.

1950's Morning Mash Up

2011-11-03T13:32:00.000-04:00

Claire and I have developed a little tradition riding to daycare in the mornings. We listen to 50's music on XM radio. Sometimes we bounce around to the 40's and the 60's. I love it. She bobs her head and I sing to some of the classic songs.

My favorite-

"Mom turn it UP!!!"

Addison on the other hand is all about today's hits. Justin Bieber, Big Time Rush, etc. Not a fan of the lyrics when my four year old is listening in.

First Homework Assignment

2011-11-02T21:27:00.001-04:00

We set at the table tonight and helped addy with her very first homework assignment. She decorated a Turkey feather to go on the bulletin board outside of her classroom.

While we were decorating addy says, "mom, sunny is spelled s-u-n-n-y."

Love being amazed by her everyday.

Claire made crafts too and she did an awesome job at dance class tonight!

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spongebob zombie

2011-11-01T16:52:00.001-04:00

Claire just informed me she wants to be a zombie spongebob for Halloween. Girl cracks me up. Addison is battling between Mr krabs and Gary... oh and a princess mom... hmmmmm..

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Promoting underage alcohol consumption?

2011-11-01T15:30:00.000-04:00

This was in the juniors section of JcPenny's:

Too much candy- not enough sleep

2011-10-31T22:00:00.000-04:00

Halloween

2011-10-31T21:50:00.000-04:00

We went trick or treating in LaVale this year with a large group of other families! It was a fantastic evening, about 50 degrees even after the large snowfall.

We were about 20 minutes from finishing up. Claire has skipped the last several houses to ride along in the stroller while enjoying a lollipop.

I see this scary looking house coming up on our right with a ghost handing out candy. Claire gets up out of the stroller and says, "i wanna go see the ghost"- I'm shocked. We get up to the scary looking ghost and she says "hi ghost" and waves! Then proceeds to walk right back to her stroller and nestles in. I ask if she wants to go across the street to the next house and she replies, "No momma, that's enough candy".

Addison runs up to a house with a bunch of the kids in our group to find out they had just ran out of candy. She comes back to me in hysterical tears. I had to calm her down while she is explaining how sad she is that they have no candy. She recovered in under 1 minute when she walked up to the next house.

Halloween Cards!

2011-10-30T14:21:00.001-04:00

The girls received Halloween cards in the mail this past week! They get super excited when they get mail!

Thank you Aunt Pam! That was very sweet of you. I told the girls they should put that money in their piggy banks for vacation. They loved the cards!

Snow in October?

2011-10-29T08:47:00.000-04:00

I woke up this morning and thought I might have slept for a month! This is crazy! The girls are super excited. Addy already asked if we can have a snowball fight. This picture was taken 20 minutes ago and it is still putting it down! It's time to bake cookies!!

Happy Birthday Justin!

2011-10-27T16:28:00.000-04:00

29! Celebrating the last year of your 20's is sure to be filled with fun, stress, and much love...

Whoooo are youuuuu..

2011-10-25T23:23:00.001-04:00

I know who I am.

"If you have time to judge others, than I suggest you take a good look at yourself first." Melissa Buskirk

Feedback- I love it.
Opinions-I'll take them (I don't have to agree)
Know it alls- go know it all somewhere else.

I had a chat with my "bitchfest bestie" tonight and it's like therapy for no charge.

Now, mind you, I'm not really experiencing any problems myself, but society in general can be brutal. I do not understand why there is a problem with sharing the facts of life, a story as it forms. The truth that is motherhood, marriage to a police officer, and the trials of my stairway to heaven. Tara had it right. It's not for you. It's for me. A place where I can talk to the world wide web, anyone "listening", or maybe just myself. It's my release. This is me. Who are you?

I leave you with this...

Matthew 7:1-5

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.

Ronald McDonald

2011-10-23T15:28:00.000-04:00

Rooty

2011-10-21T15:20:00.000-04:00

Green Days- My Favorite

2011-10-20T16:18:00.002-04:00

I felt like I could breathe again earlier today on my ride from Pre-K to daycare. I talked to Mrs. Hardman when I picked Ad up and she calmed my fears and wasn't concerned about Addison's behavior. She explained how Addison had showed remorse and realized she was wrong soon after she hit...a little boy. Hmmm, I could have sworn that she told me she hit a little girl. I messaged Justin and told him she actually hit a little boy AFTER he stole her book and bit her when she tried to take it back. He replies- Oh, well that's ok then. (Not really, but it made me smile in the aftermath).

During the car ride to daycare we talked about what she learned in school today, she told me all about her alpha friend Pippa pig and did a very good impression of a snort.

Addy loves dinosaurs. She discussed having a baby dinosaur of her own that she can hold. I explained to her that dinosaurs are extinct (we have talked about this before in one of the books I read the girls at night).

"Mommy even though they are stinked can I still have one, even if it's an egg" - no baby extinct means they are no longer around.

"Why are they stinked momma"- I'm not to sure addy, (how do I explain that one in easy to understand four year old language).

"My favorite dinosaur is a triceratops and I would really like one of those. Are they stinked?"- yes baby they are too.

"Well did you know that t-rex's are meat eaters. They eat little people and other meat" -Addy, I am proud of you. You are so smart.

"Thanks momma, you're the best"

Disciplined to yellow. My parenting woes

2011-10-19T15:33:00.003-04:00

This morning I felt sick to my stomach. I threw up as soon as I got Claire to daycare. My boss, the awesome woman that she is- told me to go home for a little while and take a nap. We have a wine tasting benefit tonight, so it is going to be a looonnnnggg evening. I will be working throughout the night to make sure it is successful, so this isn't going to be a leisure night at the bar for me and at this point I cannot even stomach the thought of drinking wine.

I went with Justin to pick Addy up from daycare and as soon as I saw her walk out the door and Mrs. Hardman talk to Justin I knew something was wrong. She hit a girl twice today, so she had to move her clothespin to yellow. I am upset and already sick to my stomach. Her and another little girl were not sharing, so the little girl bit Addy. Addy retaliated and hit her not once, but twice.

I'm horrified and exhausted. I know this stems from Addy and Claire always fighting with each other. I try my best to discipline them when they get physical, but I guess I am just not getting through to them.

Feeling like a bad parent today. Feeling like I should be doing a better job at raising my children. Not a good feeling. Not a good feeling at all.....

I want to stay home tonight. Be with my child and speak with her about this, but I have to work and that just makes me feel like even more of a failure.....

Slacker update

2011-10-18T22:32:00.000-04:00

Justin is on 2-12 this week, so I am hoping I can play catch up.

ZzzzZZzzzz. The chic's (aka- ad and claire) have me super exhausted. I just finished up June and I am headed toward July- not tonight. The screen is starting to hurt my eyes. (after being at a computer all day- it's hard for me to be at one all night)

Seven Springs

2011-10-15T18:00:00.000-04:00

Fall

2011-10-10T19:00:00.000-04:00

I had the day off from work today and decided to take a little time to myself, head on up to Savage River Lodge and take some scenic photos. What a huge stress reliever. It was a beautiful day and I really did enjoy the time to myself.

Corina's Baby Shower

2011-10-09T16:30:00.000-04:00

Candy Apples

2011-10-08T21:00:00.000-04:00

Breast Cancer Awareness

2011-10-08T16:00:00.000-04:00

Don't tell your child that her father is out hunting deer!

2011-10-05T12:52:00.000-04:00

I made a hudge mistake today.
I pick Ad up from Preschool and she asks me where her daddy is.

Melissa: He's hunting with pappy
Ad: Hunting what?
Melissa: Deer..... (shit)
Ad: NOOOO! I don't want him to cut little baby deers and big deers. (que crying)
Melissa: Awww, baby he's not going to do that. (I take it back, forget I said it, he is at work?)
Ad: (sniffling) I don't want him to hurt the reindeers mommy! (full out crying and putting her head in her shoulder)
Melissa: (what have I done!) He won't baby. He won't.
Ad: Well, I don't like bears. He can cut them.
Melissa: (this is the longest ride to daycare EVER)
Ad: Where is daddy hunting?
Melissa: In the woods (what more could I possibly say to screw this child up)
Ad: There are snakes in the woods! Is he feeding snakes? Do they like to be fed? Are they going to hurt daddy?
Melissa: (FML) No, he is not feeding snakes, you don't feed snakes.
Ad: Why?
Melissa: Because snakes want to be left alone. So, what did you do in school today?
Ad: Played. Mommy, remember that time we saw that yellow plane and handed out water to runners? Scottie and Kristin were there.
Melissa: Yes I do! That was at Rocky Gap when your daddy ran the triatholon. (crisis averted)

Ad: (walking up to daycare) So, daddy isn't going to cut the reindeers is he? (scarred for life)

i pledge allegiance...

2011-10-03T20:03:00.001-04:00

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Daycare

2011-10-03T08:45:00.001-04:00

When I first put Addison in daycare across from the MVA it was called Bright Beginnings.

October 2010 they decided to close it's doors, but by some miracle two wonderful ladies decided to take over and change the name to The Children's House.

Two weeks ago we received notice that daycare would be closing its doors again, but moving to a private home in Cumberland. The owners house, Miss Pam.

Today was the first day of a new routine. I can't say it's a better one, but you take the good with the bad. All of the kids got happy meals today and Miss Pam even bought Claire new babies and baby accessories. Their kindness does not go unnoticed and while I sit here at work, I know they are being taken care of.

Higsons Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-02T23:34:00.000-04:00

Fish Soap

2011-10-01T17:18:00.002-04:00

I wake up to find our two goldfish dead. After contemplating the reason for a while Justin asks the girls if they put anything in the tank. Addy replies, "Yes daddy, I put fish soap in the tank" ...FISH SOAP???... Well it turns out fish soap is my hand soap in the bathroom that has a picture of Nemo on it. She thought that meant it was also used for cleaning the fish. ..Fail.

Rude

2011-09-29T17:55:00.001-04:00

Common courtesy: don't stand over someone's shoulder at the ATM. It makes me feel like I'm going to get robbed

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Rhombus

2011-09-28T21:11:00.000-04:00

We had a great night tonight! The girls did wonderful at dance. Afterwards we went out for dinner. Out of the blue ad tells me "mom, a diamond is a rhombus"

Simply amazing how fast children learn. I am so proud of her! She loves school and she loves to learn. She has such great manners! I asked her if she wanted some of my dinner tonight and she replies, "no thank you mom"

So very blessed with an amazing family!!!!

Photography

2011-09-25T21:41:00.002-04:00

I realized something tonight. No matter how much you edit a photo, the original moment, that original capture, is something to be proud of. Something that your eye caught. Something that you froze to make a memory.

I've come to the conclusion that everyone is a photographer in their own mind.

Anthony's Birthday Party

2011-09-25T20:09:00.000-04:00

nail painting

2011-09-25T14:49:00.000-04:00

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Potato Fest in Ebensburg, PA

2011-09-24T23:20:00.000-04:00

I drug mom and pops along for the trip. Pure torture for dad and I love it.

Happy Birthday Anthony

2011-09-23T23:06:00.000-04:00

Well this evening was one for the blog. Mom and I decide to take Anthony to Altoona with the girls for his birthday. We took him to Slinky's action zone. It was a workday, so we got a late start and didn't end up leaving Altoona until about 730. On the car ride home Anthony starts complaining that his seat-belt is too tight and he can't undo it. Well, after several attempts by my mother to untangle him, I pull over thinking "WTF guys. It's a seat-belt. Let's get this show on the road". Negative ghost rider. Negative. The show was about to start right on the side of the road about 15 minutes from Altoona. I ended up calling 911 because we couldn't get him out of the seat-belt that was somehow wrapped around his chest. He started having trouble breathing. Long story short the EMT cut my seat-belt. FML, but that most important thing was that Anthony was okay. Poor guy was so shook up about it. Well, it didn't help that it took them about 20 minutes to get to the scene. So, that's over and I want to get the hell up the road. We run into fog and stop so the girls can pee on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere. What a disaster.

epic fail

2011-09-23T14:48:00.002-04:00

Hmmmm. How the hell did that happen.

It was like any other day. I am on my way home from getting the girls from daycare. All of a sudden Claire is yelling Mommma! momma! I can't get up. I'm driving on vocke road and thinking what the heck is she talking about. I turn around and without processing what is happening i say, "Claire! Get back up in your seat" and I turn back around. Claire is yelling momma! I can't! I'm stuck. Ad chimes in and says, mom, Claire can't get up she is strapped into her seat belt. (thank God for four year olds with common sense, because I was lacking that today). Needless to say I pull over immediately and tend to the situation at hand.

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ad eating lunch with me at work!

2011-09-23T14:48:00.000-04:00

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Picture time girls!

2011-09-18T17:30:00.000-04:00

pap mckinley

2011-09-18T14:47:00.001-04:00

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A happy result with the wedding photos

2011-09-17T22:45:00.000-04:00

This is just a few. I came out with about 300.

wedding photography

2011-09-17T14:47:00.000-04:00

I went with my brother and Josh today to Black Water Falls to photgraph a wedding.

Dance

2011-09-14T22:45:00.000-04:00

Claire wanted to dance this year, so we had to switch to a dance studio that would work best for our schedule. I loved having Addy at Dixon, but they would have been in two separate classes on two different days of the week. Negative. So, we are at the LaVale School of Dance. It is right up the street from us.

Aunt Pam & Uncle Charlie's

2011-09-11T22:29:00.000-04:00

Claires first visit to the ER

2011-09-10T15:39:00.000-04:00

We thought she might have broke her arm. Mom said to wait it out and see what happens. Being the young parents we are, we didn't listen to her advice. Took her to the ER and she ended up having nurses maid elbow. Also known as- her arm just popping out of socket. The doctor didn't even have to pop it back in. that happened on it;s on as soon as we got an xray. She just started moving it.

The Wengerd Wedding

2011-09-10T15:27:00.000-04:00

We got crabs!

2011-09-09T21:50:00.000-04:00

Labor Day

2011-09-05T21:49:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday beautiful Claire. We spent the day up Grandma and Pap's with family. I love you baby.

Julian's Baptism

2011-09-04T21:27:00.000-04:00

The girls (Soph,Ad,and Claire)

2011-09-04T15:14:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday Beautiful Claire.

2011-09-03T22:28:00.000-04:00

CLAIRE!!! You turned THREE today.

For the last couple of months you have been asking for an ABC party. Well, we did that and then some! Mom even covered boxes and wrote letters on them to make it look like blocks!

I took you to Martin's a couple days ago and let you pick out your own birthday cake: Sponge bob. I thought it was a great idea until we placed the order and you started screaming you wanted your cake now (for the next 15 minutes).

The weather was beautiful. You have amazing family and friends that get you the greatest gifts!