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What's in a name?

2009-07-08T09:13:00.002-05:00

People put a lot of thought into what they name their kids. Some are family names, passed down through generations. Some hold special religious significance. Some are memorials to friends and loved ones who have passed away. Some are chosen after a great deal of research on the "meaning" of the name. Some chosen simply because they are unique. I've heard wonderful stories about the inspiration behind such choices. Hmmm, I wish I could say the same.

William--When I was little (we're talking young here people) I made a list of names that I liked for my future children (yes folks, I was/am THAT lame). William topped the "boy" list. That never changed, despite a William in elementary school who was cocky, conceited, and mean, a teacher surnamed Will whom I adored, and a William in college that I crushed hard on and ended up not being the person I thought he was. I married a man who didn't mind the name, and hense, I have my William.

Evie--Divine inspiration here folks...are you ready for this?? Hold on to your seats. I was about 5 months pregnant and knew it was a girl. We were watching The Mummy. Rachel Weisz's character's name is Evie (Evelyn). I said, "Evie, that would be a cute girls name." And so I have Evie. Two other names up for consideration were nixed. We considered Evelyn and just calling her Evie, but then the hubby said, "If we are going to call her Evie, why not just name her Evie." Brilliant!

William - protector
Evie - giver of life

Today's blabbering is brought to you by the person who asked me if Evie was her "real" name.

Celebrating William

2009-07-02T08:02:00.004-05:00

Everyone should have someone in their life that brings to them what William brings to me. He completely lights up my whole day just by walking in the room. He has the sweetest smile, the funniest laugh, the silliest sense-of-humor, and the greatest hugs. He loves unconditional with his whole heart because that's the only way he knows how. He wears his heart on his sleeve and has compassion for everyone. He forgives easily and does not hold grudges. He means what he says and he does not lie. He is intelligent, funny, happy, caring, passionate, cuddly, energetic, brave, loveable, and so much more. I have never feared, worried, laughed, cared, or loved as much before he came into my life. I love you, sweet William! Happy Birthday!!!

Seriously Stampin...

2009-06-29T06:56:00.002-05:00

Sooooo, anyone that knows me probably knows that I enjoy making my own cards. I don't always have the time I would like to devote to my "little" hobby, but I'm trying to get to it more and more. Well, a friend of mine just started her own digital stamp company called "Sunshine's Stamps" and she's given me the honor of being on her very first design team!!! In an effort to help increase exposure for her and to have a separate place for all of my stamped creations (so you aren't bombarded with them here, and so people just looking for my cards aren't bombarded by my boring life stuff), I have created a second blog. If you're interested, you can check it out at www.seriouslystampin.blogspot.com There is only one card there now, using the first release by Sunshine's Stamps, and it is a very basic card (I wanted to get one done in hurry for her stamp release), but it's a start and there will be more to come.

I will continue to update here as much as I can when I have something to say, so stay tuned :)

My Little Munchkin

2009-05-11T20:05:00.002-05:00

Oz: The Musical is a new production that is touring the United States. For each city on their tour, they allow kids in the area to audition for the roles of the Munchkins. Well, as of tonight, I officially have a Munchkin living in my house!!! Evie auditioned on Saturday and we just got word that she will be performing with the show when it comes here in August. She is SOOOOOOOOO excited!!

Milk

2009-05-05T12:49:00.001-05:00

I've had the movie Milk at my house from Netflix for about a week. Finally had a opportunity to watch it. Wow!! Just wow. If you haven't seen it yet, you should.

Any suggestions??

2009-04-15T09:01:00.001-05:00

Avid reader here...looking for more GREAT books to read...any suggestions??

I cannot believe this...

2009-04-09T11:52:00.002-05:00

They gave her a TV show??? You have GOT to be kidding me!! Octo-mom herself, and her 14, yes FOURTEEN, kids are getting way more than their fair share of time in the spotlight. It's like Jon & Kate + 8 meets the Bachelorette. And it is disgusting. How much more irresponsible television is the American public going to allow through mindless consumption?

This is so wrong. Just...wrong.

Like a good book?

2009-04-01T11:57:00.002-05:00

Do you love to read? Have trouble deciding what to read or keeping track of the books that sound intriguing that you WANT to read? Check out www.goodreads.com. You can even leave reviews and let others know what you've thought of the books you've already read. I'm not big on sharing my opinions like that with others, but even *I* have written a review of one book. If I can do it, you can too!!

A couple pics of William, doing what he does best...playing a game on his DS

2009-03-29T18:52:00.001-05:00

Evie and her relatives (aka: This girl LOVES to have her picture taken!)

2009-03-29T18:43:00.003-05:00

Evie and her Aunt Jessica Evie and her Uncle David

Evie and her Grandpa Chip

Evie and her Grandma Ann

Evie and her Aunt Caity

Evie and my cousin Rebecca

Evie with William, Caris, and Zoe--doesn't it look like the three girls are up to something they shouldn't be?

Haven't found one better...

2009-03-12T08:08:00.002-05:00

EVERYONE who has someone in his/her life touched by Autism/Aspergers should read the first chapter, "Defining Autism" of the book You're Going to Love This Kid!: Teaching Students with Autism in the Inclusive Classroom by Paula Kluth. Hell, everyone touched with autism or NOT should read that chapter. I haven't found a better source for describing what it can be like to be autistic than that in all the hundreds of things I've read on the subject. The rest of the book is great too. Two thumbs up, or as my friend Chris would say, SOTA (Slap on the Ass).

Wow!

2009-03-12T08:06:00.002-05:00

I've been gone longer than I thought. Sorry about that. It's a crazy world out there and it keeps getting crazier. And I feel like I don't have much to say lately...but we now return you to your regularly scheduled program...

200

2008-11-03T11:20:00.002-06:00

Wow! 200 posts. Part of me can't believe that I would ever have that much to say. Another part of me can't believe that I haven't had many, many more. I decided for my 200th post, I'd let you ask me some questions. So just put your questions in the comments and I'll come back soon to answer them! Anything you want to ask...

Santa needs to be more careful...

2008-10-28T10:24:00.004-05:00

Good ol' Santa. He meant well, but he really should be more careful in the future. See, last year, Evie so badly wanted Butterscotch. A HUGE play pony by FurReal Friends. Being the thoughtful guy that Santa is, he emailed me to give Evie the heads up that the pony was just too big for our apartment so there would be no room for Butterscotch. She was a little disappointed, but understood, and took it like a champ.

Fast forward to this year. We moved into a new home in January. It has a formal livingroom that is basically empty. The kids use it for a play area more than anything. So, of course, about August, the statements that Santa will be bringing Butterscotch because we have more room now began. Oh, Santa, what have you done?! But alas, never fear, says dear Santa. For the FurReal friends company is no longer making Butterscotch!! Hurray! Problem solved. Or so we thought. Seems Butterscotch has simply been replaced. By S'Mores... ...and she thinks S'Mores is cuter. Of course. So Santa, you need to think long and hard about how you're going to get out of this one. Suddenly William's request for the $130 Lego set doesn't seem so bad, does it? I don't envy you Santa...

Heaven help me...

2008-10-22T10:03:00.003-05:00

Dear Lord, please do not let my daughter see any advertisements that tell her that High School Musical 3 will be in theaters this Friday. Amen.

Bored

2008-10-14T12:38:00.000-05:00

Being bored at work leads to some strange stuff...like this:

You Are

An Evil Pumpkin Face

You would make a good pumpkin bomb.

What's" Your Pumpkin Face?

Scary movie suggestions, please

2008-10-14T12:13:00.001-05:00

My good friend Chris mentioned that it is scary movie month...which got me asking his opinions on some scary movies...which got me thinking about what scary movies I haven't seen that I would like to...which led me here to ask you for scary movie suggestions. Please.

Any final words?

2008-10-14T11:44:00.002-05:00

Ohio executed a man today who had spent years trying to convince the powers that be that it was unlawful to execute him because he was obese. He was tried and convicted of sexually assaulting and murdering two college students. Six members of one victim's family were there as witnesses, and here are the final words they heard from him:

"You (expletive) haven't paid any attention to anything I've said in the last 22 1/2 years, why would anyone pay any attention to anything I've had to say now."

A Morning Well Spent

2008-10-13T06:26:00.004-05:00

Yesterday morning was the Walk Now for Autism event. The Walking for William team had a great time!!! Our tiny team raised $815!!!! There was so much to do there...bouncy houses, games, face painting, characters to meet. So fun!! And it was at the very place that the Buckeyes play football, so Evie was in hog-heaven. Walking into the stadium, she started sing-chanting "I'm walking on the Buckeyes field. I'm walking on the Buckeyes field." William was excited to high-five a bounty hunter from Star Wars. When we asked if he wanted his picture taken with the bounty hunters, he said, "no, I just wanted to say Hi." Toooooo cute!

During the opening ceremonies, there was a lot of talk from several of the speakers about curing Autism. This is one area where Autism Speaks and I have differing opinions. And yesterday I had to explain that to my child. Here is the conversation:

William: "Mom, I need to be cured from Autism."

Mom: "NO, you don't William, you are perfect."

William: "Even with Autism?"

Mom: "Yep, even with Autism, you are perfect.

William: "Then why did they say we have to cure Autism?"

Mom: A long explanation about how some kids with Autism cannon speak, go to a regular school, make friends, etc. so they want to try to make those kids better. "But you don't need to be made better."

William: "Because I'm smart? And perfect with Autism?"

Mom: "Exactly."

I don't want a cure for my child. I understand, to some extent, that some people do, but not me. What I *DO* want is access to insurance coverage for therapies deemed most effective in giving him a little exra assistance where he needs it. There should not be clinics and hospitals out there that can refuse to treat these children, but there are. There should not be 2 years worth of red tape to start treatment, but there can be. What I *DO* want is more research on a wider spectrum to determine what those most effective therapies are for the wide variety of children on the Autism Spectrum. What I *DO* want is more education on Autism for teachers and pediatricians, and those other professionals who come in contact with my child who's brain works just a little differently than theirs...not worse, just different. The money raised by Autism Speaks goes to fund research and training and campaining for all of these areas.

Ok, sorry, back to the fun stuff. My wonderful sister Christy actually remembered her camera yesterday, unlike the rest of us!!! So here are just a few pictures from the day. You can see more about the Brutus Buckeye statues they are posing with by clicking here.

William and Evie both LOVED meeting the characters from Star Wars, and William is going to think this is the coolest picture! He will love that the Storm Trooper behind him has the gun raised over his head. But take a look at my favorite part of this picture...see how Evie is holding onto William's hand? Precious!!

William's sweet handprint....

I'd walk to the ends of the earth and back for this Super kid!!!!!

....

2008-10-09T10:12:00.001-05:00

Evie's parent teacher conference is this afternoon. Why do I feel like I'm being called to the principal's office? Ha!

Joining the Big Boy ranks...

2008-10-07T10:03:00.002-05:00

It's official....those carefree days of lower elementary are over for my sweet son. Today, he has "official" standardized testing. Not the "let's just see how they do" standardized testing of years prior...the real deal. He'll have even more of it in April. AND, the number/letter grades have started. No more "S" for satisfactory and "E" for excellent. Nope. Now's the time to be called to the carpet. To see that 89%/"B" and get all upset because it's ONE STINKIN' POINT away from an "A"!!! No more 6 word, could-do-it-in-my-sleep, practice 100 times during class spelling lists either. 25 spelling words each week. And they're difficult. And they don't get any extra practice with them during school. Hard core, every night studying going on here, folks. Third grade is the real deal. :)

Getting political for a moment...

2008-10-02T08:53:00.004-05:00

Folks, I am not one of those people that LOVES to discuss politics. I actually hate discussing it. I have my opinions but I'm not usually pounding the pavement about them. But with political arena as it is today, I just gotta vent for a sec about some political issues...that really shouldn't be issues, political or not, in my opinion :)

1. Abortion--Pro-choice does NOT equal Pro-death people!!! PUH-LEEEASE figure that out people! If I found myself single, alone, even raped, and pregnant, abortion would never be an option for me. No way. Not ever. And I wish with my entire being that those women that choose abortion would think a little harder about the option of adoption. And I wish with all of my being that this country cared about ALL of it's citizens, even the "special needs" ones, enough that abortion didn't seem like the only answer for some women who's ultrasound's indicate there might be a handicap. HOWEVER, I do not, and will not EVER, believe that the government should have any right to make that decision for any woman. Period.

2. Gay marriage--if you've read my blog for a while, you already know where I stand on this. It's 2008 for crying out loud!! I'm really pissed that anyone would still be having to fight for the right to get married. The laws in this country that keep two people in love from getting married are absolutely crazy! I can't even wrap my mind around why this has to be an issue at all. I was SOOO irate last week...why? Because Clay Aiken, Mr. American-Idol runner-up turned superstar (?), had to go on the front cover of a magazine with the headline "Yes, I'm Gay!" Why did this bother me?? Because I would love to see us living in a world where the response to a statement like that would be "so..." A world where that statement would receive the same reaction as if he had said "I had a cheeseburger for lunch." But no, it made my yahoo news front page for three days. Seriously. To me, the laws that make same-sex marriage illegal equate with the laws that kept blacks and women from voting. And yes, I am a straight, married, mother. And no, I'm not worried about what allowing gay marriage would do to my kids or their future.

3. Sarah Palin--are you kidding me???? Did John McCain and the Republican Party just throw names in a hat and pick one? And before I go on, you HAVE to know that I do not vote simply along party lines. I always consider each candidate as an individual. I've voted for Democrats and Republicans alike in the 16 years that it has been legal for me to vote in this country. So this in NOT a partisan platform I'm preaching from here. Seriously though?? Sarah Palin??? I encourage you to read this letter to Sarah from a fellow blogger, and mother of a child with Down's Syndrome. It just skims the surface really.

Now, realize this is just me venting. I *know* the opposition. There are people near and dear to me, in my own family, who completely disagree with me. But today I'm feeling vocal...so just deal with it. :)

Who's that star??

2008-10-01T10:03:00.001-05:00

Hurricanes in September

2008-09-26T10:43:00.002-05:00

William is cracking me up whenever anyone mentions the recent Hurricane Ike. See, Ike hit Ohio too. Wild I know...a hurricane in Ohio. But it happened. And it left us without power for a few days. Much like when we lived in Alabama in 2004 and were hit with Hurricane Ivan...and lost power for several days.

So now if you talk about hurricanes with William, you will find out quickly that he's "lived through two hurricanes, that both start with the letter "I" and both happened in September." I just love that boy!!

Finding Fall...

2008-09-26T08:25:00.002-05:00

I admit it. I am one of those very few people in the world who enjoys the weather much more when it's cold than on those sweltering hot, blazing sun summer days. Most people I admit that to think I'm crazy. And now-a-days, most people might assume that it's because I'm fat, so the blubber provides an added level of insulation that makes summer heat unbearable. Not so. I've loved winter since long before I started packing on the extra pounds. There is just something about the fall and winter seasons that are magically wonderful to me.

Here it is, Sept. 26, and I'm ready for summer to be over already. But I'm being teased. Mother Nature is playing games with me and I'm getting too old for games. It is officially fall and I am officially ready to break out the sweaters. I am almost giddy to walk to my car in the morning and find the air around me crisp and cool against my face....ahhhhhh, fall. But no, by the time lunch rolls around, the heat is on full blast in that great big space known as outside. It's cruel to do this to a person...really.

I'm longing for the seasons that bring not only the swirling leaves and sparkling snowflakes, but the snow angels, pumpkin carving, windburned cheeks, and twinkling colored lights. I want to write our names in the snow, bake delicious fall pies, and cuddle under the blankie with the kids. Do you hear me Mother Nature...quit playing around with me and bring it on already!!