Manic Mom

A is for Aspergers

2012-01-24T14:29:00.000-08:00

It has been so long I feel drained just looking at the date of my "real" last entry. I have missed being here so much it hurts. It's like coming home after a long vacation. The smell of piled up laundry on top of a mile long to do list, mixed with the remembrance of sandy beaches and an umbrella drink I can't even remember the name of.
Well, life has been many things for me lately and none of it came with a little umbrella. But, I'm here now and I have so much to share. I feel like a tea kettle that's been boiling for a few hours....days.
Let me start with complaining first. It's always good to clear the air and let it all out. My love bug Kaden is about to turn 5. And we have had struggles with him for a long time. I just pushed through and parented the best I could. I never said a word about his behavior, just kept loving him. And after a season of watching the show Parenthood I secretly thought to myself I wonder if Kaden has Aspergers. This new season started and Kaden became more Kaden and I knew I needed to say something. I talked with friends first and they all gave me the line, "he's 4 years old". Yeah, a 4 year old that has been reading since he was 2, has an obsession with numbers and self taught himself multiplication by the time he was 4. Not to mention the amazing vocabulary and need for organization that he can not even enjoy himself. The violent rages bring the whole family to tears, loud noises bring him to tears. The constant counting and lack of expression from him has worn me thin. No one sees this because I keep it to myself, I've never shared it even here in blogland. Everyone thinks I'm lucky because he's so smart and advanced. But, with that is a great responsibility that makes our family exhausted.
My hardest part of the day is keeping him from getting so angry or upset that he hurts himself. And keeping his brain challenged. He reads 2nd and 3rd grade books and wants to learn division. But, the problem is his maturity level. Just because he can explain to me what enursha is and his favorite number is infinity, he is only 4 years old.
Back to the point, I talked with Thanh and he thought I was crazy, that he was just smart and a typical boy. So, I decided to take it up with the pediatrician. He told me I should have told him a long time ago, not to question my judgment. So, tomorrow we are going to a specialist. My friends still think I'm crazy, but I have Thanh on board with me after spending 2 weeks at home over the Holidays. He got to see first hand what it was like homeschooling 3 kids with our Sweet Kaden.
I love him so much, I just want to give him the best start in life. I need to learn how to discipline him without causing him to downward spiral. I want to know how to teach him how to thrive in life with this small speed bump.
I have been searching online for helpful websites. And what has got me aggravated is how many sites took you to books to buy or websites you have to pay for for support and advice or discussion boards. I was disappointed, because I'm desperate for help and in need of answers.
Tomorrow I will have a new start, a new start for Kaden. It's been a long, lonely road and I have a feeling it will still be long in our future, but not so lonely.

I'm Comin' back.......

2011-10-31T16:45:00.000-07:00

Everyone hold your horses, pleeeeeeeeeeeeeease. Had a tad of a stalker problem. But, I think it's all cleared up now. I've been writting, so I'll start posting this week!!!

Deals, Deals and a few more Deals.......

2011-06-13T14:26:00.000-07:00

Great Walgreens Deal.....There are sooooo many this week. If I were organized I could list them all, but here are a few.

You can grab Soft Scrub for as low as $.57 each with some NEW coupons that came in our inserts Sunday. This deal runs through 6/25.
The Soft Scrub is included in the same Register Reward Deal for Purex, Sparkle, Renuzit and Angel Soft, so you’ll get $4 Register Reward WYB $15+.

$$$$$$$$$$
Get $4 RR WYB Wal-Fex 24 Hour Allergy Relief 5ct $3.99

-$1/1 Wal-Fex 24 Hour, Any Walgreens Allergy Booklet found in pharmacy (2092)

= $1 MONEY MAKER

A Brand NEW Product!!!!
Get $2 RR WYB Blistex RPM for Men Lip Care .15oz $2

= FREE!

Tooth Paste
Get $2 RR WYB Colgate 360, MaxFresh, MaxWhite or Total Single Pack Toothbrush $2.99

-.75/1, $1/2 Colgate Adult or Kids Toothbrushes, any – 06-05-11 SS x6/25

-$1/1 Colgate 360 Toothbrush, any – All You, May 2011 x6/30

= AS LOW AS FREE!

Bayer Advanced Asprin
Get $1 RR WYB Bayer Advanced Aspirin 20 or 24ct $3

-$1.50/1 Bayer Advanced Aspirin PRINT

= $.50 EACH!

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this deal!!!!!! I bought like 20 of them and re sold them for $12 each on ebay. $$$$$$$
Get $5 RR WYB Gillette Fusion ProGlide Razor System $9.89

-$4/1 Gillette Fusion ProGlide Razor – 06-05-11 PG x7/31

= $.89 EACH!

There is a month long Register Reward Deal that includes select Purex products. You’ll get a $4 RR WYB $15+ in select Purex products.

You can grab a good deal on these right now since they are on sale for $4. These are regularly priced at about $6.50. Combine that with the Register Reward deal and a coupon for a real bargain!
(4) Purex Complete Crystals $4 Each

(4) $1/1 Purex Complete Crystals Softener, Any – 05-01-11 RP x6/12 or PRINT

Total = $12, Get Back $4 Register Reward

= $2 EACH!

AMAZING DEAL!!!!
Get $3 RR WYB Lysol Neutra Air FreshMatic, Airwick Freshmatic & Freshmatic Mini
-$4/1 Airwick Freshmatic Ultra Starter Kit PRINT

-$2/1 Airwick Freshmatic Compact Automatic Spray Kit
-$4/1 Lysol Neutra Air Freshmatic Starter Kit, Any
-$4/1 Air Wick freshmatic ultra odor detect starter kit – 06-12-11 SS x7/24

= AS LOW AS $.99 EACH! I Bought 10 of them!!!!

HAPPY SHOPPING!!!!!!

This Father's Day take Dad out for Free Ice Cream!!!!!

2011-06-11T10:15:00.000-07:00

This Father’s Day, 6/19, treat dad to a FREE Yogurt at TCBY! Find store locations near you at www.tcby.com/find-a-store

YUMMMMMMMMY!!!!!

Coupon Trip to Walgreens

2011-06-08T19:43:00.000-07:00

I love getting a good deal!!!! Mahala and I went to our local Walgreens and found some great deals yesterday. We also went back today and found some more. We bought 4 packs of hot dogs, 6 Nivea body washes and 2 double packs of reach tooth brushes. We paid out of pocket $11.72 and received $11 in Register Rewards to use on our next purchase. Pretty awesome that it was like basically getting all that for $ .72.
On another note the Manic Family is a bit under the weather. I think we have a touch of a stomach bug floating around. I pray we get better soon. The weather finally looks good out and we are anxious to get out and enjoy it!!
Hope everyone is doing good and don't forget to save your coupons this week. You will be glad you did!
HUGS!!!

New Hair

2011-06-07T20:19:00.000-07:00

We both went and had our hair done today. It was a great day, but a full day. So, we are going to go pop some popcorn and watch a movie. It'll be a kids movie, but at least the kids will be quiet and maybe Kaden will fall asleep. HAHAHA
Off to find the popcorn butter!

I need a Coupon for some Magic Pills

2011-06-04T14:05:00.000-07:00

I'm still not feeling well and yes I did go to the Dr. Friends and family are always telling me to go, not to wait. So, I did and she thinks I have cellulitis of the face and throat and maybe an ear infection. Well, that sounds like a fun time! Yeeeea-Haaaw!!

She gave me an antibiotic and my chemo treatment . If it is my Lupus flaring then the chemo will slap it down on it's knees and put it back in it's place. :-) So, here is what I'm doing today as I pop prednison and extra strength Tylenol. I need someone to give me a neck rub.........

Chalk Heaven

2011-06-02T21:43:00.000-07:00

I thought the kids were soooooooooooooooo cute today!!! Well, I think they are cute everyday.......most days. HAHAHAHA But, today they left a message for Dad out in the front yard that made them extra cute.
Check it out!!!

Don't forget to check out my New Youtube Channel
http://www.youtube.com/user/Proj3ct36

My Six Things

2011-06-02T13:17:00.000-07:00

I'm bored today, but I have a ton of crap to do. So, what do I do? I decided to make an extra cup of coffee and think up things to go blah, blah over. Welcome to my world of procrastination. After I post this I think I'll go paint my nails and then organize my sock drawer until I have to make something for dinner. I could get pizza....no, tonight is not Friday, damn. I usually save the pizza thing for Fridays. I'll think of something....just go ahead and read my sixes for now.
Six things I could live without, but really wouldn’t want to:
Flat iron for my hair
Make up
Internet
Tivo
phone
Flip Flops

Six movies I’ve never seen before:
Dude, where's my car
40 year old Virgin
American pie
Psycho
The Godfather Series
Scarface

Six of my pet peeves:
Hearing someone crunch chips
People who do not move when an ambulance is coming
The sound wrappers make when people crinkle them
When people think I mean one thing & I don't I mean something else, but they want let me explain
Stains on my shirt even when I am so careful when I eat

Six things I really love doing:
Playing games with my kids
Blogging/writing
Reading
Shopping
Having my hair done
Did I mention shopping!?!?!

Six things I was into as a kid:
Barbies
Strawberry short cake
Slip N Slide
My little pony
Coloring
Reading

Six things I was into as a teenager:
Music
Boys
Tanning
Football games
New Kids on the Block
Shopping

Hungry for Coupons?????

2011-06-01T11:13:00.000-07:00

I'm sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo hungry!!! But I have noooooooooooooo idea what to eat. Don't you hate that? Like, you know you want something good, but nothing is popping in my head. You all know I have such a hard time figuring out what to cook. But, when the cooking mood strikes I'm like a cooking machine. For real, I'm being serious. Just the other day I took copa, mozzarella, a lightly poached egg seasoned with fresh herbs and served it over a piece of homemade, toasted, bacon bread. I know too many comas, whatever.
It was so delicious, I don't have anymore copa or bread, so i guess I could have eggs. Or I could just go out for a burger, my last resort. Talk to you later today. Today is COUPON PRINTING DAY!!!!!! YAY!!!!!!
I will show you my stash later today....If I don't starve..... Hugs!!!!!

Ocean Critters

2011-05-31T15:51:00.000-07:00

So, this week we are going back to school. I know it's Summer and all, but the Manic Fam has been on Summer break off and on for several months now. Since Mahala tried to die on us back in late December we have never been the same.
Mahala helped me work with Kaden today. He is learning about the seasons and now we are talking about late Spring and Summer. Which prompted the beach/ocean. And today we made a mural of the ocean. We learned about different aquatic critters and temperatures. He had a blast with Mahala gluing, cutting and sorting out the sequence and beads.
Here is the finished product.

Music to My Ears

2011-05-28T23:13:00.000-07:00

Mahala has been taking piano lessons and loves it so much. She sounds so beautiful when she plays and peaceful. I enjoy hearing the sound of a piano in the background when I'm doing this or that around the house. She does her homework that her piano teacher, Ryan gives her. But, she fiddles around as she calls it more often then not. So here is a portion of a song that she came up with while learning the notes. I can't wait to see what it ends up becoming. Hugs to all!!!!

Here is the link to my NEW YouTube channel. It's soooooooooo new, so check often so you can take a look at it after it's all put together.
http://www.youtube.com/user/Proj3ct36

Got Friends?

2011-05-28T16:11:00.000-07:00

Have I showed this pic before? I can't remember, old age kicking in. HAHAHAHA
Mahala loves this dog, more then anything in this world. He is about 8 years old and I was thinking about dropping tiny hints here and there that one day he will not be with us. I just want to soften the blow, because the day something does happen, her world will be over. Or at least to her it will be.
Once, about 2 years ago he went missing for almost a full day. I thought we were going to have to do CPR on her. It was crazy!!!!!! It took 3 months before she would even let him go outside and pee by himself. HAHAHA
So, what do you think......should I have a talk about it or just deal with it when it happens?

The Good Life

2011-05-27T10:52:00.000-07:00

This is the life! No worries, except what to play or eat next. Just relaxing and thinking of another question he can ask. HAHAHAH

What's for Dinner?

2011-05-24T16:45:00.000-07:00

Good food, good southern food......... The other night we had buttermilk chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy. It was so yummy, I wished that I wouldn't have only cooked enough for just that night. HAHAHAHA
Now, what should I cook tonight?

Coupons, Glorious coupons

2011-05-21T10:21:00.000-07:00

I have been both busy and absent minded. Does that even make sense, probably not. I have been clipping coupons, waving my hands all in the air screaming the world is ending, the world is ending!!!! Ok, those that know me know the last part is not right, but, I have been clipping coupons. And this week I have saved almost $300. Not bad I say!!!! I love coupons, I got away from them a few years ago. But, for project 36 I need to get some money together. I want to take a trip from one end of the country to the next. And visit like 32 states....OMG I would Love, Love, Love it. But, right now the funds are lower then low. Like I even need a wallet to keep it in low. HAHAHAHAHA So, There we go I have almost $300 saved up. That will at least get me an oil change and a tire for the RV needed. BIIIIG SMIIILE!!!
Right now I am off to watch Mahala's final game. They made it to the play offs. We are expecting Gold, I'll let you know soon. TTYS

Manic Leftovers

2011-05-17T16:27:00.000-07:00

Yes, you are looking at how I normally store leftovers. Thanh Hates it!! I don't know if that has anything to do with why I do it. But, I have a sneaky suspicion that it might just cause me a little joy every time he sees one of my ziploc treasures and he groans. I don't know, I just find it so simple and fast. I have Rubbermaid's, butter tubs, Tupperware and Costco contraptions. But, there is something so simplistic about a good old ziploc. Love'em!!

Another Day, Another Meal

2011-05-16T12:02:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have those days when you have sooooo much to do, but you would rather just curl up back in bed? Yeah, we all have I know. Well, that's what kind of a day today is for me.
But, there are chores to do....like always. And I'm trying to do this coupon thing. I must be like coupon dyslexic or something. I am probably making it harder then what it is. I tend to do that. ;-)
Skylar has guitar, Mahala has girlscouts, Kaden has piano and believe it or not he has a strict preschool curriculum that he does. Crazy, I know!!! But, he is like the most high maintenance child I have education wise. He wants more and more. He loves math, organization, patterns, reading, writing and now piano. All on his own will. So he begs for it, so I have to give it to him. And when his little brain is not getting what it wants his little hands misbehave. So, I give him a job or task, he completes it and turns it in. Then wants the next thing. He is so precious, but on a day like today I'm like pleeeeeeeeeeeeese, go watch tv. Look your brother and sister like it!!! HAHAHAHA

And then that brings me to the daunting task of cooking dinner. I love making good old country meals and big Holiday meals. It's the dinners in between that bug me off. I'm feeling some chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes and gravy with a side of baby carrots. But, that would mean a shower, getting dressed, putting on some lip gloss, mascara and some shoes. Hmmmmmmmmmmmm frozen pizza or leftover pasta could do too. Oh, decisions, decisions!!!!

Rain, Rain, Go Away!

2011-05-15T18:22:00.000-07:00

It rained, rained, rained and then rained again today. Oh.... did I mention that it rained????? Mahala's softball practice was canceled today and her team really needed a practice today. They won their two games yesterday, so play offs baby here we come.....ok here they come. ;-)
But the flowers, trees and all things green need some rain more, so we will all practice separately this week.
The girls are all so excited. Mahala predicted Gold this season and I think her prediction is going to be correct. I'm happy for her, she has had a lot of lows so something positive is just what the doctor ordered.

Since it is all rainy outside we have been just hanging out, playing games, watching tv, nothing too exciting. But, I have started something new.
Project 36 is all about trying new things, so I've decided to give couponing a try. Why not save a little money this year? I have no idea where to start, or what to do. So, I've hit the computer to dig up some ideas. If any of you have some tips or ideas, share....pleeeeeeaaassse!!!!!
FYI, Skylar wants to do video clips of our family here and there. So, beware this will be coming soon. we may break your computer, cause you to have to run to church or at the very least Love your family that much more! HAHAHA
Talk to you all tomorrow. We have a lot to do this coming week.

Let's get this party started

2011-05-14T17:32:00.000-07:00

After years of wanting to learn how to play guitar, Skylar has reached success. Hallelujah, Amen!!! He bought his first guitar over a year ago. And it was like we were gonna get lessons....tomorrow...next week. Okay, like when?? Well finally a year or so has gone by and I met this guy at one of our home school parent meetings. He graduated from home school last year and has a band of his own. There was something about him that I liked, he seemed like a really nice kid that put God first in his life. So I asked if he would like to make a little extra money teaching Skylar. Turns out to be a perfect fit. He even comes to the house!!! YAY!!!

So, he has had 5 lessons now and I am kicking myself for not getting him lessons sooner. He sounds amazing and he LOVES it so much. I'm very proud of him!!!!

The Promise of Summer is here

2011-05-11T20:46:00.000-07:00

Kaden is so excited that Summer is almost here. Yesterday we got out his sand and water table. And he played with it all day long. Even the promise of brownies couldn't get him to come inside. Talk about commitment! It took an hour in the bathtub to get all of the sand out of his hair. HAHAHA

Manic Kids in the City

2011-05-11T18:29:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a great day for us. A Looooooong Fun Day, but that's ok. We started off going to Chili's, I love their soup and salad deal. Kids noshed on burgers and chicken strips. Kaden was in such a mood I swear he acted like a premenstrual teenager. Hello!!! Your 4 years old, I swear I wanted to choke him. But, instead I ignored the behavior, told him first what his consequence was going to be and then enjoyed that chit chat with the other two kids. Over all it was a great lunch and by the time the meal was done Kaden had apologized and all was right with the world....at least at the moment.

After we ate we decided to go to a local zoo. It was on the fly, which I love to do. I love deciding the last minute to go somewhere or try something new. It gives the outing a since of surprise and mystery when it's not all mapped out and organized. I'm less frazzled, which you would think it would be the other way around. Anyway, the zoo was great!!! The kids were most fascinated with the wolves and tigers. I didn't take any pics, because the two older kids were taking pics like we were the freaking paparazzi after a shot of Madonna slobbering all over that Justin kid.
So, it was fun and it was hot, hot, hot! We decided to hit a whole in the wall yogurt shop downtown. Yummmmmmy, I haven't had frozen yogurt in a month of Sundays. We ate outside so my little animal could run around and act like a monkey. He had a blast, and as you can see Skylar & Mahala tolerated it. HAHAHA

After we ate we went to Target, I love Target!!! I always buy, even if I don't need anything. Stuff just jumps into my cart, I swear. HAHAHA Skylar was off in the electronics department and Mahala &; Kaden decided to take a nap. Nite-Nite!!

The Doctor's office was next on our list of places to go. Blood work was great and my blood pressure was down. Only thing high was my heart rate. So, the Doctor is keeping me on the new med he put me on a few weeks ago. Can't complain because he also said I lost 4 pounds. Yay me!!

When we left my appointment our last stop to make was Sams club. I had to get my drugs, some fish & veggies. A bunch of other crap ended up in my van to.. I don't know where that all came from, but I'll make something out of it. ;-)

We finally got home and I swear it was 7:30, I hate eating this late. But it was a great meal and healthy. I baked some cod with veggies and brown rice. And I love San's salsa, so I put that over the fish with some avocado. Lord, help us all it was soooo delicious. I should have taken a pic. Next time I will because it was such a beautiful plate with all the colors.

By the end of the night I was exhausted. We watched the new Narnia movie and then called it a day. Now, I'm going to make my list of things I HAVE to do this year. Any suggestions????

600 Calorie Nightmare

2011-05-09T19:08:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!!! Happy Late Mother's Day to all my Mommy Friends out there.
I have had a week of hell, let me tell ya. I have had such a ruff time that Project 36 is going to start a few days late. But, that's okay, we can deal with it!!
So, let's go back a week and a half ago. My primary Dr. freaked out because my blood pressure was ridiculous high. I actually had to sign a form relieving him of any responsibility in case I drop dead that day. That was a great Dr. visit. He gave me a new prescription and we talked about weight loss. I need to do something now he said, but he didn't suggest surgery. So, he gave me a number for a weight loss clinic. I called them as soon as I got in the car. My appointment was scheduled for that Monday, which would be last Monday. On Monday I went to the clinic and meet with the Dr. Of course I was a PERFECT client for this diet. I was excited and decided to go to my first meeting that night. The program (VLCD) would consist of 600 calories worth of shakes, some vitamins, 3 boulion cubes and 4 quarts of water.
After rearranging my evening I drove the hour to the clinic. I listened to the lady going on and on about what needed to be done, side effects, monitoring, weekly meetings and so forth. I bought my goodies and was on my way out the door. I was excited I have to tell you, this was going to "save" me. Right???
The next day, Tuesday I started tracking my water intake and shake schedule. By midday I was a complete zombie. I swear I have felt better the day after a drinking contest back in college. Long Island Iced Teas have NOTHING on this shit. So, I knew my body was just getting used to the product, like a detox. So, I waited it out and Wednesday and Thursday were Beautiful. I wasn't hungry, I had energy and oh, did I say that I wasn't hungry???
Thursday night is chemo night here at my house. Everyone knows that I drop in energy that night. Well, I had the worst headache and diarrhea(sorry) ever. I decided to just go to bed. Friday was worse then Tuesday ever thought about being. I couldn't get out of the bed, but a few times because hello, I have kids. I continued to have diarrhea, a headache and nauseous. Saturday came, which was Skylar's Birthday. Yes, it was mine too. I was so sick I ended up staying home in bed while The kids and Thanh went out. I ended up throwing up, which to me is like the worse sickness in the world. Since I wasn't keeping any calories down I called and talked to the clinic twice. They thought it was because of the chemo, but most clients experience headache, fatigue and diarrhea.
Sunday was too much, I couldn't handle anymore. I had 5 crackers for dinner in the hopes it would help. After a few minutes I felt a tad better. I then ate a few more and by 7pm I felt much better that I was able to sit up and watch tv.
Monday, today I called them I told them to take me off their list. They tried to talk me into staying, but in the same breath explained how because of my medication and chemo I would more then likely continue with these side effect. At least Thursday thru Monday. Who wants that? I want to get healthy, but feeling like that is not how I want to do it.
So, what am I going to do? I am going to move more, track everything I eat and eat less.
That was my week, after today I want to forget it. Actually when my fat ass wants fast food or I feel to tired to get out and walk I'm going to remember how my VLCD week from hell felt.
That should work!

Too Tired

2011-05-02T16:41:00.000-07:00

Last night I stayed up way too late watching tv. At night it's the only time I watch, so I forget the time sometimes and next thing you know it's like 1:30 in the morning. HAHAHA I had my alarm set because I had to get up early, yes early.   I am so not a morning person!!! And now at 3:30, I am paying the price of staying up late. YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWN!!
Wake up Sheila, what's for dinner?   Something fast, it has to be fast. Broccoli, tilapia and mashed potatoes, sounds good to me.
Tonight Mahala and I are going to organize all of our coupons and check the sales papers. Big shopping trip coming up!!!!
Too tired to type, chat more tomorrow.
Me

Project 36 Secret

2011-05-01T14:57:00.000-07:00

You have heard of the Yellow Brick Road, right? My kids colored me a Rrainbow Brick Road. Awwweeee, how sweet of them. That's my kids, trying to put a smile on my face.
Yesterday was the day my Mom died...... We celebrated her life and kept busy. Started planning for Project 36. Gathering ideas, with Skylar. He plans to be the camera guy and coordinator. We have a You Tube channel set up, he's working on the background today. Actually, I thing he has a friend of his working on it. Already delegating....that's my boy.
So, today Mahala is at softball practice with her Dad. We are picking up around the house. Both of us are having a Lupus day. He was supposed to attend a homeschool thing tonight, but not feeling up to it. I hate when his young life gets interrupted by his disease. There will be other things, others days I tell him.
Well, tomorrow is a Big Day for me. I have told nobody what is happening. It's a secret, an exciting secret. And it will start of Project 36. Remember Project 36 will officially begin on May 7th. It will last for 365 days and during that year I will do and experience things my Mom wasn't able to do, I will go new places, try new food, work on my health and do things every single day that will honor her legacy. She died so young and since I was just 12 when she died I am limited as to what I remember as far as her dreams and goals in life. I have contacted some of my family members to try and gather info.
But, this year is also about me. About me trying to live as long as possible for my kids. I don't want to die and leave my children motherless if I can do something about it. This year is also going to be about me learning to trust and not be afraid. I am going to use this year to discover life as an adult not a shameful child. I hope I have a lot of people follow me on this journey......YAY Project 36!!!!!