Fun N Happy Thoughts

Choose Happiness Over Misery

noreply@blogger.com (the fun life) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 05:59:00 +0000

Sometimes in life we have to give up something we want or that is important to us in order to be able to move forward in life. It's true....

I know some of you are saying what is this crazy girl talking about....

Others know what I'm saying, but say why give up something that is comfortable and safe even though those same people are miserable.....Been there done that. Lets say not fun and life is wayyyyyyy to short!

Others will say make that tough decision you never know whats going to happen.....You deserve to be happy. I agree with making that tough decision, I made it! It hurt!
Down right stung the thumper in the chest. But the thumper is strong and will be happier as life is being lived, goals reached and true love is found.

Recently, I had to make a tough decision to walk away from a relationship that I was comfortable with and frankly from someone I'm in love with and the only guy I ever really loved. I moved our relationship to the "we are just friends category." It has been a long time coming. I want more out of life so I had to give up the relationship that I was comfortable with but wanted more out of it. I have always known that we were never going to go anywhere but I didn't want to face it. I didn't want to give up friendship that has helped me grow, enriched my life for years and the only guy that I have actually loved.
Recently, I stated what I wanted from our relationship and I got no response. So I'm done. I'm ready and need to move on and I have....I can and I will. I want more and deserve more. I have left the safety net behind, I'm sad but I know that it had to be done. I don't want to be miserable anymore. I want a real relationship so I made a tough decision, now I can move on. It's scary not knowing if I will ever be in love again.

We clinch on to things that make us miserable because we don't want to give up material things, money, and comfort to change our situation. Does that make sense? I have so many friends that are miserable. They say I would love to but I don't want to give up having everything. I gave up two houses, toys and countless shopping trips to be happy. I may not have everything ever again but I'm happy, my kids are happy and my life has changed for the better. It wasn't worth being miserable to have everything or to be in love with someone who loves you but doesn't want the same thing out of the relationship.

One Step To Being Deliriously Happy!

The ABC's of Dementia....

noreply@blogger.com (the fun life) — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:20:00 +0000

One of the things we worry about as we age is dementia. There are many different types and causes of dementia. Knowing the types and causes will help with the prevention of or slowing of symptoms of dementia. I want to educate and increase everyone's knowledge of dementia. Over the next few months I plan on breaking it down further for you in hopes that this will help you with your loved one.

Dementia can be classified in a variety of ways and are often grouped by what they have in common, whether they worsen over time (progressive dementia) or are caused by a reaction to medications or an infection, which can reversible with treatment.

Here are a some of the risk factors that you need to be aware of, lets start off with the ones that CANNOT be changed. They are age, family history and Down Syndrome. Rick factors that CAN be changed are Alcohol consumption, Atherosclerosis, blood pressure, cholesterol, Diabetes. depression, estrogen levels being out of range, smoking, Homocysteine blood levels to name a few things. It goes without saying you must look at things that you can change to prevent problems you don't want. Not to say that you won't get it any ways but why help it.

Some of the signs and symptoms that your love one might be having trouble.

1) Memory loss that disrupts your daily living.

2) Having problems with solving problems or planning

3) Difficulty with completing task that is normally done daily and that you are familiar with.

4) Confusion with time and place.

5) Problems with writing or speaking words.

6) Misplacing of items and or not recalling what you did with the items.

7) Poor or decreased judgement

8) With drawl from social activities or work

9) Changes in personality or mood, increase anger etc.

10) Visual problems

If you think your loved one is having problems please seek the advice of a MD or neurologist. Doctors have been know to miss the early signs of dementia so don't be to hard on yourself if you don't notice them. Get help as soon as you can to help prevent the progression of dementia in your loved one. When you do take your loved one to the doctors be prepared to give an extensive medical history and have knowledge of the medication that they are currently taking. The doctor may order cognitive test, neurological evaluations, scans both CAT or MRI, laboratory tests, Psychiatric evaluation to come up with the diagnosis for your loved one. Don't give up until you are satisfied with the diagnosis and treatment of your loved one. Remember one day you might be in their shoes!

Come on and Join Me For A Morning Workout!

noreply@blogger.com (the fun life) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 03:07:00 +0000

I love waking up early in the morning with the sun rising and the house quite as a mouse running around leaving it's poop poop behind! Quietly sitting in my chair sipping coffee with blinds open watching the beautiful sunrise. All nice right? Up until I see neighbor after neighbor go by walking, jogging or riding their bike. An instant motivation it is, as they are going by and you can hear their quiet remarks, "Get off your butt and move woman!" " I feel guilty if I don't get don't get out and exercise." Props to the neighbors who encourage me to get up and move.

Exercising in the morning has many benefits according to some experts. It clears my mind and allows me to think about things going on in life and biz. I love it when the kids or my biz partner comes with me. I simply enjoy it because it gives me the motivation and determination to drive my day into a productive fun day.

Some of the benefits of exercising in the morning are:

1) Speeds up your metabolism, gives you that "jump start" to burning calories all day long. I don't know about you but I need all the help I can get burning calories!

2) Exercising has been shown to increase your mental acuity, clears the mind for up to 10 hours. Why do that at night when you want to go to sleep and you don't care if your mind is all fuzzy! Don't loose optimal brainpower while you are sleeping, exercise in the morning so you can harness your productive day!

3) When you excise the same time everyday it has positive affects in regulating your endocrine and circadian rhythms. This helps your body get ready for the day several hours before you start! Hormones prepare your body for exercise, your metabolism increases while you are sleeping. Which will cause you to be more energized and ready to start the day!

4) Morning workouts help you stay committed to your workout regime. No chance of having excuse that your day was long or kids have homework, or a black cat crossed your path. I like exercising first thing in the morning and I use to be a night time only exercise person. It has been stated that people are more successful with they're exercising routine if they knock it out first thing in the morning.

5) People who do their exercise routine seemed to have regulated their appetite, eat less and choose healthier foods and portions.

These are just a few reasons of why one should exercise in the morning. I was sold on increasing my metabolism and mental acuity. hahahaaha I need all the help I can get. Whenever you choose to exercise just do it. Do it for yourself, toss out the excuse and the procrastination. Get moving your body and clear your mind. The benefits and rewards will last you a lifetime.

The First Step To A Healthier You

noreply@blogger.com (the fun life) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 03:44:00 +0000

We are working on my websites today...actually dusting some that have been sitting there in cyber space all by their lonesome self wanting to be worked on, made pretty, and to be visited by people. Anyways....one of the sites is Healthy Tips For A Better You...something very dear to my soul...something I wish all people actually believed in...so I am going to start from the beginning on how to create a healthy you.

As I have stated in the past, it all starts with your frame of mind. Your mind, your thoughts all play a factor in your overall health, mood and your ability to handle stress. When you want to make changes in your life, it all needs to start with your mindset. Your mind needs to be healthy before you can make changes in your life from weight loss to job changes, and life in general. The way we think and feel plays a factor in our ability to achieve our goals and the outcomes from it.

According to research performed at the Mayo clinic the health benefits of positive thinking vary from lowering depression and distress, to reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, increasing life span and better coping with stress. It is not sure why people who have positive thoughts have these benefits. Some of the theories are positive people have better coping skills dealing with stress which reduces the harmful sides effects of stress on the body. Another thought is that people with positive thoughts have a healthier lifestyles.

This is all good and everyone would love to have these extra health benefits along with the rewards from positive thoughts attract positive things in the world but it takes work and can be done. Your first step is saying and believing it can be done. Your second step is to get rid of the negative things and people in your life. Yes, this can be done. Find positive people and start hanging out with them. You will be amazed at how your life will change.

Negative thinking and hanging around negative people will stop you from achieving your goals whether they are personal or financial. Find the positive in every situation, don't tell me you can't find the positive because if you look hard and thoroughly you can always find the positive. I was having a conversation about the state of the economy with a friend. He was depressed and scared. I looked at him and I said I'm not worrying about it. He looked at me strangely. I said I can't do anything to change what is going on. It's out of my hands so I looked for the positive when the economy started to tank. The positive I found was that families we starting to live together and are closer like years ago. He thought about and said you are right. He smiled and said that was very smartest thing he heard about the negative economy and he was going to think that way. Now this thought won't change Washington or the world but it will change the way you let the negative things in the world affect you.

One step closer to being deliriously happy!

The Best Birthday Gift Ever......

noreply@blogger.com (the fun life) — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 02:02:00 +0000

I wanted to share the story of the unique bond and love of two of my children. A bond that is so special and worthy of being shared.....

On July 29, 2000 my sweet baby girl Jem was born. I will never forget the day she came home it is so vivid in my mind like it happened yesterday. The strongest bond I have ever seen between two siblings took place that day, right in front of my eyes.

My daughter NaTasha drove me and Jem home from the hospital and my daughter Anessa was home watching Dewy. We arrived home in the afternoon of Aug 3, 2000 on my son Dewy's 2nd birthday. When we came through front door Dewy was so excited to see me and his baby sister. He sat on the couch and put his little arms out. He wanted to hold his baby sister. I put Jem in Dewy's arms, they looked at each other as if they were making an agreement at that moment that they would always take care of each. From that day on a special unique bond was formed and has grown stronger ever since.

From the time they were little they have been tight, where you found one the other was close by, each of them paying attention to the other to make sure they didn't need anything. They are able to communicate with one another in away that I cannot fully explain or understand. As they have grown the bond has gotten tighter but allowed each one to grow independently. Jem has always known that Dewy would need help around people and in certain situations. She has always invited him to be with her and her friends and looked out for him when they are away from home to make sure everyone was being good to him. Dewy has always made sure Jem had almost everything she's ever wanted. When he was little he would make sure Jem had her fruit snacks at bedtime, she was protected from any bugs going after her, and he even gave her his undies to wear. Now days he will record T.V. shows for her even though she didn't ask him to and have her favorite snacks saved in a secret spot so no one will eat them.

To me their bond is like that of fraternal twins born two years apart...a boy and a girl instead of two boys or two girls. We refer to beginning of this bond as Dewy's best birthday gift ever....and Jem smiles big and says proudly, "Yes, I'm."

One step closer to being deliriously happy!

Living Life

noreply@blogger.com (the fun life) — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 22:34:00 +0000

I have to say I'm delightfully surprised when I went to our local 4th of July parade. The participants of the parade and the band were beautiful people aged 60 and up. Now that is not to say that there wasn't younger people in the parade but the majority of the peeps were 60 and up...

It was so cute seeing the ladies dancing like an Egyptian and wearing Egyptian outfits they were so cute. I cheered OH, YAY! I'm going to do that in 30 years from now.....wearing the cute little Egyptian outfit and getting my grove on, shaking my booty...

Next up were the mermaids, and need I say anything more but WOW! Beautiful ladies strutting their stuff. Saying hey who cares bout my age. I'm beautiful and still have it! True inspiration...

After the parade we went to get the free ice cream being passed out. We could hear the band playing and to our second surprise the band was made up of another group of beautiful people that was 60 and up. The music was wonderful, the band was really impressive.

So many people use age as an excuse of why they can't do something, while others don't let age stop them from doing what they want and living each day to the fullest. Going to the parade and seeing what I seen confirmed my thoughts that the new generation of seniors are not growing old in their rocking chairs, they grabbing a hold of each day and doing what they want. Living their dreams....

On step closer to being deliriously happy.....

Living With Asperger

noreply@blogger.com (the fun life) — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 18:44:00 +0000

I went to bed last night with tears in my eyes and a heavy heart. One of the blessings I love the most bout my son will hold him back from having friends; having people to hang with. My son is highly intelligent but lacks the skills to tell if someone is being mean....his social skills are improving but they will always lack for he has been diagnosed with Asperger syndrome......autism spectrum disorder.

My son can ride a bike, skate board, play video games and is very, very good at it I might add. Excellent in school. He can swim, knows karate, plays sports that are more single person related or two person related. How is that any different then other kids? Grant you his vocabulary may babyish at times and he might point his finger up in the air when he talks and he may not look at you in the eye every time but he has manners and would never be mean. He just wants to have friends....he wants someone to hang with.

A simple way to understanding AS

I have always taught my kids to be accept people for their differences. No one asked to be born with disabilities or differences. No one waved their hand in the air and said pick me. God made them this way. Who are we to make fun of his creations? Who are we to shun people who are different? When we do we shut ourselves off from a learning experience and possible best friend ever.

I would like to ask the kids and parents, what would do if this was your child? What if this was you? Would you like to be treated as a leopard? Until we change our views and teach our kids to be open, the hate will always plague our society.

I Want A Brain Transplant But Instead I Got..............

noreply@blogger.com (the fun life) — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 15:34:00 +0000

Last Friday I had a very important date with Dr. Lewis, my surgeon. I finally gave in and had the surgery that needed to be done. This day also marks the beginning of the 8 wk plan.

Brain Transplant....check!

No folks it wasn't a hysterectomy, I was scheduled for a brain transplant~~~~I so want a photographic memory~~a WHOLE body tuck and nip, a boob job and butt job. However, when I woke I was sadly disappointed I had the surgery I was scheduled for with none of the things done on my wish list...Bummer..

Lets just let the record state I'm a register nurse who hates needles. I can pick you a bazillion times but don't come at me with a needle, I might have to deck you! With that being said, I had an awesome nurse who had superb techniques in the art of starting IV's. Tho, she did use a numbing med first. I did not feel a thing and I didn't feel the IV in my hand until the day I was going home. Props to that nurse she can stick me anytime.

Behaving as a patient lets see, I hopped out of bed with the rails up once and with the bed up in the air once. Other then that props to me for being a good patient. I wasn't even grumpy....not that I have ever been grumpy LOL!

I was impressed with how clean the hospital was. However my room never did get cleaned...hmmm whatz up with that? The nurses were nice, caring and did a great job but....Yes, there is a but, I had 3 shifts that never did an assessment on me. Yes, I'm was a healthy patient but as a nurse I would never take care of a patient for 12 hours without doing an assessment on them. I love my nursing licence and worked hard to get it. Am I passing judgement? Nope, just giving advice. It's your license.....I had the other half of working moms Anessa and a friend keeping their eyes on me. I was in good hands.

Be in the hospital but be comfy and stylish!

One step closer to being deliriously happy!

Paying It Forward, Saying Thanks!

noreply@blogger.com (the fun life) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 17:11:00 +0000

Today, as I was chatting with a few of my twitter friends regarding #payingitforward , I was taken back to my father who passed away years ago and all his generosity which would be called today #payingitforward #randomactsofkindness. My thoughts drifted to all my neighbors, and family who gave so generously everyday when I was growing up. The acts of kindness that happened everyday when I was little and I took it for granted.

My father had a huge funeral which I see was a way for people to thank him for all that he had given to people, family and his community. Amazing I just got that today. He died when I was young so I never gave thought. Anyway, he gave when he did not have the money to give. He would have given the shirt of his back to help anyone and he really did. He started the ambulance service in our town when we no longer had one, active in the church and a great father. Never thought once bout the time or bout how much it was going to cost him. We didn't have lots money but her would give anyway. Thats what made him rich I truly believe. The feeling that he must have gotten. I would like to say THANK YOU dad. I finally got it.

I would also like to THANK all my neighbors who I called Aunt, Uncle and Grandpa. They were not related by blood but they were a huge part of my life everyday when I was growing up. They were kind and generous to me and my family. They took care of me when my mom was sick. I loved going to Aunt Marie's house after school because she would have a snack on the table for me waiting and chat with me. She was always there with kind words and a open ear. Grandpa McLeod would sit and chat with me. He always let us use his clothes line to hang our clothes on and he looked after me too. Aunt Libby and Uncle Don were always there for me too! Always ready for a visit from me. All the neighbors helped my mom and dad out. My mom was sick a lot and they pitched in and helped. I also would like to thank Carl and Martha too. I will never forget your generosity you showed me and all the times you let me stay with you.

This blog is dedicated to all the people in my life who really showed my what random acts of kindness, paying it forward was just took me a bit to figure out where I got it from. I'm sorry it took me so long to say THANKS! You will always be loved and you all are never far from my thoughts! Thank you for being part of the trunk on my tree of life! So you know I addicted to the feeling that comes from #payingitfoward TY!

Please post the acts of kindness that touched your lives!

My New Attitude has People Guessing.....

noreply@blogger.com (the fun life) — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 05:38:00 +0000

I woke up January 1, 2011 with a new attitude of I no longer give a rats booty and a feeling of extreme happiness that doesn't seem like it could ever go away.

I left all the baggage in 2010. I have had a smile on my face and an attitude to boot....so much so that everyone swears I must have a new love in my life, which is far from the truth.

A smile and new attitude is a hallmark sign for a new man in my life. Please, one can be deliriously happy without having a love life.

I have a smile on my face laughing as I'm thinking bout what I just said. Yes, I believe that you need to open your heart and allow love to enter. I plan on mmmmmm maybe working on my love issues this year. Kids and friends say I should I 'm not sure but lets move on from here.

I'm not sure what the deliriously happy feelings are from except from my inner soul, my thoughts, my outlook but whatever it is when the feeling starts to fade I snap back and say Girl, remember you don't give a rats booty, put a smile on your face and love the life you have.

One step to closer to being deliriously happy!!!

I Found My Big Girl Panties......

noreply@blogger.com (the fun life) — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 13:20:00 +0000

This morning I realized I have lost my vision.....my happy thoughts. I have allowed people's negative thoughts, words and action to play a huge part in how I feel and react to situations and things. I'm not sure when this happened but it did. It's not a good thing nor a good feeling
BUT now it's time for a CHANGE, growth, strength, and slap myself silly for allowing it. What was I thinking...oh, that's right I wasn't thinking. I was reacting which not a good thing. Sooooooooooooo

I'm commanding and taking BACK control of my life, actions and thoughts. I'm standing up throwing signs up which read.
I'm strong..........
I'm happy........
Your negative thoughts will no longer control my thoughts and words..........but I will use my words to be heard regarding your negativity.
I will become stronger from your negativity.....going to put on my big girl panties and leave them on this time...
Look out world I'm back.............One step forward to becoming deliriously happy....

Ultimatum......... Negative Word With A Positive Spin

noreply@blogger.com (the fun life) — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 23:03:00 +0000

Ultimatum......A statement that expresses or implies the threat of serious penalties if the terms are not accepted. A negative word by all means.....

I was recently given an ultimatum, needless to say, it did not set well with me.... is it going to get me to comply with what they want...Nope not at all.....

Just the opposite....
I have planted my feet firm in the dirt...if my hand is forced...... I'm ready to take a leap of faith..... a jump into the unknown......scared no....I'm excited and ready for the new life that the ultimatum will force upon me.....as I have been thinking this is probably what I need.....the push that I have been looking for.....

Life is to short to live by the rules of a person who survives in life by trying to control people through ultimatums when it was them who caused the problem to begin with.....

Now not many people would would take the leap of faith as I'm going to. They would give in and go with the ultimatum especially in today's economy but hey, as I says you only live once.....money isn't everything....yes, I do have mouths to feed and medical bills, and other payments like everyone else....

I'm just tired of power trips....battles I no longer choose to fight.....so give me an ultimatum....and if I'm not doing anything wrong to cause it.....I'm gone....If I caused it then I will apologize and ask for your forgiveness...

So I have decided to take this negative word and give it a positive spin. I'm going to go after my dreams.....jump hard and heavy into my biz....go back to school......and who knows I might even date, find that Mr. Ann Marie that everyone who meets me wants to know if there is one.

To me only positive outcomes will come from the negative ultimatum......who knows I might even drop her a thank you note for the "ultimatum" which is going to change my life for the better......

One more step to becoming deliriously happy.......

Sending My Baby Off To War

noreply@blogger.com (the fun life) — Wed, 26 May 2010 01:19:00 +0000

I have had a rough week to say the least......
One time in my life when I need to be strong... a pillar for my babies....instead I'm struggling with every ounce of me not to cry.....to be able to breath....not panic with fear...I have been through a lot in my life....all which holds nothing to what I'm feeling about sending my baby off to a war zone...

Many of you don't know but my middle child...child #4.... "aka" short bus (nickname given to her because she is 5ft 1and gives me piggyback rides... I tease that she is so short my butt hits the floor)...T-birder(another nickname)...Taneah is in her last 9 days of training/holding before she is being deployed .......

Up until last Tuesday....it didn't bother me...because I decided to go with denial...my other daughter said mom she wont go....they will probably cancel her orders....I went with that....denial......it was working for me...up until she packed her gear at my house...then it hit me...my baby...my short bus really is going to a war zone and I can't do anything to stop her from going...to protect her....

I looked at her and said you really are going....
She said yeah, mom I'm...
I said but NaTasha said you wouldn't be going....she said they would probably cancel your orders...she was wrong...
I watched her pack her gear...thank goodness the rat that came to visit which took my mind off her going....

The next day....we said our goodbyes.....I thought saying goodbye to my babies that got stationed in Alaska was hard...well, was I WRONG....totally wrong...sending your baby to war....is a feeling that I can't explain....so many emotions but no words really capturing the way I feel.....

When I said goodbye...it was like saying goodbye knowing that I never get to see her again....that the person I'm saying goodbye to will not be the same person I will see when she gets back....it will be someone new....A person I never met before.... Will I ever see her again....she may not come back......over the last couple of weeks we talked about her wishes in case that happens...again I used denial and jokes....thinking she wouldn't go...yep, worked then...but not now.....reality hits...

She left me her car to use...every time I get in it....I can't describe how I feel....Thankful her letting me use her car while she is gone...but knowing why I have the luxury/honor of using her car...hard to handle at times...but what a sweet baby....

I had a parent say to me who does not have a child in the military...as parents we prepare our kids to go out and take care of themselves in the world that's all you can do...as if she thought this was comforting to me....I looked at her for a moment....
and replied yes, we do....but we do not prepare them for war.....not the same I said...thinking to myself....shes not moving away....she is going to protect us in a country that really is not fond of Americans...where bombs go off and guns are shot...forgot to prepare her for that.....

I have also struggled with the fact that my son-in-law....child #10...one of my gifts...went to war but I did not get this upset....I love Bryon as much as I do my own..... worried bout him the first time he left...I did cry and was scared for him..the next time...I put it out of my mind and knew he would be ok still scared for him....but with Taneah....why am I a basket case....I feel bad....like I was letting Bryon down...I immediately called my daughter NaTasha and apologized for not being as upset/scared when Bryon was deployed...... I didn't want Bryon ever to think that I loved him less....

She said mom he doesn't think that....we both think kids should be older when they go to war....and Taneah is blood mom...but I said that should not matter....I think it's because she is a girl...and Bryon can take care of himself....yes, I was sexist for a moment....one of them is very capable of taking care of themselves... the other...is not so capable....immature... really young....lacking life experiences...

I have a new understanding for parents who have gone or are going through the same thing as I'm....Not an easy thing....we can not protect our loved ones.....put them in a bubble...send notes telling people who want to kill them to play nice...and learn to get along.....we loose control of being able to protect them what so ever....not easy...extremely hard thing to do as a parent...

To all the families that have sent their loved ones to a war zone....My thoughts and prayers are with you....and always have been....Words cannot express what I feel for your pain or what you are feeling....

Thank you to all the service men for your sacrifices that you have given.....to protect us....

Mother's Day......

noreply@blogger.com (the fun life) — Sat, 08 May 2010 14:47:00 +0000

My wonderful kids...I have to say I have had a Mothers Day's celebration that started last week and is continuing through Sunday or longer...We celebrated Mother's Day a week early this year because we were not sure that my daughter Taneah would be here or not to celebrate. She is leaving for duty over seas.

The cooked me a delicious homemade meal.. The table was spectacular. The kids wrote warm loving poems and recited them to me. They gave me a set of black shells that stacked inside each other. The shells are what they collected at the beach. Which Annuh spent hours trying to find the right 'family of shells' for me:)!

Over the week I have received homemade cards, yummy chocolates and other candies. Lots of love and kisses. I can't wait to see what my weekend and the following week has in store for me. I feel truly blessed to have such loving kids who go out of their way to show how much they really appreciate me. They took Mother's Day into a 2 week span and have spoiled me rotten. Must say I'm one lucky MOM course I feel this way everyday day.

One Step Closer To Becoming Deliriously Happy.........Happy Mother's Day to all the mommies out there!

My Special Gift ......My Son with Aspergers

noreply@blogger.com (the fun life) — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 01:12:00 +0000

I have been bothered lately with a heavy heart. So instead of carrying the pain around with me. I have decided to do what I could to help change peoples views. I'm hoping to help people see what I embrace as a special gift.

I have had a few of my friends point out fact that my son is different than most boys. To these people I ask you is that not rude to say? Were you not taught any manners? What makes you normal and him not normal, maybe just maybe we are not "normal" and he "is". What is normal??? I ask you!

My son was diagnosed with Aspergers, deletion of chromosome #22...tail end deletion which is not well known. A rare chromosome defect on chromosome #6 which I'm proud to say he got from me and an abnormally small Pituitary gland.

When I was given his diagnosis 2 years ago, I did not freak out...hit the net for clues of why, causes or hide the fact he had issues. I opened my arms and embraced his differences which I have done since he was born. I wanted to shout from the mountain top...Yes, we finally know what we are dealing with. I didn't cry, get pissed or was I sad. I just wanted to do what I could to give him the best life he could possibly have.

For now I just want to talk to you about his Aspergers. When he was between the ages 1 and 2 I knew that his level of thinking was on a higher level and different than ours. We had a daycare and when the kids would all leave he would go through the all the toys and separate them into piles. Each pile would have no rhyme or reason to us, only to him. There would be a pile of certain toys he would not use. He would begin to arrange the toys in sequences/patterns all around 1200 sq ft of space. He would spend hours doing this. We all would watch him in fascination...wondering what he was thinking and doing. He would make squares out of the toys....each toy would have it's certain place and reasoning of why it was next to the other toy. Which only her would know. At times he would tell you why. You would say "WOW" I didn't think of that! It was totally amazing. I miss this...he doesn't do it any more. I actually took pictures and videos of it.(when I find them I will share them with you.)

He hardly ever played with the other kids when he was younger. He liked to be alone. He loved watching PBS..He would watch some college math programs, Senate debating etc. You changed it he would have a fit. I called it boring but he obviously didn't. He does watch cartoons now but still watches all the educational things too. Dewy enjoys telling us about what he learns and we enjoy listening to him. His knowledge is astonishing!

Dewy does enjoy boy activities such as exploring the great outdoors, building, fishing, rough housing with his friends, working on cars, and other things. He does enjoy his quiet time away from all us girls. LOL. What guy doesn't? Every activity he does is with his own spin on it. It took him for ever and a day to ride his bike. He was afraid of getting hurt. The first time he fell and and scraped his knees I cheered. Not because he scraped his knee; it was the first time he ever scraped his knee and he was 10. He plays on the cautious side.

Dewy is one of the nicest boys that you would ever meet. He may not make eye contact with you but he will hold the door open for strangers, gives his coat to his sisters if they are cold, make sure ladies are first, ect. He will tell people to have a nice day and/or ask them how there day is going? Not realizing people when people do not respond back or respond back but don't ask him how he is doing?

Dewy has no clue when people are being mean to him I'm thankful for that but I must say when it happens around me watch out because I'm not as nice as he is. We all can't fit into the "normal" model what ever that may be but for the thousands of kids like Dewy who are extremely smart but have social limitations and the kids who are not as fortunate as Dewy...shame on us for treating them differently and teaching our kids to do the same. And if you think that it doesn't happen you are wrong. I'm sorry to say it happens more with adults than kids. How sad is that; how can we expect people to change and be accepting when we pass on our narrow minded views to our kids. I see it every day. It saddens my heart.

One day I hope people will be more understanding of others' differences. Change has to start somewhere. So lets begin now. One step closer to being deliriously happy.

Bummer......A great guy......

noreply@blogger.com (the fun life) — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 15:36:00 +0000

A quiet celebration took place within my heart last Thursday March 25. The day would have been my father's b-day. A day which I usually am sad and shed tears for him but this year was different. I still miss him more than anything but this year I decided to remember all the fun things and celebrate his day with smiles, laughs and sharing stories. A day of joy instead of sadness. What a more enjoyable day then usual and I'm sure he is happier with my decision.

On of my earliest memories that I have is our special nickname that we had for each other. A nickname that I never let anyone else call me and that was "Bummer". I have no idea how it came to be but that is what we called each other. Our special name that was not shared by anyone.

I can remember spending my Saturdays with Bummer mowing, gardening, weeding. When we were done he would take me down to the local restaurant and buy me a milk shake. MMMM good and worth every second of help.

During certain seasons we would go Apple or blueberry picking. We would spend the whole day picking. He use to laugh and say good thing they don't weigh us going in and coming out and charge us for the extra pounds we gained. Blueberry picking would consist of a fist for the mouth and a couple blueberries for the bucket. Before we picked an apple off the tree we would test taste it to make sure the apples on the tree met our standards. Bummer would hold the ladder and I would climb up the ladder. I was a monkey climbing fool when I was growing up. Climbing trees was second nature to me. I would reach all the nice big Apples that no one ventured to go get. Funny, now I would think twice about it. LOL

One of the greatest gifts that my farther ever gave me was the ability to say I'm sorry. I say that because a few months before he passed there was a huge disagreement between him and myself. He ended up kicking me out of my house but a couple of days later he called me to say he was "sorry" and wanted me to come home which I did. I do remember the situation but it was the "I'm sorry Bummer" that I hold tight and close to my heart. I always tell everyone that was the greatest gift he gave me. The ability to apologize when I do wrong even if you are the parent. No one is perfect and we all owe apologizes at times.

I will always will miss him but from now on instead of a day of sorrow it will be a day of celebration for my family. A family that he never had the chance to meet. Who knows maybe next year, we will honor his day with one of his favorite meals. Share pictures and stories. A fun day.. One step to becoming deliriously happy.

Walking on the Beach....A simple pleasure in life....

noreply@blogger.com (the fun life) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 02:43:00 +0000

As I walked down the beach today with babies in tow, I was amazed as I always am at the ocean and the strong waves banging against the shore depositing gifts of shells, stones and junk on the shores.

The babies were excited to play chase with the waves, running and yelling as the waves came near them. It brings a smile to my face to think of the memories of them playing chase. The littlest one found a great way of tuning her art ability by drawing in the sand. She instantly became addicted to it and didn't want to leave the beach and I was thankful she was not drawing on the walls again.

For a few minutes or two the baby had fun chasing the Seagulls. She ran as fast as her little legs could take her. Of course the Seagulls looked at her like you think your going to catch me sister. Please.... You can not catch me in your wildest dreams. I have wings. She soon gave up and looked at them like she was saying fine if you don't want to play with me, I have sand that will let me play.

The other babies enjoyed the walk down the beach. Excited to find all the unique shells that were on the beach. Collecting all the ones that they found to be unique. Jem found on that she thought was in the shape of a chicken leg. I think she was hungry. LOL Though she was right it could have been a chicken leg. Props to her and her imagination.

It was nice to see people (who were not being paid) walking down the beach picking up the trash and putting it in the trash reciprocals. People were walking there dogs, running, collecting shells, playing catch and having family time. The beach brings enjoyment to so many people. As a society we need to be conscious of waste and recycling so we can continue to have the enjoyment of beach and other wonderful simple pleasures that the great Earth has given us.

Ones step closer to being deliriously happy.....

Family Movie Night

noreply@blogger.com (the fun life) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 20:11:00 +0000

One of our favorite days at our house is family movie night, which is usually on Wednesday night. We do movie themes and make food to go along with the themes. We pick out our flicks from the vast assortment of movies that Netflix has to offer.

Though, I must say my choices are NOT the ones usually picked to watch since I love guns, bullets and blood. Yes, the movies that make me happy and nobody else likes. Everyone else prefers the mooshie...lovey...chick flick movies ( Holding back the chunks now....Ok, I'm better.) and the kid type movies from Disney etc. We also love to watch "old" movies and TV shows such as MacGyver or Swiss Family Robinson when that was on TV....not the movie...

We all grab our pillows and blankets and a cozy spot to watch TV...It is amazing to see and hear their reactions to some of the "older" movies...I must say they have loved them. I'm happy that we have had the chance to expose them to show and things of the past...One of the best times is when we all discuss the movies. The kids always have input or really get into the characters and start talking about what they think the characters are going to do next.

We get excited when the Netflix comes in the mail. The kids carefully rip open the DVDs to see what is inside. After family movie night they put the Netflix in the mail and patiently wait for the next movies to come...It has been a great family experience to pick out movies and TV series from the past...Great memories...I must say even the big kids who no longer live here get into our family movie nights when they can...

One step closer to being a deliriously happy as a family....creating family memories and traditions to pass on...

No TV Days...

noreply@blogger.com (the fun life) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:06:00 +0000

Our new family adventure...no TV days. Yes, I call it an adventure and the kids would call it pure torture, cruel and unusual punishment, my mom/sister is being mean. You know the drill when you impose rules on the babies that they are not in favor of.

The babies want to know how we could be so mean as to take away the TV. We did this because the kids were not playing games, reading books, playing outside or using their imagination as much as we wanted them to so we took away the one thing that occupied a major part of their day the TV.

It has been nice to see them dust off the big dust bunnies and knock down cobwebs to find the games, toys, books etc. that in some cases have never even opened up and finding new adventures that they didn't even know existed. Now they haven't been thrilled about it just yet... No jumping for joy or cheers for no TV day, they are still too upset about losing a day of TV which they do get back at 7pm. Right now they spend the day counting down the hours until seven. Yes, with each hour that passes I hear 6, 5, 4, 3 etc. hours left until I can watch TV...silly babies have not given any thought that I could and will add another day or two to the no TV days...nice to know I have the ability to enrich and disrupt their little lives with just two little words...4 letters and a space....No TV....the power of mom...oops! Sorry about the power trip I'm going on...

I'm now creating little musicians, whiz kids, writers, readers, make-up artists....Oh the possibilities with having them have no TV time is working out great. They are learning to do things outside their normal routine. The one little tiny itty-bitty problem is that they FIGHT more or should I say they bug each other more.

For a final note.... I have not saved any money on my electric bill which I thought was going to be a bonus...joke was on me.

Time...

noreply@blogger.com (the fun life) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 03:11:00 +0000

Wow! Hard to believe it is 2010 already...where has time gone is always the question?????

Time waits for no one...time does not wait for you to reach your goals and then proceed.

Though it would be so nice if we could say, "Time stand still a minute or two while I to get this done." I would be saying that all day long. Time stop! Time go! Time stop! Time go!
Yep, I could become addicted to those words so would everyone else. The utter chaos it would cause..

I have had a couple of people tell me this year 'What have you lost but time..not a big thing.' I'm looking at them thinking 'amazing, time is not a big thing.' Time is a major component of your day, success, life and it's not important? What planet are you from?? A second lost is a second you will not get back. We definitely had different view points on time. Not to say I haven't wasted time, but time has become a "precious commodity" that I'm becoming more respectful of and enjoying more of.

Time is always in perpetual movement. Make this the year that you organize your schedule/time so you get the most out of your day to accomplish your work and personal goals.

Lost, yesterday, somewhere between Sunrise and Sunset, two golden hours, each set with sixty diamond minutes. No reward is offered, for they are gone forever. ~Horace Mann

One step closer to creating a life of being deliriously happy...

My Christmas Eve Tradition That Is A Must Every Year....

noreply@blogger.com (the fun life) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 21:39:00 +0000

First off I would like you to leave a comment about your Christmas tradition or favorite memory of the Holiday Season.....

A family tradition that was started in my family long before I was on this Earth was going to Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve....

I remember Christmas Eve.....I use to spend most of the day listening to Christmas music and keeping an eye on the gifts being put under the tree..... spying for the packages with my name on them...waiting for a time when no one was in room with me....when the opportunity arose I would shake the gifts to see if I could figure out what was in them....and of course looking at the size of the gift...typical kid.....

I was put to bed early evening and was awaken around 11 pm or so....I got ready along with the rest of the family and we would walk to our church which was up the block from us....It usually was a beautiful night.....with a blanket of snow on the ground and new snow falling....the air would be cold and crisp...nothing said Christmas more then that...

The first thing we would see when we arrived at church was the beautiful life size (or so it seemed) Manger scene...We would enter church, the choir would be singing songs and church would be packed....after Mass we would start our journey back to the house...singing Christmas carols at times...

When we got home my dad, mom and who ever else would make a big breakfast with eggs, bratwurst, cinnamon rolls, bacon, toast and sweets...after our bellies were full it would be off to bed so Santa could come...I would still got up at the crack of dawn to open gifts...

To me Christmas is not Christmas without going to Midnight Mass....my kids go with me at times...but we never have breakfast like I did...but maybe someday...between the Mass, the Carols, and the generosity of the season that is what Christmas is all about...

One step closer to being deliriously happy....

Snowball Fights...

noreply@blogger.com (the fun life) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 01:15:00 +0000

Nothing more invigorating then the thrill of a snowball fight. As we all know to have one we need some good packing snow and peeps or kids that have a good sense of humor.

Snowball fights are one of my favorite all time memories of the snow or I should say memories with the kids in the snow. My kids are usually my best and only targets for my snowballs...they are not safe in the car, house, or a parking lot of a business. I never miss an opportunity to touch them with some cold snow nor do they miss an opportunity to get me back....

The minute I walk outside and see the fresh falling packing snow the fight is on...the opportunity to conquer the quest of getting them with the cold snow is underway...we give chase around the car and yard...nothing or no one is safe from snowballs flying in the air....Yes, I have been known to toss a snowball in the car and on occasion in the house when they are running for cover...

As my one daughter says it is a weird freezing cold experience with unending amount of laughing and people are looking at us strangely...thinking we have lost your mind....wondering what we think is so fun...throwing cold snow at each other...

I cannot wait to have a snowball fight this year since we live in NC now the fights are not as frequent but the memories are just as great!!!

One step to being deliriously happy...

Memories of Snow...Brrrrrrrr

noreply@blogger.com (the fun life) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:25:00 +0000

I was thinking of how happy I was not to deal with snow anymore now that we live in a warmer climate. My thoughts soon went back to when I was a kid and how I loved to play in the snow all day long. I remember putting layer upon layers on to keep me warm. When I came in from playing in the snow my hands, legs and feet would be red and cold and my clothes would be hard and stiff from the snow. Funny how as kids the cold never seems to bother you or I guess I should say some kids.

After a snowfall the plow trucks would push the snow into huge piles on the corners of the block were I lived. We seen this as great opportunities to build forts, caves and have some fun. We were pretty good little engineers and we didn't have many cave ins. Lucky for us no one was ever hurt. Course we never gave thought that someone could get hurt. We were just kids having some fun.

The relentless task of using our feet and hands to build our caves and forts gave way to the hours of fun, laughs and excitement for the day. We enjoyed climbing in and out the caves and on top of the caves. Building caves with partners to have snowball fights with the other group and take ownership over their caves was so much fun and still brings a smile to my face. Great memories that have lasted my life time.

Great snow memories that have help create..... one more step to being deliriously happy..

Thanksgiving Memories....The Smell of the Holiday...

noreply@blogger.com (the fun life) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 23:35:00 +0000

As a child I had two found memories of Thanksgiving, the first was the fact I had a couple of days off of school which was always a plus and the best thing about the Thanksgiving Holiday in my book. The second was being woken up by the aroma of my fathers cooking.

I can remember laying in my bed smelling the wonderful aroma of good food cooking. My father must have gotten up at the crack of dawn to start cooking. I would drag my lazy butt out of the bed and out to the living room where my parents would have the TV so we would not miss the parade. Our big dinner would be early afternoon. After dinner the football game would be watched. Football was a staple at my house and one that I have not ever gotten into. Our Thanksgivings always consisted of my siblings and their families. We never had any other family members over.

My family stopped celebrating Thanksgiving as a family when my farther passed away. Now its time for our own traditions to start. Hmmm what can we do.....

I haven't thought of any real cool ideas as of yet, but I'm sure I can and it will be better then the hotdogs we had for the big day one year. I have never been a big fan of the parades, football or turkey. Yes, I'm American just not much into the day. I like to focus on the day as the day of giving thanks for everyone and all the great blessing that have been bestowed upon me.

Now Anessa does the cooking and we help her. Hopefully someday it will become a great fun family tradition of having huge gathering of families and friends. The day will be filled with love, laughter, smiles, hugs and being thankful for the great life we all have. My thought to being one step closer to being deliriously happy.

Our Disney Journey....

noreply@blogger.com (the fun life) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:27:00 +0000

Traveling with the babies to Disney. The dreaded car ride.

Hands down driving at night with the babies sleeping was heaven. The kids slept off and on. They were tired and quiet. No fussing was heard except from the middle child. Props to the babies but not to the middle child. I could listen to some good music and enjoy the drive. Not to mention the traffic was great. Wide open roadway, who could ask for anything more.

The the middle child who is home from Korea drove me insane on the trip down. She complained about everything. First she was to hot then she was to cold. She complained about the music. She did not like it or it was to low, to high. It was constant non stop. Next time I am taking Benadryl with me. Yes, she will get a dose or two plus some duct tape to boot. (Not really but the thought will be there LOL)

We all enjoyed playing I am going on a trip game. To my surprise the kids did an awesome job with this game. We had some great belly laughs with licking lollipop lion, wait I am wrong again. Darn it!! It is a lion licking a lollipop. For the life of me I could never get that one right, but hey in my defense I was driving in all that night traffic. Good excuse to me. This was a good way to kill some time and keep us all awake.

The ride on the way home. Never again will I travel during the day with the babies. All I heard was...you guessed it...How much longer before we are home? Yep, the first time I heard this I knew we were in for a long trip. This question replaced the middle child issues on the way down. The DVD system did not help. Of course the rain all the way home did not help either because traffic was jammed from accidents.

I wish hotels would do half rates for people who travel at night. I would definitely sign up for that.

We stopped once on the way down and a zillion times on the way home. Another reason traveling at night is better in my world anyway.

Lets not forget we not only had the luggage to contend with on the way home. We now had added suvioners and a stroller to the mix. Thought we were squished on the way down, on the way home we were beyond squished and no one except me had foot room. I think I could use a smaller vehicle. LOL

We finally played the I am going on a trip game five minutes before we were home. Oops, next time that will be the first thing we will do half way into the trip.

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