My father in law, Jeff.

Ok, so this is what's been going on. Jeff is my father in law. Daryl is his partner/husband/soul mate.

A while back, Jeff was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He went through radiation therapy, and aside from some nausea, he seemed to be doing quite well. For several months, he was perfectly healthy. Then he started with a cold that lasted for about a month. Then he started feeling tired more often.

Last weekend we went over to their house for dinner. Daryl seemed really worried about Jeff. Apparently Jeff has had sky high blood pressure (280/120). He had been having severe abdominal pains that woke him up at night. He had slept 20 of the last 24 hours. Everything tasted like pure salt to him, so he hadn't really eaten anything substantial in about a week. His abdomen was swollen slightly and he was a funky yellowish color. Daryl made several doctor appointments for him on Monday. They first said it may be something to do with his gallbladder, and set an appointment for a liver biopsy.

Jeff began feeling really ill on Wed, and was admitted into the hospital. We visited him on Thursday. They had him on a potassium IV because his body wasn't holding potassium at all.He was in good spirits though and eager to go home, although the doctor said he'd probably be in the hospital for about another week.

We found out today that his liver has innumerable cysts. They don't know yet if it is liver cancer though. So at this point, it's a hurry up and wait game to find out exactly what this is and get it taken care of.

We're all an emotional wreck. Jeff's mom is coming to take care of their dogs and the house, since Daryl has to work (luckily he works at the same hospital Jeff is at) and will be spending most of his 'free' time with Jeff. We want to take the kids to visit, but Jeff doesn't want the kids to see him like this. I understand his feelings on this, but I honestly don't agree. At this point, if it is liver cancer, he won't be around very much longer. I don't want him to have any regrets about not seeing the kids, which he will. He loves the kids sooo much. Daryl said he cried last night because he was scared he won't be able to see the kids grow up. When Daryl came over this morning, he was a wreck. He was trying to stay strong and not let the kids see him cry, but he was sobbing within two minutes of walking in the door. Jeff and Daryl have been together for over 20 years.

Uhg. At this point, I'm just rambling. I guess I'm just trying to get it all out. I ask that you pray for Jeff, or cross your fingers, hope, wish, do your voo-doo, whatever it is that you do, and hopefully we can see him pull through this.

The 'R' word.

I was on Facebook again today (no big surprise there!) and saw that one of my 'friends' had posted about her job. She works for a facility which cares for persons with mental disabilities. Her post was innocent enough, a simple complaint about more clients than staff.

Then one of her co-workers posted something about using duct tape to deal with the clients. I let that go, as I have often jokingly threatened to use duct tape on my children on rough days.

Then a third woman who worked at that facility posted the most offensive thing I've read in a long time. Her exact words were "All right now yall play nice with the tards! lol".

I was in shock. How could a person who is supposed to be caring for these clients be so rude and disrespectful, especially on a public social media site!?!? I confronted her, right there on the post about how disrespectful it was. Now, not only did this woman use such a hateful word for her clients, but my 'friend' and the second woman didn't bother to stand up for their clients! In fact, my 'friend' deleted the post all together, instead of sticking up for her clients.

I was quick though, and I got a screenshot of the posting. I was so shocked and saddened to see this woman say such hateful things, that I looked up the e-mail address, physical address, and phone number for their facility. I have already sent an e-mail which included the screen shot, to which I got a standard "We'll look into it" reply. In the morning, I will call that facility, and by tomorrow afternoon, I will be mailing a hard copy of my complaint to the company.



We need to stand up against this kind of discrimination! Especially when it's coming from someone who is supposed to be caring for persons with mental disabilities! It really bothers me that people like this woman have so much power and control over the very people they spew hateful words about. A LOT of my family and friends live in the small town in Texas where this facility is. Having grown up in that town, I may actually know a few of the clients.

How would you handle this situation? Would you sit back and let it go, passing it off as a joke? Or would you step up and do your part in protecting the rights of the mentally disabled? What if one of her clients happened to be a member of your family, or a friend? All comments are welcome, even if you disagree.

Texas Sonogram Bill

One of my friends was talking about a new bill that just passed in Texas. She was very upset about it. I however have a different opinion about it. So what is this bill, you ask?

The law, which takes effect Sept. 1, requires doctors to make the image of the fetus, and the fetal heartbeat, available to a woman, although she may decline to see or hear it.

Doctors must describe the fetus, noting the size and condition of limbs and organs. The law also requires women to wait 24 hours after the sonogram to have an abortion, unless they live more than 100 miles from an abortion provider. In that case, they have to wait two hours.

Exceptions are allowed in emergencies, in cases of incest or rape, or if there are fetal abnormalities.

Read more: http://www.star-telegram.com/2011/05/24/3101247/perry-signs-sonogram-bill-that.html


So, being Pro-Life, I totally agree with this law. I believe that if women are made to have a sonogram and urged to hear the baby's heartbeat, they will be much less likely to go through with the abortion. On the other hand, I can see how this could lead to a higher number of women attempting to self-abort.

I have more to say on this issue, but I'm not sure how to word it properly without offending anyone, so bare with me on this.

I feel this law is a great idea for women who have chosen to have unprotected sex. I am in no way saying that women who have been raped. That, in my opinion would just be cruel. I am also not saying that women who are pregnant with babies facing certain birth defects should be put through this. I am just simply agreeing that women who have chosen not to use protection should be forced to see ALL the options available, not just abortion. They may change their minds, and decide to keep the baby. Or they may decide that putting the baby up for adoption is a better option.

Now, all that being said, I am Pro-Life. I don't believe I could ever have an abortion. Even if the baby was facing certain 'defects'. I believe that every life is beautiful and sacred. No matter what. I believe that every life has a purpose. Now, I have not ever had to deal with any traumatic pregnancies, or babies facing certain defects, so I can't honestly say that I would stick by those beliefs if I were facing such a situation. I can only speak on what I feel at this moment. I however, will not judge any woman who chooses to terminate a pregnancy for the above mentioned reasons. I would not judge any woman who chooses to terminate a pregnancy due to rape. I AM sickened by women who have had several abortions simply because they are too thick headed to use protection. I had a co-worker many years ago who had seven children, with seven different fathers. Shortly after meeting her, she went in for her FIFTH abortion. THAT is the kind of person I feel this law is for.

I'm done ranting now, although I'm sure I could say a ton more on this subject. I welcome all comments. Those who agree with me, and those who don't. Please though, this is a sticky subject, I just ask that we all be civil.

Getting to know you...

Not a whole lot going on around here lately. I was recently looking through some of my old Facebook stuff, and found some stuff in my 'notes'. I figured I'd post this here and let you know a little more about me.

Place an X by all the things you've done and remove the X from the ones you have not.

Things you have done during your lifetime:
( ) Gone on a blind date
(x) Skipped school
(X) Watched someone die
( ) Been to Canada
( ) Been to Mexico
(X) Been to Florida
( ) Been to Hawaii
(X) Been on a plane
( ) Been on a helicopter
(X) Been lost
(X) Gone to Washington, DC
(X) Swam in the ocean
(X) Cried yourself to sleep
(x) Played cops and robbers
(X) Recently colored with crayons
(x) Sang Karaoke
(x) Paid for a meal with coins only
( ) Been to the top of the St. Louis Arch
(X) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't.
(x) Made prank phone calls
( ) Been down Bourbon Street in New Orleans
(X) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose & elsewhere
(X) Caught a snowflake on your tongue
(x) Danced in the rain-naked
(X) Written a letter to Santa Claus
(x) Been kissed under the mistletoe
(X) Watched the sunrise with someone
(X) Blown bubbles
(X) Gone ice-skating
(X) Gone to the movies
( ) Been deep sea fishing
( ) Driven across the United States
( ) Been in a hot air balloon
( ) Been sky diving
( ) Gone snowmobiling
( ) Lived in more than one country
(X) Lay down outside at night and admired the stars while listening to the crickets
(X) Seen a falling star and made a wish
( ) Enjoyed the beauty of Old Faithful Geyser
( ) Seen the Statue of Liberty
( ) Gone to the top of Seattle Space Needle
( ) Been on a cruise
( ) Traveled by train
( ) Traveled by motorcycle
(X) Been horse back riding
( ) Ridden on a San Francisco CABLE CAR
( ) Been to Disneyland/ Disney World
( ) Been in a rain forest
( ) Seen whales in the ocean
( ) Been to Niagara Falls
(x) Ridden on an elephant
( ) Ridden on a Camel
( ) Swam with dolphins
( ) Been to the Olympics
( ) Walked on the Great Wall of China
( ) Saw and heard a glacier calf
( ) Been spinnaker flying
( ) Been water-skiing
( ) Been snow-skiing
( ) Been to Westminster Abbey
( ) Been to the Louvre
( ) Swam in the Mediterranean
( ) Been to the Great Pyramid in Egypt
( ) Been to a Major League Baseball game
( ) Been to a National Football League game
( ) Been parasailing
( ) Pet a zebra
( ) Climbed the stairs of the Leaning Tower of Pisa
( ) Shaken the hand of a current US President
(X) Skinny dipped
(X) Eaten a tomato warm right off the vine

And another 'getting-to-know-you' kind of thing:

Do you go to the bathroom with the door open or closed?
Closed. It's the one place in the house I can have all to myself. If I'm in there, pretend I don't exist! Don't talk to me, don't knock on the door, if the house is burning down, OH WELL!

Are your underwear and socks folded in your drawer or just thrown in?
Just thrown in...what is the point in folding them?

Sleep on your back or stomach?
I sleep on my side. If I sleep on my back I snore like a bear, and if I sleep on my stomach, I can't breath.

Are you a cuddler?
Yes.

What would I find if I looked UNDER your bed?
The carpet?

Something that happened today that made you angry?
Nothing really.

What were you doing before this survey?
Checking on my various apps on Facebook.

What will you do after the survey?
Probably wash the dishes.

What shirt are you wearing now?
Uhm.. a brown one?

Do you sing?
Only if you want your ears to bleed.

Do you de-label your beer bottles?
Beer is NASTY. I don't drink the stuff.

Do you talk about your feelings or hide them?
Hide em for the most part.

Is there something you regret and wish you could take back?
While I may have many regrets, I wouldn't change anything. Everything that has happened to this point made me who I am.

First thing you do when you wake up?
See what mess my kids made before I got up. Feed the kids, dress the kids, and if I have a spare moment, pee.

Ever had surgery?
Yep. Had the baby factory shut down.

Last argument you got into with?
Uhm... I don't remember.

Do you tend to rip the paper off water bottles?
Nope.

What's one good thing about your best friend?
Hmmm.. She always knows how to make me smile.

How long does it take for you to fall asleep at night?
A long time. Sometimes I don't fall asleep until 4 or 5 AM.

When you shut off your alarm clock, do you tend to fall back asleep?
I don't use an alarm clock... unless you count my kids... they wake me up every morning.

If you were given the chance to take care of a monkey for a weekend, would you?
I don't think so. I already have to keep a close eye on the kids.. why would I wanna add a monkey to the mix?

What are you looking forward to in the next few months?
Uhm.... Finding money to pay bills?

It's midnight. Who are you texting?
No one, it's hard to text when you don't have a cell phone.

It's Wednesday afternoon, where are you usually?
Chasing my kids around the house.

Your Christmas list consists of?
Enough money to cover my bills.

You're going to New York for school shopping, where do you go first?
um.....I have NO idea. I agree with Jen, who agrees with Amy and Regina...why New York when Walmart is right over there?

You need a new pair of jeans, what store do you go to first?
Why would I need new jeans? I rarely ever leave the house, so the few pair I own hardly ever need replacing. If they do absolutely, then wal mart.

How do you feel about your hair?
Blah. It needs to be dyed again. Stupid greys.

What movie is in your DVD player?
What DVD player?

If you could move away, no questions asked, where would you move?
Texas or Hawaii

How much do looks matter to you in a guy/girl?
Not really. It's what's on the inside that counts.

What's the greatest thing that happened to you today?
I woke up to two beautiful children giving hugs and kisses.

How many TRUE best friends do you have?
??

What would you change about your life right now?
I would have enough money to pay off my bills.

What’s the best feeling in the world?
When you see or hear your children doing/saying something cute.

Blarg!

OK, so for those of you who don't already know, I'm trying to get my CNA license. The test will be easy, I believe, as the class was more or less a review from what I learned in high school, and common knowledge. The problem I'm having though, is that before I can submit my application to take the test, I have to get my drivers license and social security card to have the same exact name on them. Currently, my DL has my middle initial on it, and my SS card doesn't. You wouldn't think that would be a big deal, but apparently it is. The state of Florida will not allow me to submit my application until they match exactly.

So today, I went and spent $50 (that I really didn't have) to get a new DL so I could get my middle initial taken off. And, well, I needed a current DL. Apparently though, the DMV must put my middle initial on my DL because my middle name is on my birth certificate. So, I spent $50 for nothing. Well, not exactly nothing, but it could have waited until I actually had some extra money to get that done. Now I have to go to the SS office and get a new SS card, with my middle initial on it. It's free, which is great, and just about a block away, which is awesome, but it takes 2-4 weeks to get the card back. *sigh* Oh well. I guess it'll be worth it when it's all said and done. I'll get my CNA license, get a job, and save money to go back to school and get my LVN.

Aside from that, not too much has been going on around here. The garden is producing more squash, zucchini, tomatoes, and bell peppers than I could ever use, so the neighbors are getting gift baskets. The kids love to help water the garden and pick the produce. They play in the dirt more than necessary, just so I have to hose them down before we go back in the house. It's cute, but slightly messy.

On a totally random note, I'm finding more and more white hairs on my head. I am NOT happy about this. FFS, I'm only 27! I've had white hair for a long time, but this is getting out of hand. I'm really wishing I could afford to dye it more often than once or twice a year.

That's about it for now. Take care, and have fun. Remember, tomorrow is the rapture! So if you believe you'll be taken, now is the time to PARTY!!! And if you're still with us afterwards, join me in looting all the empty houses!

Poo

Another early morning for me. I woke up to my son yelling at me. He was frantic and loud. I'm not even sure exactly what he was saying, all I could understand was the word "poo". So I dragged myself out of bed, and went looking for the poo. He's been doing some potty training for a while now, and I was glad to see that he tried to go in the toilet. Unfortunately for me, not all of it made it into the potty. It was on the floor, the cabinet, and smeared all over the toilet seat. It looked like he tried to clean himself up in the bathtub, as there were poo smears on the side of the tub where he got in. *sigh*

Aside from that, there were no other events today. All in all a pretty boring day. Then again, it's only 7pm. The night is still early!

Sticky

This morning was a nightmare!

Let me give you some back story real quick. My kids love to make messes. They love getting into the refrigerator, cabinets, toiletries, pretty much whatever they can get their hands on. I had issues with them getting up in the middle of the night and getting into the refrigerator and pantries. They used to break eggs and spill flour and sugar and stuff on my carpets. I put an end to that by putting the flour and sugar, and spill-able stuff on top of the refrigerator, out of reach. Then I moved a table in front of the refrigerator door at night just before I go to bed. They can't move it, so I figured, problem solved! This has worked for about six months now. Until this morning. They have learned how to climb on the table. They got into the powdered cocoa, the chocolate snack cakes, and sugar. So, not only did I have to clean them up, and the mess they made, I have to deal with two already hyper kids, who now have sugar buzzes.

I did get a brief break during their nap time. But as soon as they woke up, it was more drama. I need to go to the grocery store in a little bit, so I got the kids cleaned up and dressed to go. Then I did some dishes, mopped the kitchen floor, and vacuumed the living room. By the time I got done with my chores, the kids were half dressed and once again, covered in chocolate. Apparently they had stashed some of their goodies in their room and got into it again. Uhg. I got them cleaned up again, clean clothes, cleaned their rooms and made sure there were no more goodies stashed away anywhere.

Now I need to go to the store, get dinner made, tend the garden, get the kids bathed, do the dishes, start some laundry and put the kids to bed. That's the plan anyway. We'll see what surprises the kids have in store for me next.

The pitter patter of little feet.

Ok, here goes nothin'. I've noticed some of my friends have started doing Mommy Blogs. I love reading them! So, I decided I'd jump on the bandwagon and start my own blog.

I guess I could start by telling you a little about me. I'm a 27 year old mommy. I have two beautiful children, Andrea and Jeffrey, ages 4 and 2 respectively. They keep me pretty busy most days. We like to play at the park down the street. We go swimming, either in the pool or ocean, whichever is warmer. We also spend a lot of time at my fathers-in-law's house. Yes, that's fathers. Plural. They are two of the most amazing men I've ever known. They have helped us out in so many ways that I feel like I owe them a kidney or something. They love the kids to bits and spoil them rotten.

I guess that's about it for now. Hopefully I can remember to get on here every once in a while. Till next time! Ta-ta!