My thoughts

Ok, I guess I will just put my thoughts down and let it go. I have been frustrated all day long with the political system and the degrading of my profession that went on last night. I may not be currently working in the Social Work field but my heart is still with those struggling everyday to make a better life for themselves, and those who dedicate their life to their community, organization or field of practice.

Here is a little of what I have seen within this country within my lifetime. I have seen Veterans who come home from war with no psychological support which leads them into mental illness, alcoholism, and the loss of their families. I have worked with Mentally Ill Veterans who can not get a bed in their Veteran hospital due to overcrowding so they are sent to the streets. I have seen Mentally Ill persons kicked out of their Nursing Homes because of Medicaid cuts not covering their stays any longer. I have seen elderly citizens choose between medications and food or electricity. I have seen a Mentally Ill, homeless, man put on a Greyhound bus because when Katrina hit there was nothing else to do with him. I have seen a Harvard Professor die due to states not wanting to count him as their citizen because of the economic hardship of taking care of him. The list goes on and on but the people who get out there and help the people who should have been given the help in the first place are those who are attacked and belittled.
I am very frustrated today and appalled that someone could become our Vice President that cares so little about the helping organizations of our country.

OK, I'm done.

I truly respect everyone who reads this right to their opinion. I also respect that we all have the ability to make our decisions based on our own morals and values and this blog was not written to sway your choice in this election just to let me put out some of my thoughts and feelings on a day that I feel my profession was ridiculed.


This is what the National Association of Social Workers had to say today.

Social Workers Respond to Gov. Sarah Palin’s Attack on Community Organizers
The National Association of Social Workers was outraged to hear Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, one of the nation’s vice-presidential candidates, malign in a live international broadcast the work of community organizers.
The social work profession takes great pride in its community organizing roots and lauds the contributions of its members, and other professionals, who commit their careers to helping residents of different communities organize their resources and take social action to improve life for themselves and their families. Small town reformers and urban community organizers have much in common.
The concepts of community organizing, community building and community development undergird the premise of American democracy. As a result of these efforts, institutions and officials often deliver more effective economic growth strategies, as well as mental health, health, and family services for people of all ages.
Community organizing is also the foundation of most successful political campaigns. Meeting fellow Americans in their communities and working with them to find solutions to problems that limit their potential is valuable and necessary work—with significant responsibilities.
The profession of social work was founded on the legacy of outstanding women leaders such as Nobel Laureate Jane Addams, who practiced community organizing in the Settlement Houses she created for the poor and working class immigrants of Chicago. The profession also counts Civil Rights icons such as Dr. Dorothy I. Height among its luminaries. It is fitting that both women are considered two of the most influential people in American history, and are inspirations for many of our country’s finest leaders.
During this election year, NASW encourages both parties to stay focused on issues of substance to the American people. We hope that instead of denigrating the lives and work of huge segments of the population, candidates will demonstrate how their plans for the country will protect and elevate the quality of life for all Americans.
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Note to Self

Today has been one of those days. I wanted to put this post up so I will think twice before I make the same mistake. Thinking I'm smart, I decided to take our bath's after our spaghetti and meatball dinner. Usually I do it before so we can spend more time with Aaron when he gets in. Next time I must remember not to mop the floor during Aidan's nap.

Alex's first day in the Pre-Kindergarten Program

Alex excited for his first day.

Alex and Aidan excited for their picture to be taken.


Aidan realizing that his brother is going to leave him.

Wow, what a fun morning. Alex had a wonderful day at school and loves his teachers. It was a big bonus too that his friends Faith, Jack, and Tanner are in his class again this year.

Here are some excerpts from the car ride home.

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"Mom they asked about my family." "I told them my Dad's name is Aaron, Mom's name is Kim, my baby brother is Aidan, and my dog is Caesar." "Jack has a Mom, Dad, Brother, Sister, and Kitchen."

"Mom, Mrs. Appleton likes apples and Mrs. Beuler likes bee's."

"Mom, I'm in the bee classroom and Gracie is in the bear room. "The bear room is much bigger like from my head to the top of the car!"

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I am so thankful that he likes school. He walked right up to the door, gave me a hug and kiss, and went to his cubby to put his bag in. No tears or worry just a good-bye and I love you. You always wonder if you are doing what is right for your children. The right school, the right days, are you wearing them out, will they learn enough, are they happy. I thought pulling away this morning that Mustard Seed is in fact the right place for Alex. I am so proud of Alex and how he has grown into a thoughtful, smart, and wonderful little boy. I couldn't ask for a more caring and considerate child he amazes me everyday and I am so lucky to have him as a son.

Love to all.

LOOK, No Water Wings!

Alex spent the weekend swimming! We'll we all did but we were so proud that he swam two days without his water-wings. He did a great job diving from the side and swimming to Aaron and I with his face in, arms going, and kicking like a little fish. He loves swimming. He would spend the whole day outside in the water if we let him. He also was so exhausted last night he fell asleep on the car ride home around 5 and didn't wake up until 6:30 this morning. We are so proud of you little guy!

Exfoliated, Buttered, Battered, and Egged

This week poor Aidan has been exfoliated with sand, buttered with a popcorn bag, battered with muffin batter, and he egged himself. His scalp sure is clean! It's funny to look at the smile on Alex's face while he tries to keep the bowl away from his little brother and Aidan just wants the bowl and wants it now!

Things have been good at the Julian house. We have been so busy with days at the park and getting ready for Alex's first school day next week. I have been nostalgic lately due to getting ready for the new year of pre-school. Looking around I realized that we needed new school shoes and Alex has outgrown (length wise) all of his pants. I also realized that Aidan was outgrowing everything so it was time to get out the hand me downs and see what would work for him. To my dismay Aidan is wearing 2T tops and some bottoms, Alex is now in a Boys size 1 shoe and we jumped from 3T pants to 5T (with the adjustable waist of course). I guess that's the law of life your little babies grow up and you get to enjoy watching it all happen.

Aaron has been getting ready for Football season. This year he is in 3 fantasy football leagues. Don't expect anything but football from him on Sundays! He is very into his leagues and I enjoy watching him do it.

I am looking forward to the holiday weekend. I hope everyone gets to enjoy their 3 days off.

Love to all!

PS- Tank was the chosen nickname and Alex has a black eye in the picture, AGAIN!

Hercules or Tank?

Since Alex was in the spotlight last week I thought it was Ade's turn. So many of our family members live out of town so you don't get to see his personality in the making. He is quite different then Alex was at this age but in many ways they are the same. He is opinionated, observant, fun, determined, wild, and STRONG. He did give me the concussion... Anyway, Aaron came home last week and was thinking of the nickname Tank for our little guy. He walks around with his broad little shoulders and his arms hanging down like he's a body builder. He loves carrying things from room to room, things a not yet 1 1/2 year old shouldn't be carrying, like a gallon of milk, fisher price farms, 5 pound weights etc. This weekend we went to the store, (back to his personality,) when he decides he's done with the shopping cart ride he flails around screaming "Ouch, Ouch, Ouch." It sounds funny but it's not when people are watching. Then he flails until I let him down all the while screaming, "Ouch, Ouch, Ouch." I let him down and he walked over to a package of 24 bottles of water, picked it up and moved it. A lady walking by asked how old he was and said, "He's a little Hercules." So that's how the second name came up. I don't know if he's just strong from keeping up with Alex and his determination to defend himself at a young age from his big brothers antics or all the whole milk! Anyway, you decide, Hercules or Tank.

Picture taken by Alex, August 17th, 2008

Growing Up

Yesterday we were going to the store and Alex asked if he could get a toy. I told him no so he asked if he could use his money for the toy? What could I say but YES, so we went with his money bag from his piggy bank to Walgreen's. On the way to Walgreen's you could see him analyzing the situation and processing if this was something he really wanted to do. He asked, "Mom will I have money left for my bank?," "Mom, I don't know how to count money will you help me?," "Mom, What if I don't have enough money?," and of course all of the answers were, "Yes." We went in and picked out his toy, decided we had enough money, and went to the cosmetic counter to pay prior to our other shopping. We paid with his money and he actually had change. He asked, "Mom, Do I have to give this to her now?" I told him it was his change and that he could return it to his piggy bank. He was so proud of himself and the Power Ranger he purchased with his own "kid" money. I found that he has played with that toy much longer then he would have if Mom or Dad would have purchased it.

Today we went to the grocery store. He was upset that he didn't bring his money for a toy so I told him he could repay me when we got home if he found something. He didn't find anything but to my amazement while I was chasing Aidan in the check out aisle he was bagging my groceries and putting them in the cart. He pushed the cart out and helped me put the groceries in the car. I told him that he earned a dollar for all of his help in the store and I would give it to him when we returned home.

I am amazed with how grown up Alex is becoming and how thoughtful he is. He had actually taken the original money out of his piggy bank to give to Kim for Kyan's party. He wanted to help purchase party hats and some slippers for Kim since she is pregnant. I realize that this time with the boys is precious. I have been given the opportunity to raise them and watch them grow into young adults when many parents aren't fortunate enough to be given such a wonderful gift. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family and not for one second will I ever take it for granted.

Love to all.

Blurry

I guess the big news from the past week is that I've had a concussion. It's funny at first when you think of a stay-at-home mom with a concussion but as Aaron said, "then it's not so funny." I have been living with this for 9 days now and I still feel like I am in slow motion thinking, speaking, moving. My response time is much slower and my vision was affected which is very strange. Last Monday I went to see the Dr. and he confirmed the concussion and I had a CAT scan. The CAT scan showed no bleeding or fractures so everything is well I'm just supposed to relax, (right) and not hit my head anymore and within two weeks everything should be back to normal. Much of this is my fault, I'm busy, moving constantly, and not paying attention to my surroundings. I hit my head twice, once on the freezer and once on the kitchen table, the last blow was Aidan throwing the bar stool down on my head while playing on the floor in the basement. I've always been a tough girl I deal with pain well but when your thinking is "off" it's hard to just deal with it. I hate not being able to just push though and get over it. Aaron and my Mom have been wonderful. The family spent a few nights with my Mom just to get some help with the boys and allow me to try and rest. It was nice also since Aaron and I got a night out alone.

To other news about our week:

Aaron and I spent a couple days away last weekend. It was very relaxing and much needed. I also think I would have been really nutty by the time I got to see my Dr. if we wouldn't have had that time away to unwind and have some fun.

Aidan had a virus this week but is back up to par.

Alex had Kyan's party yesterday and had a wonderful time at Cosmic Bowling. Kyan loved his present so much he took it out to the car before the party had ended so that was fun to watch. I love giving presents...

Love to all.

The Dark Knight

Last night Aaron and I went to see The Dark Knight. It was amazing. I am not much of a movie watcher it has to be something I think could be spectacular or something Aaron really wants to watch. (Those of you that know me well know I HATE to sit down!) The acting by Christian Bale and Heath Ledger was outstanding. I can truly see why Heath Ledger had trouble sleeping due to his portrayal of the Joker and how he truly created a psychopath. If you were like me thinking the Batman movies were corney please try this one out. It is not a movie for children to see but I think everyone that watches the movie will find Heath Ledger's portrayal of the Joker riveting.

Congratulations

Aaron has been chosen for Commerce Bank's Management Development Program. It is a great honor since few Commerce employee's were chosen for this elite team. The program will last two years and he will be given the tools to continue this growth and potential within Commerce's system. I am very proud of him. He works very hard every single day for himself and for his family. Thank you Aaron for all that you do and for all of the hard work.

We love you!