Annoyed

I'm a little annoyed this morning. All of us get sick with the change in season. Aaron has had a horrible cold with a fever, I have allergies and sinus issues, Alex is the same and now starting with allergies Aidan has bronchitis and were back with breathing treatments. I am wondering if the Association of Pediatrics decision that children under 2 not being able to have cold/allergy medications is affecting his ability to fight infections. This is the second time for breathing treatments and the Doctor has said nothing about this being a sign for asthma in the future or an allergist. Anyway, I know most people love fall but the only season we don't get sick during the change is summer so I'm sticking with my love for it!

I WON SOMETHING! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?

So lately I have been checking out money saving blogs and found a few giveaways. I left a comment on this necklace and actually won. Can you believe it, I won something. I feel like it's my lucky day, I'll send Aaron for a lottery ticket!!! You can check out the Lia Sophia jewelry at http://lizheil.blogspot.com

Thanks again!

We always knew he had BIG shoes to fill!

Missing my Hubby

Aaron is in Indianapolis this weekend and will be home tomorrow night. Today he got to enjoy the Indianapolis Motor Speedway GP from a suite with his co-workers and friends. I think he is having a wonderful time. I miss him. It's funny he used to have so many more nights away with work and I'm lucky that there haven't been alot of trips lately. I am happy however that he gets to get away and enjoy things he has never had the opportunity to do before. Alex is doing OK but tears up around bed-time and sends him a kiss and a hug from St. Louis.



We decided to go to Grandma's for the weekend. We always have fun there and I get to have some down time, or at least some time in a different surrounding which is always nice and we get to have adult conversations which I sometimes miss at home. I will say however that after our adventure to Chuck-E-Cheese I am SO thankful that I have the weekdays free because I will NEVER go to Chuck-E-Cheese on a weekend again. It was CRAZY!!! I can not get over how rude some kids are and how rude their parents can be. Aaron and I have taught the kids to be polite, take turns, wait in line patiently, and to never take someone else's place away from them. These kids were jumping in from the back of the rides with parents watching and then the parents would let them put in 4 tokens... Anyway, Alex and Aidan had a blast and that's all that really matters in the end.

Today I got to go with my $100.00 gift card, thanks to one of Aaron's co-workers, to the Galleria. I was planning to get some new outfits for our Key Largo trip but since that is cancelled due to the hurricane I decided that we had to have a new bedspread. I went to Macy's and found one that I loved, then remembered, I have a 4 year old and a 1 year old that LOVE to spill on our bed. Anyway, I settled for one that is really nice, washable, and matches our room. I was excited because I also had money left to buy something for me. For some reason I then became melancholy. I was thinking of how I have no idea what's in fashion, I was spending the gift card on something we had to have, and how the stores I love (Gap, Banana Republic, Limited Express) all have the cloths that if I bought an outfit it would be more then 100.00 and I just don't do that anymore. I was very excited when I found H & M! (OK, if you have been there and love it too just know I NEVER go to the Mall)! What a wonderful store all the things that I love for a great price. I got 2 light sweaters and a hoodie all colorful and fashionable and fun. I was so happy! I guess things just change, you grow up and realize that spending 200 dollars on an outfit is just silly when you can get a bed-in-a-bag for 75!

Aidan's 1/2 Birthday and his favorites!

Today is Aidan's 1/2 birthday. I can't believe that my little guy is closer to 2 then one now. He is such a wonderful little boy with so much joy and energy. I thought I would share today some of his favorite things and some of my favorite memories!

• He loves his Baby Einstein Head to Toe movie. If I say "Do you want to watch your movie?" he runs to the gate, then runs to the TV downstairs. He will sit with his blanket or a teddy bear watching the movie and clapping after the music. As you can see in his picture he is learning body parts and does a great job with eyes, nose, ears, and his favorite is tongue. I must mention that he will poke you in your eye, put his finger up your nose, pull your ear, and touch your tongue.

• He still loves his puppy dog Dot. I actually have 2 Dot's just in case we ever misplace Dot or leave him at Grandma's. He loves to cuddle, love on Dot and pat his back. When he pat's on my back or his animals I always think of my Grandpa Bob. That was my favorite thing about him, he would sit beside me and pat me on the knee. I always knew that meant he loved me.

• He also much like his brother loves to run and enjoys running from Alex screaming sounds at the top of his lungs and clapping. He also has a love for toilets and phones like his brother did. I have lost many phones now to the toilet and still have a non-functional cell phone.

• He is really into things that are high right now. He loves to point at the birds and ah and ooh at them as they pass by. He is also into turning the lights on and off and pointing at them and clapping when he accomplishes his task.

• He loves the white down comforter that I am unable to take out of the living room floor because it's his trampoline!

• He loves his bath and water anywhere you can find it!

• He LOVES shoes and wearing shoes that are too big for him. Which also means he LOVES outings.

• His favorite song is still Glamorous by Fergie. When I put that song on he will immediately quit crying and start dancing and clapping. I sometimes think the star that is on the bottom of his foot is a sign for the future!

• Lastly, he loves his family. He loves mimicking Alex's play and playing with his brother. He loves Caesar and feeds him WAY too much food. He loves his Daddy and running to the door to tell him hello. He also loves playing rough with Daddy. He loves me, he must he claps when I sing, which makes me the happiest Mommy in the world.

We love you Ade!

In Remembrance

I think everyone who was old enough to remember will think today of where they were the moment this American tragedy occurred. I had just started working at the hospital and was on the 16-bed male unit. Half of the patients had the diagnosis of Paranoid Schizophrenia and even without that diagnosis I know we were all scared. I remember seeing the first plane hit and thinking, 'that has to be an accident' and then when we saw the second we all knew we were being attacked. So much has changed since this tragedy and everyone in the United States has been affected in some way. I can remember the fear while working that if something happened how would I get to Aaron and Alex, where would Aaron and I meet, and peace because I always felt secure with the people who cared for Alex. I still worry about Aaron and my Mom...

I hope everyone will take sometime today to think of those who lost loved ones, the hero's who risked and lost their lives, and the troops that are still fighting for our county.

Alex and Faith

Today we had a play date with Faith. When I arrived at school Theresa told me that Faith had to put on make up for their play date and I told her Alex had to be assured that he looked "cool" in his shirt and jeans. This is the first play date that I have had at our house with a girl. I was so worried thinking, "Oh No," we have so many boy toys but not many things for a little girl. I bought cookies to bake, and got out all of the teddy bears and animals I could find so she could have fun. I shouldn't have been worried they had a blast.

Here are some funnies from the day:


Faith told me to stay upstairs because it was "dangerous downstairs."

Faith had to drive the cozy coupe to the ball so she could marry Alex.

Faith was the Mother, Alex was the Dad, and I was the kid.

and a sweet one:

Faith said she wanted to stay here since we are so much fun!


I must say it was wonderful having a sweet little girl voice around the house. I know Aaron's heart is dropping as he is reading this but if they could like "Dr. Han" told me swirl some things around to make a girl I would be begging for another baby. OK, I'm over that thought but it was fun for a moment!

Love to all!

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.