Zachary's Official Title Change...

Good Morning! First of all I would like to thank everyone that came by yesterday and left me a comment. I have never seen so many comments in one day! WOW~I can't believe how wonderful you all are. I appreciate all of the sweet and inspiring comments, I also am overwhelmingly thrilled at all of the wonderful advice. You are all truly inspiring! I will be visiting each and every one of you but please be patient. Believe it or not, there were over 300 comments on my blog yesterday!

Now, to explain my blog title...
We had Zachy's eligibility meeting at the school yesterday. We have done this every year for the past 4 years that he has been in school. (yes, he did start school at 2 1/2) Every year it is a bunch of red tape, "credible" excuses and no changes. His IEP diagnosis has always been "Developmental Delay" even though he has Autism. I knew that if he had the Autism as his diagnosis instead of the Developmental Delay, it would open up more help through the school. I also knew this was why I was getting nowhere when I tried to have it changed. For those of you that have experience with the whole IEP process, you know the difference the 2 diagnosises make. But in order to keep my blog from covering 3 pages, Developmental Delay comes with only a few government mandates of requirements. Nothing that will really help my Zachy with his behavior issues or social difficulties. Basically it only assists academically. But the Autism label has many government, state and county mandates that require the schools to cover all aspects of his Autism. Getting the label on the IEP is a very difficult process because the schools in this country do not have the funding to provide for all the children with special needs that are entering the system in droves. And once the label is granted, it can not be taken away!

Well after 4 VERY long years of fighting with everything I had...his label was changed yesterday. His IEP diagnosis is now "Autism" just like it should be. And this means my baby will finally get the therapies he deserves! I can not tell you how I feel. Sheer elation and long awaited validation! I spent the day, yesterday, crying one minute and laughing the next! FINALLY....they see what I do and they are willing to do what it takes to help him It was like a very large weight was lifted off of my shoulders and all of the fears, anger, frustration, pleading and disappointment....WE WON! Or I should say, Zachary won! Thank you God! Now I can move the fight from the whys to the how's. I realize that we will still have to fight in order to make sure he is getting what he needs. But I am ready for it! After all, it may have taken 4 years, but despite all of the resistance and red tape, I got him his label! I will get him his therapies too!


Happy Halloween! Be safe and have fun!

Notice of My Official Title Change

I am in the process of trying to sell an electric golf cart that was given to my husband. Well, we are trying to sell it. But I received an email inquiring about it from a man that works for Nasa! After I read the email, I noticed this guys title....

NASA Shuttle Program
Integrated Aeroscience Systems Manager

How cool is that?! Maybe it is just me but I think that has got to be one of the coolest titles ever! At my work, my title is " Billing Dept.". I have no idea what qualifies me as being a "department", but that is it. No bling...no excitement...no easy to mispronounce words...b-o-r-i-n-g! That was when it hit me...just take it! Take the title and run! Yes...I really did it! I sent out an email at work, yesterday, letting everyone know of my new title. And now when I send an email, my signature looks like this...

Jyll (last name)
NASA Shuttle Program
Integrated Aeroscience Systems Manager

Don't worry about the "rightful owner". I left him my old title. He is now a billing department. Judging by his...er uh...my title that was previously his, he is a smart guy. He will figure out how to be a billing dept.! As for me, you can find me strutting around my office, wearing an insanely large name tag (we don't even wear name tags at work but with a title like mine...I am SO wearing one now!). At least until Nasa figures out that it was me that stole this guys title. Then they will most likely send the feds to quickly whisk me away to some unknown, third world country where they will promptly stick me into a dirt hole while feeding me nothing but bugs and dirty water, until I agree to give the title back. So I ask you, my loyal blog readers, don't forget about me and try to find some way to send me food...because I ain't giving it back! And while I am still a free lady...if you would like a cool new title, I will gladly help you get one. Just let me know!

OH...anyone want to buy a golf cart?!

What Is It With Halloween Costumes These Days?!

My husband and I went shopping over the weekend, for Halloween costumes. (Yes...we do wait for the last minute!) We are going to a family costume party on Saturday and we were attempting to find something simple and inexpensive. You know...like a vampire or a ghost etc. Well we did not find that...no siree Bob! Instead we found this...

This costume is supposed to be Dorothy from the Wizard of OZ. And it was in the "Tween" section. Meaning it is for girls between the ages of 10 and 12. I don't know about you but there is no way I am letting my 11 year old daughters wear thigh highs in public. Or anywhere else for that matter. We also saw these...

This is the French Maid costume for Tweens. It is not as bad as the previous one, but as an adult, I know all about the French Maid and I say Heck NO! And lastly, we have this...

Again...this is for teens and tweens! What kind of mother would allow her "tween" to even see this costume...let alone wear it?! I could be here all day just posting photo's of "what were they thinking" costumes. But if you really don't believe me...go searching for yourself. And if you decide to take your children with you, stay away from the adult costume sections. They have everything from large foam breasts to men's costumes with fake "boners". A warning would have been nice, but you won't find one anywhere. These stores can be a lot of fun for adults but if you have small children, use your discretion. For me, I am going to Wally world and buying a couple of white sheets!

Friday Foto Time Again...

For this week, I had to choose 2 fotos for Friday Favorite Foto Fun. This is my sweet puppy and my sweet Zachary. As you can see, they have a lot in common! If you want to join in on all of the fun click here and you will be swiftly redirected to Candid Carrie's wonderful world of wonderful photos and misspelled words! Yes, you heard {read} me right! She has a way with making a correctly spelled word appear boring and normal. She will make you wish that you never took that pesky spelling class. Go ahead, check her out...join in on the misspelled adventures and you are sure to have a fun, funky, fotographically fascinating Friday!

No Child Left Behind...

I am going t get a bit serious, and maybe even a bit controversial, for a minute. I know what your thinking..."YOU...Serious?!...HA!". But even I can get serious sometimes. Especially when it comes to my children. More specifically...my special needs child. Zachary has had a really rough week that began last Wednesday. He has been even more impulsive, agitated and aggressive than normal. He has an overload of energy and spends his evenings running around, jumping on furniture and making loud firetruck noises. He has begun biting at himself, chewing on his clothes, swatting at his teacher and aid at school. He is experiencing more difficulty during transistions and disrupting class with his loud vocalizations. His medications haven't changed and, as far as I know, neither has anything else. He has told me that he doesn't love me, he has thrown things at me and even grabbed my legs with both hands in an attempt to pinch me. He goes up and then down. One minute he is drawing a photo of he and I holding hands and smiling with the words, "I love you mommy and I miss you when you are far" written above them. The next minute he has drawn a big x through it and rewritten, "I don't love you mommy, you're mean!". It hurts my heart so bad that I spent Friday morning at work, crying my eyes out. He is so angry and so upset but I can't figure out why. I have tried everything to comfort him and calm him down, but it only seems to make things worse. I checked with the school and they verified that the behaviors are happening there too.
So I made him an appointment with his Neurologist. I just wanted to make sure that something else wasn't going on. After all, they told me that his chances of developing epilepsy are extremely high according to his EEG. Maybe he is on the verge of his first seizure. I am grasping at straws probably, but I just can't understand why he changed so drastically and so suddenly. After talking to his doctor, I had more understanding of what was going on. He said, "imagine that he is a car and he is having issue after issue. You know he needs a major overhaul but you keep taking him to local mechanics to fix this or that. Knowing the entire time that the dealership is the only place that can truly fix it with a major overhaul." He says it is due to the fact that Zachy is getting older and stronger and he has never had the much needed behavioral training he needs. He concluded that without this training from a trained Autism provider, it is only going to get worse. He said, "taking him to a regular teacher in a mainstream class is a bit like taking your car to 7-11 for repair in hopes that the cashier knows something about cars". WOW! I never really thought about it like that.
So now I am on a mission to get my son what he truly needs. Not that I haven't been on that mission all along. I was just not as well equipped prior to my conversation with the Neurologist. See, he hooked me up with a paper that contained this statement...
Education is the fostering of acquisition of skills or knowledge...including not only academic learning, but also socialization, adaptive skills, language and communication, and reduction of behavior problems - to assist a child to develop independence and personal responsibility.
At the beginning of the year, I attempted to get Zach placed into a special classroom taught by teachers with experience in dealing with special needs kids. This school does not have an Autism class and the County I live in is in great need of Autism teachers. So they convinced me that since he is doing great academically, we could just place him in a mainstream class with the assistance of a full time aide. I admit, he is doing great academically, with lots of prompting and constant reminders to stay on task. However, he is not doing great in all other areas. He has made attempts at socialization but is incredibly awkward in his socializing. Eventually, this will lead to teasing and being shunned by classmates. I was always led to believe that the school was only responsible for his academics. Now that I know they are responsible for more, I am pushing it forward. I have already been in touch with an advocate to speak on our behalf at the IEP meetings and I sent an email to the school letting them know what I want for my son. They stated that we will have an eligibility meeting next week to see what he qualifies for and what label to put on his IEP. After all, he has "outgrown" the developmentally delayed label they previously gave him. Even though my son has the diagnosis of Autism from 2 very highly respected child developmental doctors, the school feels they need to test him. They apparently think they know more than these professionals. I say they just don't want to have to provide the therapies required by the Autism label. No Child Left Behind has no funding behind it and therefore the schools are scrambling to care for these children. But this is not Zachy's fault. He deserves what he needs in order to lead a "normal" life someday. So I begin my fight! I WILL win! For my son, I will do what it takes to see him get what he needs. My child will not be left behind!

A Funny Email I Recieved...

Tough Love vs. Spanking - Good Argument Most of the American populace thinks it improper to spank children, so I have tried other methods to control my kids when they have one of 'those moments.' One that I found effective is for me to just take the child for a car ride and talk. Some say it's the vibration from the car, others say it's the time away from any distractions such as TV, Video Games, Computer, IPod, etc. Either way, my kids usually calm down and stop misbehaving after our car ride together. Eye to eye contact helps a lot too. I've included a photo below of one of my sessions with my son, in case you would like to use the technique. Sincerely,Your Friend


















This works with grandchildren, nieces, and nephews as well.
Obviously, this is a joke! Please do not try this at home!

When You Think of Pumpkin Patch...

I decided quite a few years ago, that I wanted to start a family tradition with my children. Something they would want to follow for the rest of their lives, even after they created their own families. The tradition I came up with was an annual visit to the pumpkin patch. (I live in Virginia, its a big thing here) So after about 5 years of this, we may have to find a new tradition. Let me explain why. First of all, when you think of a pumpkin patch, what do you picture?

A big farm, a hay ride...

a nice slow, bumpy trip through the fields leading to the pumpkin patch...

Running through the vines, trying not to trip, while searching for the perfect pumpkin to take home and carve into the perfect Jack-o-lantern for the front porch! Maybe even a nice, steamy cup of hot apple cider while standing by the bon fire, warming back up after the fall weather has you shivering... Maybe a stop by the pool of corn for a fun little "swim" with the other children. And maybe even a small petting zoo, just to really get you into the "down on the farm" feeling...

I don't know about you but this is definitely my idea of a trip to the pumpkin patch. Every year we have gone to the same patch and every year it has gotten a bit more commercial. But somehow, it still managed to hold onto some of the "down on the farm" it was meant to have.

Until this year...I felt more like I had just taken a drive out to the state fair

Minus the lights and big rides, this is more like what we saw when we arrived this year. They had an admission menu that started at $5.00 per person (any age) that included admission into the patch, the hay ride and use of their facilities. They had 3 other choices that ranged from $10 - $20 per person (any age) that included all of their "rides", the haunted house, the corn maze, the corn cannons, the blow up jump houses, the pony rides, the "tractor train" etc. WTF?! And you still had to pay their over inflated per pound price for the pumpkins! Unfortunately, we had already promised the kids they could have lunch and cider at the patch, before we knew they had changed everything. Otherwise, I would have gotten back in my van and went somewhere else! Last year, we spent about $60 to get the kids one ride a piece and a pumpkin too. This year we spent approximately $100 just to get in, eat a hot dog, share some apple cider, and get pumpkins for each kid! And to top it off, I couldn't even get any decent pictures of the family at the patch! I look forward to getting that photo every year. Everyone dressed in their fall clothes, looking cozy, and the backdrop of partially changed leaves, pumpkins and a barn. Not this year! I couldn't get a picture because the place was so overcrowded that every time we tried to get into formation, people would walk in front of us. I finally gave up. I actually planned on using this photo at the top of my blog, but now I guess I will have to do something else. Oh, and I didn't even tell you about the DJ they hired to blast country music so loud that you couldn't hear yourself think! Needless to say, we will not be returning next year. I can't believe they have allowed themselves to be bitten by the bug. You know, the "chi-ching" bug. I am pretty sure they made plenty of money before they became so commercialized. And I am pretty sure they will now lose money. Because I can't imagine anyone loading their kids up every fall to drive out into the country for a taste of the city! Just had to vent. And if you live in Virginia...don't waste your time or money on the Chesterfield Berry Farm's Pumpkin Patch!

Phriday Photo Phunky Phun

I took this photo last weekend at boy scout camp. Doesn't it just reek of "peacefulness"?! I mean even the 2 geese look relaxed and happy to be here! In light of all of my positive energy posts this week, I wanted to pick a photo to make you go "ahhhhhhhhhhhh". Go to Ms. Carrie's funky fresh blog to see more wonderful photos and join in on the fun!

Now that I have been very positive and upbeat for a few days, I have to blog a bit more negatively for a moment. Yesterday, while clicking around on the Internet, I came across this man...

Dennis "I am a total moronic jerk" Leary. For anyone who did not hear or see it already, this is why I must post his ugly mug on my blog...

He said this...
"There is a huge boom in autism right now because inattentive mothers and competitive dads want an explanation for why their dumb-*** kids can't compete academically, so they throw money into the happy laps of shrinks . . . to get back diagnoses that help explain away the deficiencies of their junior morons. I don't give a [bleep] what these crackerjack whack jobs tell you - yer kid is NOT autistic. He's just stupid. Or lazy. Or both."


I refuse to lower myself to his level and bash his name like I so want to do. But I will say this, it is people like him that make life difficult for my son and every other child or person that suffers with Autism. He obviously had not had the fortunate opportunity to meet and get to know an Autistic person. They have difficulty understanding the world around them yet they are more compassionate and non-judgemental than even this ignorant man! Apparently, he was making the comment to be funny, but I am sure that no one finds it funny. I, myself, find it utterly disgusting! It is distasteful, moronic, ignorant, cruel and stereotypical! I am so angry that I just want to say terrible things about this person. But I said I wouldn't lower myself for him. I will just allow my wonderful, intelligent, compassionate, caring bloggy friends to rip him apart themselves.

What Inspires You?

Welcome to my little place in the web world! I am so happy to have you here! Thank you Sits for making my blog feel so special today, I have waited so long for this day! Please make yourselves at home, take a look around and feel free to leave a comment or 2. My blog encompasses so many things. I blog about my autistic son, my 18 yr old son in the Army, my 9 kids, my grand daughter, my new husband and my job. And sometimes, I just like to be a bit silly or inspiring. I hope you enjoy...


During the blogathon on Tuesday, it seemed the common question from my commenter's was, "9 kids?! How do you do it?". As I tried to think of a way to answer this question I began to realize that I have a whole lot of inspiration. (and apparently...patience) I guess when you are into your daily routine and you have developed a rhythm, you don't even think about it anymore. You just do what needs to be done without a second thought. That goes for single people, to married couples, to parents, grandparents etc. I do believe, however, that we all experience moments of "I can't do this again", but we manage to march on and get through it. We wake up the next day and go right back into our daily routine without so much as a thought. Why? What makes us able to deal with the same struggles day after day. Even though most of the time you get absolutely no evidence of it ever getting better or easier. For me, its the little things that give me inspiration. The big things help to give me the drive but the little things inspire me to get through the daily grind. I wake up everyday, in the same bed, in the same room , at the same time, with the same goals..."get through today in the best way possible and keep a positive attitude". Some days this is a major struggle and some days it is just plain easy. If Zachary hasn't slept well and has had me up numerous times, it is going to be a difficult day. If Sydney has come downstairs ready to play at the same exact minute that I am climbing out of bed to get ready for work, it is going to be a difficult morning. If I get to work and my boss or co-workers are in a bad mood, it's going to be a tough day etc. I know that I have to remain positive and upbeat in order to make the day take a brighter turn. I was born with the knack to make people smile and the desire to make every ones day a little brighter. When I finally get home and my husband is in a bad mood, my granddaughter is crying, Zachy is having meltdown after meltdown, Alex is angry about something and yelling at Cheyenne who is now crying, Sierra and Logan are complaining about there not being anything good to snack on, Emma being attached to her daddy at the leg and Sydney crying about every little thing....it is very difficult to remain positive, focused and patient while still trying to stay on task. But somehow, somewhere, someway...I get a little surprise inspiration from an unexpected place.
(I had planned on posting a picture of my inspirations but for some reason the file is corrupt. Story of my life! Oh well...I will have to rely on my uncanny ability to describe them to a tee!)

As anyone who has read my blog for awhile or who has experience with a child that has Autism knows, these children have to be taught how to show emotion and how to express their feelings. This is not something that they are just born with, like most children. I have waited for a very long 6 years to have my son show me affection and love. So imagine the surprise when as I pulled into the drive after work the other day, Zachy came running up to my door super excited to see me. He gave me the biggest hug and then told me he would be right back. He ran into the house just as fast as he could and in a moment, he was coming back out. He said, "I made this for you Mommy"...he handed a folded piece of pink paper that on the inside had the words, "I love you Mommy. I miss You when you are far. I love you, Love Zachary". I gave that little boy the biggest hug I could without squishing him and got a tear in my eye. I now have that "card" posted on my wall in front of my desk. It gives me inspiration anytime I need it!

So, what inspires you? How do YOU do it? How do you stay sane and manage to keep trying, keep marching forward? I would love to know. Because whether you find your inspiration in a handwritten, misspelled card from your special needs child, or a little unexpected note in your purse from your husband, telling you he loves you, or even something less personal like watching your savings account grow...I would love to know what inspires you. And I know that just by writing this post, I have more inspiration now than I did before I wrote it.

Say Something Good About Yourself Day..

The eternal optimist in me has led me to an idea for today's post. It has been difficult lately to be positive and keep our chins up. We have so many negatives to deal with...gas prices, credit crisis, job loss, financial worries, climbing crime rates etc. It becomes very easy to slip into despair and depression that makes it difficult to trudge on. More people are dealing with depression now more than ever. I am a strong believer of karma (not just because of Earl either) and I believe that positive thoughts bring positive actions. I find myself forgetting to live this way from time to time but I also see the trail of negativity left behind by the slip up. So today, I am challenging you all to change your karma! Lets get positive about life and see if we can make a change for the better. Maybe if we can get enough people on the positive side, we can change things for everyone. So post your positive thoughts on your blog and link back here. Lets get the good mojo going! Here are my positive thoughts to give you an idea...

1. My children are healthy and happy.

2. My husband is well and loves me no matter what.

3. I still have my job and I like working there.

4. My family is well and thinking positive.

5. I wake up every day to see the sun rising on a new day full of new possibilities.

6. I am not homeless and I can even get on my computer and blog everyday.

7. I have gorgeous, long, red hair.

8. I am fortunate enough to have beautiful green eyes.

9. My kids think I am the best mommy in the whole world!

10. My husband thinks I am sexy and smart (even more than Palin)

11. My dog thinks I am awesome and loves to snuggle me.

12. My house is relatively clean.

13. I have clean clothes to wear to work today.

14. I have a nice hot cup of coffee to enjoy while I blog.

15. Someone somewhere is reading my blog.

16. Someday, I will get more followers.

See, it isn't too hard. No matter how crazy or how conceded you may sound, believe what you say with all of your heart. And remind yourself daily that you will get through this, whatever "this" is. After all, life goes on and we always get past our difficulties. If you think positive and remember your strengths, you will have the ability to get through whatever comes your way!

It's a BLOGATHON...

No...you don't have to run anywhere...you don't even have to walk! You just have to get your clicky finger warmed up and do some clicking! Yep...that's right! I guess it should be called a clickathon! I know you are dying to know what the heck I am talking about...well the suspense is over! You know that cute little pink and leopard spotted square over there...the one that says "the secret is in the sauce?"...click it and you will be opened to a whole new bloggy loving world! Most people have heard of them by now but for those who haven't, you just don't know what you have been missing! They pick a daily winner to receive more comments in 24 hours than you ever thought possible! They give away great prizes! And they introduce you to great new bloggers! Just check out the cool people I have met since becoming a Sitsa (that's what we call ourselves...and you don't have to be a girl to be a Sitsa!)...

First, my favorite and loyal bloggy friend Jen. Check her out over at http://ihatewhine.blogspot.com. She is fantastic!

Then there is Carrie at http://carriestuckmanblog.blogspot.com. She does a great little thing on Friday called the "Phun Phriday Photo" blog where everyone posts their favorite photo on their blog with a link back to this blog and before you know it...you have 5 new visitors...sometimes more!

And third, who could resist Crazy Town USA? Check it out at http://craybickford.blogspot.com.

Fourth, I just recently found this one... http://swirlgirlspearls.blogspot.com.

And last...but not least....Michelle over at http://michelle-onecraftymama.blogspot.com.

I realized through doing this that I have some great bloggy friends in my favorites that are nor Sitsa's. Come on girls...go over to Secret in the sauce and become a Sitsa! You deserve all of that bloggy love! And as for my fellow sitsa's..visit these girls and tell them how great it is to be a sitsa!
Danielle over at http://daniellesdailylifeblog.blogspot.com
and Sarah over at http://isawitinbluewater.com.
Today is a blogathon where you can win cool prizes, get some new comment friends and lots of other cool things. So check them out..you'll be glad you did!

Friday Foto Fiesta Funky Fun

So to add to Ms. Candid Carrie's Phun Photo Phriday(http://carriestuckmann.blogspot.com), I picked this Photo! Why do I love it...well...what's not to love?! This is my precious baby grandaughter, Madison! She is tons of fun and love everyday! Now I know why they made that bumper sticker "If I'd Known What I Know Now...I Would've Had My Grandaughter First!".

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Happy Friday Eve...

First, I just wanted to say that I lost a follower. Imagine my disappointment when I logged on yesterday morning, and instead of seeing any new followers, I noticed that I had 1 less. Was it something I said...or didn't say?! Please come back. I am still sort of stumbling through the mechanics of the blog stuff. So if I didn't do something or I said something that may have offended you, please let me know!

OK. Now on to the daily blog (or, here lately, the every-other-daily-blog). Yesterday was my first time actually leading the Tiger Den at the Cub Scout meeting. It went well, If I may say so myself, where my job was concerned. However, there were a few things that really made it less enjoyable. Like, we wound up having 11 kids when we had only planned on 7. This is a great thing and the growth is unbelievable, but some of these kids had siblings. And there siblings were there too. Now don't get me wrong, I am all for having the family involvement. But before you bring the whole family, babies, toddlers etc., into a den meeting, make sure that you are willing to take them out if they get too loud or start crying. It is already incredibly difficult to keep 11 six year olds focused. And most of all, don't assume that they are instant boy scouts, girls included, just because you brought them in. I had purchased snacks and a craft for my scouts for last night. I was not planning on a surprise visit from 8 siblings. So I was short on stuff. And the parents seemed rather upset that I didn't have enough for everyone. One mother even tried to convince me to list her 2 year old daughter on the class roster. RRRRRRR.......it was difficult but we managed to get through it. I also think my scouts may have learned a little something.
Another issue I have is that when I attended the very first pack meeting at the beginning of the year, I asked the Cub Master who the Tiger Den leader was. After checking around, he looked at me and said, "I guess you are!". So after I picked myself up off the floor...err um...thanked him graciously...I spoke with him about the way it all worked. I agreed to be the leader and he gave me some information to move forward with it. The next meeting, our first den meeting, Cub Master is in our class and has already introduced me as leader to the parents, in walks this dad (in his cub scout uniform shirt) along with one of the other leaders. That leader introduces him to the den and myself as, "your den leader". Apparently, he had convinced this dad that day to be a leader. All of a sudden, it was like I didn't exist. I figured maybe it was because this guy had on a cub scout shirt and I didn't. But after the class, the other leaders started to file in bringing info and other helpful items for first time leaders. And they were only speaking to him and giving him everything. I just stood there like I blended in with the wall. Again, I realized that this may be just a misunderstanding. The Cub Master is the only one standing up for me and reminding these other men that I am the leader. They basically shrugged it off.
So when I went to the required leader training the other night, i was shocked to find that this guy wasn't there. He didn't even show up. Now maybe I will be taken more seriously as the leader. Cub Master came and after seeing that myself and Stevie were the only new leaders to actually attend, he seemed disturbed. I knew this would help me make my place in this "male" world.
NOPE! When we arrived last night I found out that the other leaders had been speaking to this guy all week and even going as far as to provide with him necessary tools for leading a den. Nobody contacted me or gave me anything. They gave this guy the attendance sheet and roster from the previous week. I had nothing. I was angry. I know that this may sound like a power play, but really it is the fact that the Cub Master designated me and I agreed to sacrifice my free time for these kids. I prepared, I studied and I purchased essentials. Only to have no recognition what so ever! Well, guess who led the entire meeting last night, all the way down to making plans for the craft and games? ME! He came in with an empty file box and a rolled up roster poster (given to him by another leader). So, if you ask me, I have earned the title and it should be mine.
I really think this is mostly a "man" thing. After all, it is the "boy scouts". But I am very involved in my Zach's life and I can do just as good a job as any man, when it comes to leading these boys. I won't be pushed aside by a man that isn't really even putting any effort forth. Tell me if I am wrong...I know you will! LOL

My uterus is not a tracking device!

It amazes me how easily children lose things and how much they believe it is not their responsibility to keep up with their own stuff. Everyday I have to repeat myself to each one of them, "put your jackets, shoes and book bags in your room where you can find them in the morning." Do they listen? NO! So every morning its the same old thing, "Mom, where's my jacket? I can't find my book bag! Where did you put my book?" Like I deliberately go around hiding peoples things just so I can sit back and watch them lose their minds and almost miss their bus. Of course, that must be it. I believe it is the same person who ate the last of the snack and left the empty box in the cupboard, or finished off the kool-aid and didn't make more, or left the toys lying the yard, that person known as the "Nobody" strikes again. If I ever get my hands on this "nobody", I might do something cruel and violent and completely out of my normal realm of sweet, calm, all-knowing mommy! At times I think I am crazy but then I look around at all of these children and think maybe THEY are crazy. Who knows, but there are definitely times that I consider running down the street screaming with arms waving like some sort of mad woman. Just move out and leave them the house But then I think ...I would miss the little buggers. The whining, the complaining, the nagging, the begging, the fighting, the excuses, the blatant disrespect...it's all my life now. Without it, my house would be way too quiet and lonely. So I just have to learn how to sift through it all and pull out the precious moments that make it all worthwhile.

Who is the "Nobody" and why is he in my house?

Welcome Sitsa's! This was a favorite post for some of my followers. I think we all have the "nobody" in our house! Thanks for reading...

Every day it is the same story..."Nobody" did everything wrong that happened in my home! I don't know who this "nobody" is and despite my efforts, I have been unable to catch him/her. So I thought maybe I would enlist the help of my online possee to locate this "Nobody". So here is the best description I have to offer...


WANTED...


The person responsible for the mess under the kitchen table after the kids have finished eaten.


The person that left their dirty socks on the front porch for the past 2 days.


The person that spilled kool-aid mix on the blinds over the kitchen sink.


The person that left the empty cookie box in the cabinet for the next person with a craving to disappointedly find.


Armed and dangerous with my missing forks and butter knives and a few other missing items from my kitchen.


May be wearing my favorite shirt I have been missing for about 2 months and Stevie's missing denim shorts.


I have no physical description except for what I gather from obvious evidence. This person has at least 10 pair of feet because they wear all of the missing socks and apparently all of the feet are right feet since they only tend to take that shoe from the pair.


"Nobody" should also be a large person since the only thing this person seems to eat is cookies and snack cakes.


Be cautious as this "nobody" is a bit of a prankster. He/she likes to leave the doors open, the windows up and the lights on. He/she also likes to take the last of the toilet paper, leaving only 1 half ripped sheet on the roll.


He/she should have a pocket full of change making them easy to hear if anywhere near by.


Oh, and if you should see this "nobody" please be advised that they are likely to have hands covered in peanut butter and jelly judging by the handprints on all of my doors, my walls and some of my windows.


If found, please return only our missing items and kindly ask this person to stay away from my home. I would thoroughly enjoy waking up to a clean house with clean walls, doors and windows. Knowing where all of my stuff is and how it got there would be different as well. I would also really enjoy not hearing the kids argue back and forth because "nobody" played with their toys and left them out on the floor for someone else to trip over.


Thanks in advance for all of your help! It is greatly appreciated!

Have You Ever Pondered...

Sometimes, when i am alone...driving in my van...on my way home from work, my mind wanders. Mostly I think about the kids, work ,finances, my husband (not necessarily in that order) etc. But yesterday, for some strange reason, I started thinking about extended family members. As most of my regular readers know...I just got married and so did my daughter. So our family has tripled in just a few short months. With the holidays coming, I started thinking about who to invite...which led me to think what role each person plays in the family. Obviously, I am mother-in-law to my daughters new husband (Nate). He is brother-in-law to my kids and his mom is my daughters mother-in-law. But then I thought...what does that make his mom and I? Are we sister-in-laws? And what is she to my kids...their grandmother-in-law? Would she be Stevie's (my husband) sister in law? What would his kids be to her? At what point does the in-law stop?
I could Google it and see if I could find the information that way...but that would require effort I just don't care to put forth. I would much rather post it in my blog and see what my bloggy friends come up with.
Maybe I let my mind wander too far sometimes! Hmmmmph...who knows?!

I Am A Tiger Cub Leader....

Yes, I got roped...er....um.....chosen to be the leader of Zachy's cub scout den. (is it just me or does he look an awful lot like Tony the Tiger?)

First of all, i really thought this was something for men only. WRONG! Second of all, I don't know a darn thing about the scouts! We had our first pack meeting last week and it was chaos! This week we had our first den meeting (apparently there is a difference). It, too, was chaos. Let's put it this way...nine 6 year olds in a small room with paint. You get it now....CHAOS! The parents have to stay with their child when they are a tiger but some of them had the mentality that their children were not their responsibility while at the meeting. So they sat back and watched as their children ran around the room screaming, flung paint at their den mates, stood in their chairs etc. I am used to having 9 children....but not all of them are 6!

So anyway, I have to figure out what we are going to do at each of our weekly, hour long den meetings. Oh...and of course it has to be boy scout related. Did I mention I have not a clue about the scouts?!

Apparently, there is a book and the pack leader will be giving this to me tonight at a leader training class. (I thought this was supposed to be only one hour per week). Don't get me wrong, I love having the opportunity to be with Zachy through his experience with the boy scouts, I just had no idea I would be leading it too. I am sure we will have a great time once we figure it all out. It is the figuring out part that scares me!

So...my name is Jyll and I am a den leader! Anyone have any ideas or information they can share? I would greatly appreciate it. For now, I am off to memorize the pack law!