Christmas came early this year!!!

Thanks to Allison and Asher (I love you guys!!!!!) THIS is what my children will wake up to this morning. I am sure I will have more pics of them playing at it...and I can promise you.....Xavier MAY have a hard time leaving for school.

What a selfless act to give something like this away! I can't tell you how happy I am...and I went to sleep last night with a smile on my face. Working Retail this time of year will make you, well, NOT feeling the love of Christmas, ya know? Oh...THANK YOU ALLISON...and I will pray that somewhere down the road, you are blessed this way yourself!!!!

Wait.....WAIT.....NOOOOOOOOO

Oh My Goodness.

HOW is it possible the the 'baby' will be 2 next week????? NOOOOOOO. Make it stop. I am having a serious meltdown (I am SURE this is not the last one for the next week or so, LOL). Patton will be 2. WOW

Is anyone else this way? WHY is it so hard for me to see my kiddos grow older? I swear each birthday is harder than the ones before (and, people, we have had a GRAND total of only 4 SO far between the 2 NOT counting the one on Tues.) I have become my mother.

During my college days, when I would go home or if Mom would come visit..she would bawl like a baby when I/She left. One particular year was I believe the beginning of my Jr. year and she came to get me settled in...well, she had a flight back home (this was when you could still go inside an airport to see someone off..pre-911) and Corey (hi buddy!) was with me...Mom just weeped and hugged me forever....I wasn't embaressed or anything...but I just couldn't understand how she could be so tore up about it...I mean..I would be home for Thanksgiving, right?

Anyway...now 'I' am the blubbering fool about my kids (and please...save yourself...don't even ask me about what I am like when my PARENTS leave!!!!)

Time just won't stand still, will it?

Tammy....remember when I was pregnant with Xavier and visiting NC...you went with Mom and I to visit Brett's grave. The Dixie Chics came on the radio (or maybe it was my cd) and that sweet little song came on...

"Godspeed (Sweet Dreams)"

Dragon tales and the "water is wide"
Pirate's sail and lost boys fly
Fish bite moonbeams every night
And I love you

Godspeed, little man
Sweet dreams, little man
Oh my love will fly to you each night on angels wings
Godspeed
Sweet dreams

The rocket racer's all tuckered out
Superman's in pajamas on the couch
Goodnight moon, will find the mouse
And I love you

Godspeed, little man
Sweet dreams, little man
Oh my love will fly to you each night on angels wings
Godspeed
Sweet dreams

God bless mommy and match box cars
God bless dad and thanks for the stars
God hears "Amen," wherever we are
And I love you

Godspeed, little man
Sweet dreams, little man
Oh my love will fly to you each night on angels wings
Godspeed
Godspeed
Godspeed
Sweet dreams




Now I know why you shed some tears........

Today Brett would have been 27

Hard to believe. Brett....with wrinkles??? Nah....where she is there are no wrinkles. I sure wish I could be having cake with her....Or actually, knowing Brett it would be a plate of hot chicken wings!

I love you Bert....Kaleesha

pics

SO SO SO SORRY Its Been too LONG!

If there is anyone still out there, I apologize! Life has been pretty busy and I have apparently been quite lazy!

Last week..on THANKSGIVING...we celebrated our 5 year Anniversary! Can you believe it? Seriously, I Thank God everyday for my '1st baby'. He truly was the perfict fit for me. He is handsome and loving. A good provider and he loves to watch old episodes of SCRUBS, drink hot chocolate and hold hands with me....oh and he put up our Christmas Lights and Tree! I LOVE THIS MAN. He is also a GREAT Father.

Another GREAT think happened this weekend! My dad spent the night with us Sunday~ WE were all beside ourselves with delight. The only bad thing was it was short and I wanted to cry when he left (ok...I DID cry when he left) but hey...it's better than nothing. Can't wait to see them for Christmas!!!!!! YIPPEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will add some pics soon!

Chex Mix Bold Party Blend

Totally laced with Crack, I am sure. oh! So is Nutella. Just wanted to say that.
(running away red faced and ashamed).

Can you believe it's November?

Unbelievable! I have 3 tiny Christmas gifts for Patton and we have already taken care of Kevins mom...but thats IT! I need to get busy! I really want to do Christmas 'BIG' this year, and I don't really mean gifts. I mean the decorating, the celebrating. For the last 3 years (since the kiddos have been here) we have just been either too busy or tired to do much, be this year I plan to take Christmas back.

We Will:

*put ornaments on the tree and it will be put up NO LATER than the day after T-giving.

*Put up lights outside...I bought them before Xavier was born....

*Go see as much in our area that is 'Christmasy' as we can!

*Listen to LOTS of Christmas Music (Thanks for the cool new CD, Mom!)

*Drink Peppermint Mochas and Gingerbread Lattes until our heads explode (ok..I will)

*Set up toys from 'Santa'



Did I cover everything?????





Can you tell I am into Christmas? I plan on getting my groove back this year. I really lost it while the babies were babies and I am just not willing to settle for that......Christmas is a wonderful time of year...and I want to truly celebrate it for all it's worth!

We love Grandmama & Papaw

Tuesday Blues

Well for starters, we had an AWESOME weekend with Mom & Dad~ The kids were BEYOND excited when they woke up from nap Friday to see 'Grandmama & Papaw'. It was just too too too short.

Maybe that is why I am a little down today? I worked myself up with joy and am just coming down I guess. Tomorrow we are going Trick Or Treating and that should be so fun! We have never done that with the kids...and they have cute Pirate costumes to wear...PROMISE I will post pics on Thurs.

It is SO cold here! This morning when I checked the temp. it was 29 degrees, can you believe that?

I am so excited

My parents are visiting this weekend!! YIPPEE! I just have to clean the house and cook
that lasagna and I will be set.

I am sorry the blogs have been few & far between lately, but I have been super busy. The date night was AWESOME....we need to do that about once a week (I wish!).

Do you have pumpkins and mums yet? We do...and Kevin is already thinking of grotesque ways to carve them.

Have a great day!

A few Random Thoughts

Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Lattes are a little bit of Heaven on Earth

I CAN'T WAIT UNTIL NEXT FRIDAY!!!! Mom & Dad are coming!!!

I wish it would get colder.

I have a date tonight...with Mr. Roboto of course! I think I will make him open the car door (well, he does that already....what else can I make him do??)

I wish I was a better friend. I have several REALLY WONDERFUL FRIENDS (You know who you are) that I feel like I contact so little....I need to do better.

Xavier knows who Santa Claus is, but calls him 'Merry Christmas Ho Ho Ho' (is he CUTE or what???)

Patton knows what 'punkins' are...and reminds me EVERYTIME we see one (pretty cute too!)

I Heart Exclamation Marks!!!!!!





I hope everyone has an AWESOME weekend! Love you all!

I need a Nanny....and a Cleaner

So today has been a doozy! To start things off, Xavier wouldn't eat breakfast. Not a bite. Not even a nibble...and I JUST got a letter home on Monday reminding all parents that kids NEED to eat before school. SOOOO...I was a bit put out and ended up raising my voice and then he DEFINTELY wouldn't eat.

So I got (yeah me!) to drop Patton off with my Mother-in-law so that I could grocery shop in peace and I STILL didn't make it home to put up the groceries away until after I picked the kids up. YIKES.....2 toddlers and about 50 bags of groceries to carry inside was NOT FUN.

So now, guess who are NOT NAPPING? You got it....BOTH. I feel like pulling my hair out....Xavier has Occupational Therapy in less than 2 hours and he is really a hellion if he doesn't sleep...plus I am in the middle of about 10 loads of laundry and Mr. Roboto wants to know why I don't want to take BOTH to therapy????? I need a break! Thank God I don't work tonight...

Ok....I think I need to clarify!

I went back and read the blog entry I last made and I am thinking I sound just a teeny bit depressed!

Wow....I mean I really DO feel those things, and at that exact moment on Thurs. I meant them....but I am a true woman. SO emotional! WOW again. AND I just want to insert RIGHT HERE...I Love Love Love my family and I know that they love me...but my big question was have I been gone so long that I can no longer be part of their daily lives.

I want to watch a race (did I just say that?) I want to go into ANY restaurant and hear Country Music and order Sweet Tea. I want to drive up to the Mountains. I want to make dinner for my Mom & Dad. I want to stay up late with Squire and watch a documentary. I want to go to Family Reunions. I want my children to sound like they are from NC. I want to 'Go Home'.



In other news, we went to a park today and had a BLAST! I will be posting pics VERY soon!

I'm in a pensive mood

It't one of those days for me. I am typing this while on the verge of not only tears...but serious emotional breakdown.

I have been away from home now for 11 years. REALLY? Yes...it does not seem possible...like only yesterday I was heading to MeiMeis with Mom on a crisp Fall Saturday morning. Maybe it's that it's Fall..I don't know.

I want to be able to go with my Mom to the Mall. Or to get Coffee. I want to sit down and play Rummy with Dad. Talk about music or current events with Squire. None of these things are completely out of reach when I am there...so it's not like it can NEVER happen, but there is a deeper question lingering in my mind.

Have I finally been gone SO long that even my own family does not long for this like I do? My last trip home was like none before it...it was odd. For one thing I was VERY sick....so maybe that is it. I am sure anyone reading this knows just how much I love my family...but Kevin (after holding me during my depressed cries about the trip) said something that shook my world: He said "Chelsea...I..WE (he and kids) ARE your family". Wow..even as I type this I am not quite ready to deal with how I feel about that. TO say I am 'fiercly' protective of my loved ones in NC is to put things mildly. HOWEVER...I am a happily married woman and like it or not we currently reside in OH.

On the horizon for us has always been to move to NC and I still want that to happen. We took this year to keep Xavier enrolled in the programs around here knowing we had the momentum going and wanting to to the BEST for him that we could...but I wonder. Is it too late? Will home ever truly be the same? I know and do not ever doubt the love that is shared between Mom, Dad, Squire & I...butI can't help but to worry. I am a Virgo if ever there was one, LOL. Just ask Mom abou the times they don't answer the phone!

I don't want ANY distance between us....in all the ways that count.


TOLD YOU I WAS IN A PENSIVE MOOD!

Lucky!

There is an AWESOME clothing company called 'Boden'. It is based in the UK and has started to make it's way here...and the clothes are TDF. I ordered Xavier 2 really cool t-shirts from them this summer during a promotion because many mothers on the clothing web-community I go to are always going on and on about them (much like this sentence, LOL!)

Anyway, I love the quality of the shirts...just the softest, thickest knit jersey material and the drum set/guitar are appliqued..so well worth it to me...and let's face it. When you are trying to dress your son as nicely as your daughter...sometimes you have to think outside the box! Especially since my just-turned-3 year old is the size of a 7th grader(not really).

You are wondering where I am going with this, aren't you?

WELL....They have this promotion going right now that if you send them x amount of new addresses that FOR SURE aren't already on their list, you get $5 each! Seriously, after entering all of you reading (I am only 1/2 kidding...don't worry! You will only get catalogs!) I simly went down my street.

You are only supposed to be able to enter 4 at a time...I have done this for 2 months...so I call and GUESS WHAT? I have a $65 credit? I have no idea how this happened!

I also have 10% discount and free shipping card....

SO...I got this for Patton for $1.76. NOT BAD!





In other news...Mom (aka Queen Janis) also has been on a roll this week! Think lottery tickets are in order? LOL

My store closes at 9

NOT 9:20. NOT 9:30. NOT 9:45!

Seriously...people are SO inconsiderate! I (very kindly) asked the 3 ladies if there was anything I could help them with..since "we closed about 5 minutes ago". Now, whether or not they could understand me is a different post altogether...see....we don't speak the same language.

Anyway, finally after closing one door, turning off the music/tv, running reports and intentionally sweeping around them they waltzed up the the register to spent their collective Gymbucks. The problem (beside the afore mentioned language barrier): They wanted to SPLIT the $125 in Gymbuck savings BETWEEN 3 of them. Are you cringing for me yet?

Yes...I had to help them figure up how much each could spend...minus the gymbuck and still help them get about 150 pieces for $41.25 each (insert sarcasm here).



It's just rude in my opinion. Do people just not care about the person working? It happens at our store ALOT and usually by people who conveniently "can't speak English"..(where is Allison when I need her, snicker).

Oh well...in brighter news, there is a cold front coming yeah~ It looks like The X. Man and Baby Squirrel might not have to Trick or Treat in swimsuits after all.


One more pic just cause I think they are so darn cute(especially the tall dark and handsome one in the 'Trucker hat'...Hubba Hubba!)

PUNKINS!

So we went to get a few pumpkins yesterday..my kiddos were beside themselves with excitement! The odd thing is how HOT it is! In the 90's. Is it REALLY October? I have some really cute Fall/Halloween themed clothes for them but are they going to get to wear them??? WHAT IS THE DEAL?

Ok..rant over now.

A few pics

It's been 7 years

I can't seem to wrap my mind around it. 7 years since my sweet baby sister was murdered by a punk who found it necessary to run from the police since he was high. I normally try to not focus on the accident..I mean, we can't bring her back. I try to remember her laugh. Her "Whats up, Dike" Her desire to pick me up EVERYTIME I saw her. "Are you two Sisters? NO....YEESSS!~!" Her smile...laugh. The sound of her voice.


BUT sometimes...It still feels so fresh and raw. My parents, who I love more than anything...have NEVER been remotely the same (who am I kidding...neither have I). There are times I am in absolute despair. I remember the days before she died, life was great! Life is great now, too..but different. SO many things/people are not a part of my life now that were then. It sometimes doesn't seem real.

I am so lucky to have my husband, children, parents and brother still. I KNOW that...but is it so wrong to want her back? The life of our party is gone, so to speak and I don't like it! Brett was wonderful...and I really hope I keep her memory alive and well...

Sorry..I think this post has rambled away from me.

Do me a favor. Spread the word. If you knew Brett....go out today and fnd yourself a Krispy Kreme. Keep the Phat Girl Club alive and kicking!

Oh...


and if you DO drink...don't drive. It's simple.






*~* In Loving Memory of Brett Patton Ford 11/28/80-10/01/2000*~*

Do you like your job?

I do. MOST of the time. I LOOOVVVEEE the discount. I have fun with my co-workers. It pays (sadly) almost as much a month as my FULL-TIME teaching job.
Those are the pros...but..I am sure you know they are coming: there are cons:

Tues. night was New Line Night...in the Gymboree world, as I have lived first hand for the last year, that means 'nightmare night'. OK....maybe not 'Nightmare' but definitely unpleasant. This week it was ME and 2 (brand spanking) NEW girls. OY! Seriously folks, I was about to pull my hair out! One of the new ones will eventually be somewhat a supervisor to me (she is a Full Time Asst. Mgr.) It would seem that her personality is very hard to read...I am not sure just how much I ticked her off by gently (or not!) telling her when something needed to be done. Not that (unless you have lived it) you would understand, but we had TONS of stuff to move, hardware to set...all while servicing customers!!


*let me interrupt here by saying...OK...I realize that many of you are 'professionals' and I am a teeny bit embarassed that I now work retail...but Look at my Dad. And brother! Folks...selling runs in my blood!!! Don't belittle the mundane! I make sure little Susie & Bobby look good for preschool, people! LOL...*

Anyway, the afore mentioned manager simply did...not much. I was working my tail off (I wish!) and would find her standing behind the cash register~! Or better yet, at the front of the store STANDING there doing NOTHING! Frustrated much? YES. I hope next week is better. I hope this new lady is different than she seems...I am willing to give the benefit of the doubt.

I really do like my job. Mr. Roboto wishes I didn't have to work....but Shhh. Don't tell him I would work anyway! Thats what it comes down to. We need for me to work, but it had to be flexible now that the babes have come along...so I found a job that would work with our schedule and keep me content....Just so long as nights like Tues. night don't turn into EVERYNIGHT!


I guess thats all.....Thanks for reading..and leaving me little messages. Tammy...you are SO right about 'what is normal'!

Love, C.

I hope you're hungry!

Prime Rib coming up (OK...I PROMISE TO STOP USING THAT PHRASE!)

So...today was a great day for The X. Man. He talked to Grandmama on the phone and actually told her that his name is Xavier and that he is 3 years old. Also, he has a sister named Patton. Yeah!

So today, progress has been witnessed...it is tangible..I heard it. But, there are days NOT like today. There have been times that it seemed like Xavier didn't understand a single word I said. When you are a Mommy...yet..even a Mommy of a special needs child...you worry. You worry about so many things. Like: will he make friends? Will he ever be able to get married and have a normal life? Will he work somewhere besides Mcdonalds wiping the trays (please...I am seriously not picking fun!) This is my life now. I cry. ALOT. I KNOW I shouldn't, but I do. I love this little man with all my soul..and to imagine him hurt in ANY way....breaks up my heart in a million pieces.

I am thrilled with each new step he takes! He really is doing great, but it's the 'unknowns' that keep me awake at night. Thank God for his pre-school...they are really helping my little guy...they can ruin all the shirts they need to, LOL. Ps..the stains are barely noticable).

I don't want this post to be a downer...but maybe a glimpse into this world I live in. I know it's all going to be ok...but I can't help but worry sometimes.



In lighter news....YIKES...Someone needs to remind me to spell check!~ LOL...I was reading my post from yesterday and I can't believe how bad it is. I need to be kicked out of the 'Former Teachers Association'!

Love, C.

Oh so stylish!

Part of me LOVES it...but there is an equal part (esp. for Baby Squirrel) that says "NO!!! TOO TRENDY" (are you reading, Corey???) HOWEVER...they look darn cute, so we are going with it! Thanks to Grandmama for Baby Squirrels ADORABLE mules and Lindsey for The X. Mans fun shirt!

Ugh....PAINT!

So first of all...Baby Squirrel was in RARE form this morning. I think she was tired...or it could be that 'I' am tired. SO literally everything we did, she fought me!

Me:"Patton, lets go inside now"
Baby Squirrel: "No".

Me:"Patton...I said NOW, go indide and lets get your blanket".
Baby Squirrel: "No (while moving her car further in the yard).

Me:"Ok....N.O.W. GET INSIDE!
Baby Squirrel: "NOOOOO!" (By this point...she was about as FAR away from inside as her little car would take her and still be at home)

SO...I proceeded to pick her up and carry her inside....all while she was screaming like I had ripped her puppy's head off (yikes...that sounded SO horribly terrible..I promise I have NEVER ripped ANYTHING off of any harmless stuffed creature).


I think that exact same scenario happened: On the way into the store, on the way out of the store, on the way into store #2 for pictures, on the way out of store #2 and on the way in/out of preschool picking up Xavier. I am exhausted.



TO add to my frustration, as I approach Xavier's room, he comes out and asked "Where's pack pack?" (he named it by name ALL BY HIMSELF WITH NOT PROMPTING!!!!) I had left it at home (oops~!)and I noticed that he has paint all over him....ALL over. Sigh. I loved that shirt....I have it soaking in oxy...





I just can't be profound today. I couldn't sleep...so I am a little out of sorts. I promise tomorrow, I will be what all bloggers strive to be...but today, I am a Momy who needs a nap!


HEATHER: Thanks for the encouragement! TAMMY: WE LOVE YOU, TOO!!! Your scrapbooking looks awesome!!! LOVE the one for Uncle Jimmy!

The kiddos this morning 9/25

On our way to School!

The X. Man

Baby Squirrel

Elmos Potty Time

Wow. I bought a 'Potty' DVD. Will it help? Will it be more than something to watch for The X. Man & (eventually) Baby Squirrel?

This morning as I woke The X. Man up, he said "It's Dirty". Immediately, I look at the bed and realize he wet through his diaper (yuck!). So I asked him: "Xavier, are you WET"? I fully expected him at this point to just repeat me...but ....he said "YES"!!!!! Maybe you aren't getting the big picture here...he answered my question appropriately on his own.

This is big. B.I.G. I am very excited and am anxious to see what Elmo's Potty Time does for us.

I know you will be waiting on pins and needles...so stay tuned!~


Other news:

School Pic Day is NEXT TUESDAY! What should we wear??? OOPS!~ What should The X. Man wear?

Ok.Ok...I guess today is all COOL WHIP..but whatayagonnado?

Baby Squirrel is as precious as ever...except she wouldn't let me do piggies this morning. Right now she is dancing! I HEART HER!!!

Let me give this a try.

Ok.

I can't believe I am doing this! I love reading blogs...and there are SEVERAL I read, but this is mine. MINE. I have NO idea if anyone other than me will read this.

Blogging is, I guess, what you allow it to be. Will it be raw and emotional and ~dare I say it~ TRUE? Or will it be fluff, a mere recounting of the day's business at hand? Prime Rib or Cool Whip?

Let's begin with me.

I am Chelsea. 31 (YIKES) and married with 2 kiddos. My husband will be from this point on: Mr. Roboto (hehe..snicker...) Just because he does a FABULOUS 'the Robot'. My precious babies are The X. Man (just turned 3) and Baby Squirrel (will be 2 in Dec.). Oh my....so much to say!

The X. Man was diagnosed with Autism in April of this year (does anyone smell Prime Rib?) and we are chugging along every day to make every effort to help him grow up healthy and happy. I feel pretty good about the choices we have made thus far..He started Pre-school this month and is having a blast. No matter...I am putty in the little guys hands....HOW is it possible to love someone so much?

My Baby Squirrel is just as sweet as Peach Cobbler! Sometimes I look at her and just cry..she is GORGEOUS and freakin adorable too....but has just a teeny tiny bit of attitude...Where did she get THAT? From Brett..I think. Brett was my baby Sister who was tragically killed by a drunk driver almost 7 years ago. OK....so it looks like my blog is leaning towards the Raw emotion...but maybe it's ok to have BOTH?

Mr. Roboto....is cute. And comfy. If I could crawl up on him and take a nap I would. He is wonderful...SOMETIMES (wink).

More later.....