Such is Life

Moving again

2006-10-02T10:28:00.000-07:00

We are moving again!!! in 11 days no less..
Its in Laguna Hills, about 15 miles from where we live now.

Here is the floor plan.

Sniff sniff,,

2006-08-29T11:13:00.000-07:00

She is not already for school or anything is she??

Becca's 1st Day of Homeschooling. She insisted she wanted a picture with her backpack.

EEEK!!!

2006-08-01T08:07:00.000-07:00

I recently found out that the mother of the little boy I babysit, just lost her job. So more than likely I will be losing Sebo and his siblings as income.

I have already submitted an application to Home Depo for work as the loss of $900 for the month of August is going to greatly impact our finances. I really need to find something for evenings after hubby gets home..

I also ask for Prayer for the mother Lisa. She is a single mom to 3 children ages 12, 9, and 4. Please pray that she find a job in due time and that things dont get too crazy for her. Its hard enough being a single mom, let alone one without a job.

2006-06-23T21:33:00.000-07:00

Ok I have told yall that dh has been working with the Youth since December. But there really is more going on and I think we are at the point of breaking due to some background issues.

In March the Previous Youth Leader, Paul stepped down because he was overwhelmed and couldn't do it anymore so my dh (Robert) stepped up and picked up the slack which was fine, its what he wanted to do anyway. Well they now have a team of four adults for the youth group that ranges from 2 kids to 10 kids or more.. 3 men and 1 20 ish girl. Included in this team is the previous YL who "is only here for the summer". In other words, wants to go do the fun things we have planned. Dh and Paul are butting heads left and right. The Pastor tells dh that he is the "spiritual head" of the group and to "take the lead" "its Your ministry". Ok, well after several attempts to coordinate with Paul and was unsuccessful or outright ignored, on several issues. Robert went to the pastor and asked for clarity on leadership since Paul acts like he is still Lead and is shooting down and questioning Robert on everything from the nights they meet to why would I be involved (that's another issue I will get to). Anyway To Robert, Pastor says your the lead, work with your team , blah, blah blah... But the the team he doesn't say that so I can see where Paul may not have been told outright that Robert has the authority. I am frustrated with this because its stressing dh out to no end fighting with Paul, but since it has never been announced at the Church or anything said openly to Paul or the Team that Robert is now the lead, he doesn't feel comfortable pulling authority over Paul and causing rifts..

Anyway, Tomorrow is our trip to the water park, I am going as a Female Chaperone since there are girls intending to go, and only the guys in the team will be able to go Amanda headed out to the River for the weekend... Seems reasonable to me. I am going because there will be girls there, and this are young girls ages 11+... .

Robert and I agree that no matter what the age group or # of kids who show up, if there are girls present in the group, then its is only Right that a female be present. This is for the girls comfort (as we all know that there are things you just cant tell a male youth leader if your a 12 year old girl starting your first cycle etc..) and also the safety of the ministry. With a female lead there is less chance of any finger pointing and story telling going on Regardless of the fact that nothing inappropriate would happen. Still with me.. Anyway.. Ever since the beginning of Dh's stint in the Youth ministry here at O.D. there has been no secret that I am interested in being a part of the youth Ministry. To be there for the girls when they need someone to turn to.. Etc. Dh has told the Pastor this and was warned by him " well , just be careful, Alexis has a very strong personality and it could change the dynamics of the group" ?!?!?!?! What?? I am not asking to lead or separate the YM, I just want to be present in the event that I am needed.. To help where necessary. I have no intention of taking over. Whatever... I haven't really been involved until the last couple weeks because we have had no girls show up, Not suppressing since it was always only boys to show, they girls felt uncomfortable and left. We had a Beach bonfire last week, and come to find out 2 girls wanted to go but didn't want to be the only girls there, but didn't know the other was going to be there, or that I would be there. Now the old YL, is questioning dh as to Why I am there at all. He doesn't feel that I should have any part of it.

Well Dh is really feeling stabbed in the back by the SP, who doesn't seem to see power struggle going on. Dh is on the verge of submitting a resignation to the SP, and not sure what to do since this is a volunteer position, and the only on paper experience he has. He is really really feeling that its just best to leave and move on.. He has tried to talk to the SP about the issues again a couple weeks ago and was told to " Relax and just chill about it." Nothing has been resolved. Nothing has been worked on.. Its all Paul obviously..

Are we trying too hard to hold on to this? Should we just let it go and walk away. There is not shortage of churches we could attend that are much closer. We drive 20 miles one way to this one. Passing by hundreds on the way... We are definitely in a quandary. Not sure if this is all making sense or if we are blowing it out of proportion.. What do you think?

To exercise or not to exercise, that is the question...

2006-06-19T08:41:00.000-07:00

Ok, I have been riding my bike now for 5 wks, 5 miles 3x a week minimum. Have I seen any drop in wieght?? NOO!!! At least not after the first 2 wks..

Getting very frustrated....

Still have A LOT to lose...

I have since cut out soda to maybe 1 or 2 diet cokes a week. I have been drinking Ice Green tea and water. No juices..

Here's something to have fun with.

2006-06-05T20:57:00.000-07:00

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME (first pet and current street name): Wilbur Baker

2. YOUR MOVIE STAR NAME (grandfather/grandmother on your mom's side, your favorite candy): Nancy Almond Roca

3. YOUR "FLY GIRL/GUY" NAME (first initial of first name, first two or three letters of your middle name): H Ale

4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME (father's mother's name, street where you grew up): Margaret Palmwood

5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME (best friend's name, city where you were born): Cheri Quincy

6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME (first 3 letters of your last name, last 3 letters of mother's maiden name): Hud One (Ya know that works, Red One your going in.. Hud One, your going in.. yep..)

7. JEDI NAME (middle name spelled backwards, your mom's maiden name spelled backwards): Euqielegna Enots

8. SUPERHERO NAME ("The," your favorite color, favorite drink): The Purple Frap

Glasses....

2006-06-04T19:40:00.000-07:00

Well I took the kids with me to the eye doctor. Turns out Chris and Becca need glasses!! He is far sighted ( he cant see up close) plus he has some other things I dont know the name for but basically his eyes want to turn out which the glasses will help. He got to pick his frames - he wanted neon green and blue plastic ones but I had to veto that since he will have them for probably a year.. He did end up picking dark blue metal frames. He looks so cute..

Took Becca to the doctors because she failed the Kindergarten Eye test.. Turns out her Rx is worse than Chris' for farsightedness, plus she has an astigmatism..

I was lucky enough to get contacts!! YEEEE HAAAWWW!!! LOL!!

I cant stand my glasses.. and now I can wear SUNGLASSES!!!

2006-05-27T00:24:00.000-07:00

I have had an opportunity come up today that I need help and prayer for. But I will need to tell a little background first. I graduated in 2002 with my BA in Liberal Studies (Elementary Ed everywhere else). I took several courses that would waive the state mandated Proficiency test, MSAT (Multiple Subject Aptitude Test) its a 5 hour written exam type thing.. Anyway, I took the courses and had to have B or better in them to demonstrate proficiency in those subjects. Just before graduation we found out our son (then almost 4) was hearing impaired and after much prayer decided that I would not continue on with school to get my teaching credential. Instead I became a SAHM. Anyway, since 2002, the state of CA has changed its education policy and has made my waiver classes null and void, and I would have to take the exam anyway.. OK I can live with that, but I have been out of school a while so it would be hard but doable. I have recently been feeling a little hopeless of ever being able to teach. I have considered the possibility of going back for a combo Masters in Education and Teaching Credential, but the cost makes it almost impossible. So I have been almost getting to the point of giving up on teaching until the kids are much older.

Well Chris will be starting Mainstream schooling even though he is hearing impaired starting next year.. Becca will be starting Kindergarten in the fall and so far I am planning on homeschooling. That leaves Thomas who will be 3 on Monday.

I ran into a friend today who I discovered teaches across the street from my apartments at a private Christian School. She told me of several openings for teachers for next fall. Included in that my kids would be allowed to attend FREE! for Elementary and preschool. She also told me I do not need the new State test, just biblical classes, ok that will be real hard (note the dripping sarcasm). It is almost literally caddy corner to my apartments, It would include a salary and tuition for the kids, its a way to get into teaching... I don't know if this is God telling me not to give up hope.. or to try it.. I am tempted..

Going to be praying for God's guidance for discernment of his will.. Please join me in prayer.. I greatly appreciate it..

2006-05-17T11:48:00.000-07:00

"IS ANY AMONG YOU AFFLICTED? LET HIM PRAY. IS ANY MERRY? LET HIM SING PSALMS. IS ANY SICK AMONG YOU? LET HIM CALL FOR THE ELDERS OF THE CHURCH; AND LET THEM PRAY OVER HIM, ANOINTING HIM WITH OIL IN THE NAME OF THE LORD. AND THE PRAYER OF FAITH SHALL SAVE THE SICK, AND THE LORD SHALL RAISE HIM UP; AND IF HE HATH COMMITTED SINS, THEY SHALL BE FORGIVEN HIM"

JAMES 5:13-15 :)

Christian Version of Myspace!!

2006-05-11T14:55:00.000-07:00

Hey friend,
Here is your special invite URL to join me right now! http://xianz.com/index.php?mode=join&ref_id=8782
I hope you'll try out this new service called Xianz. It's like a Christian MySpace but it's closed to the general public right now so only by an invite can you sign up to this amazing site!
This is an invite only Christian community website so only by this email can you join. You can connect with my friends, invite yours, post listings, and join groups. It's fun, it's easy, and it's addictive -- because it works. Let me know what you think.
http://xianz.com/index.php?mode=join&ref_id=8782
To check it out, click the Web link below. (If this link doesn't work, copy it into your browser.)
http://xianz.com/index.php?mode=join&ref_id=8782

2006-05-11T12:04:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3OpMs89D5k

Smile its Friday

2006-05-05T20:05:00.000-07:00

Looking for the pot of gold???

I think we found it.. who wants to go check??

5 yr portraits

2006-05-04T14:53:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the poor quality, but thats Walmart proofs for you..

My Baby is 5 now !!

2006-04-22T18:14:00.000-07:00

Becca's Birthday pictures...

YEAH!!!

2006-04-20T07:28:00.000-07:00

Chris started back to school today in a school for the hearing Impaired, there are 40 students in the program, he is still in 2nd grade, but is in a 3rd grade class due to his academic level and the 2nd Grade class was too low. They will be doing his IEP in May, and spending the next couple weeks with his Eval testing.

So he is happy and I am glad he is back in school for sanity purposes LOL!..

School, what school?

2006-04-17T15:39:00.000-07:00

Trading one saga for another...

Moved out of the Drama apartments into a much nicer neighborhood, only to find that the schools cant meet Chris' needs. I thought he was supposed to go to school X, only to find out when I get down there that the class of 2n and 3rd graders cant even READ!! They are just getting through the learning the letter V!... UUGGH!! I told her flat out.. you get him the services he needs or I will pull him out, contact C.H.E.P. (Community Home Education Program) and let them get the Tax $$ for his schooling, while you provide his Speech Therapy services. And I will educate him at home.

This is ridiculous School A Cant provide his Hearing support, School B Can but he is too advanced for thier Class, and they dont do 2nd Grade mainstream since the Mainstream school is 3-6th, but thier SDC class is K-6... School X is WAY to low academically..

ARRGGHH!!

So I just spent 2 hours down at the school today with 6 kids driving me nuts to fill out enrollment paperwork only to find that he wont be going there!

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok, feeling a bit better, thanks for letting me vent!! SO he is home for the next couple days and I will pull together some math worksheets for him and have him do a book report on the Narnia books he is reading.. hmmm maybe we will do a science thing with cooking LOL!

DONE!! But with hiccups..

2006-04-10T10:08:00.000-07:00

Checking in... This has been the move from %*$%$...

Movers quoted estimation of 3 hours, took 5!! So there went $850!! ($300 more than we expected).. Then our Fridge didnt fit in the space. (Apartments said the space was 36" - more like 34 1/2..) So our Fridge is in the Dining room, our kitchen table is on the back patio.. Then our Couch wouldnt fit in the front door not matter what we tried so its sitting on the Front porch.. So we have to buy a new couch... Then we wake up this morning to no van.. I forgot to put my parking sticker in the window and it was towed this morning... So there is another $250! ARRRGG!!!!!!!!!!

Good things did happen though.. We are almost completely unpacked.. and since I cant get cable here, dh ordered Satellite Dish Network, well while we were at Best buy getting the Narnia movie they had an offer for Direct TV, with $250 in rebates in addition they were offering a Free portable DVD with 5" screen that swivels 180*...

Moving

2006-04-06T21:15:00.000-07:00

Hi all, Just wanted to let you all know that I am tearing down the computer shortly. I should be back up sometime next week.
I will be going through withdrawls by tomorrow morning I am sure LOL!!
Talk to you all soon..
Alexis

Moving Countdown

2006-04-04T10:14:00.000-07:00

UGGGHH!! I hate moving!!!

I have a nice mountain growing Have a ton of stuff packed but alot more to do still, mostly little stuff but uggh, I cant wait until Friday!! Moving Day!!

Sleep and sick kids..

2006-03-25T21:42:00.000-08:00

I guess those two subjects dont go together...

OK, my son and I were up all night. Ok, I was up he was sleeping on my chest.. We all know that scenario dont we??

Anyway, we were at the doctor's first thing this morning. Sure enough Raging ear infection, still has a lingering cough from the pneumonia, but that is understandable. No wheezing thankfully. So it looks like the nebulizer is working. They gave him another shot of antibiotic, and put him on a different antibiotic Augmentin. And sent us home.

He is like a totally different kid now. Happy, playing, still a little snot (oops snotty) but much better.

T Update.

2006-03-20T22:28:00.000-08:00

Thomas is doing better. Still coughing like crazy, breathing treatments every 4 hours, but he saw the ped this morning who sees some improvement, and wants him to come back Wednesday instead of Tuesday. His energy levels are coming back up which is good, his fever is finally coming down, but still wheezing and coughing up gunk... But its definately an improvement.

Sick baby...

2006-03-19T19:23:00.000-08:00

Well I spent a fun filled day at the Urgent Care center for Thomas... LOVELY!! He and I got there at 1pm, and didnt get put into a room until about 4pm! Turns out he has an ear infection, an eye infection, a sinus infection, and Pneumonia! His chest Xray didnt look good and having asthma etc myself I have seen quite a few of those, He has more black foggy areas than the supposed to be white. The Dr gave him 2 antibiotic shots and a breathing treatment. We have to go back tomorrow for another xray and more shots, if he doesnt show improvement by Tuesday then they will probably admit him to Children's Hospital (CHOC).

He goes back tomorrow at 3pm unless I can get him in earlier with another doc. But if I go in at 3, I have to take 6 kids with me.. FUN NOT!! I feel for you Denise..

Anyway please keep my sick little 2 year old in your thoughts and prayers...

Cutie...

2006-03-17T09:40:00.000-08:00

Even in his sleep he is cute.

My youngest at almost 3.

Pocket Taser

2006-03-11T20:49:00.000-08:00

A Friend sent this to me.. Dont pee you pants laughing Now...I know I almost did..

Pocket Taser Stun Gun, a great gift for the wife. This was submitted by a guy who purchased his lovely wife a "pocket Taser" for their anniversary.

Last weekend I saw something at Larry's Pistol & Pawn Shop that sparked my interest. The occasion was our 22nd anniversary and I was looking for a little something extra for my wife Toni. What I came across was a 100,000-volt, pocket/purse-sized taser. The effects of the taser were suppose to be short lived, with no long-term adverse affect on your assailant, allowing her adequate time to retreat to safety.... WAY TOO COOL!

Long story short, I bought the device and brought it home. I loaded two triple-a batteries in the darn thing and pushed the button. Nothing! I was disappointed. I learned, however, that if I pushed the button AND pressed it against a metal surface at the same time; I'd get the blue arch of electricity darting back and forth between the prongs. Awesome!!! Unfortunately, I have yet to explain to Toni what that burn spot is on the face of her microwave. Okay, so I was home alone with this new toy, thinking to myself that it couldn't be all that bad with only two triple-a batteries,. right?!!! There I sat in my recliner, my cat Gracie looking on intently (trusting little soul) while I was reading the directions and thinking that I really needed to try this thing out on a flesh & blood moving target. I must admit I thought about zapping Gracie (for a fraction of a second) and thought better of it. She is such a sweet cat. But, if I was going to give this thing to my wife to protect herself against a mugger, I did want some assurance that it would work as advertised. Am I wrong? So, there I sat in a pair of shorts and a tank top with my reading glasses perched delicately on the bridge of my nose, directions in one hand, taser in another. The directions said that a one-second burst would shock and disorient your assailant; a two-second burst was supposed to cause muscle spasms and a major loss of bodily control; a three-second burst would purportedly make your assailant flop on the ground like a fish out of water. Any burst longer than three seconds would be wasting the batteries. All the while I'm looking at this little device measuring about 5" long, less than 3/4 inch in circumference; pretty cute really and loaded with two itsy, bitsy triple-a batteries) thinking to myself, "no possible way!" What happened next is almost beyond description, but I'll do my best.....I'm sitting there alone, Gracie looking on with her head cocked to one side as to say, "don't do it master," reasoning that a one-second burst from such a tiny little ole thing couldn't hurt all that bad.. I decided to give myself a one-second burst just for the heck of it. I touched the prongs to my naked thigh, pushed the button, and HOLY MOTHER, WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION@!@$$!%!@*!!! I'm pretty sure Jessie Ventura ran in through the side door, picked me up in the recliner, then body slammed us both on the carpet, over and over and over again. I vaguely recall waking up on my side in the fetal position, with tears in my eyes, body soaking wet, both nipples on fire, testicles nowhere to be found, with my left arm tucked under my body in the oddest position, and tingling in my legs. The cat was standing over me making meowing sounds I had never heard before, licking my face, undoubtedly thinking to herself, "do it again, do it again!" Note: If you ever feel compelled to "mug" yourself with a taser, one note of caution: there is no such thing as a one-second burst when you zap yourself. You will not let go of that thing until it is dislodged from your hand by a violent thrashing about on the floor. A three second burst would be considered conservative. SON-OF-A-.. that hurt like hell!!! A minute or so later (I can't be sure, as time was a relative thing at that point), collected my wits (what little I had left), sat up and surveyed the landscape. My bent reading glasses were on the mantel of the fireplace. How did they up get there??? My triceps, right thigh and both nipples were still twitching. My face felt like it had been shot up with Novocain, and my bottom lip weighed 88 lbs. I'm still looking for my testicles? I'm offering a significant reward for their safe return.

Still in shock,

Picture from High School

2006-03-11T20:43:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder of what it was like to be young.....