Quick update...

just a note to point out the new links to some blogs I frequent and the Redhead blog circle. take a few minutes to surf through. If I missed your blog let me know and I may add it in....

Epiphiny

so it was suggested to me last night that Andy may feel responsible for the fire.. it was in his room. I never even considered it! We talk to him about how the firefighters came and put out the fire and staying with Grandma and Papa whiel "bob the builder" fixes the house and we even talk about how the house will look different from it did when we left. BUT we never talked about how the fire started. not with him anyway. so I had teh following conversation with him lastnight...

Mommy: "Andy, do you know what happend to our house?"

Andy: "Fire at our house."

M: "That's right. Do you know what started the fire?"

A: "Me!"

M: "No, sweetie. You didn't start the fire. the Air conditioner was broken and it started the fire. It was an accident"

then we talked some more about fixing the house and how it will look when we are done and what we'll bring wiht us when we go home. I asked him again what started teh fire and this time he said "air conditioner" we'll just have to keep bringing that up and make sure he understands that it wasn't him... My poor baby!!

baby shower pictures! (click here!)

Jess just sent me the pictures from the shower. I can't believe that I didn't remember my camera!!!! click the title, it will bring you to her album...

this picture was on of my favorites! I LOVE this onesie!!! I wish they came in Ryan's size...

100 things about me...

I saw this on another blog and I thought "I could never come up with that many things." Well at least not publicly... I still have my secrets ;) let's see how close I can come...

1. I LOVE being a Mommy!
2. I miss my house...
3. I miss my gardens...
4. I even miss my neighbors.
5. I want to go home!
6. I still can't believe that I actually passed my PE exam.
7. My PE came with a 10% raise!
8. I love my new job!
9. I hate grocery shopping!
10. I'm not fond of shopping for clothes anymore either.
11. I can never find clothes that I like.
12. I love to bake.
13. I love my boys...
14. but I want a girl too...
15. I really really want a girl!
16. I'm still breastfeeding Ryan.
17. I'm not going to force him to wean before we move (so don't even bother telling me I should!)
18. I do publicity for LLL of Milford, CT.
19. I am contemplating becoming a LLL leader.
20. I feel sorry for babies that aren't breastfed...
21. and for their Moms too.
22. I have another anonymous blog with all the "juicy" stuff that I won't post here.
23. I've dropped a size since I started my new job.
24. I have no idea how much I weigh and I don't care!
25. Still can't stand shopping for clothes...
26. My favorite color is purple.
27. I drive a purple car!
28. I want a Highlander!
29. Power windows annoy me.
30. I am ready to part with my Mustang - and therefore my youth.
31. The thought of turning 30 this year doesn't scare me - it amazes me. How can I possibly be that old?
32. Sometimes I forget that I am actually an adult!
33. I am married to my soul mate.
34. Spell check is my friend.
35. I love Leapfrog toys and their customer service!
36. My children amaze me!
37. Sometimes, I work hard at being lazy.
38. I had an operation this spring - I only told my boss, my parents, my in-laws, and a few friends.
39. I really think there is still something wrong.
40. I'm not getting into the details of it here... so please don't ask.
41. I need Tea in order to function.
42. My favorite tea is Yorkshire in the orange box.
43. Dark chocolate makes me very happy!
44. Friendly's Forbidden Chocolate Ice Cream with melted Peanut Butter and caramel sauce drizzled on top makes me VERY VERY happy!
45. My taste in music is more than a little eclectic.
46. I am counting the days until we go to camp.
47. I enjoy fishing.
48. I need a real vacation - alone with my hubby.
49. My life could be worse!
50. Hugs from my children can fix anything!
51. I'm currently reading the new Harry Potter book.
52. I should be working right now...
53. My favorite food is .... I can't decide! I love trying new things and experimenting in the kitchen.
54. I love fresh fruit and veggies straight from the garden.
55. I have a kitty named Oreo who sometimes thinks that she is a dog.
56. I play the flute (dee dee deee da dee dee!)
57. I want to learn to play the saxophone.
58. I am allergic to mold.
59. I'm allergic to Dairy and Beef as well.
60. I LOVE cheese!
61. I enjoy scrapbooking, but I have neither the space or the time right now.
62. I am currently assembling crochet baby afghans for charity.
63. I am on afghan #3 of 4.
64. I participated in a Granny Square Swap - those are the squares for the charity blankets.
65. I signed up for another one - a PURPLE square swap! (this one is for me!)
66. I knit socks.
67. I have my 3rd pair of socks OTN. - they are for Todd.
68. Yes I know you can buy socks a lot cheaper at Walmart.
69. I also have a homespun sweater OTN, but I'm only on the first row of the front...
70. I love to make gifts for people who appreciate the effort that goes into making something special.
71. I speak French, but I have no desire to go to France.
72. I want to learn Gaelic.
73. I'm trying to remember ASL.
74. My current favorite TV show is American Chopper!
75. I think Paul Jr. Is hot!
76. He's not hot enough to leave Todd for tho.
77. Ewan MacGreggor is! (he's been on American Chopper! - great episode!)
78. I love to read random blogs.
79. I like to comment on them too.
80. I believe in miracles.
81. I believe in ghosts.
82. I believe in ESP.
83. My subconscious speaks to me in my sleep.
84. Rocks and dirt fascinate me!
85. Numbers fascinate me!
86. I design septic systems - among other things...
87. I love getting dirty. It makes me feel like I'm really alive!
88. My back hurts.
89. I have gout in the big toe of my left foot.
90. I am terrified of needles!
91. I am so tired right now that I am falling asleep at my desk!
92. I'd rather spend more money than shop at Walmart.
93. I have no shame in bribing my kids to use the potty!
94. I have only left the country twice. Once on a road trip to Canada in college and once to Jamaica for my honeymoon.
95. I hope for thunderstorms.
96. I wish I could draw - but I can't!
97. I can draft on AutoCAD though!
98. Fire and Ice roses are my favorite flowers.
99. I stuck a lie in here just to see if anyone would notice!
100. it took me 3 days to do this!

Anyone want to guess what the lie is? Post your guesses in the commutes.

Bathroom Breakthrough

We had a bit if a small miracle happen in "our" house on Friday. Andy had to go pee-pee on the potty. He's been doing great with that, so it was not a huge deal. I helped Him with his button and zipper and went back to what I was doing. He was in there a while, so I decided to check on him. He said that he went poopy. I looked in the potty and I told him I didn't see anything. As I was talking to him, I noticed the poopy on the floor behind him. He went poopy while standing in front of the potty... So we put the poop in the potty and worked on wiping and flushing. I then explained that you need to SIT ON the potty to poop. Saturday morning, he sat and read his copy of "Everyone Poops" while sitting on the big potty. I could tell he was way to tense and uncomfortable for this to be "productive" but I praised him for his efforts.. Then Todd and I decided to let him use his quarters .. And a lot more of ours... To get him a leapster. The catch? He can ONLY play it while he is sitting on the potty. So Andy and I went to Target and picked up the last Leapster on their shelves, batteries, and an extra game cartridge (teaches writing and drawing skills). We head back to the house, and he brings the outside potty seat over to the deck, pulls down his pants and gets comfy while I install the batteries. He stayed there until it was time for dinner. He scarfed down his supper and went right back to the potty. When it was time to get up and put on his PJ's he told me he had "big elephant poopies". Sure enough, there was poopy in the potty! It was more like a "mouse poop" but it was poop! So he got a recycled Hot Wheels (yes they have so many that they don't notice when we give them the old ones a second time) . When he does an "elephant poop" he'll get the other game! He's doing great figuring out how to work it too. I started to show him what to do, but then he yanked it away and decided to figure to out for himself... OK! I'm so proud of my little pooper!!!!

"Can I touch the baby?"

My boys really love their Mimmy! (Ryan used to jump up and down on the sofa pointing to Kim's picture yelling "Mimmy! Mimmy! Mimmy!" when he was littler and we were home. So now she's Mimmy in our house.) Two days ago, she stopped by to pick up some odds n ends I had for her. Andy points at her and said "There's not a baby in your belly anymore." then he tried to get in the car and leave with her....

We brought them dinner yesterday. The boys got to see Jason for the first time. They were SO excited! They were So good tho. They were quiet - Jason was sleeping. And they asked before touching the baby. Ryan came over to me and said, "Mommy, can I touch the baby?" I told him that he had to ask Mimmy b/c she is the Mommy. We told the boys on the way over that they can NOT touch the baby's head or face and they certainly can NOT pick him up! So Ryan asked Kim and she said yes. he was so excited, you could see him trying to contain himself! he asked if he could touch his toes and kiss his knee. It was SO sweet. Then he said "I love you baby." Oh- and Andy has a baby sister named Dora in his belly....

More Moores

Words of Wisdom from my Big Sister!

"Men are just stupid and don't know what to say. Women know that you don't need to say anything - just bake something. This is why women should rule the world." -Capo

I just got an e-mail from Capo and I thought this comment was so profound I had to post it! I may cross stitch it into a sampler :D

Happy Birthday Jason Moore!

Just got back from the hospital a little while ago. Kim is doing GREAT! She is undersatndably sore, but all things considered she is well on the road to recovery! Jason is SO adorable! almost as cute as my kids! he's a mellow little dude. he is latching on and nursing well, so he is going to be packing on the pounds in no time at all! ok - enough rambling, here are the pictures!

Yeah... OK... sure..

Your Hidden Talent

You are a great communicator. You have a real way with words. You're never at a loss to explain what you mean or how you feel. People find it easy to empathize with you, no matter what your situation. When you're up, you make everyone happy. But when you're down, everyone suffers.

What's Your Hidden Talent?

On the home front...

I've been thinking about our new kitchen (how could I not??) well, our old kitchen table matches our old kitchen cabinets. It will look silly in the new kitchen.. so I'm thinking of dragging my grandmothers old solid maple table (with leaf!) out of the garage and refinishing it. like I need something else to do! BUT I think a Cherry finish on that table will look great wiht our cherry cabinets. I'm thinking about painting the walls a very pale yellow - like we had in the appartment. and I think some chrome accessories will really finish it off nicely. And of course the boys' pictures on the fridge with the Leap Frog Fridge Phonics magnets!

Andy's been placed!

Andy was placed yesterday! He'll be going to Pumpkin Delight School 5 afternoons a week and St. Ann's 3 mornings. Busy boy! We told him, but he still thinks it has something to do with Halloween. he does understand that he is going to go to a new school. He was playing in a box last night and he wanted me to pack him up and send him to his new school! He's SO silly!

Speaking of silly.... Ryan asked Todd for a glass of water. So Todd go the cup and put some ice in it . Ryan told hem he didn't want ice. So Todd said that he didn't put any ice in it. And Ryan said "I saw you put ice in my cup from the freezer!" he doesn't miss a trick! He's so "grown up" with his conversations now. I love how he tells stories!

More good news- Ryan only woke up once last night. He was asking me for his shoes at 4am! I'm not sure if he was really awake or not, but he nursed for like 60 seconds and went back out. he was such a happy camper this morning! Hooray for a good night's sleep!

Paying for it!

Yes that's right, we've resorted to bribary to get our kids to use the potty... Andy is now pretty much pee trained and he is usually dry through the night. He uses the potty seat in his room in the morning. He's gotten really good about letting us know his needs too! BUT he still refuses to have a BM on the potty. I have no clue what his hang-up is, but he just won't do it. We're backing off and watching to see if we can figure him out. Although, now I ask him if he is going poopy (and I already know he is) he'll say yes. he used to cry and whine. Ryan gets in on the deal too. If uses the potty, great, if not, fine. we're not pushing him. We don't want to potty train him now and then have to do it again once we get home. I figure if he learns on his own, then he'll be fine once we move.

We decided to go ahead and move Andy to Milford for special ed for the begining of the school year. Todd had Andy's transcripts forwarded to Milford last week. We haven't heard yet what Milford has to offer, but it certainly can't be worse than what he would be getting at Lafayette. and going to Lafayette would just mean one more change for him. NOT what he needs!

Worth the Wait!

Well it looks like the house will really be worth the wait (which will be one year and counting as of this Friday.) in addition to the new roof and windows - which are installed already, and the new furniture we ordered and the new curtains that I'm sewing, AND the new fridge and stove, we are now getting NEW KITCHEN CABINETS!!!!!! that right !! a NEW kitchen!!! we were able to get a VERY good deal on some really nice cherry cabinets from a house that is going to be torn down. I've got some "playing" to do in AutoCAD to figure out where things are going. we may move the fridge, and the best part is that I can have my kitchen window back! YAY! it won't be new like the rest of the windows, but we can save up for the greenhouse window that I really want. I sincerely doubt that my mom will argue with a greenhouse window in the kitchen. Once we're finally done all we'll need to do after all this is the siding and new doors (I'm not crazy about the new front door, but it is functional, which is more than I can say for the old one!). Of course I'd love to add a powder room in the basement and put a dormer on the back of the second floor, but an addition (to the house anyway...) is pure fantasy at this point...

Keep Ripton open!!!

So I get to work this morning and my phone rings... Todd called to tell me that he got the boys fed, dressed and into the "bus" and off to Ripton. BUT the problem was.. It was 7:45 not 8:45! Too funny!

While we are talking about Ripton... Those of you who are familiar with the school know how wonderful it is. Students with special needs can actually get the individual attention and education that they are supposed to be guaranteed under state and federal laws. You may have also heard that the Board of Alderman in there (not so) infinite wisdom, have forced the Board of Education to close the budget gap by closing the school! It was reported in the Post (and we all know how accurate that rag is!) that there are only 8 SN students from Shelton. That does NOT include the Pre-K program which is predominantly SN students. That number also does NOT include the students from other towns that pay tuition for those students. I still fail to see how closing the school will save money. The students will be moved to neighborhood schools - along with the teachers. The city will use the building for office space. So, where exactly is the savings??? The will still need separate bussing for SN and pre-k students. I have it on good authority that Andy's class will be moved to Lafayette School. Hmmmm didn't they want to close that building b/c it is unsafe? And full of mold? And I'm supposed to send my Asthmatic 4yo there??? Ok- so let's say the clean/fix the building (which the City can't afford to do!) the playgrounds are not age-appropriate, handicap accessible, or fenced off, so - no outside play for the Pre-k (the school is right next to Rte. 110 in Downtown Shelton- right across form our old apartment. We didn't let the cat off of her leash there...) Oh and b/c the school is already full with K-6, they will only get gym class 1x/week instead of 4x/week. And of course it only gets worse from there.. Andy isn't too bad, he's still got a few delays, but his goals are in listening and following directions for the most part. I don't know what is going to happen to Jimmy! he doesn't do change well - remember Rainman??? When he first started school and every once in a while now, he goes to the gym to "burn off" some anxiety/energy so that he can focus on his lesson. How is that going to happen now? I'm not even sure what school he's going to next year. I can't believe the BOA, BOE, and the Mayor actually let this happen! As if these kids don't have a hard enough time! If you are reading this and you are from Shelton, please join with the rest of the Ripton parents/grandparents and let our elected officials know just how much this SUCKS and how badly they are screwing over disabled children! If you click on the title, it will link you to the contact info for the board members.

Todd and I were talking last night and we are seriously considering moving Andy to a program in Milford come September regardless of what happens with Ripton. I can't send him to Lafayette. It would be unhealthy in SO many ways! I also know that Milford's special ed program is actually willing to work with St. Ann's. Mr. Conrad and Mrs. Plasky form St. Ann's have really been great to us through everything. I'm really happy to pay that tuition bill - worth every penny!

Random Reflections...

It occurs to me that I do not use this forum to brag about my kids nearly as much as I should... I'm going to have to change that. But right now I have work to do...

I couldn't resist!

I stole this one from Krista..

You are Mohair.
You are a warm and fuzzy type who works well with
others, doing your share without being too
weighty. You can be stubborn and absolutely
refuse to change your position once it is set,
but that's okay since you are good at covering
up your mistakes.


What kind of yarn are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

I don't think I have any pictures of Todd and I posted here yet.. This was at Brian and Adrienne's wedding last fall. 

SPLASH!!!!

Andy and Ryan in their water park this weekend. See the slide in the back? well, Todd moved the pool over so that they have a water slide now! They also have a slip 'n slide too- excuse me a Star Wars Slip 'n slide! But they certainly didn't mind the heat! 

Touch a Truck

This is the boys at a "Touch a Truck" at the Wing Ding a couple of weeks ago. They had a great time! It was in Seaside park this year- MUCH better. This is an old Army truck in case you can't tell :)