Seattle vacation and swift getaway...

Charlie's Angels

After years, 8 to be exact of no vacation, last year I took a week off for much needed rest and ended up spending the whole week searching, buying and reserving an RV and a space for Jay so he could move to San Francisco to work, I took a week off to go visit Lilly and Stella down in Seattle and made it a road trip with Stevi.  The 13 hour drive isn't so bad when you have help driving and someone to keep you awake.  Stevi says she did most of the driving, I would say we split it pretty evenly.

Stella, bathing Beauty

 Stella, Stella, Stella.  Oh my Gosh, I am in love with that sweet little angel.  She is such a joy and so well behaved it is unbelievable.  As much as we drug her around, she was my backseat conversationalist and constant companion.  Eventually as the week went on, she would cry out when I walked by her room in the morning and come over so I could kiss her on top of her head.   Such a cheese ball, loves funny cat videos! If ever you want to hear that little Angel belly laugh just show her one on YouTube and it is on!

EMP  Guitar Sculpture

 One of my favorite days was the day we went to Seattle.  We spend a day just exploring, Pike Street market which back 23-25 years ago if you remember the old Levi's commercial, is the place they would throw the fish back and forth over the crowds.  Still as crowded as ever, a true farmers market, not like the drunk fest we have here in Sparks on Thursdays evenings.  Oh and then there is the famous Bubblegum wall.  The alley where a lot of underground concerts happen and since Seattle is so music driven I'm sure many greats, Pearl Jam, Hole, Nirvana etc. had many a fan waiting to hear them before they hit it big and stuck their bubblegum up on that wall.  Stevi thought it was gross, I guess it is, but that is part of the beauty of Seattle, call it art or weird, but it is what it is.

Bubblegum wall at Pike Streets Market

 We had an incredible dinner at the Space Needle, luckily we were able to get a reservation, which Stevi called and got for us.  Along this trip, I also acquired a beautiful 1898 Singer Sewing Machine from Lilly and a few things that she did not want to pack up for her move to Germany.  We stopped in Beaverton, Or. for a nice lunch and walk-about, to get an Oregon Ducks shirt for Stevi's boyfriend and then it was back on the road for the long trip home.

Road Trip, time to stop and take a break.

 I won't see Lilly or Stella other than Skype for around another 2 years, but I will tell you this, I will be getting our passports and we will make our vacation in 2015, when Stevi is 18 and Graduated from high school, in Germany... plenty of time to plan, prepare and save.

Me and my Lilly, love this girl like my own!

I love you Lilly and Stella, thank you so much for constantly embracing us as your family.  I wouldn't want it any other way, we miss you already.  Have a safe move and flight to Germany, and get back on that Blog so we can follow your family adventure!

DEADLINE MIDNIGHT....no problems? I think?

Hairdresser...

Due tonight at midnight?  No problem... I think... this isn't my first Rodeo.  I go through this EVERY tax season.  I guess according to the news last night I am in that 25% group of Americans who wait until the last minute.  I had great intentions this year.  In the beginning I started logging in all bank statements and receipts in the beginning of the year, once a week.  Apparently that lasted until February 16th, 2011.  Now I have waited so long, and I closed my bank account so I had to download all my statements and manually enter everything.  I am only putting in business related entries.  At this point why wouldn't I.  This is day 2 and I am about half way there, however in the meantime, Stevi has been home the last 2 days with a stomach problem, I need to call the Dr. and see if he will send her prescriptions in before her follow up appointment since we can't get in to see him until May 2nd, and ask him if I can get her something over the counter such as Pepto Bismal to help her.  Like all other teenagers, since she was feeling better and thought she was miraculously cured, she quit taken her medicine and I think she ate something she is still at least intolerant to, no hives but nausea and other things I'm not allowed to mention about her because it's embarrassing.....

Laptop

Hairdresser filing system and office.........

As you can see.......I am very organized and I am on July of last years bank statements , then I need to sift through my receipts and enter all cash receipts that are pertinent.......HELP!?  

PS I miss you Dad!

Today was a great day...

 Today was a great Sunday.... last night while putting together Stevi's bed set that we bought from RC Wiley 3 years ago..(It was a floor model so it was missing pieces...) It fell apart and was not going to happen.  Following my sisters lead, I got on Craig's list and we got her an Ikea canopy Queen sized bed and box spring with mattress for a great price.  Jay went and picked it up while Stevi and I went and saw "21 Jump Street" with our friends Stacy and CJ, then the four of us had lunch.  For a movie review... I would recommend it.  It was laugh out loud funny.  I have never seen Channing Tatum in a comedy but he did great.  I think this may have been the only movie he has been in where he didn't take his shirt off, but besides that it was great.

Afterwards we went across the street to Campo's which is a locally owned restaurant that just opened.  I am still not sure if I will go back.  The menu was minimal and the gourmet pizza was just okay.  

Afterwards Stevi and I went bargain shopping because our guest bedroom and Stevi's bedroom now have queen beds in them so we needed new bedding.  Jay and Stevi are still putting together the bed for her so ours is still on the floor but for a Sunday...Shopping, a movie and lunch with great friends is always a great way to end the week.  Thanks Stacy and CJ for the friendship and laughter, love you both!

I feel it, Oh God do I...

Packing a house in 5 days, transferring all accounts, filling out lease agreements, transferring schools, running and paying for deposits etc, then getting a letter from the bank that your previous "temporary credit" will be withdrawn until they receive further information that you had cancelled your credit card machine account because they are saying they didn't receive your phone calls, emails or letter and apparently they have more rights to your money than you do, so now I need to go close my account so they can't take any more money out.......all while hacking, feeling like I'm going to throw up all day, physically exhausted, headache, sore throat, sinus and ear pressure and I think I just broke a fever because I am in a full sweat and clammy after taking 4 Advil...................I feel like Shit.........the end.

3-5 days to pack up and GIT!

Our landlord has been incredible.  The new place will be ready for us by Wednesday, which has had a rush put on it, by our new landlord, and our current landlord is doing everything in his power to help us move as quickly as possible.

 He came in and looked around and we talked about the washer hose breaking and how it was handled, or not handled correctly and how sick Stevi has been, including the fact that Jay and I have had a weird respiratory issue going on, he not only gave us what we needed deposit wise to get into our new home, he is hiring help for us to move, including 4-5 workers and a U-Haul to get it all done in one day.

 Today the Mold inspector came and got samples of the air quality, took a hamper that I had kept the rags in that unbeknown to me was covered in black mold spore and fuzz and disposed of it and also took samples of the mattresses and couch.  He is coming on Tuesday and pick up all of our throw rugs and area rugs and is taking them to a professional cleaner to get them treated and cleaned.

 I have a list of what I need to do in 5 days, I already contacted both schools so I can get Stevi's transcripts sent to Reno High School, my Mom is coming over to help me pack, they brought us boxes and wardrobe boxes today also to get started right away.

  The amount of time we have to move isn't much but almost perfect.  We are able to move her out of this toxic environment, whether the biggest culprit has been mold or stress,it's being handled and  this week is mid-terms ,so Monday starts a new quarter.

 New house, new neighborhood, new school and hopefully we can find an end to this sudden illness and all the madness and depression that has been happening.  One thing at a time.  Stevi is having her biopsies done on April 9th, so that will give us a definite answer about Celiac's Disease and also her Antibodies and her Immunities are being tested.  That will be 2 weeks into our new fresh and clean environment, so hopefully we can get her off of some of this medication and see our happy, active daughter come back........

She's not the Fucking Snitch Bitch that turned you in.... I am...

 When a mother steps in, now kids seem to think they are fighting their kids battles.  No just being a mother.   When a mother monitors her daughters Facebook, she's not being nosy, just being a mother.  When a mother goes to another child's house to get closure on a situation, it's not to make things worse, it's being a mother.  When a mother sees her child in pain, and tries to make the pain go away, again, just being a mother.  When a mother stays up all night and goes back and forth from the bedroom to check if her baby, whether a newborn or 15 is still breathing, just being a mother.  When a mother puts her foot down and tries to end the bullying, it's not to make things worse, it's to put an end to the harassment, because I'm just being a mother.  When I am begged to stay out of it and I just can't stand to sit idly and watch her pain any more, it's because I'm just a mother.  When a mother looks for a new home even though she hates moving to make life easier for her child, it's just because she is a mother.  And when a mother finds out how to finally fight fair... she becomes a Mother Fucker.


So to all of you kids who have a right to an education, therefore you are passed from school to school because of those rights regardless of your behavior, know that someday you will finally meet your match.  And for those of you that have tangled with this Mother Fucker, know that I am not your friend, nor am I scared of you or your mouths, for she is not the "Fucking Snitch Bitch" that turned you in, it was just a mother, who is behaving as a mother should.  After all, my child also has the right to an education and your behavior is hindering that by making her life miserable so just know, that I am watching, no matter how small, if you don't stop, your life will become miserable as well...and while we are on that subject, you can thank me for turning in your stupid little Facebook slams regarding my daughter,because it stopped her Daddy from going to your house at 11:00 last night and handling it his way.....which would have been quite ugly all the way around, because he is less scared of you or the consequences defending his daughters honor would bring.  So good luck out there you little heathens , I know who you are, and I am watching you, and I personally do not care what you think, say or feel about me.....You mean nothing to me.

Swapping months may actually work..

 Growing up together is hard for a married couple.  We got married when I was 17 and Jay was 18.  Not only did we have to learn how to cook and clean basically as children, we also had to learn how to budget a small amount of money to keep a roof over our head and food in our mouths.  Jayson was born 4 1/2 months after we were married, so basically from day one we also have had children to worry about.  We have been married 26 years and have never been children free, or bill free.  Money has gotten tight again, for most people, it is just like starting over again as young kids.  We, like many other families have resorted to living paycheck to paycheck once again, and trying how to leave money in the bank for groceries, etc.  I once gave this burden to Jay because I was stressed out around 20 years ago, and as young as he was and being a guy, it didn't exactly go as I had planned, I had to take the reigns again.  Now that we are in our 40's, he has gone through the construction drop and the unemployment lines, he is as frugal as Hell and is working steadily again with as much overtime as possible, knowing it could stop again tomorrow.  Many times he would put his paycheck in the bank as I have and we would have no money left and he would say.."I just put my check in! How can we be broke!?"  As hard as it is to explain the expense of living, including a very active teenage daughter, I decided to start trading months with him and let him budget and pay bills, figure out allowances etc, every other month.  It's definitely working.  I am amazed at how he can pinch a penny, get bills paid and it has also made me aware of how much money I easily spend.  I get paid daily and have for 23 years so I always have cash coming in.  Having to hand it over to him nightly and ask for money for gas, Stevi's guitar lessons, her make-up, milk etc., has made me stay on a much tighter budget.  Last night we were able to buy the kids (Jayson and Guoda) dinner, as well as Stevi and Alyssa...something we haven't been able to do in a long time.  I know we can't do that weekly like my family traditions used to be.  Even when we were broke, my mom and dad found a way, even if we made it to Denny's.  Those Friday nights are missed by all of us.  I felt bad because I didn't know that Jay was going to pay for all of us... and Jayson and Guoda were upset that Grandma wasn't there.  The only reason I didn't invite her is because she hates driving in the dark and I know she is on a tight budget as well.  If I had known we had enough money, she would have been there I'm sure.  Our family has grown and it is hard to fit Friday night dinners into the budget, but we have been looking for a new place to live and the one we are turning an application in for tomorrow is big enough to entertain and I will definitely Implement family get togethers once a month as a pot luck if we can't afford to feed everybody.  For now, I am pretty impressed with Jay's ability to balance money.  Stevi is going to prom and needs to get her dress.  Guoda gave her two prom dresses to keep in the event she can't get the once she wants......Prom is expensive and Daddy is in charge.....Ought to be very interesting.....

Speechless......

 It has finally happened, I'm speechless. Literally.  Trying to balance the weight of the world and the blessing of being packed full with clients this last two weeks at work, trying to get everyone to play nice and make the world a better place and the worries of a family that has suddenly lost their husband and father.  I am now officially sick.  I have been fighting it on and off for awhile and the last 3 nights I medicated myself with NyQuil because my throat has hurt so much and I've been so stuffy.


Stevi has been dealing with a lot of issues with her body and stress as well so her immunities are down and yesterday she asked if she could stay home because her throat was so sore.  I tried to call her in and I'm not sure what they heard on the school answering machine because it came out in segments and sounded like a seal being beaten to death with a club and someone had a mute button to turn it on and off at random just for fun!


Luckily today I am home today so I can rest a bit, the only thing going on today is Stevi's guitar lesson with a new guy, Jeff Montgomery at Bizarre Guitar. It's her first lesson in around 3 years, her electric guitar is too small since it was a junior size and her "Hannah Montana" guitar grandma gave her , well she informed me she is just too old for that.  I wanted to bring it to grandmas for the kids to play with, but I really don't know if it is considered a toy or not?  Stevi has taken care of it, maybe we can put it at Grandmas house on a shelf so the kids can ask to play it is what I'm thinking.  We are saving it for Willow and Sage, but with my sister owning a daycare, not sure if that is a good idea to have it there, although I know my sister is the organizer they write about in books, I'm sure it will be fine.


Thinking about moving, one nice thing about living in a rental is you can do that, although, we all hate having to move again.  This move may be for the best.  For a multitude of reasons, it has not been a great year for us in this area.  You can't run from life, but when it starts to get the better of you, change is good.  We have talked about it and feel that the Old Southwest Reno area, zoned for Reno High School where Stevi has a lot of great friends from athletics live and are zoned for.  I haven't been really impressed with Spanish Springs HS, I have met some amazing people and students, don't get me wrong, but there have been a lot more negatives than positives and I feel that over population may be a big part of it.  A few of my friends have even pulled their kids out to home school or transferred or put their kids on variances for the same reasons.  I want school to be part of a growing and learning experience for my daughter, not a stressful nightmare.  So I am leaving the decision up to her, she needs to think if what she is going through  can be overcome or if it's time to start a new chapter in our lives.  I have looked and as far as rentals go, we can get a lot more house for what we are paying for this one........time will tell, it's not an emergency but a thought.  We will decide as a family.  There are mean people everywhere, but as I spoke to a few of Stevi's friends , it has happened to them as well and it can make life miserable.  Hard to explain because there has been so much going on, but it is excessive out here.  And we moved her to be in a "better" area after researching all the schools........Speechless.........

How does a Mother protect a teenage daughter in this day of technology?

How does a mother protect a child these days?  It's nearly impossible.  Regardless of how you try, there is now texting, facebooking, bullying at school......

One way a mother can TRY, is to monitor Facebook, as I do, daily.  This is how I know who these kids really are.  Most of them have a different personality away from adults, but my eyes were opened pretty wide last night.

Once one negative comment goes on, the all start packing like wolves...kids that would never have to balls to say something to some one's face while looking them in the eye, all of a sudden can become vicious, mean and uncaring.  I couldn't take it anymore and jumped in on the pack trying to get them to stop.  Some did, but then as more started in on the "fun"  more comments kept coming and coming.  I got pretty pissed off and I tried to bite my tongue but I couldn't.  A few of these kids were actually friends, or so I thought that she has spent a LOT of time with away from school, on the phone etc. , over the last couple of years ,and I have become pretty fond of them.  One kid I've known since he was around 8, one girl she had as a team mate on one of her sports teams.  I did call the one I actually adored the most an asshole after awhile and then of course they turned it on me and I got the wrath of the pack saying I was bullying children and they were going to tell their Mom's.  I realized it was only going to get worse so I deleted what I could and simmered in anger for awhile.  Bubba was ready and on the prowl.  I realize they are just immature kids and they pulled the ugly out in me as well.  We all have a little in us.  One thing I do know, I will never trust these frienemies ever again.... EVER.  They had me fooled and showed their true colors and they had a lot of fun and  thought it was  fun  to  hurt Stevi so much that  her mom got upset.  Pretty sad.  I now realize that they are allowed to wallow in their own shit and that they obviously love to stir it up and don't have any other way of bullying except over the internet because they can't actually do something to someone's face and apparently have nothing better to do on a Saturday night.  I had a fantastic purge party last night and unsubscribed  these fabulously raised children.  They sad thing is, I am friends with one of the kids parents and I would never have the heart to tell them what a shit head he is.  None of these kids have respect for themselves , others or adults and it really is sad.  I am done being pissed off.  I can't even pity them at this point.  I know one thing, I hope I never see them at the school or elsewhere, especially anytime soon.  Stevi can let it go because she is so over the High School drama and is too nice to actually fight over it (she infact cares about hurting others),  I on the other hand am new to this and have never been as nice and sweet as my daughter.  I can be your best friend or your worst enemy, once you cross the line, I never forget....And I won't....Good luck out there kiddo's ....You will need it, Karma is one Hell of a Bitch.

Stevi and her true Bestie, Alyssa........

Handing over the reigns......

I did it today......I passed the baton to Jay.  Whew, that is hard.  I am such a control freak, so used to doing it myself and not asking for help unless it is absolutely necessary.  He now has Fridays off so he can get stuff done while I am at work and for some reason I have always been scared to ask him for help.  There used to be a time when asking him and getting him to agree was such an effort I just quit asking him to help me anymore.  He sees me, through me, how tired and defeated I am and he is helping as much as possible.  One thing I have always handled is the scheduling, finances, phone calls, calendar.  You will only get help if you ask for it.  One thing I have learned is it usually needs to be asked for, I can't expect it to just happen.  When it does........I'm so happy I can't stand it.  So today he is handling all of Stevi's needs...rides, questions, plans... which as you know if you have a teenager can change instantaneously.  Another thing he handled today was going to the Union Hall and fighting it out with Human Resources about the fact that the insurance won't cover Stevi going to the Pediatric Gastroenologist (sp?) because the preferred provider list has a few to choose from.  None are Pediatric and the other specialists won't touch her because she is only 15...It's detrimental to her health and my General Practitioner filed a formal complaint with the Insurance Commissioner yesterday about it because she can only see this particular GI doctor, who actually takes our insurance.  They can't seem to locate him on the provider list so they are denying it.  My doctor spent an hour and 20 minute on the phone fighting with the insurance company.  He is livid, I am scared.  When serious enough, Celiacs Disease can lead to Crones Disease and eventually after they have removed enough of your intestines, you end up with a Colostomy Bag or possibly death.  Jay spent a couple hours and we are still...excuse me, Jay is waiting for a call back from the Union advocate.  They are trying to make concessions because we have had her covered for the last 15 years and we have no other options at this point.  I want to ask him so many questions but he said this morning..."Don't stress, I've got this..."  So I am trying......

Am I just tired?

I feel like I have the flu, I am having severe stomach problems, (what's new right?), I have no energy, I feel like I have a fever (but I don't my temperature is 97.1 hmm?)  I just want to crawl into bed and go to sleep and whine like my little mini Doxie does.  I'm stressed, no lie, I haven't had time to exercise and I am following the same diet Stevi is on so I know exactly what she is going through with these strict dietary guidelines.  I'm sure I am not getting enough calories, yet neither is Stevi and my brain is on overload with all this new information I need to absorb.  Thank God this week I am booked solid for a full 5 days because that hasn't happened in years.  God's way of helping me put money back into the bank that has been coming out sooner than I am making it.


I finally made the time to get into my Therapist's office and was able to unload and have myself a little pity party and a mental breakdown in the safety of her office and her response to me was......"When you are on an airline the first thing the Stewardess tells you to do if the plane is going down is to put your air mask on first before helping others......why do you think that is?"


"Because I can't help anyone else if I'm dead or unconscious ...."


She said..."You are absolutely right, if you don't take care of your self first , you are not able to help everyone else successfully, you can't help them if you let yourself fall apart."


We know this.  We are told this, yet as women, we need to fix, protect, placate, and take care of every situation first...and there is never anything left in us , for us.  I really wanted to go to Cross Fit tonight, I really need it for me, but for me today I saw my Therapist  and I really needed to talk to her.  My decision not to go to Cross Fit was weighed back and forth heavily.  Do I go?  I really should and I need to.  Or do I go home because I only slept 3 hours last night and feel like I've been hit by a truck?


Since Stevi has gotten so sick and sensitive to just about all foods unless its fresh, organic with no cross contamination, I have been reading, learning, studying labels , staying up late and getting up early, running her to Doctor appointments, the pharmacy, running to the school.  Basically running around like a chicken with my head cut off. I've been on the phone with Doctors and insurance companies and pharmacies for endless hours.  I am mentally and physically exhausted and stressed out to the point I feel like an overwound rubber band ready to break or unravel like crazy. Yet, I get up, go to work, smile on cue and drop everything for everyone else when needed.

Maybe I'm just tired............

Momma's proud and mad as Hell...

https://fbcdn-video-a.akamaihd.net/cfs-ak-ash4/437143/957/393679663980688_28450.mp4?oh=4aa98ac77584bf212606907deda7331e&oe=4F470D00&__gda__=1330056448_34b7e82f405d4e869f0eee59d79883ff

 I hope I did this correct so you can go to the link....

All of you that read me know that Stevi has been sick for a while and we are trying to get to the bottom of it, so when her friends asked her to load a video of her singing, she really didn't want to because she was nervous but most of her friends have heard her sing, jokingly or to a song she loves, or in the bathroom while she is getting ready.  So she did.  She had 100's of happy, sweet and amazed compliments but of course there where 2-3 girls that bombarded her with negative mean comments that took the wind out of her sails and she was deleting them as fast as they were coming.  These 3 girls, one of them used to be her best friend, but for obvious reasons, they are no longer friends, and the other two are a Junior and a Senior in her school, one of which she thought was a friend.  The two older girls pretty much ganged up on her then on her friends that were defending her who were saying they have heard her sing and it is clearly her singing in the video.  She just got her Monroe re-pierced which makes her have a bit of a lisp on some of her S's which I think is funny and cute, so it's not as sharp as the first time she recorded it into my iphone.  She found a cover on You tube with a similar voice and loved the style the girl sang it in and has practiced to that particular cover, over and over until she felt it was perfect, perfect to her, to share it to the world.  I am proud of her.  That takes courage, especially from a Freshman girl who goes to a school where there are a lot of Evil girls.  Thankfully, the amazing amount of friends that stood up for her and some girls that said they didn't really know her but loved it stood up for her too.  She actually had to delete and block these girls and as immature as it was,  Bubba took over and I had to defend her on some of the comments.  I know it's just a bunch of crap and these mindless idiot girls really have nothing better to do than put someone down to make themselves feel better about how catty and snotty they are, but after seeing her so defeated the last two weeks and for her to put herself out there is a big deal.  Thank you to all of the wonderful friends, Mom's and family member that had her back.  I know there was some language going on on some of her comments that have been deleted and one of her posts was very angry and heartfelt.  As upset as she was with the bricks being thrown at her by these "sweet" girls, I didn't tell her to take it off.  I hope I did the link properly above, I think if you click on it, it will take you to her video.  If not, go to my homepage and you can find it there.  Next song she posts, she will change some words and sing her name into the end so these "clearly expert" girls can say all they want.  I'm sure they feel like idiots, as they should, the grenades where being thrown back at them as soon as they landed on Stevi............You are all amazing friends for her.  Thank you.

Fun Fact and Senses.........

Creative Expression? or Weird?

Being broke in this economy and also needing date time with the Hubs and mindless evenings for my sanity, I now rely on Groupon or Deal Chicken for the deals of the day to actually be able to justify a date, even though every couple in the world needs to date each other forever to erase the mundane details of our lives.  The Groupon I found last week was a dinner and show package to see Senses at the  Grand Sierra Resort and the dinner package was for Briscola, their Italian restaurant , the deal was dinner and the show for 2 for $27.  Sold!  Now I do have to say that I have never even heard of Briscola and not only was the ambiance beautiful but the dinner was delicious.  I had the Swordfish with buttered asparagus, Jay had Linguini with clams, which Jay loved and for desert, my girlfriend Lori and I split the vanilla bean with honey fruit .  YUMMY!  The show, well the show....how do I explain this.  Jay said "It was better than mowing the lawn..." and we all agreed.  The costumes were beautiful and the women were beautiful, no doubt.  I am not sure but the show was an expression of sexual freedom, appealing to all sexualities, gay or straight, there was one violent expression.  They were all in great shape, but the choreography was a bit umm... confusing.  The blond naked lady on the screen with a voice that sounded like she was trying to be sexy on Helium, completely confused me and threw me off, then she would walk naked through the audience and let men smell her...?

Grand Sierra Resort

This may have been a cultural expression we didn't understand.  There were quite a few Asians at the show that seemed to really enjoy it.  The Caucasians in the group all seemed confused.  The clapping was more like a confused golf clap.  Like Jay said, better than mowing the lawn, and the dinner was fantastic.

Money, Money, Money

Now for the fun fact.  Jay worked for Accurate Concrete from 1994-1998, and they poured the front steps and loading docks at Grand Sierra Resort, but at the time I believe it was the Hilton.  They did what the call a "Money Pour".  When they were filling in the steps and the loading dock, they dug one area of the loading dock, by the Sports book, so the North West loading dock, deeper and filled it with old casino chips.  That is how Casino's get rid of old chips.  Fun Fact!  Have a great week!

Sweetness to make a Mother cry......

 With the last week being turned upside down because of Stevi's health suddenly in danger, I have been on the verge of a nervous breakdown.  A mother worries about her children's health and happiness more than a child will ever realize until they have children of their own.  Yesterday since I kept Stevi out of school to get her to the Dr. appointments I told her to bring the two pairs of jeans she needed to exchange.  One had torn out the butt when she put her foot into it after only wearing them twice and the other pair was a pair of Miss Me jeans that kept losing buttons even after having them repaired.  At $109 per pair, they exchange them with no questions asked when there is a problem, thank God.  What Mothers don't realize is that while we are worrying endlessly about them, they in fact are worrying about us worrying about them.  She browsed around Shepler's for a few minutes and tried on a couple of pairs of jeans then said she didn't like any of them and she wanted me to get a pair for myself.  The jeans we were exchanging I had bought her for Christmas so I told her no way, she needed to get herself something.  She said if I didn't get myself a pair of jeans, there would be a scene and she would fight with me until I gave in.  Of course that is all it took to start me crying.  She said, "Mommy, I just want you to have something, please just try these on..."  She handed me my size and I went to the dressing room, then came out to model then for her like she does for me.  She said "Those look GREAT on you!  Get them!"   Again I said I couldn't do it and she turned into me then said something I would have said to her...."Just get the fucking jeans!"  I was shocked speechless and she said..."If you want me to say that louder so people think that is how I talk to you while you are crying I will, or you can get the jeans and we won't have an embarrassing scene."  She won.  I cried and today I looked fabulous in my new Miss Me jeans, regardless of how tired I really felt, I wanted to walk around and proudly announce that my daughter had given me my new jeans.  So here it is.........Look up ^.... MY DAUGHTER GOT ME THESE!!!! Thanks Stevi!  Love you my little Whooty!

Whooty.........

Wheat fee, Gluten Free, Soy Free, Nut Free, Corn Free, Pork Free, Shellfish Free........

 Stevi and I went to a specialist today to try to pinpoint her allergies.  The tests came back positive for 100's of allergies, some small, some very serious.  Yes she did test positive for the allergies to wheat and gluten...easy once you know.  Not for us.  Not only is she allergic to wheat and gluten which seems to be in everything, she is also allergic to any tree nut, soy and corn (which is in most gluten free items), pork and shellfish.  So allergic in fact, the Dr. gave her another prescription for an additional epipen, and an inhaler, both of which she must have on her at all times, and she is now on prednisone to help with her hives and itching.  As of now, she needs to stop taking all antihistamines for at least 72 hours and Monday we go back and she will be getting the allergy scratch test since the blood tests are not as accurate as far as which allergies are deadly and which once are just going to be irritating to her.  Monday will take about two hours and we should know exactly which ones are life threatening to her and which ones she may just have an intolerance to, as of now  she is to stay away from ALL gluten, wheat, soy, corn, shellfish, nuts, and even salmon, which includes all bi-products and possible cross contaminations.  She will be put on a '504' at school which is for all students with any life threatening diseases, allergies or health issues.  There have been a lot of tears, me and her and Daddy, try shopping with a 15 year old and looking at the boxes and essentially putting everything back on the shelf.  Next time you shop, or go to your cupboard  try to find 3 things within 5 minutes... bet you can't.  She can have beef, chicken, rice, potatoes and all fresh fruits and vegetables, except corn...sounds easy, but it isn't.  Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks must all be eaten this way.


After her Dr. appointment she was starving of course so I took her to PF Chang's, they have a Gluten free menu.  But all gluten free cooking contains soy or corn of some sort in the sauces.  We told the waitress and she was AMAZING!!!! She went and got a print out of the menu eliminating all of her allergies and brought the manager to us.  The only thing she could have was the Budda's Feast with steamed white rice.  But the manager took one look at her disappointed face and said, "We can steam some chicken for you so it doesn't touch the grill and steam the rice and vegetables so we don't risk it coming in contact with any other ingredients..."  So that is what we had, the waitress and the manager came over more than a few times to ask how it was, if she felt OK and the waitress actually sat at our table and talked to Stevi about how hard it must be and some of the diets she has had to be on herself.  Then out of the blue she asked Stevi..."CAN YOU HAVE HONEY?!"  "Yes" Stevi replied.  She said.." I'll be right back I have a special treat for you!"  She left and came back proudly holding 2 smoothies for us that she had made in the back, by herself with honey and fresh berries.  Not only did she make them herself, she didn't charge us and again the manager came over and asked if it was good.  The best service I think I may have ever had with genuine concern and kindness.  The waitress' name is Asshlee Lanskey, she is a beautiful young black woman from Alabama and she has  just moved here.  If you go in to PF Changs' please ask for her and  you will be treated well with a smile and nice sweet conversation.  When you have special needs like that, a lot of servers would fake it or even be put out... I am still speechless at the care we were given and the kindness to a 15 year old girl who is having a difficult time realizing that this is going to change the way she eats for the rest of her life.  Thank you Asshlee... from now on, if we are able to go to dinner, we will be dining in your section. 

27 reasons why he's been my Valentine for 27 years.....

 For 27 years he has been my tried and true Valentine......I love you so much Honey.  Here is a small list of reasons......27 to be exact......

Prom 1985

1.  You think I'm pretty without any make-up on.
2.  You think I'm cute even though I'm a Bull in a China Store.
3.   You like my butt...even though it's not quite the same as it used to be.
4.   You make me perfect eggs for breakfast , because I suck at it.
5.   You hold me when I need it, even though it hurts you shoulder.
6.   You cry with me, over everything and nothing.
7.   You are tough for me when I can't be anymore.
8.   You laugh at me or with me when I am standing there confused and forgot what I am doing.
9.   You do your own laundry so I don't have yet another chore to do.
10.   You make the bed when I forget (sometimes) 
11.   You have been my best friend no matter how stupid I've been.
12.   You love me even though I am turning into my Mother more and more every day.
13.   You gave me two beautiful children.
14.   You helped with my Mom's dog, no questions asked late at night.
15.   You've held my purse for me in bar fights (lol had to throw that one in!)
16.    You try helping fold laundry , (it's not pretty, but I love that you are helping)
17.   You worry too much about me.
18.   You cook a majority of dinners when we are home together and make sure we eat right.
19.   You make me coffee on the weekends.
20.    You take me on dates when I need it no matter how small.
21.   You make me miss you when you're gone.
22.   You send me sweet and romantic text messages every single day, no matter how long we've been apart.
23.   You drive when I'm too tired or having a Hypo-glycemic attack.
24.   You always think I smell good.. ( That CAN'T be true)
25.   You still stare at me.
26.   You always kiss me like you mean it.
27.   You tell me everyday how much you love me.

Wedding 1986