My Life...or is it?

Makes My Monday ~ A wonderful weekend

2009-11-09T08:42:00.004-05:00

The weather was absolutely gorgeous this weekend. Way too warm for November, but that didn't stop us from getting out and enjoying every minute of it. On Saturday, I took the little ones out. We went to Cheeky Monkeys, which they love. C was still not up to par so she stayed home with Gino. On Sunday though, she was much better and all of us headed out to Heartland Forest for the morning. Joey loves the golf cart and tends to get obsessive with it. So Gino took him through the forest on the cart. He also gave the little ones a ride as well. After we got home we all played outside. The kids got out their trikes and were riding around the driveway. Then they headed over to the neighbours where Gracie and Nick kindly shared their sidewalk chalk. They made all kinds of interesting pictures. They played outside right up until dinner and by then it was beginning to get chilly. Weekends like this totally Make My Monday. To see what is making others Mondays head on over to Cheryl's blog @ Twinfatuation The girls enjoying the Frog Express @ Heartland Forest.

Thankful Thursday ~ All better and more

2009-11-05T10:17:00.004-05:00

This week was a write off. We were totally trapped inside..or rather I was trapped inside with two sick little girls. Today, today though, both are up and about and C , for the first time in five days is up off the couch and is colouring and chattering away.
I am thankful that both Abby and C are feeling better.
I am thankful for our health care system. I took C into the walk in clinic and came out with a prescription for tamiflu..and it's covered by our government.
I am thankful that no one else( knock on wood) in our house has fallen ill.
I am thankful for my neighbour, my best bestie , who provides me with health advice and some products from her work. I swear by the salts. I think that is what has kept that yucky virus at bay.
I am thankful for my sister Linda, who baked some yummy , healthy cookies for us and who is helping me make a memorial dvd for my girlfriend's little girl.
I am thankful for a good nights sleep. All of the children, including Joey slept the entire night, which meant I also slept in my own bed all night long.
I am thankful for melatonin , which helped the above children get a good nights sleep.
I am thankful for my husband who has helped with the little ones when he came home from work, so I could rest. He also did up the dishes and ran the older boys around while I rested.
I am thankful for my big boys. I am so proud that Alec has made the roadshow and that Nick is doing well in school.
I am thankful for my friends. Margaret, who watched my girls on Monday, even though they were sick and she risked getting the flu. Anna, that we recently reconnected. Jac , still thinking of other people even through this difficult time.

I am thankful for the swifter, the amount of times I have to wash my floor, well it's just so much easier than say washing and waxing like my mom had to do. Even if I did put the pad for the bottom of the swifter on backwards this morning. I had to rewash the floor, it still didn't take up much time.
I am thankful for Thursdays. Our Thursdays. Our one day a week where we can goof off and have fun , without worrying about the kids or the men. Even if we don't remember what Grey's is about.
I am thankful for Jen, who has made Thursdays what it is.

Special Exposure Wednesday

2009-11-03T23:51:00.006-05:00

Playing along with 5 Minutes for Special Needs . My two youngest trick or treaters. This Halloween was so much fun for the two of them. Both ran up to each door with so much enthusiasm, using their manners of course. I captured the above picture of Damien at the library story time. My neighbour and best bestie took the one of Abby, aka Minnie Mouse.

Makes My Monday ~Successful Trick or Treating

2009-11-02T07:16:00.006-05:00

This Halloween, I wasn't sure what was going to happen. With the children being sick and the weather not being very nice, I wondered if they'd even get out there at all. However, although C still had a cough, we managed to get out there early (we were the first and only on the street for at least a half hour) It was a pretty unique situation for me this year. I had agreed for C's mom to come along, so that meant her coming to our house. Not many foster parents would agree to this. Also I invited,reluctantly my babies bio mom to join us, because she and her older son, Abby and Damien's half brother were going to be trick or treating alone. That meant grandma (the babies grandma) stopping by, because bio mom doesn't drive. The kids handled it pretty good. The love their grandmother, but Damien has a very strong bond to his grandmother (she raised him for two years prior to us getting custody) It is sometimes difficult for him to part with her. She only stayed awhile and then was off to her own place to hand out candy. Plus Elissa, Joey's worker was there to help with him. So that made 4 adults to my 5 kids. My girl friend joined me with her youngest daughter. So off we went. The children all did well. Abby and Damien raced to each house keeping up with Joey. C lagged behind a bit and gave up after a few houses, insisting her mommy carry her. We did have the wagon, and she hitched a ride for a bit. However once she got in the wagon little miss copy cat Abby had to as well. We did the block and then I decided to bring C home with her mommy and Abby wanted to join us. Elissa took over in the supervising of Damien and Joey.

We got home and C instantly regressed into a toddler wanting her mommy to hold her, but only after she'd eaten her share of candy. C's mom was very good with her. She also made cupcakes for the children, how sweet. She and C watched some Dora while I got Abby washed up. Then Elissa, Joey and Damien came home and Elissa helped them sort their loot. C's mom's ride came and C was fine after that. I managed to brush the little ones teeth and get them all into bed by 8pm. Elissa took care of Joey. By 8:30pm all four kids were in bed, their loot sorted and the lights off. Ahhh time for myself now. All in all, it was a unique and successful Halloween and that has totally made my Monday. To see what is making other people's Monday's head on over to Cheryl's blog @ Twinfatuation .

Friday Fragments ~ What a week

2009-10-30T11:18:00.003-04:00

It has been quite the week. I am actually glad it's just about over. This week has been a sad week, but it didn't start out like that.

Monday: I love my Mondays, the children all go back to school and I have my regular routine with the girls in the morning. Monday night was an executive meeting for our moms group. OK OK it is NOT really an executive meeting, that's just what we call it. My co leader of this group was unable to make it because her sweet little girl was ill. So just Margaret and I went and met a friend there, who is not really in our group, but it was bring a friend night after all. Anyhow we had a real good time, and I still made it home by 11pm.

Tuesday: An old friend from high school came for a visit with her beautiful baby girl. What a riot! We looked at old pictures and then at new ones. *FACEBOOK* We giggled at how much people have aged. Not us though, we look the same right? LOL

Wednesday: A sad, sad day. My girlfriend's precious angel passed away. Rest in peace sweet Sydney. My heart goes out to Jackie,her mommy, my friend and my co leader of our Special Needs Moms Support Group. Or as Jac calls it Disabled Mom's Group.

Thursday: Joey stayed home from school sick, although his energy level was the same. He did have a dry cough and just like a man, every time he'd cough, he would moan, " I siiiiiiiiick" He recovered enough to attend his Halloween story time at the library. Abby, Damien and I decided to join him. It was nice to get out of the house.

Today, I am off to the funeral home. Plus trying to get the little ones costumes ready for their school parades. How can I be cheery, when I feel so sad? The girls asked me ," why you sad mommy?" It's hard to explain to them in words they would understand. I just hold them close and give more hugs.

Sweet Little Angel..Rest in peace

2009-10-29T08:15:00.008-04:00

Sdyney was a very special little girl. She had a syndrome called Lissencephaly.

http://www.lissencephaly.org.uk/aboutliss/index.htm. She was the beloved daughter of my good friend, Jacqueline. Sydney passed away at home yesterday surrounded by closest family. This is a very difficult time for my friend and her family. Please keep Jackie, Kenny and their family in your prayers. Rest in peace sweet Sydney. We love you!

Syd at Joey's birthday party.

Joey with his very special friend, Sydney.

Say What Wednesday and Way Back Whens day

2009-10-28T08:15:00.005-04:00

This is my first time playing along with Missy @ Two Little Monkeys .

Kids do say the funniest things. I was talking about Halloween costumes with Abby, she said she is going to be a princess.

Me: "Well, I don't know what to be?"

Abby, after looking me up and down, " you can be a fat princess mom"..gee thanks Ab

For Way back When's day,, I'm playing along with Cheryl @ Twinfatuation. Here is Abby last Halloween.

Blog Hop ~ Family Fun

2009-10-27T08:47:00.008-04:00

Enjoying snack at the Early years program.

The children listening to a story by Nancy, a guest speaker who focuses on literacy.

Joey relaxing at playgroup.

Today's Blog Hop theme is family fun. Now our family is all about having fun. With so many little ones, we definitely like to keep them busy. However, we don't have to spend much money or any at all. I have blogged about the Early Years many times before, this is sponsored by our government to encourage moms and dads and caregivers to come on out and spend time with your children. It is free to all and geared towards children aged 0-6, however I have brought my older children. Joey still enjoys going. The Early Years offers some fantastic programs, such as Get Ready for School, Wiggle and Giggle, Cooking with Kids, the best thing is that they are all free. They even offer parenting classes. They have guest speakers and themed circle times. I have been attending the Early years with my children since it was implemented in 2000. As a foster mommy, I have little ones coming and going and the early years is a perfect place for them to get out into the community. Now we also have two wonderful teen aged sons. Trying to find something fun with them is a little bit more challenging. Again, without spending money, but just focus on hanging out and being together. Lucky for us, both of our sons are very creative and musically inclined. There is absolutely nothing I like better than to listen to them play the guitar for us. Nick will sometimes even sing for us. Alec has even written a song, and you know what, it's pretty catchy. My little ones sing it all the time. In Ontario, there is a recent holiday called Family Day . This is a day I insist my teenagers join me and the little ones. Last year we went for dinner and then spent an hour bowling. It was fun. Good family fun!

My three oldest, Nick, Alec and Joey. The older boys were performing for us on a rainy night.

MckLinky Blog Hop" src="http://www.mcklinky.com/images/MckLinkyBlogHop200.jpg" border=0 longDesc=http://www.brentriggs.com>

Saturday Snapshots~ Pumpkinfest

2009-10-24T20:08:00.005-04:00

Damien trick or treating. There were all kinds of neat characters in the woods and each one had a treat to give.

Elissa and Joey making a trick or treat bag.

This was at the front of the forest. Mr. Bouman, the founder of Heartland forest really gives it his all. We love this place!

Today turned out to be nice , chilly and brisk but no rain. We stayed all afternoon at Heartland Forest. Pumpkinfest is one of my kids most favourite event. They offer all kinds of activities, such as pumpkin carving, crafts, balloons and of course trick or treating. Head on over to Cheryl's blog @ Twinfatuation to see who else is playing along. Happy Saturday!

Friday Foto Finish Fiesta and Friday's Fragments

2009-10-23T08:55:00.008-04:00

Playing along with Carrie @ Candid Carrie for Friday Foto Finish Fiesta, I thought I'd share some pictures of sweet Damien, who turns 4 yrs old today. Happy birthday sweetheart!

His first day of school.

On his third birthday.

Damien and me last year.

Shortly after he first came to live with us.

Playing along with Mrs. 444

This week has been super crazy. We got an after hours call last Friday to take in a few little ones. Although I had though it was only going to be for the weekend, it turned out , well...just check out my previous post. Anyhow having a few extra kids for the week was fun, however with that many children the laundry piled up quickly. Especially since the children brought in uninvited critters (lice) and of course I had to clean and change bedding. Well, my washer broke. NOT FUN. Gino and I went out looking for washers and he chose one, but he decided he wanted a dryer to match. When they finally came on Thursday I didn't think I'd be so happy just to do laundry. Tuesday I had doctor appointments for four of my children. Two were diagnosed with tonsillitis. Dr. also decided that little miss Abby needs to get her tonsils out. Joey had his EEG on Monday and did fantastic. Wednesday was our most favourite playgroup and C's mommy came again. These visits are going so well. Even Abby has attached to C's mommy and really loves colouring pictures for her. Thursday we had movie night at Joey and C's school. I decided to bring the older kids, Damien, C and Joey along with Miss Mead for support. Well, Abby was not happy with this arrangement. I told her that the kids had to be four, and she was only three. She then said to me with a pout, " I don't wanna be free any more. I am gonna be four!" She is so smart. The movie was fun, Monsters Vs. Aliens and all the children enjoyed, pizza, juice and popcorn. After a fun filled movie night, mommy, aka me, got to go to my favourite neighbour's house and watch Grey's. The company is much better than the show, however I must admit last nights episode was quite good and left us both on the edge of our seats , often wondering, "what just happened". This morning our little guests for the week left to go to another home. It was a little sad, but happy because now they will live with their youngest sibling as well. And that, my fine friends in my week in fragments.

FRUSTRATION~Foster care

2009-10-21T23:11:00.003-04:00

I often write about the fun and silly stuff we do as a family. The awesome events we go to. Time spent with family and friends. The trials and tribulations of raising a child who has special needs. The good times spent with my teenagers. I often touch on the part of being a foster parent , but do not go into details for two reasons. 1. In writing about the children in my care or the Agency itself, I have to be very very careful not to breach confidentiality. 2. I don't want being a foster parent to define who I am. Yes, I do put on my blog that I am a foster parent, however, I am a mom. A mommy whether it be temporary or long term. A mom, whether they call me Lisa, or mom, momma or mommy. Today, though, today I am so filled with frustration, so upset and disillusioned that I need to get it out, hence this post.

On the weekend we had some children come into our care during after hours aka emergency. I of course cannot give details. The children were settling in well. They were very upset about being away from their parents and it was extremely hard on them. When a child/children come in on emergency, we as foster parents never know if it will be a day a week or a month. However in this case the social worker was certain they would be here for a bit. She therefore insisted I register them to start school. I had wanted to wait a week, to see where things would be at,but she was adament in her decison to start them now. She also insisted they be registered at a school not in our district and I would be responsible for driving them. While I cannot go into details this was not an ideal situation because of the other children in my home, it left me only 15 minutes leeway to get one child off a bus, another one off the bus ,pick one up from school and drive yet another child to school. I told this to the worker and all she said was...."OH". However, it being my job, I did was I was told. After all this rigmarole, registration, written permission to go to an out of bounds school , driving arrangements etc. After the children are happily settling in. After they have seen our family doctor and had physicals. After they have made friends and began bonding with family. The Agency is moving them. Just like that. I am so frustrated. I don't know why, as they are not obligated to tell me. *other than they will be placed with a sibling(who they see on a daily basis anyhow* )It is in another city. So therefore that means yet another school, another doctor, other friends, other foster parents and more bonding. I want to scream out at them. What happened to doing what is in the best interest of the child? What is wrong with you people? I can't even write other details because again, the confidentiality , however believe me, it's frustrating. I feel for these kids, I really do. I know in the long run they will be OK. Seriously though, how many times can an Agency do this to children. How many other children will have to be moved unnecessarily? I am feeling rather useless. I cannot state my opinion, I was told in a meeting in September that I am to abide by all the Agencies decisions and support them. The Agency. This is the worst part about being a foster parent, not being able to parent, not being able to say what you need to say for fear of the Agency shutting you down. I mean , they talk about how important it is NOT to have children bounce around from home to home, so why do it if it is not necessary and believe it is not necessary. I am a shell of a person today. Today, I feel like I failed these kids. All I can do is pray that they adjust.

Friday Foto Finish Fiesta ~ Fire prevention week

2009-10-16T08:59:00.009-04:00

Last week was fire prevention week. The NFFD had several community awareness events. The last one was at our favourite indoor play place. Since Friday was a P.D. day for the children we went early. First, the presentation from the firefighter.

Next Sunny the bear came out to meet and greet the children. Joey , at first was a bit spooked, he does not fancy big stuffed bears. I mean who does really? Eventually he warmed up and got close enough so that Linda could snap a group picture.

Next some stories and snuggles with Joey's worker Linda, who met us there just in time for the presentation.

The best part was last. Checking out the fire truck. Here is Damien and as you can tell from his smile, he was thrilled to be in the fire truck.

Abby's turn, she was a little unsure, but had to go , since C went and she copies everything she does.

Joey, of course loved it. I think he may have touched a few buttons on the CB as well. Oops!
Now for more fun fun fotos, head on over to Carrie's blog @ Candid Carrie. Enjoy!

Thanksgiving Thursday ~Thursday Oct. 15, 09

2009-10-15T08:57:00.003-04:00

Today is one of my most favourite days of all. I love Thursday because it is the one day a week I head on over to my neighbour's house to watch Grey's Anatomy, but the show isn't the best part. It's the company.

Today I am thankful for:

*Good friends, the ones who make you laugh until you pee your pants.

*Family, always there no matter what.

*My children, that they are all healthy. (well except for C who has just a cold) Alec is auditioning for the roadshow, Nick is enjoying university and is doing well, Joey, his tantrums continue to decrease in duration, Damien's speech is really coming along, Abby is always making us laugh and C our foster daughter who has started visits with her mommy at our Wednesday playgroup and is doing well with them.

*Books, I love to read and just finished up the last of the Dean Koontz Frankenstein series. Awesome read.

*Music, oh how I love music, in the car or while doing dishes. I especially love it when my little ones sing along. Their new favourite.. Da Do Run Run , by Shaun Cassidy. Yes, it's a mommy favourite, my sister made me some c.ds of all my favourite oldies.

Anything That Feels Good...Blog Hop

2009-10-13T09:25:00.014-04:00

Christmas parties, past, and looking forward to present and future ones.

Daddy pics with toddlers.

Father and son pictures.

My special boy looking thrilled at his soccer game.

Friends

Cool Halloween costumes and trying to come up with something even more terrific this year.

*note..I did not make Joey's costume, Loonette did aka Elissa.

Snuggling brothers.

Makes My Monday ~Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-10-12T07:36:00.005-04:00

Playing along with Cheryl @ Twinfation. Today is our Thanksgiving. We are having a big turkey dinner with all of the trimmings. All of the kids will be here to enjoy dinner with us. We also have a few guests, my sister Linda , Joey's worker, Elissa , my brother Pete and Nick's girlfriend Livv. This morning we will start to prepare the big bird, I make the stuffing and Gino stuffs it. He then takes over from there, while I make the remainder of the dinner. My sister is going to bring dessert and I know it's going to be something fantastic because she is a phenomenal baker. Actually she's a very amazing cook over all. So hosting a holiday dinner with some very special people who are all close to my heart totally makes my Monday. To see what is making other's Monday head on over to Twinfatuation .

Friday Foto Finish Fiesta and Friday's Fragments

2009-10-09T07:27:00.006-04:00

This was a short week. No school for my kids today. Except Nick apparently University doesn't have P.D. days. Nick had his first test and says he did well, it was on Astronomy.

Yesterday we had parent/teacher interviews with Alec's teachers. Both said he was quiet and a good boy who is doing OK. His religion teacher was very impressed with his first presentation on Jean Vanier and said he's really come out of his shell. Yay Alec!

Joey had a good week at school. He has two up and coming EEG s. One sleep deprived. I have to keep him up all night long. His teacher and EAs have been noticing more staring spells. He has had them for years, but now the doctor feels it's time to do another EEG. He did have one when he was 3. Damien took most of the week off his school as we had some doctor appointments for him. So he really enjoyed coming along to playgroup with us. Little Miss C, continues to do well, and is very very active. Her mommy joined us at playgroup and it went well. I am hoping visits will continue at playgroup. I feel they are more comfortable and fun rather than a stuffy office visit. Abby, oh Abby, she continues to keep me on my toes. She changes her clothes at least 3 times a day, just because. Yesterday when she changed I had thought she peed her pants. She said, "nope, I just want to wear my chocolate pants..that's all". Apparently all brown pants are chocolate pants. On Wed. I got to babysit my most favourite great nephew. OK ,he's my only great nephew. It's awesome to have a young toddler around. The girls and Joey especially love playing with him. I absolutely LOVE the Early Years centers. We utilize them at least 4 times a week.

Playing along with Half-Past Kissin' Time for Friday Fragments and Friday Foto Finish Fiesta.

His Time Was Up ~ Kicked out of the Y (sort of)

2009-10-08T09:50:00.004-04:00

Look at that face. Just look at it! He doesn't look at all mischievous does he? Does he look like he can get a tad bit out of control? Does he look like he can stress out not one, but several YMCA workers? Nahhhh! Not my sweet little pirate. OK, OK, I admit it, yes he can be a handful. I knew it was only a matter of time. Really I did. So, I thought, hey why not utilize the program while I can. Except, now I've burned my bridges. I sent my sweet little pirate off to his Y program without a worker on Tuesday. For selfish reasons (i needed a break..shhhh) I did tell my hubby to let the workers know if there were any problems, any difficulties at all to call my cell and I'd come a running. But no phone call. I have to admit, I really enjoyed that hour break. I felt refreshed and energetic when I went to pick up my children. I knew my three littlest would have had a great time and would most likely be showering me with lovely turkey crafts. So I opted to pick up Joey first. As soon as I walked into the room I knew something was amiss. Clue number 1, the look I got from a few of the staff. Clue # 2. one black running shoe and what it was missing was the little boy it belonged to. My little boy. Curious, I looked at a young staffer. She smiled(sort of) and said, " Joey is in the daycare room, Whitney will explain to you why". Hmmmm whatever could my sweet little angel have done? I slowly and cautiously walked into the other room. I saw three young workers and one little boy minus a shoe. He looked content, they however looked a tad bit, OK OK VERY stressed. He looked up at me with black paint on his face and said, "hi mom". The young girl explained to me that although Joey was doing well, transition was not so good. He grabbed the black paint and tried to splatter the other kids..*come on is that really so bad?* He ran away from the workers, took the spray bottle of water and was spraying everyone. When the poor girl attempted to take the bottle away he squeezed it so hard it cut her finger. She looked whipped, poor girl. There was a struggle but she did get him into the other room away from the other kids. For this I am thankful. Really, these young people are not trained to work with special needs children, throw in some severe behaviour problems and volia, a mishap waiting to happen. What was I thinking? As I gathered up Joey and his cute little craft, I noticed out of the corner of my eye the program co-coordinator pacing. Hmmm could she maybe want to talk to me? I had Joey apologize to the workers and the other children and then she stopped me, the co-coordinator. Oh Oh. " Yes...I just want to talk to you about Joey" Yup, kinda figured that one out. " "Sure, OK, just walk with my I have to pick up my little ones" was my unconcerned response. She then proceeded to tell me that although they like Joey and she has seen him in program before, perhaps it would not be a good idea to send him without a worker in tow. She was trying to be nice and told me how busy Tuesdays are and with Joey's high needs there is no way they could accommodate them. Now I know this already. We've been through this before. I couldn't agree with them more. She was nice and I was even nicer. Hey, it's not that hard to believe!! I agreed he would definitely not come again on Tuesdays and when he does return it will be with a worker or myself. I thanked her and told her what wonderful staff she has. These girls, they do really try and Joey is a very unique little guy and can be very quick and aggressive. I then proceeded to pick up my three normal kids. Normal? Is that even OK to say? All my kids are different and have different needs, Joey's are just much more obvious. I think I handled this very well. Had this happened a year ago I probably would have cried. I know, though, that as Joey gets bigger and stronger he gets more difficult not just for others to handle but myself as well. The kicker is, there are NO programs for our children who have special needs. Sure they can integrate them IF they behave, IF they act ...well normal I suppose. Am I angry? Nope. I just feel stronger, to find things out there to accommodate our special pirates, angels, boys and girls who are some what of a challenge. Which means, more letter writing, more meetings, more advocating. Bring it on!

(look at him..he's sweet and he doesn't have a clue how much his behaviour affects those around him)

Makes My Monday ~ Princess party success

2009-10-05T08:43:00.008-04:00

me and my girls

Playing along with Cheryl this week at Twinfatuation . What has made my Monday is

this weekend I had a princess party for my princess. I had some awesome helpers come out and lend a hand with the crafts, nails,make up and hair. The kids had a blast and my cupcake cake turned out OK.

Baby Picture Sundays ~ Babies can sleep anywhere

2009-10-04T08:03:00.006-04:00

Fast asleep on the sofa after a busy day.

In the stroller's a pretty good place

Crashed in the car.
Little Miss Abby can sleep anywhere. Playing along with Debi @ Who Says Eight Is Enough. For more sleeping babies click on the button .

Saturday Smiles ~ Good Times...Saturday Snapshots..Abby's party

2009-10-03T08:57:00.006-04:00

Most moms don't really get a chance to get out and just be themselves. We revolve ourselves around our children , our husbands, our families. That is great, that's what we are supposed to do. However, sometimes I feel like I am in a rut. I am a stay at home mom, but like my good friend said, "you are never home". No, not hardly. I am off to playgroups, to swimming lessons, to dance lessons, taxing kids to their friends' houses, to school, to parties. We go to indoor playgrounds and outdoor playgrounds, we have play dates, we go to community outings, such as the literacy event, pumpkin fest, hoe downs and truck meets. I take the children to birthday parties to school parties . We have meet the teacher nights and parent teacher interviews. We have therapies to take the kids too, music classes and doctor appointments. Need I go on? Honestly, I can't imagine how you working mothers manage to do all that and then work as well. Bless you all! So, what do you do for fun? What do you do for yourself. Not your hubby, not your children, not your mom yourself? I do believe this is important because it helps us personalize our lives. It makes us who we are. It definitely helps alleviate the feeling of being in a rut. For instance, I am know as mom, momma, mommy, ma, aunt Lisa, Mrs. Pasquariello,foster parent, friend, bestie, Joey's mom, Abby's mom, honey, babe, etc. When can I be Lisa?

Well, I will tell you when. When we have our moms' night out. We have our support group for mom's of children who have special needs. Yes, it is a huge support for us, to be able to talk to some other moms who are experiencing some of the things we do. It's also great to just get out. Get out and have some grown up fun. Just let our hair down (ok I have short hair and it can not be let down..lol ) be silly, forget all of the stress we may have. I encourage all of my mommy friends to get out. Even if it's only for a walk alone. Baby steps. Soon, you never know, you may make it a monthly event. I know I had a great time last night and that my bloggy friends is what is making me smile today.

Also, today is the day of my princess Abby's birthday party. I am very excited. I have been organizing this for a few weeks now. I just finished the cupcake cake and thanks to tips from Susie @Susie's Homemade I really believe it looks OK. Yes, just OK, but that's fine, it's my very first time. Better yet, I know it's going to taste great.
My decorations are all ready to be put up. My snacks are good to go and the loot bags, all done. I feel ready. I actually believe having some me time helped. I don't feel overly stressed or anxious like I normally do before a party. Good times, I'm telling you it's all about good times.

*after note* Playing along with Cheryl @ Twinfatuation . Our princess party was a huge success. I cannot wait to post pics. Above you have the princess with my sister, princess Linda.

Friday Foto Finish Fiesta ~ Hoe Down Throw Down

2009-10-02T06:38:00.013-04:00

There were pot bellied pigs. Isn't he a cutie? His name is Oreo.

There were cute mini cowboys

And cow gals too.

There was face painting

There was dancing and smiles and giant frogs too.
Can you guess where we went?
To the first annual Hoe Down @ Heartland Forest.
Now for more Friday fun fun fun ,head on over to Carrie's blog @ Candid Carrie

Thanksgiving Thursday ~ Looking on the bright side, family, friends, faith

2009-10-01T08:08:00.008-04:00

I've been feeling rather blah as of late. I get like this when the seasons change and the days get shorter. When daylight savings time comes round, it's even worse. Although I endure this every year and have come to expect it, the way it makes me feel, I can never get used to. My gut is wrenched, my thoughts scattered, my feelings all over, my confidence shot. I'm jittery and irritable. I dislike *I'd say hate..but my little ones have been telling me..hate is a bad word mommy* this time of year. Once it passes, I'm OK. But up until then, it's a terrible feeling. No one quite understands and I don't talk about it much. So this brings me to what I am thankful this week.

* Thankful for my friends. Those that don't ask questions, those that accept me for who I am (craziness and all) those that lift me up when I'm feeling down. Those that smile and hug me even though I'm not a huggy person. And my bestie , who makes me laugh with silly rhymes, who introduced me to Gabba *to help alleviate and sometime eliminate these awful symptoms* Who is there when I need her. Thank you God for my friends.

* My family. My husband, who seems to totally get why I am this way during this time of year. (guess he's been through this with me awhile now) He doesn't make a big deal when the house looks a mess and the clutter is beginning to stack up again. My kids, my children, my babies, who always make me smile and laugh every single day. These bright, intuitive, loving, compassionate children are my reason for being who I am. Thank you God for my family.<

*For my ability because of the above reasons to look on the bright side. There is always a bright side. My friends, my family and my faith make me able to search for the brighter things even when I feel at my lowest. Thank you God.

To see what others are thankful for today check out these ladies Lynn & Laurie and Elyse at Following Him .

Way Back Whens Day ~My Niece Christina

2009-09-30T07:05:00.005-04:00

Happy birthday to my most favourite niece, Christina. She turns 18 today! 18!! I can't believe once again how quickly time goes. Way back in 91, when Christina was born, I had my first son two months later. When my sister went back to work, I stayed home and watched the two of them. That was the beginning of my home daycare.

Christina is now at McMaster University .

Here are a few pictures of my beautiful niece. For more Way back When's days, head on over to Twinfatuation .

four years old, just starting Junior kindergarten

Stina and Nick both 14.

Makes My Monday ~ Happy 3rd Birthday Abby

2009-09-28T08:29:00.005-04:00

Playing along with Cheryl today. Abby turns 3 yrs old today! She has grown into such a little diva. She is a bright, active, loving, demanding, talkative, inquisitive little girl. She just started dance classes and she loves to sing. Her favourite song is the song my son wrote. She woke up this morning no longer being a two year old, but a big girl now. This is what has made my Monday today. Happy birthday sweetheart. I love you!

Baby Picture Sundays~ I'm gonna get you

2009-09-27T08:52:00.006-04:00

Playing along with Debi @ Who Says 8 is Enough.
Abby running away from me up the stairs.

Little E getting my Damien.

My wonderful great nephew Dexter running away from me as I try and take his picture.
For more cute baby pictures head on over to Debi's blog.