Give Aways by Gwen and then me

So Gwen at Confessions of a Control Freak is doing a give away to celebrate her 100th post and I really really want it. I have never won anything in my life so I am practically begging for this one. Plus, I love what she is giving away. ALSO, she is one month free of smoking. That is so awesome. I know how hard that is being a smoker myself. Nasty nasty habit, I gotta quit! She is the one that deserves a give away. Girl, e-mail me your address and I will send you something really cool like a CD of my Hubby singing (it's professionally done, not just something I recorded)! Trust me, you do deserve it. *Anyone else that wants one, look at bottom of post for requirements.*

Also, I did what I said I would do here. And I am going to use it to show you the cute purse I bought (for $14 at Wal-Mart) that I love. That is saying a lot because I don't carry a purse. EVER. And now I am.

It holds all my stuff plus my new camera and now I don't have to try and shove everything in my pockets.

I wish I could take a picture of my new love but it's kinda hard to take a picture of a new camera with that camera. Sorry, but it is so cool and pink. I'm so happy!

Also, anyone that chooses to follow me (or already is) and comments, I will give you a CD too. Make sure to leave your e-mail address in the comment (or e-mail it to me at halladh@aol.com) and I will get it to you. You can thank Gwen at Confessions of a Control Freak for me feeling so generous.

Prayers are needed

Update at bottom.

I got a call last night and it made me so mad and so sad all at the same time. I just don't get some people. Warning, it gets kinda graphic.

The family next door to my brother-in-laws house is a very quiet family. On the day my BIL moved in, the man of the house, John, came over to introduce himself. The first words out of his mouth were "We are Pentecostal and don't drink or smoke." My SIL was like Ok, that's nice. He seemed like a nice enough guy and we went on with unpacking.

Over the past year, I have seem him almost every time we are there but have never met or even seen his wife. I have met one of his son's and he is the most well behaved, sweetest 10 year old child I have ever met. He's very small (smaller than my 7 year old niece) for his age. John doesn't allow him to play with any other children but said that it was his wife that would not allow it. When John is a work, she allows the little boy to go to my BIL's house and play so it is obvious that she isn't the one that wont let him.

Two weeks ago I noticed John drinking a beer and was shocked. He said with 2 neighbors that drink, it's too hard not to. Ok, I guess we are back in high school and using the 'peer pressure' excuse. I also have NEVER heard anyone ask him if he wanted a beer. We all respected his wishes. He always seemed like a very controlling man and I often felt sorry for his children.

Then last night Hubby called me after work and told me what happened. John (who is built like a football player) had beaten his 10 year old son with a belt buckle. His lip was busted, face was all swollen, and his butt was bleeding from the severe beating. The little boy ran three houses down, naked, to try and get some help. When he found a neighbor home he finally got some help.

That neighbor took him in and helped him with his wounds. They called the police and John was arrested. CPS came out to see about everything going on. My BIL gave the wife the code to get into his house in case they ever need to hide from John. I haven't heard what has happened since then. All I know is that this family needs as many prayers as it can get. How someone could do that to a child is beyond me. I hope he is jail for a very long time.

Update: I talked to my SIL and she said he wasn't arrested, that the cops just made him leave. Apparently, the little boy got a bad grade at school and that's why he was in trouble. My SIL asked the sheriffs office today if CPS (child protective services) was called and the woman said she didn't see it in the report. So, my SIL called and reported it and then called the little boys school and told them what happened (and they will see the bruises and cuts) knowing they too would call CPS and report it. Also, last night she and my BIL told John's mother that everyone knows what he did and that their street would not tolerate a child abuser and he should just pack up and leave now. The woman said "I'm sorry you feel that way." My SIL then said, "We are not the only ones, EVERYONE feels that way." I hope it gets better and that something is done to stop this.

Still a Stay at Home Mom and happy about it

Well, today was the big day. The day I decide to work or not to work (outside of my lovely home). And I decided not to work. There is a couple of reasons why I chose this path.

1. I didn't see Toot all day and I am not going to do that 5 days a week. That can begin when she goes to kindergarten.
2. I wouldn't put Smiley in that class with or without me.

Let me explain. In the interview she said a lot that this is not daycare but a day school. Sounded great to me. That's why Toot goes 2 days a week. Well, the 3 year old and 4 year old classes have wonderful teachers that really do their job great. Not so much in the 2 year old class.

They didn't do anything except play and then at one point they gave the kids a piece of paper with glue all over it and then passed out other scraps of paper to stick to it. That was it. No education at all. I finally started talking with all the kids about the different colors. Then at one point a little boy was throwing a full blown tantrum and trowing cars at the other kids. You know what the teacher did. NOTHING!!! So I asked her if they discipline the kids and she actually said, "Not so much." Ok, that's real good. They only changed diapers when a kid smelled but never checked to see if they were wet. I was in shock. And one little girl just kinda sat in a high chair most of the time watching everyone else. They said she liked it. Ya, I bet she does. I bet her parents would love to know what their $300 a month is paying for.

I told the director all of this and she was in shock too. She pulled out the lesson plan of what they were suppose to do and they had only done the one thing. I told her I really hoped she could find a teacher that really cared about teaching these children and that Smiley would not be returning until next year. She was very sweet (and a little embarrassed) about it all and when I left, she was heading down to have a talk with the teacher. But the kids were actually wonderful (except that one throwing the cars) and I wish them all the luck in the world. Right now, they need it. I feel guilty about not working there and fixing these problems but I just can't be away from Toot that much right now.

Thursdays writing assignment

I am writing my writing assignment on Wednesday (but will post tomorrow) because apparently, I have to work tomorrow. I haven't worked in like 4 1/2 years. Should be fun. Anyway, the assignment I pick this week is my 10 pet peeves. This is too easy but that's what I wanted with work and all tomorrow.

1. Stupid people. Not stupid like 'didn't go to school stupid' but people that just do stupid shit.
2. The cats thinking that dirty laundry is a litter box. Worst smell ever!
3. Old people that drive and can't even see over the steering wheel and drive 20 in a 70.
4. When people think I'm too young to be a Mom and then tell me I am. And mean it, not just trying to compliment me.
5. Hubby taking back roads on the way home from work.
6. Mean people. You suck by the way.
7. Nosey people (not bloggy people, people in my town). You suck too.
8. People that fly the Texas flag UPSIDE DOWN. Really, how hard is it?
9. When people think your belly is theirs to touch. I hated that when I was pregnant.
10. Parents that don't discipline their kids.

So there you go. That's some of the things that really gets under my skin.

For more post about writing assignments go check out Mama Kat at Mamas Losin it. You may just pee yourself cause you'll laugh so hard. Also, THANK YOU so much for your advise Mama Kat, that will save me TONS of time. I knew there had to be a faster way. Thanks again!

Now, I'm nervous

Well, I just got back from the interview and it went really good. I always talk to her when I drop off Toot at school so I was cool with it all. It was very relaxed.

Here is the benefits:

• After 90 days the kids get to go FREE. Yes, completely free. That is $600 worth of savings a month. (First 90 days, they get a discount)
• Will still be with my kiddo's everyday (I will be in Smileys class).
• Extra money in my pocket. Maybe now I can convince Hubby we need a maid.
• Talking to other adults everyday.
• Seeing exactly what they do all day long (and making sure Toot's not making out with her new boyfriend).
• Hubby can clean and cook his month off in January.
• It will help me continue to loose more weight.

Here is my fears:

• Smiley will cling to me all day long.
• Toot will want to be with me all day long.
• Not being able to handle 12 two year olds all day long.
• I just won't like it.
• It will drive me crazy.

We will see tomorrow though. I have to work 8 hours of volunteer time to see if I like them and if they like me. I'll let you know how it goes.

Worless Wednesday

It's never a boring day around here.

For more Wordless Wednesday's go check out 5 Minutes For Mom and Punky Monkey's .

First Love

So last night, I'm sitting there watching some stupid movie. Hubby gets up to go to the bathroom and Toot follows. I am watching this because I go threw it every damn day (and the movie really stinks). Anyway, so he shuts the door with her on the outside and she starts rambling. A lot of times when she wants to talk but can't think of anything to say she kinda makes up her own language with real words thrown in. I'm half ass listening because it's actually kinda funny. I know exactly what he is thinking on the other side of that door. Please just go away so I can poop in peace. Ya, been there, done that. Then all the sudden I hear this:

Jabber jabber jabber Aiden's my new boyfriend jabber jabber jabber.

Hold up little girl. You gotta boyfriend. Your only 4.

Then Hubby walks out and looks at me like I did something. I just smiled and asked him if he heard what his daughter just said. He said "YES I did" in his I'm not happy about this voice.

So by now I am almost laughing and decide to press the issue. So I said "So Toot, you gotta boyfriend already huh?" She smiles and starts telling her Daddy alllll about him. They hold hands and he's bigger than her and he's so cute and Micheal tried to make her stop holding hands with him and made her real mad. So then I ask "Have you kissed him?" "APRIL!" That's hubby telling me to shut my mouth. She said no but they did hug. He just rolled his eyes and pretended the last 5 minutes had not happened. My question is, why did she tell him and not me. I'd been with her all day and not one word about it. She is truly a Daddy's Girl.

Ahhh, young love. Little Man had a girlfriend (Claire) in pre-school for a long time and when she broke up with him, not a good day in our house. We couldn't even say her name without him getting all pissy. She probably broke up with him because he told her what she was going to wear when they got married no matter what she thought. Come to think of it, he is still like that. He practically forced me to be a witch for Halloween.

I just hope Toot doesn't get suspended for PDA. It is a church school and with all the "No Tolerance" thing going around, ya never know. Hopefully, soon, I will be able to keep an eye on her. If I get the job, I will be in the class right next to hers. Poor kid.

Speaking of that, I have an interview with them tomorrow. I don't know why I have to do an interview since they asked me if I wanted the job. Shouldn't I be interviewing them? Yes, I think I will look at it that way instead. Wish them luck.

I'm actually really excited!

I love being a stay at home Mom. I was with Little Man as long as I could. Being a single Mom pretty much means you are not a stay at home Mom. But, I got married and then I got pregnant with Toot (after 11 months of trying). As soon as my Hubby's insurance kicked in, I was a stay at home Mom again and have been every since. It has been a wonderful 4 1/2 years.

Well, that all may change real soon. And I'm soooo excited. I just got a call asking if I would like to work at the pre-school Toot goes to. My first question was "Can I bring Smiley?", if not, then no. They said "Of course". I was planning on putting him in pre-school next year anyway so now, I just might get a nice discount. As of right now, Toot only goes 2 times a day and for only half a day but if I'm there anyway, she can stay. This is so perfect. Man, I hope it works out.

I texted Hubby to tell him and this is how that went down:

Me: I may have just got a part time job!

Me: Well, more than 25 hours a week.

Hubby: I'm on my way home. I just quit!
He was kidding, Thank God!

Me: NOOOO!!!
He hates working 7/12's.

Hubby: Where?

Me: Toot's school.

Then, my phone rings. First thing he says is "Can you handle that? Other peoples kids?" I don't typically love other peoples kids because you can't really get on to them. BUT, if I am working there, then I can. Like other peoples kids bug me at the park and stuff because I can't tell them to straighten up but at daycare/pre-school, I can. So, works for me. And if it doesn't, I can go back to being a stay at home Mom.

I don't know what age or what all it entails (find out tomorrow) but pre-school age and younger sounds good to me. So whatever age I am helping out with, I think I can handle it. Now if it was a bunch of 5th graders (like Little Man), Oh. Hell. No. Not going there. The oldest they get there is 4. I love 4 year olds.

And, I would still be with my babies all day. Well not right next to them but at the farthest, 2 rooms away.

I really hope this happens. If someone had told me yesterday that I would be writing this today, I would have looked at them like they were crazy. Maybe God knows I need to get out of this house before I loose my mind completely.

Please, send good vibes/prayers/anything my way. I need this probably.

Random stuff

• OK, I went threw the mountain of toys and got rid of about 90% of them. The kids actually took it really good. I was surprised at that one. But at one point, Little Man asked me "What did we do to make you so mad?" Nothing baby, I just hate cleaning/stepping on/tripping over all these wonderful broken toys. Actually, my response was "Nothing, y'all never play with these and can't find the good toys in all this mess." He accepted that and then actually helped me.

• My mother-in-law pissed me off, again. Big surprise there. I e-mailed her pictures of the kids all dressed up for Halloween. How sweet of me. And the response I got back from her really got under my skin. She said "Little Man and Toot look cute but Smiley doesn't look like he is having any fun. What's wrong? Did he just not get it? Or was he just too tired for all of it?" I chose not to respond for fear that she would think I was just trying to be a bitch. If I had responded, it might have gone a little something like this. "No, he was not tired and he did get it (he got that he gets to go get a lot of candy, who cares why). He is 2 years old and doesn't like posing for 50 pictures cause my phone takes crappy pictures and it took 50 tries to get good ones but I guess I should have taken 51 since that one wasn't apparently good enough. All he wanted to do was go play and go trick-or-treating and I was making him stand still. Sorry, maybe next year he will look happy enough for you." Not really, but that's what I would have wanted to say. I probably would have just said "No, he had fun". So, I chose to say nothing at all. That's actually the first time she had even acknowledged that I sent her pictures and I've done it like 100 times. OK, next.

• I miss my Mom. She lives a whole 20 minutes from me and I can't remember the last time I saw her. This is unusual because we are best friends. I tell her everything. Even stuff I don't tell Hubby. I still talk to her everyday, but haven't actually hung out with her in forever. She has been way to busy lately with her work, another ladies work (literally, she does home health physical therapy and one of the other therapist had to miss 2 weeks so my Mom to the rescue), surgery on her hand, baby sitting 3 hours away, and trying to spend time with my Dad. She actually said at least we will get to hang out on Thanksgiving. What?! That's still 24 days away. Maybe I can go steal her one day while my Dad is hunting. Hint hint, Mamma.

• One of the funniest things I have seen in a long time is Smiley trying to eat an Extreme Sour Warhead. He knows it's candy and really wants to like it but can't get past all that Extreme Sour. The faces he makes are too funny. I would take a picture but I laugh to hard and my phone requires you to not move a muscle. I really need to go buy a new camera. I may just do that Friday.

• And last night as I am finally falling into bed I thought to myself, Did Smiley actually eat any real food today? Yes, it was one of those kinda days. And yes, he did eat real food. I think.

Halloween Pics!!

I told him I couldn't see his face and he told me I wasn't suppose to. Uh, Ok.

I wasn't paying 30 bucks for the ugly real Princess Leia dress so we picked this one and made it work.

My 3 Star Wars babies. I don't even like the movies but Little Man is obsessed.

I was a witch. The hat was too big so I took it off and the heals hurt my feet so I put on house shoes.

After pictures we went trick or treating and had a really good time. I think I have been opening candy now for about 2 days straight. Afterwards, Little Man was pissed that he didn't get near as much candy as the 2 little ones. I guess people just thought they were cuter, people kept giving them hand fulls.

Smiley didn't understand why we were doing it but thought it was the coolest thing in the world. After we got back to my brother-in-law's house, he kept going outside and ringing their doorbell to get more candy. Probably why he had the most candy.

Toot kept telling people that their house was almost scary. Except for one house, she told them is was a little bit scary. Smiley didn't like that house.

Little Man loved that his blood sugar kept getting low because then he could eat more candy. Sometimes it's like he can make it low on purpose.

Then my brother-in-law's street had a bon fire so we got to all hang out by a big fire and relax after spending that much time with hyped up kids. It was a great ending to a crazy night. That is until my sis-in-law drank to much and went CRAZY but that's another story for another day.