Ashley, my wonder-student/nanny, is here right now. You'll probably notice that now that school is out I don't have my mornings freed up to blog like I did before. I either have to get up really early before Caleb (highly unlikely) or find some way to sneak upstairs while the kids are playing (also unlikely). Now I just know that it can wait until Ashley comes.
Because of Ashley, I've stopped looking for therapists and mental institutions (for now). I'm caught up on the laundry. I can go on lunch dates. Not that I have gone on any lunch dates, but I can now if I want to. I feel I can make it through anything because I know that Ashley will show up and give me a little bit of respite.
I feel no guilt whatsoever paying Ashley to come and play with my kids for a couple of hours every other day. She works with Caleb on teaching him how to be more versatile with his toys and play schemes. They work on turn taking. She reads with him. They play outside. They work in a workbook and practice writing.
I can do all of these things with Caleb, too. I do. It is just that Caleb is just the kind of kid that works better for anyone else but me. It would take me all afternoon and a lot of fighting to read a new story to him. It takes Ashley five minutes. Once he gets used to a new story with Ashley, it takes me less time for him to do that with me. I've got a win/win situation on my hands.
Added bonus: now that I have some free time during the day, it makes me want to spend more family time together in the evening. Before I would not want to do much because I was just spent from keeping them entertained all day. Now I can do the extra things (like the Omaha Childrens Museum) and ENJOY them.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Happy Father's Day!
Wishing all the men out there a Happy Father's Day!
Here are some random things about my dad, Brent Charlton.
1. He trains race horses.
2. He loves The Blues Brothers.
3. He sometimes calls himself B.R. and he calls me C.R. My knitting group now knows why!
4. He has to plug his nose to go underwater or he will gag. I get this from him.
5. He is really strong. I think most people think their dads are strong but mine really is. I'm sure he can beat up your dad.
6. My dad was on the cover of a phone book because he's a cowboy. This was when we lived in California. There are lots of cowboys in Oklahoma so I doubt he'll make the cover there.
7. He likes to drive. This is a good thing because he has to travel a lot hauling his horses all over the country. He prefers to travel off the interstate.
8. My dad likes to be a red neck and puts lawn ornaments in his yard. I got him some pink flamingos one year and I don't think I've ever seen him more excited about a present before.
9. He went through a phase in the 80's when he was a yuppie. He had a Mercedes, owned part of a plane, wore a Member's Only jacket and went golfing at the country club. We also only had one very tasteful lawn ornament at that time. It was one of those cool jockey lantern holders.
10. My dad taught me good values like honesty and responsibility.
1. He trains race horses.
2. He loves The Blues Brothers.
3. He sometimes calls himself B.R. and he calls me C.R. My knitting group now knows why!
4. He has to plug his nose to go underwater or he will gag. I get this from him.
5. He is really strong. I think most people think their dads are strong but mine really is. I'm sure he can beat up your dad.
6. My dad was on the cover of a phone book because he's a cowboy. This was when we lived in California. There are lots of cowboys in Oklahoma so I doubt he'll make the cover there.
7. He likes to drive. This is a good thing because he has to travel a lot hauling his horses all over the country. He prefers to travel off the interstate.
8. My dad likes to be a red neck and puts lawn ornaments in his yard. I got him some pink flamingos one year and I don't think I've ever seen him more excited about a present before.
9. He went through a phase in the 80's when he was a yuppie. He had a Mercedes, owned part of a plane, wore a Member's Only jacket and went golfing at the country club. We also only had one very tasteful lawn ornament at that time. It was one of those cool jockey lantern holders.
10. My dad taught me good values like honesty and responsibility.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Messing Around
This blog post is coming to you from my couch! In my own handwriting. Ooh La La. Carl used some of his startup money to buy a Tablet PC. He brought it home this weekend so I could play with it. There is certainly a learning curve but it is recognizing my writing just fine.
Good Riddance
I've seen my last mouse at Super Saver. Yep, I saw another one on Thursday. I'm going to have to reconfigure my shopping list to reflect the aisles at another store. Where am I going to shop from now on?
Thank you, Wendy. She blogged about her super-savings at Russ' Market on 33rd and Highway 2. I've never had any reason to ever shop there before. But, I was inspired to go check out the super deals myself. There were some deals but everything was a little pricier than Super Saver. I don't care. Here is what I'm getting for my extra pennies:
1. Clean floors.
2. Helpful employees.
3. Onions that I will actually buy.
4. A discount on gas.
5. Wi-fi--in case I ever need to take a break in their little mart and have a laptop.
And the best thing? My apples were on sale for $1.18/lb. They charged me $1.88. I took my receipt to customer service and instead of just giving me the difference, they gave me the whole purchase price of the apples back! Woohoo! I checked my receipt again once I got home and they also rang up my potatotes wrong. This is kind of annoying--but knowing that I can go back and get back $5 is worth it. I'll make sure and check my receipts BEFORE I leave the store from now on.
Their mistakes have more than made up the difference on the extra I may have spent by shopping there, and then some.
Thank you, Wendy. She blogged about her super-savings at Russ' Market on 33rd and Highway 2. I've never had any reason to ever shop there before. But, I was inspired to go check out the super deals myself. There were some deals but everything was a little pricier than Super Saver. I don't care. Here is what I'm getting for my extra pennies:
1. Clean floors.
2. Helpful employees.
3. Onions that I will actually buy.
4. A discount on gas.
5. Wi-fi--in case I ever need to take a break in their little mart and have a laptop.
And the best thing? My apples were on sale for $1.18/lb. They charged me $1.88. I took my receipt to customer service and instead of just giving me the difference, they gave me the whole purchase price of the apples back! Woohoo! I checked my receipt again once I got home and they also rang up my potatotes wrong. This is kind of annoying--but knowing that I can go back and get back $5 is worth it. I'll make sure and check my receipts BEFORE I leave the store from now on.
Their mistakes have more than made up the difference on the extra I may have spent by shopping there, and then some.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Omaha Childrens Museum
Once Caleb found this room full of balls, he didn't leave for an hour and a half. And, he only left because we had to go. I think he could have stayed in there for days.
Eva, on the other hand, was ALL over the museum. We divided up so she was with Carl most of the night but for a little bit I chased her around trying to take pictures. She was still long enough for me to snap this one because the phone was ringing! It is at a pizza place and the phone rings and they give you an order. 
The next place I was able to snap her picture was once she was strapped up in her carseat ready to go home. It looks like she got into the face painting when she was with Carl. So cute!
Poor Caleb. He didn't want to leave. 
We had an excellent time. I thought the Lincoln Childrens Museum was really nice (it is) but it doesn't hold a candle to what little I saw of this one!
Thursday, June 14, 2007
On the Docket
My knitting is coming along. I actually finished the sleeve of my cardigan and am now busy working on an applied i-cord around the front bands and neckline. Once I put in the sleeves and seam it all up, I'll probably do an i-cord around the bottom as well. I think it adds a nice touch. I also need to find the perfect button.
Today, I'm thinking about sewing. It is kind of kicking my butt. I am beginning to remember why I've never really got into it. I'm not ready to give up, or anything. I just realize that it is going to take practice and I need some lessons. I also need a project to really motivate me. I'm on the lookout.
This afternoon we are taking advantage of a free pass to the Omaha Childrens Museum. I got it because I'm going to take a survey on what it was like with a kid with special needs. It is for some company that specialized in sensory integration displays and special play areas.
The potty training is going okay. Caleb is over his phobia of sitting on the toilet. I'm so glad. That was a long year of kicking and screaming every time I tried to get him to sit on the potty. Now I just need to convince him to sit on the potty when he goes poop. Eva still needs to master that, as well. It doens't help that she usually poops when she's napping so she has a pull-up on. She's getting the pee pee down, though. She's still having a few accidents but for the most part, it is going well. I can't complain. I KNOW it could be worse.
I would like to introduce you to one of my new best friends.
This is Pod. Pod is getting a lot of use around the house cleaning up all sorts of messes. I had a coupon from the Sunday paper a while back and decided to give it a try. I love you, Amen.
Today, I'm thinking about sewing. It is kind of kicking my butt. I am beginning to remember why I've never really got into it. I'm not ready to give up, or anything. I just realize that it is going to take practice and I need some lessons. I also need a project to really motivate me. I'm on the lookout.
This afternoon we are taking advantage of a free pass to the Omaha Childrens Museum. I got it because I'm going to take a survey on what it was like with a kid with special needs. It is for some company that specialized in sensory integration displays and special play areas.
The potty training is going okay. Caleb is over his phobia of sitting on the toilet. I'm so glad. That was a long year of kicking and screaming every time I tried to get him to sit on the potty. Now I just need to convince him to sit on the potty when he goes poop. Eva still needs to master that, as well. It doens't help that she usually poops when she's napping so she has a pull-up on. She's getting the pee pee down, though. She's still having a few accidents but for the most part, it is going well. I can't complain. I KNOW it could be worse.
I would like to introduce you to one of my new best friends.
This is Pod. Pod is getting a lot of use around the house cleaning up all sorts of messes. I had a coupon from the Sunday paper a while back and decided to give it a try. I love you, Amen.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
A Busty Dilemma
I've been knitting a lot. Just over a week ago I finished my short sleeved braided cable sweater. I use the term 'finish' loosely. I want to re-work the neckline. I haven't decided how exactly to do this. I think I might just be able to rip it out to the decreases and then not decrease as much so I have more fabric across my shoulders. I would also need to re-do the back and make it a little higher. The fit is fine everywhere else. Just that darn neckline is giving me problems.
Then I started thinking...maybe I should make it into something else. Here it is laying on a pattern called "Bombshell". It has got a majorly open neck as well but this is worked from the top down so I'd be able to work on that from the start. I will also be able to try it on as I'm making it. It has some clever shaping and ribbing across the waistline. It is also reversible. I don't know what I'm going to do yet. Feel free to leave me some suggestions in the comments. I'll still end up doing whatever the heck I want, but it might be nice to get some feedback.
Next:
I bought this copy of Interweave Knits based solely on the cover. I love this little wrap. I decided I must make one. I ordered Knit Picks Shine in the color "Reef". I thought it would be more turquoise and less teal. I'm not totally in love with the color but I don't think I hate it enough to send it back and get a different color.
Care to opine?
Next:
I am not allowing myself to cast on (or take apart) any other projects for myself (clever loophole as I also bought some yarn to make a few baby gifts) until I finish this cardigan. I'm only 2 inches away from finishing the final sleeve. Then, it is seaming time. There is also a buttonhole band but I'm thinking I might do an i-cord edge with a loop for the lone buttonhole.
Next:
The kids like to see themselves in the view finder of the digital camera. They do all sorts of poses and tell me to "Click!". I never know exactly what I've captured until we're finished. Because I know a lot of you don't care about my knitting, I thought I'd throw in a couple of shots from today's photo shoot of the kids.
Then I started thinking...maybe I should make it into something else. Here it is laying on a pattern called "Bombshell". It has got a majorly open neck as well but this is worked from the top down so I'd be able to work on that from the start. I will also be able to try it on as I'm making it. It has some clever shaping and ribbing across the waistline. It is also reversible. I don't know what I'm going to do yet. Feel free to leave me some suggestions in the comments. I'll still end up doing whatever the heck I want, but it might be nice to get some feedback.
Next:
I bought this copy of Interweave Knits based solely on the cover. I love this little wrap. I decided I must make one. I ordered Knit Picks Shine in the color "Reef". I thought it would be more turquoise and less teal. I'm not totally in love with the color but I don't think I hate it enough to send it back and get a different color. Care to opine?
Next:
I am not allowing myself to cast on (or take apart) any other projects for myself (clever loophole as I also bought some yarn to make a few baby gifts) until I finish this cardigan. I'm only 2 inches away from finishing the final sleeve. Then, it is seaming time. There is also a buttonhole band but I'm thinking I might do an i-cord edge with a loop for the lone buttonhole. Next:
The kids like to see themselves in the view finder of the digital camera. They do all sorts of poses and tell me to "Click!". I never know exactly what I've captured until we're finished. Because I know a lot of you don't care about my knitting, I thought I'd throw in a couple of shots from today's photo shoot of the kids.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Disney Quiz
Melessa took this quiz and shared it on her blog. I thought it was a really fun quiz to take so I thought I'd share my results.
 | You scored as The Beast, Your alter ego is The Beast! But that is only a name... you are kind hearted and sweet, people just misunderstand you.
Which Disney Character is your Alter Ego? created with QuizFarm.com |
101 Things
For the past few weeks I've been working on a list that I'll eventually share ont he blog. It is a list of 101 Things to do in 1001 Days. That's a lot of things---but it is also a lot of time. It has been really fun making the list but so far I'm only on 52. I want them to be meaningful but at the same time, I realize that not all of them can be major goals. There just isn't time for that.
Here's a preview of some of my goals:
Learn to sew.
Give away 10 of my favorite books.
Ride my bike to campus and back.
What would you put on your list?
Here's a preview of some of my goals:
Learn to sew.
Give away 10 of my favorite books.
Ride my bike to campus and back.
What would you put on your list?
Monday, June 11, 2007
Jícama 101
This, my friends, is a jícama. It is pronounced HEECK-uh-muh. I love them and I want you to love them, too.
A jícama is a vegetable that comes from Mexico and South America. It has often been described as a blend between an apple and a potato. It is somewhat sweet, watery, and can be eaten raw as well as cooked. It can be boiled, steamed, and mashed or cut up to be eaten with guacamole, put into salads, or with just a smidge of lime and salt (my personal favorite). You can even grill it! I can imagine it could be a little intimidating to try and figure out what to do with a jícama if one ended up in your shopping cart one day. Here is my tutorial on how to make my favorite Mexican street snack!
I like to give mine a little rub with a damp towel before I get down to the real business.
This particular jícama is well over 3 lbs. They range from ounces up to 6 lbs. I usually try to find them that are 1-2 lbs. but it seemed like the store didn't have any smaller than this when I was there. I'm not complaining! That just means more jícama for me! For the sake of this tutorial, however, I cut out a chunk for demonstration.
I use a knife to get under the skin and then use my hand to peel it back. It is much quicker and faster than trying to cut off the skin.
See that big chunk of peel? That was fun. There is still a small bit of rough skin on the outside. When I begin to cut the jícama, I can easily cut this off.
I cut slices about 1/2 inch thick.
I stack some slices and cut them into sticks. Before I do this, I trim the sides so my sticks will not have the rounded edges. These sides either go directly into my mouth (highly likely), I give them to Eva, or I save them for a salad.
I place the sticks in a cup and squeeze a little lime juice over them. Then add a dash of salt. A little goes a long way--remember, you can always add MORE but it is harder to take away! Feeling spicy? Add a dash of chili powder.
Wrap up any leftover sticks in plastic or place in a baggie. You can refrigerate them for up to a week. Jícama sticks make great snacks. They are healthy and refreshing on those hot summer days. It really takes me back to the time I spent in Mexico when you could buy jícama sticks from street vendors on every major corner. Enjoy!
To know me is to love me.
A jícama is a vegetable that comes from Mexico and South America. It has often been described as a blend between an apple and a potato. It is somewhat sweet, watery, and can be eaten raw as well as cooked. It can be boiled, steamed, and mashed or cut up to be eaten with guacamole, put into salads, or with just a smidge of lime and salt (my personal favorite). You can even grill it! I can imagine it could be a little intimidating to try and figure out what to do with a jícama if one ended up in your shopping cart one day. Here is my tutorial on how to make my favorite Mexican street snack!
I like to give mine a little rub with a damp towel before I get down to the real business.
This particular jícama is well over 3 lbs. They range from ounces up to 6 lbs. I usually try to find them that are 1-2 lbs. but it seemed like the store didn't have any smaller than this when I was there. I'm not complaining! That just means more jícama for me! For the sake of this tutorial, however, I cut out a chunk for demonstration.
I use a knife to get under the skin and then use my hand to peel it back. It is much quicker and faster than trying to cut off the skin.
See that big chunk of peel? That was fun. There is still a small bit of rough skin on the outside. When I begin to cut the jícama, I can easily cut this off.
I cut slices about 1/2 inch thick.
I stack some slices and cut them into sticks. Before I do this, I trim the sides so my sticks will not have the rounded edges. These sides either go directly into my mouth (highly likely), I give them to Eva, or I save them for a salad.
I place the sticks in a cup and squeeze a little lime juice over them. Then add a dash of salt. A little goes a long way--remember, you can always add MORE but it is harder to take away! Feeling spicy? Add a dash of chili powder.Wrap up any leftover sticks in plastic or place in a baggie. You can refrigerate them for up to a week. Jícama sticks make great snacks. They are healthy and refreshing on those hot summer days. It really takes me back to the time I spent in Mexico when you could buy jícama sticks from street vendors on every major corner. Enjoy!
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Potty Humor
I took this picture not long before Eva went pee in the potty for the first time.
This one, I took after.
Congrats all around!
Check back tomorrow for a jicama tutorial that somebody better upload to sk*rt!
This one, I took after.
Congrats all around!
Check back tomorrow for a jicama tutorial that somebody better upload to sk*rt!
Saturday, June 09, 2007
My To-Dos
Here's my to-do list for today:
1. Attend World Wide Knit In Public Day. Our Lincoln Knitters group got a booth at the local farmer's market and we knit all morning and handed out fliers with our information on them.
2. Clean the church. It is our family's turn to clean the church this weekend.
3. Do some laundry.
4. Continue with the potty training. Eva peed in the potty for the first time (and only time so far) last night at 6pm.
5. Carl is performing a baptism tonight so I'm going to stay home with the kids. I can just imagine what they might do seeing daddy in a big font of water. It's best if we stay at home.
6. Peel a jicama. I bought a HUGE 3 1/2 lb. jicama and I'm going to peel it and cut it into little strips so I can enjoy it (with lime juice and salt--yum-o) throughout the week.
7. Watch the special features of Nacho Libre. I actually rented a movie for this weekend. We watched the movie last night (pretty funny--must download some of the soundtrack from iTunes) but I want to see the special features before I return it on Monday.
8. Start reading New Moon by Stephenie Meyer. Thanks, Catherine! I've got another book that I still need to finish but I'm going to send it to you when I'm done.
9. Start the second sleeve on my blue cardigan. I finished the first sleeve this morning at WWKIP day.
10. Right now I'm going to go and drink a Wild Cherry Diet Pepsi. Yummy.
11. Find my iPod!!!!! Ick. I'm starting to feel sick that I can't find it. Must. listen. to. Enrique. and. Maroon. 5.
I think that's about it. Happy Saturday everyone!
1. Attend World Wide Knit In Public Day. Our Lincoln Knitters group got a booth at the local farmer's market and we knit all morning and handed out fliers with our information on them.
2. Clean the church. It is our family's turn to clean the church this weekend.
3. Do some laundry.
4. Continue with the potty training. Eva peed in the potty for the first time (and only time so far) last night at 6pm.
5. Carl is performing a baptism tonight so I'm going to stay home with the kids. I can just imagine what they might do seeing daddy in a big font of water. It's best if we stay at home.
6. Peel a jicama. I bought a HUGE 3 1/2 lb. jicama and I'm going to peel it and cut it into little strips so I can enjoy it (with lime juice and salt--yum-o) throughout the week.
7. Watch the special features of Nacho Libre. I actually rented a movie for this weekend. We watched the movie last night (pretty funny--must download some of the soundtrack from iTunes) but I want to see the special features before I return it on Monday.
8. Start reading New Moon by Stephenie Meyer. Thanks, Catherine! I've got another book that I still need to finish but I'm going to send it to you when I'm done.
9. Start the second sleeve on my blue cardigan. I finished the first sleeve this morning at WWKIP day.
10. Right now I'm going to go and drink a Wild Cherry Diet Pepsi. Yummy.
11. Find my iPod!!!!! Ick. I'm starting to feel sick that I can't find it. Must. listen. to. Enrique. and. Maroon. 5.
I think that's about it. Happy Saturday everyone!
Friday, June 08, 2007
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
The GOOD:
Caleb SAT on the toilet and went pee at the same time (he usually stands to pee). He has never done this before and I think he is getting over his aversion to sitting on the toilet. He did this on the toilet WITHOUT the Blues Clues cushioned seat.
Eva looks really cute in panties.
Ashley was here for 3 hours yesterday to help me.
The BAD:
Eva doesn't mind having wet panties no matter how much I tell her that Curious George doesn't like to be wet.
Ashley had to leave after 3 hours to help me.
No poop made it into the toilet.
The UGLY:
I almost forgot what it was like to clean up Caleb's poopy underpants. Not good. Especially when it spills out of the underwear onto the carpet.
Here's to another day!
Caleb SAT on the toilet and went pee at the same time (he usually stands to pee). He has never done this before and I think he is getting over his aversion to sitting on the toilet. He did this on the toilet WITHOUT the Blues Clues cushioned seat.
Eva looks really cute in panties.
Ashley was here for 3 hours yesterday to help me.
The BAD:
Eva doesn't mind having wet panties no matter how much I tell her that Curious George doesn't like to be wet.
Ashley had to leave after 3 hours to help me.
No poop made it into the toilet.
The UGLY:
I almost forgot what it was like to clean up Caleb's poopy underpants. Not good. Especially when it spills out of the underwear onto the carpet.
Here's to another day!
Thursday, June 07, 2007
It's Potty Time...Again.
Now that school is out, I'm going to spend the next few days in the bathroom. Eva is ready to be potty trained (probably more so than Caleb) so I'm just going to work on both of them at once. I've prepared by:
stocking up on laundry detergent
buying a spot scrubber for the carpet
having the washer empty so I can fill it with underwear
buying lots of snacks
getting the travel dvd player to set up next to the potty
Good thing I have my spa party tonight. I'm going to need it.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
School's Out
Another school year has come and gone. Caleb's last day of preschool at Holmes Elementary is today. I can't believe how much he has changed since last August. He can answer questions -What's your name? How old are you? How are you?- with the correct answer most of the time. His echolalia (repeating phrases over and over) has become less and less now that he has some better communication skills. He still does it. A lot. Just not constantly. He's learned some good social skills for dealing with others. He will sit on the potty with a bare bum! This was a major victory and you all know I'll be shouting it from the rooftops when we actually see some action!
Caleb has always been the funnest kid I've ever known. I'm really proud of him and I'm looking forward to the good work we'll be able to do this summer. Sleeping in once in a while will be nice, too.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
My New Sewing Machine
I bought one. I went to four different stores and finally decided on this Singer 7466.* I know some people warned me about Singers. I know some other people told me to get a Singer. Only time will tell how this one works out for me. The price was right (within my Carl approved budget), it does everything I could imagine using it for (one step button holes-woohoo!), and is light. I'm already making a mental list of everything I want to make with it. I know one of the first things is a quilt for Carl. He finally decided that we can get rid of his t-shirts that are over 10 years old that he's been saving for sentimental reasons. Before I cut up the important bits for the quilt, he wants to take pictures of them. I was joking with him that he'll need to get a new wallet so he can put all of those pictures in there and show them to people like they are his kids or something. He said I probably shouldn't give him any ideas.
*I didn't purchase it from this e-tailer, I just used it as a link for information. Mine came from Husker Sew & Vac.
Monday, June 04, 2007
Sk*rt
Did you see Design Mom's announcement of one of her new ventures, Sk*rt? The site is up and running and is really cool. If you've been familiar with Digg or even the brand new knitting related Pligg, you'll have no problem navigating Sk*rt. The best part? Because it is so new I can use my actual first name when I register.
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Breaking Up
If Christy is taking a break from blogging today but posts about taking a break, is it really happening?
Discuss.
Discuss.
Saturday, June 02, 2007
It's Good to Be Rich
I know that title sounds all snotty but I don't mean it like that. After years and years of being students, it is really nice that Carl has a good job. We're still digging ourselves out from the lean years but we are seeing a light at the end of the tunnel and it is great.
I had an appointment with the Social Security office yesterday to see about getting some benefits for Caleb's disability. I was really hoping that we'd be able to get enough to pay for the student I hired (just under $200/month). I spent six weeks filling out the preliminary paperwork and I was denied in about 2 minutes. Why don't they put the income requirements out there in the first place? Then I would have known not to bother. I was encouraged to fill out the paperwork by the psychologist and the speech pathologist. They thought we might qualify. But, we make more than 2X the maximum of what they would even possibly consider. We're certainly not rolling in the dough. It's not like an assistant professor makes six figures or anything. We just need to have about 8 more kids and get no more raises if we want to qualify for a little government assistance with Caleb's therapies. I think you all know we're not going down that road. I guess I'll start to put my efforts into pushing legislation through so our insurance providers will start covering the extra therapy that would benefit our children.
The end.
p.s. Kayli--I answered the Chicago sight seeing question in the comments on the previous post.
p.p.s My computer has been on its last leg these past few days. We'll see if it lasts the weekend. Carl's going to try and find a new power supply soon but until then I'm just using my computer for the necessary things like blogging and reading my email. ;)
I had an appointment with the Social Security office yesterday to see about getting some benefits for Caleb's disability. I was really hoping that we'd be able to get enough to pay for the student I hired (just under $200/month). I spent six weeks filling out the preliminary paperwork and I was denied in about 2 minutes. Why don't they put the income requirements out there in the first place? Then I would have known not to bother. I was encouraged to fill out the paperwork by the psychologist and the speech pathologist. They thought we might qualify. But, we make more than 2X the maximum of what they would even possibly consider. We're certainly not rolling in the dough. It's not like an assistant professor makes six figures or anything. We just need to have about 8 more kids and get no more raises if we want to qualify for a little government assistance with Caleb's therapies. I think you all know we're not going down that road. I guess I'll start to put my efforts into pushing legislation through so our insurance providers will start covering the extra therapy that would benefit our children.
The end.
p.s. Kayli--I answered the Chicago sight seeing question in the comments on the previous post.
p.p.s My computer has been on its last leg these past few days. We'll see if it lasts the weekend. Carl's going to try and find a new power supply soon but until then I'm just using my computer for the necessary things like blogging and reading my email. ;)
Friday, June 01, 2007
Gas Mileage
I filled up the gas tank in my van on May 1st. I'm still using it. I have about 1/4 of a tank left and it will probably last me at least another week. Apparently, I don't do a lot of driving in my van. If I have to go anywhere I usually wait until Carl comes home so I can go without the kids and take the Honda. It also helps that when I do go out in the van, everything I need is all really close by.
Did you read see the story about Hypermilers? I saw it online somewhere and I think I even remember reading it in our local newspaper. There are people out there that squeeze every last mile out of their tanks of gas. They coast to stoplights and even find the highest point of a parking lot when they park so they can coast out of their space instead of accelerate. They don't drive over 55 mph. Sound extreme? One of these guys drives a Honda Civic and regularly gets over 55 miles per gallon in the city. It is rated at 34 mpg on the highway. I wonder how long my tank would last if I put some of these tips into practice?
I've got some six degrees of separation for you today:
Wendy's best friend Lisa's brother is the guitarist for Maroon 5. She's also guestblogging at Design Mom today if you want to read about it. Lisa is married to Topher and he is Cjane and NieNie's brother. Their grandma is married to Carl's grandpa Don. I didn't know this until I was reading Cjane's blog one day and found a picture of them. I wasn't really expecting to see a picture of Carl's grandpa floating around on blogland. But, now I've made the connection and I'm related by marriage/marriage/marriage to some really great people that Wendy told me about when I first moved here to Nebraska.
Did you read see the story about Hypermilers? I saw it online somewhere and I think I even remember reading it in our local newspaper. There are people out there that squeeze every last mile out of their tanks of gas. They coast to stoplights and even find the highest point of a parking lot when they park so they can coast out of their space instead of accelerate. They don't drive over 55 mph. Sound extreme? One of these guys drives a Honda Civic and regularly gets over 55 miles per gallon in the city. It is rated at 34 mpg on the highway. I wonder how long my tank would last if I put some of these tips into practice?
I've got some six degrees of separation for you today:
Wendy's best friend Lisa's brother is the guitarist for Maroon 5. She's also guestblogging at Design Mom today if you want to read about it. Lisa is married to Topher and he is Cjane and NieNie's brother. Their grandma is married to Carl's grandpa Don. I didn't know this until I was reading Cjane's blog one day and found a picture of them. I wasn't really expecting to see a picture of Carl's grandpa floating around on blogland. But, now I've made the connection and I'm related by marriage/marriage/marriage to some really great people that Wendy told me about when I first moved here to Nebraska.
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