bunnyshan

things that make me smile.....

2009-06-30T13:24:48Z

My family in general...

Cuddles from little miss...

Smiles from little man...

Understanding why my parents grabbed cameras instead of me when I was crying...

Happy Moment....

2009-06-29T13:42:03Z

Happy Moment to remember...yesterday at the zoo during the downpour, my son wanted to go see the merry go round in the rain. So he and I walked out to the rain to see it. He handed me his car and said "Mommy I am conducting" (the merry go round had music of course) so my son conducted while I danced in the rain to the merry go round music. Once it stopped we went back to the cover...then a moment later when the next ride started he grabbed my hand and said...mommy lets go dance in the rain again. I am sure I looked like a dork...but it was such fun dancing in the rain with my son.

10 years....

2009-06-05T16:43:55Z

10 years ago I anxiously put on my white dress, had Mona do my hair, and put on make up to be the most beautiful bride I could be for you. I impatiently walked out the room to jump start my wedding as it wasn't going fast enough for my taste. I watched as our friends preceded me down the aisle and as the trumpets sounded I started my walk towards my new life with my true love and best friend.

I remember it like it was just yesterday, that I got lost in your eyes that I answered "I DO" a moment to earlier and broke into laughter as the officiant continued to ask the questions and I had to say it again. I take joy in knowing I was married the right one when the breeze that had been blowing all morning long stopped the instant we lit the unity candles and they remained lit the remainder of the ceremony. I smile each time I think of your niece sneaking away from your mom and becoming my flower girl in the middle of the ceremony. I smile each time I think of our first kiss as husband and wife, and the smile on my face was permanent (at least until the professional pictures became annoying)

Thank you for being my life the last 10 years, my lifesaver which kept me from sinking to the abyss when my mom died and my tether to the ground kept me centered when joy gave me flight. For putting up with my moodiness and being my very special hunny bunny.

I love you my husband and have enjoyed our happily ever after on our journey through life.

Sorry to everyone

2009-04-06T19:46:03Z

Well apparently I have strep. I started getting a sore throat on Saturday night, and by this morning my glands were unhappy. To anyone I saw this weekend, if you start to get a sore throat, may want to consider going to the doc, and I am really sorry.

Elated with Joy

2009-02-06T01:36:12Z

So I just got home from parent teacher conferences. I am SO going to miss his teacher Miss Christina next year. she absolutely adores him, and he has made so many great strides this year as a result of here and the teaching staff.

Each of the teachers are amazed with his academics, he is reading or attempting to read everything in the classroom, and just this week made great leaps and bounds with interaction skills with other kids in his class.

The story of the night which gives great insight to how his brain is wired; they had just finished reading the book ABIYOYO in circle time and the kids were given the task to "Draw Abiyoyo" So my son proceeds to take a piece of paper and completes his task by drawing the Letters " A B I Y O Y O" on his paper and writes his name on the bottom like he suppose to. Miss Christina commended him on his drawing and said "okay that is awesome, now we need to draw a picture of Abiyoyo". It took a bit of coercing, but eventually he created this:

The square person is Abiyoyo (the monster in the story) while he was drawing he stated that he is dancing (which the teacher wrote for him) He then drew daddy (Abe) with a wand and Quinnen with a Ukulele (the swirls in each of their hands) which each uses to make Abibyoyo dance. And the wand says zoop. It made me so proud that the teacher gave it to me and I plan on framing it and hanging it on the wall.

bunnyshan @ 2008-12-24T22:57:00

2008-12-25T05:59:01Z

Merry Christmas to all, I hope you warmth, family and laughs on this day of spirit and family

Yoinked!!!

2008-12-17T16:28:24Z

Leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember! Leave a comment on here. Next, re-post this in your Journal and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty cool (and funny) to see the responses. Repost as "memories."

Please humor me?

Normal?????

2008-12-08T07:41:01Z

There is a word that has been riding on my mind a bit lately...Normal. With my son having been diagnosed with PDD-NOS (a form of autism) I hear it all to often.

Will your son be able to live a Normal life? With the special ed will it help him to be more normal? Blah blah blah!!!

I just finished watching a made for TV movie "Front of the Class". It was a story of a man who developed tourette's syndrome at the age of 6. How he was singled out as a child until his mother discovered this syndrome in a medical book when he was 12 years old. He called his condition his constant companion. He felt his Tourettes was a teacher, not a disability. He had many trials, bad teachers/ kids poking fun/ interviewers not getting passed his condition, but he never gave up and eventually fulfilled his life dream to become a 2nd grade teacher. He never tried to hide his condition, and was a GREAT teacher because of it.

I loved this movie, because it brought light to an issue I was having. That there really is no such thing as normal these days. That everyone has their own challenges through life, whether it be mental, physical, or just challenges along the way, and how you deal with these shapes the person you become.

Yes, my son presents certain challenges to Abe and I due to his unique perspective on life. But I consider it to be a blessing, my son has a different way of seeing life, and due to this has made me a much better person and parent. He has the ability to do whatever he wants to do, because a label is just that "a label". And anyone who has owned a t-shirt knows that when that label gets irritating you can just rip it out and continue on your merry way. He may take a different path, but with a little help and guidance he will complete his journey just the same.

Thank you Quinn for being my son, I am not only proud to be your mom, but damn thankful you were chosen to be my son.

Happy Turkey Day

2008-11-27T18:00:24Z

Of all things I am thankful for it is my friends and family. I hope this day brings you warmth, love, and over eating. :)

Trick or Treating

2008-11-01T04:03:52Z

Well I had a great evening tonight. I came home with Quinn refusing to wear his Jason mask or any desire to go get candy. After having a few kids show up on our door stop, daddy talked him into getting into his mask and going out. They did a few houses came home, and Quinn was chomping at the bit to go out again. So I got my shoes on and we walked the entire block and one block over. Granted he couldn't eat have the candy he got (stupid dyes) but he had so much fun. He had an eternal smile on his face, and we even got a picture of him wearing his mask. YIPPEE...I had so much fun holding his hands and having him go up to houses and say "Trick or treat" and then say "Thank you and Happy Halloween!" I have a smile so big not sure it will end for a while.

It is 4:30am and what the hell is that sound....

2008-10-14T15:28:57Z

This morning at 4:30 we were waken up by what sounded like the alarm clock.

Only after turning it off, the sound didn't go away.....guess what it was all the smoke detectors going off in unison.

Snapped awake check on the kids their alarms not going off, no smoke. Abe and I check all rooms where alarms are, no smoke, no fire, just ear bleeding beeping. Attempt to remove batteries...nope...still beeping as the beacons are all hard wired together. Go to ADT panel, find booklet, enter code to disarm...no effect. Call ADT, we are not a customer but have their system. They give instructions how to kill power to system, but the ear bleeding beeping continues. They tell me that the smoke alarms are not part of their system that they cannot help.

Okay...we are about ready to take a sledge hammer to these irritating beacons. Last ditch effort, we unplug the detector from the wall wiring AND remove the 9v battery. YEAH...once all 6 are done the ear bleeding beeping stops. Check on the kids, and somehow they slept through the whole endeavor. Thank goodness for small favors.

We think the culprit is the detector in the basement. As we plug one of the ones upstairs into the wire and it doesn't come on. However you put the battery back in the basement beacon and it not only sounds as if it has gone hoarse from screaming at us, but immediately starts beeping before we even get it plugged back into the system.

So after the adrenaline rush we stumble back to bed, and I am unwillingly dragged out of bed at 7:30 (should have gotten up at 7:00) by my loving husband for work. I sent an e-mail to the previous home owners in hopes that they can direct us to the installer of the smoke detectors so we can call and confirm our suspicions and potenially fix the issue.

This of course had to happen on a night where i worked from home until Midnight, Kaely woke up just as I drifted to sleep and I had to soothe her back to sleep for unknown reasons (could be teething, hunger, growing pains, just cuz she is one and can), so I didn't actually crawl into bed until like 1:00am. So I a a bit zombied today.

bunnyshan @ 2008-10-02T14:49:00

2008-10-02T20:49:30Z

In Remembrance

2008-09-30T16:20:39Z

Seven years ago on 9/26/01, my mom went in for gastric bypass surgery, to prolong her life. I visited her on Friday, 2 days after surgery and she was in a lot of pain. After a few moments of visiting she kindly asked me to leave, as she didn't want me to see her like this and I had just bought my first house and she wanted me to go get ready for the move.

On Saturday the 29th I got a call from my step dad, apparently the pain wasn't normal, my mom wasn't doing to well. Her intestines had rolled, killing the majority of her colon and releasing the intestinal bacteria into her system. She had gone through a clean-up procedure that morning to correct the problem. They put her on a respirator and placed her into a drug induced coma in order to save her life. That she will have to spend a few more days in the hospital, but it appears that all is good and not to worry.

On Sunday at 9:00am sitting in McDonald's eating breakfast, I got the call. My step dad said I needed to get my ass to the hospital as he feared the worst. I drove as fast as I safely could and once arriving at the hospital talked to the doctors of my mom's dire condition. The doctor had opted for one last saving procedure. I went to my mom in the ICU, told her of the house and how I couldn't wait for her to see it. Held her hand, told her I would see her after surgery.

I called my husband, as he was at our new house with 5 of my friends painting it. We had just signed for our first home on 9/26 and had arranged for friends to help paint it on 9/30. He assured me everything would be okay.

That afternoon, my mom was taken back to emergency surgery, but her heart stopped on the table before they could begin. They were able to resuscitate her, but it was at this point that the doctor told us that they are no longer trying to save her life, but moving to making her as comfortable as they can for her last moments on this earth. We sat around, for a few minutes in shock, trying to decide what the best course of action was. We opted to turn off the life support, this was in no means an easy decision, and to this day I hope it was the right one.

I called my husband, and one of my dearest friends Lee drove him to the hospital in order to drive me home. My other few friends stayed at the house and continued to paint my house.

Seven years ago on this date, I held my mom's hand, sang songs, talked of memories of her, and gave her one last hug and kiss. At the time of her death, she was surrounded by myself, her husband, her son, her daughter-in-law, her grandson, her sister, her 2 Nieces. She was surrounded by love, as she took flight with her new angel wings.

I love you mom and miss you VERY much!!!!

Colorado Amendment 51 Question

2008-09-25T21:52:34Z

Okay so I have never considered myself dumb, until I read the legal verbage that makes up the proposals, amendments and referendums for each election year.

This year on the docket is #51. Which "appears" to me to be a request to increase sales tax a 10th of a percent over 2 years (2 cents per $10). These dollars will go towards programs and assistance to those children and adults with developmental disabilities (autism, mental retardation, cerebral palsy). Programs such as living assistance for adults who cannot do it on their own or early intervention programs for children.

I see no downside to this proposal, however I see signs for it saying "Vote No on 51"

So my question is to those who are a bit more politically savvy than I...why would I want to vote no on this proposal. I see no problem losing this .02 per 10.00 spent in hopes that other children will receive the intervention my son is receiving. Or for those that are older and need assistance in order to survive on their own, because they do not possess the ability to care for themselves on their own.

Can someone please explain why someone would vote no on this proposal?

****edit**** So in driving home the signs I thought I say are gone. So either I dreamed these up or I saw other signs and confused the number.

Defining Moments Meme

2008-09-08T15:32:07Z

My defining moments
They are in no particular order, just as they flowed from my head. I could spend all day writing out many, but these are my top (I think)

1. My Mom: From the second I was born my mom and I had an unique mother daughter bond. She was my best friend, I would rather spend time with her on the weekends in highschool, instead go out with the few friends I had. She was the designated driver for my bachelorette party, and a few friends from Amtgard had no issues with her being there, said that she wasn't like other moms...she is one of us. She took care of me, and I took care of her. If we lost everything, we always had each other. She taught me how to become a mom, that a mom cannot prevent everything from happening to her children. but no matter the circumstances a mom will always there to pick up the pieces. I cannot pin point one moment, but her general influence had a significant impact on who I am today.

2. The death of my Mom: (9/30/2001) This was an unexpected and tragic moment in my life. She went in for gastric bypass surgery in order to prolong her life and make it more livable, but due to complications she died 4 days after the surgery. I lost the one person in my life I thought I could never EVER live without. Two things came from this, that life is a fragile thing that ever second matters, as you don't know when the last bead of sand will land in the bottom of the hourglass. I also learned that it is amazing the strength you can draw upon when you have no choice in the matter.

3. The acceptance of being abused by my step father was not my fault. Although it was a one time event at the age of 10, it took me until I was 31 1/2 to realize that it wasn't my fault, that I owe nothing to this man, and should not feel guilty that I no longer at his beckon call. That I didn't need him in my life, my children don't need him, and that it is okay to walk away.

4. The birth of my children. These are defining moments, as I became responsible for someone other than myself, and I LOVED it. The first meeting of my son and daughter was something I will take with me to death and beyond. For my son, the change of moving from a woman to a mother took 9+ months of waiting, an epidural and 3 pushes, and a lifetime of awe. For my daughter, having to remember everything I learned with Quinn, and realize that no kid is alike. This experience is not for everyone, but I am glad that I lived it.

5. My husband. I was a freshman in highschool when I first met my husband. From the moment I saw him I told my friend that I would be marrying him someday, although we both giggled it off as at that time, Abe and I were mere acquantiances. It wasn't until after I graduated highschool, that we re-connected and actually started a real friendship. I learned from him that I am desirable and can be loved by someone other than my mom.

6. Amtgard Again not one moment I can pin point, but a definite impact. I was just 20 years old, been dating my husband for a little over 2 years and didn't really have many friends. I had taken a different path from the couple of highschool friends, and was trying to find my place. Amtgard taught me that it was okay to be who I was, geeky as it is. I found my chosen family, who in most instances have been there for me when my blood lines have failed. A group of people who finally convinced me I truly am a good person, found my niche within some of the greatest people on this planet.

7. Ben Steadman Ben was one of chosen families son who developed brain cancer at the young age of 6. He fought one hell of a battle, but finally conceded on March 29th 2006. I watched from the sidelines as he did battle all the while his mom and dad could do nothing but love him. This reinforced that life is fragile (a lesson my mom taught me), and you need to really focus on the things that matter.

8. My kids Although my mom gave me a great foundation to become a mother, it is my kids who are teaching me to be a good mom. As I watch my children grow, I realized they are a reflection of myself and my actions. Over the last 4 years, I have grown more than I thought I ever could. I still have a LOT to learn, but despite my ignorance in these areas, my kids are turning out to be okay.

Okay, this is a meme. If you read this far, your turn! Choose 3 to hear their stories. I am tapping aeshna_cerulea, dragonlady74, ladybug_fae. I want to hear your stories.

Weekend epiphanies

2008-09-08T04:53:47Z

So over this weekend I had the following epiphanies:

I have the greatest kids in the world

My last baby phase is coming to a close so I cried the night of my daughters 1st birthday party, as the realization that my baby is 1 years old had sunk in

I have a great group of family and chosen family

My son can melt my heart with 3 words "Mommy....your wonderful"

Despite the fact I have have really no clue what I am doing, as most of the time I taking a blind shot into the dark, my kids are turning out just fine.

and the biggest epiphany of all "I AM A GOOD MOM!"

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!!!

2008-09-05T17:08:31Z

At 11:05am 12 months ago, my daughter made her grand debut into this world.

And for my husband..."HE WAS RIGHT" I should have gone to the hospital instead of work. He will never let me live that down.

My daughter has been a marvel to watch grow over the year. She is the most mellow, happy baby. Which is a good contrast to her moody mom and brother.

She has 4 teeth on the top, 2 teeth on the bottom, and 2 more working their way in on top. She has just enough hair for 2 cute tails on the top of her head. She loves to be outside and trys to break away through the doggie door whenever no one is paying enough attention.

I love to kiss and hug on her. And thanks to her brother, she is a very TOUGH little girl. The two of them will probably be quite the force to reckon with when they are both in school together.

woo hoo...not as dumb as I thought I was

2008-09-04T14:58:26Z

Your result for The Commonly Confused Words Test...

English Genius

You scored 93% Beginner, 100% Intermediate, 87% Advanced, and 80% Expert!

You did so extremely well, even I can't find a word to describe your excellence! You have the uncommon intelligence necessary to understand things that most people don't. You have an extensive vocabulary, and you're not afraid to use it properly! Way to go!

Thank you so much for taking my test. I hope you enjoyed it!

For the complete Answer Key, visit my blog: http://shortredhead78.blogspot.com/.

Take The Commonly Confused Words Test at HelloQuizzy

A note to all my woman friends:

2008-08-15T19:41:00Z

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
enough money within her control to move out and rent a place of her own, even if she never wants to or needs to...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
something perfect to wear if the employer, or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...
a youth she's content to leave behind...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...
a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to retelling it in her old age....

WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...
a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...
one friend who always makes her laugh.. and one who lets her cry...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
a good piece
of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her
family...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...
eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, and a recipe for a meal, that will make her guests feel honored...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...
a feeling of control over her destiny..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW..
how to fall in love without losing herself..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to quit a job, break up with a lover, and confront a friend without;
ruining the friendship...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
when to try harder...and WHEN TO WALK AWAY...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that she can't change the length of her calves, the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents.

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that her childhood may not have been perfect...but it's over..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she would and wouldn't do for love or more...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW....
how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.. .
whom she can trust, whom she can't, and why she shouldn't take it personally...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
where to go... be it to her best friend's kitchen table.. or a charming Inn in the woods.... when her soul needs soothing...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW..
What she can and can't accomplish in a day...a month...and a year...
<\LJ-cut>

bunnyshan @ 2008-07-25T09:31:00

2008-07-25T15:32:19Z

AAUUUUUGGGGHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

That is all.

Songs for my kids...

2008-06-25T15:18:35Z

Now that I have kids, these songs just tug at my heart strings as they have so much more meaning now that I have pieces of my heart that will forever exist outside my own body.

For my dearest little boy...

Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd

Mama told me when I was young
Come sit beside me, my only son
And listen closely to what I say.
And if you do this
It will help you some sunny day.
Take your time... dont live too fast,
Troubles will come and they will pass.
Go find a woman and youll find love,
And dont forget son,
There is someone up above.

(chorus)
And be a simple kind of man.
Be something you love and understand.
Be a simple kind of man.
Wont you do this for me son,
If you can?

Forget your lust for the rich mans gold
All that you need is in your soul,
And you can do this if you try.
All that I want for you my son,
Is to be satisfied.

(chorus)

Boy, dont you worry... youll find yourself.
Follow you heart and nothing else.
And you can do this if you try.
All I want for you my son,
Is to be satisfied.

(chorus)

For my little miss..

Lee Ann Womack - I Hope You Dance

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat, but always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed

I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance,
I hope you dance, I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Livin' might mean takin' chances, but they're worth takin'
Lovin' might be a mistake but it's worth makin'
Don't let some hell bent heart leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out, reconsider
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance,
I hope you dance (time is a wheel in constant motion always)
I hope you dance (rolling us along)
I hope you dance (tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder)
I hope you dance (where those years have gone)

I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean,
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens,
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance,

dance, I hope you dance,
I hope you dance,(time is wheel in constant motion always)
I hope you dance(rolling us along)
I hope you dance (tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder)
I hope you dance (where those years have gone)
tell me dance who wants to look back on their years and wonder where those years have gone

For my kids who my love for them is greater than any universe

Little Wonders by Rob Thomas

Let it go
Let it roll right off your shoulder
Don't you know
The hardest part is over
Let it in
Let your clarity define you
In the end
You will only just remember how it feels

Our lives are made
In these small hours
These little wonders
These twists and turns of fate
Time falls away,
But these small hours
These small hours
Still remain

Let it slide
Let your troubles fall behind you
Let it shine,
Till you feel it all around you
And I don't mind
If it's me you need to turn to
We'll get by
It's the heart that really matters in the end

Our lives are made
In these small hours
These little wonders
These twists and turns of fate
Time falls away
But these small hours
These small hours
Still remain

All of my regret
Will wash away somehow
But I cannot forget
the way I feel right now

In these small hours
These little wonders
These twists and turns of fate
Yeah, these twisted turns of fate
Time falls away
Yeah, but these small hours,
These small hours
Still remain

Yeah, oh they still remain
These little wonders
All these twists and turns of fate
Time falls away
But these small hours
These little wonders
Still remain

Moving

2008-06-06T15:03:56Z

Okay, I like my new house, I HATE, no wait LOATHE moving. It is amazing the stuff you can accumulate over time, and stuff in crevices. I am surrounded by a sea of boxes and picking through them I cannot figure out why in the heck I kept it in the first place, but cannot think of a reason to pitch it now. What if I need it????

I am so tired, and sleep is eluding me most nights. I lay awake contemplating my mode of attack for the next day to try and get this refugee camp into a living home. sigh...

I hate moving.

On a good note, with the exception of the little tykes play places in the back yard, we are completely out of the old house and it is now ready to receive Matt, and tomorrow we help him move into his new digs in broomfield. Who needs a gym when you can move heavy things. ha ha

stressed

2008-05-30T15:24:25Z

So because I got talked into going to Vegas last weekend, yes mostly my fault for agreeing to it, we are so behind on getting ready for the move on Sunday.

I have a long list of crap that needs to be done, and not sure that it will get accomplished. sigh....where did all my time go??

2 hours and I am out of here

2008-05-23T16:06:58Z

2 hours and I will be on my way to nevada for a short vacation. I cannot wait.

Moving wearing on my son...

2008-05-15T15:09:43Z

The packing of the house and all the changes are really starting to wear on Quinn. Yesterday he got in REALLY big trouble with his aunty during the day as he choked his sister twice, and hit her really hard on the head. The closer we get to the moving date the more he acts out and is just more aggressive towards his sister and cousin.
This morning Quinn awoke as normal and asked for a poptart. I am a mean mom and forced him to pee first and grabbed his clothes to get him dressed and ready for school. The second I took his pj shirt off, he had a fall apart, threw himself on the floor, and cried real tears begging me to put his green shirt back on.

In hind sight I probably should have just let him wear his pj's to school, it looks just like a normal shirt and shorts just thinner. And it would have saved him the stress of changing clothes, and my frustration level, but no,I decided that fighting with him to get him undressed, and put clean underwear and clothes on was the correct course. A simple task that usually takes 10 seconds took 5-10 minutes with all the tears and screaming and temper fits thrown on the floor. Sigh...it is times like these that I wish would think things through and have the hind sight then instead of after all is said and done.

I just cannot wait until we are all done with packing and moving and Quinn has settled back into his life where he isn't so stressed out and wigged out about things. So that I can have my good little boy back. He can be such a love, but it is so hard to come home from work to find out how bad he was towards his sister and cousin. I feel guilty thinking if I could just be home with him instead of a working mom he would have an easier go at things.