That Teacher Should be FIRED

God help me-and especially the teacher-if this ever happens to my kid.
My nasty temper will show itself, and I will not have much interest in holding back.

Kindergartner Sent Home with Bag of Feces

The father says his son arrived home with the plastic bag of feces and a sticky note that read "This little turd was found on the floor in my room." The teacher has not returned calls seeking comment.
The father says his son spends part of the school day in a special needs class and part in kindergarten.

Knowing this child has some special needs, the teacher was especially wrong for this. I feel so badly for this kid, and so angry with this teacher and the district letting said teacher hold his/her job.

Even if this child was not involved with special needs, he is only in kindergarten! Kids have bathroom-related accidents. It happens. And it is not our job, as teachers, to embarrass them or make them feel ashamed, etc.

Seriously, what was this teacher thinking?!

Yes, it's an inconvenience to have that mess, odor, and everything else it entails. But it is far worse to potentially hurt a child in that manner.

If my kid did this at home, I'd be more upset. At home you have the freedom to use the bathroom as needed. You are in the comfort of your own home. It is your bathroom.

School? Not so much.

I swear....Lord help me if something like this happens to Aidan in kindergarten. My big mouth will make quite the stink.

Wordless Wednesday: Newly Baptized

Us with Pat's sister & husband, and their 3rd child (also our godchild)

TAG! I'm It~Crazy Eights Edition

Thanks to Billie for the tag. :)

Here's the rules--mention the person that tagged you. Complete the lists of 8's. Tag 8 of your wonderful blogger friends. Go tell them you tagged them!

8 Things I Am Looking Forward To:
1. My parents' visit next month
2. Aidan's preschool graduation on May 20th, even though I know I'll cry like a baby
3. Getting back to my goal weight
4. Patrick being done with this beast of a class-one week until his final!
5. Grilling out more
6. Improving our house
7. Getting the boys a new playset
8. A possible job

8 Things I Did Yesterday:
1. Went to a Graduation party-congrats again, Dominic & Amanda!
2. Went to Mass
3. Ate a muffin I shouldn't have, but it was delicious
4. Took the boys to the park
5. Visited my sister-in-law's house
6. Drove through the airport so the boys could see the airplanes
7. Drove from MI to OH
8. Folded laundry and unpacked

8 Things I Wish I Could Do:
1. Forget I love chocolate
2. Play the violin
3. Play the piano
4. Win the lottery
5. Pay for Aidan's kindergarten tuition upfront, in full
6. Be super organized and disciplined
7. Be fluent in another language and ASL
8. Be a contestant on Dancing with the Stars

8 Shows I Watch:
1. Dancing with the Stars
2. American Idol
3. CSI: NY
4. Law & Order: SVU
5. 90210
6. The Amazing Race
7. Cold Case
8. Man Vs. Food

8 People I Tag:
1. Amanda
2. Andrea
3. Sue
4. GREG (since he says he's on blog strike no more)
5. Tara
6. Amy
7. Bethany
8. Lynette

Let me know if you play along so I can check out your post!

TGIF!!!

Yes! Friday is here!!!
And a beautiful Friday. We already hit the park this morning. We're supposed to see sunny & 81 today, and it's looking like the meteorologists are actually correct this time. ;)

We have a busy weekend ahead of us, with our godson's Baptism tomorrow, and then Sunday a graduation party for a good friend of ours. We'll be in Michigan all weekend, minus tonight. Tonight I think Pat will do some studying (his final is in 2 weeks...say some prayers), and then maybe we'll watch a movie or something. At least I hope.

So la-tee-da....how was your week?

My week was mixed. I was all set with a good menu plan & exercise routine in mind, but we had rain earlier in the week, and then money became very tight. Being broke always puts me in a bad mood, bringing on the pessimist within me.

Despite all of that, though, it was a decent week:
-Brennan went on the potty for the 1st time!!! He's been sitting on it, but this is the first he actually went. Of course it squirted mostly on me, but hey, he's catching on.
-I got in some good exercise. Never mind bugs flying into my eye.
-Speaking of exercise, as much as I can't stand The Pussycat Dolls, I really like playing this song while I walk. It's good get-moving music!
-Aidan had so much fun playing with all of his new toys this week. His birthday party was a hit, and the parents gave many compliments this week. I'm glad everyone had a good time!

-I was pleased with American Idol this week. Lil Rounds is talented, but it was time for her to go home. As far as I am concerned, it was overdue for Anoop.
-Dancing with the Stars~it cracked me up & amused me seeing Edyta actually wearing clothes! I love how her partner joked that she's allergic to clothes. Excellent.

-I watched the movie Made of Honor, starring Patrick Dempsey. It was better than I was expecting, yet what you would expect. Every once in a while a girl just needs a good chick flick, right?
-Speaking of Patrick Dempsey, I liked Grey's Anatomy this week. It was nice to actually see McDreamy and McSteamy getting along.

Now, can I bug you all with a request?
Could you please say some prayers that it will all work out financially for us to send Aidan to our parish school? It's humbling to ask, but I don't care.
My husband is already balancing two jobs, I applied with 4 stores this week, and there is not much else we can do right now. So if you think of it, please say a prayer that we can make this work. While I know our public schools are good, I truly feel what's best for Aidan is to go to our parish school.

So tell me your weekend plans!
Will you get outside to enjoy this nice weather?

Happy Friday!!

Wordless Wednesday: BATMAN!

Party Time!

For Aidan's 5th birthday, we let him have a "big" party. For the first time, he invited his entire class and a few other friends. He was so excited! We explained that this isn't something we're going to do every year (hello expensive!), but for milestones and such, yes. Every once in while. ;) It was worth it.
We had a good turn out, and people were so kind towards Aidan. He got some pretty cool gifts!
The party was on Brennan's birthday, but let me assure you...Brennan had a blast! Everything he loves in one place: running around, slides, swings, cars, and a train table. Not to mention cupcakes...
There are too many pictures to share them all, but here are some to give you an idea of how the party was:

On our way! We had so many balloons you couldn't even see out the back window

Party room!

Another view of the decorations
yet another...
I was excited about this one. On clearance for $2. Awesome, huh?
Birthday cupcakes Ready to blow out the candle
Opening presents! Somehow the kids got off their shoes and socks Attempt at a group photo
This one cracks me up. Hilarious experience, really.
Aidan climbing the slide w/ one of his "girlfriends" Pat was a big hit riding his unicycle around Brennan trying to decide...attempt the climbing wall, or swing?
Fun on the tire swing! I loved those as a kid
Brennan going down a slide head-first
Aidan! Good-bye! Thanks for coming!

Menu Plan Monday--April 20, 2009

Good Morning! I'm a little late getting my menu up, but that's from an exhausting Sunday. It was my baby's 2nd birthday, as well as my 5 year old's birthday party (since his actual b-day fell on Easter this year). It was Church, lunch, pick up balloons, pick up cake, home, get ready, go go go!!! I extend special thanks to the Barefoot wine company for making a good Pinot Grigio. ;)

Monday: Parmesan Chicken, green beans, bread rolls
Tuesday: Southwestern Pie
Wednesday: Oven Ranch Chicken, Baked Beans, Potatoes?, raw veggies
Thursday: Ranchero Burgers on the grill, fruit & veggies
Friday: Bean Burritos

You can see hundreds of menu plans over at I'm an Organizing Junkie. Thanks for stopping by!

My Baby Boy is TWO!

It seems like just yesterday I was with him like this:
and today I am chasing him around every second he seizes.

Brennan, especially, felt like a miracle when he was born. He was the baby after my miscarriage, and I had a very rough pregnancy with him (mentally, as well as kidney stones).
He is such a blessing! He and Aidan absolutely adore each other, and watching the two play, it is such a gift.

Brennan cracks us up consistently.
He is stubborn, strong-willed, and yells for what he wants. He is independent.
He loves his crib, M&Ms, chocolate chip cookies, bananas, and a sippy cup of water at night in his crib with him.
Trains are a favorite, along with Roary the Racing Car, beep-beeps, and playing outside.

He still has those stunning blue eyes, white-blond hair, and smiles up a storm.

Happy Birthday, Brennan James!
You have added so much joy to our lives!! We love you so much!!!

It's Saturday!!!

Woo-hoo!!! The best part of the weekend is here!

This is one of those random thoughts posts, alright?

~Yesterday was excruciating. I had scheduled both of the boys' annual well visits/Aidan's kindergarten physical for 9:10 with our family doctor (fully switching over from the pediatrician).
We do our part and get there on time. Now I understand waiting a few minutes, as in maybe 10. But oh no! We were not called until almost 9:40!!! Ah!! It is NOT easy being in a small waiting room for 30 minutes-a crowded waiting room at that-with 2 little people 5 & under. No.
I am sure there are people out there who do it all the time, probably w/ more kids and even younger, but I am so not that person. It was difficult, and they had lost all interest in sitting still by the time we actually got back to the doctor's room.
I really don't blame them, but it was still frustrating.

Their check-ups went well. I really like this doctor, thankfully. Aidan has come a long way from being a toddler, where he was always on the bottom of the percentiles for weight. He is now in the top for his height (big surprise....Daddy is 6'3). His weight is normal, too.

Not to much of a surprise, the doctor referred us to an allergist for Aidan. I have to call back on Monday.
It's what I expected (the allergy issue), but it's perplexing to me because we've done so much of what they say is "right". You know, I limited his formula-intake by breastfeeding most, there has never been smoking in our home, no pets, we eat a decently healthy diet...
I just wonder if there was something I missed. I know genes are a big factor, too. I guess I wonder what good a lot of what I did has done.

~The doctor's was exhausting enough. We came home for lunch and potential down time.
Joke is on me!! HA!!
My boys, after proclaiming how exhausted they were, did not nap. Neither of them. I swear they planned it.

~3rd appointment coming up. I then had to round them for more time in the car, making it to Aidan's 2:00 Speech appointment. We love his Speech teacher. It was horrible trying to occupy Brennan in this tiny waiting room, again. He was screaming and I was gritting my teeth.
(Aidan goes in solo for this).
When I did chat w/ the teacher, she told me how Aidan told her that he is the real Batman, and that if she was ever falling out of a window, he would save her because he IS the real Batman. LOL!! I love it. You could tell she did, too.

I was beyond exhausted from my outings w/ the boys yesterday. I am grateful for my husband, because he ducked out of a work a little early yesterday. He wound up giving me some solo time, taking the boys to the park. I was able to eat in peace, started watching Made of Honor, then went for a good power walk. I am sore today, but it feels good.

-Lastly, bring on the bravery!
I go for my Weight Watchers weigh-in today. I am nervous. I busted my booty last week, and I gained a pound. Not fair!! I walked nearly 12 miles last week, drank about 5 bottles of water each day, and ate well. Only to gain a pound. It ruined my week. If I have another gain, I swear I will quit and eat an entire gallon of ice cream myself.

My other bravery call is for Aidan's birthday party. It's tomorrow! It's mostly for his school friends and a few other friends (not a family party). I am excited, but nervous to be hosting.
Tomorrow is also Brennan's 2nd birthday! My "baby" being 2 is kind of giving me mild baby fever. But we'll see...

I hope you all have a great weekend!! Enjoy the nice weather!

Wordless Wednesday: Thanks Aunt Erin & Uncle John!

And Sebastian, P, and Addie! :)

Pictoral Review: Aidan's Birthday!

Aidan's birthday happened to fall on Easter this year, so there was a mixture of birthday stuff and Easter bunny visits!

I love my little man. :)
Here are some pictures of his birthday/Easter:

Enjoying his b-day dinner at Wendy's, his choice

Birthday morning! He got a soccer goal from us

Aidan w/ his cousin, Michelle
Batman cake, courtesy of Aunt Kely (thanks again!)
MMMM! Enjoying his cake
Present time!
Aidan & cousin Mercy
Aidan was thrilled to be able to hold his cousin/godbrother, Luciano

Birth Control Pills Linked to Lupus

Read the article here.

Suissa's team found that oral contraceptives were associated with a 1.5-fold increased risk of developing lupus. The risk was greatest during the first three months after starting "the Pill" -- when there was a 2.5-fold increased risk.The researchers speculated that increased estrogen from oral contraceptives could be responsible for the increased risk. Estrogen can affect the body's immune response, which could trigger a genetic predisposition to the disease, the scientists said.

And here is my plug, albeit annoying to some:

Natural Family Planning!!

NFP is not just beneficial for Catholics or religious folk.
NFP offers so many health benefits, especially a deeper knowledge and understanding of your body. In fact, that is the primary reason I prefer NFP. Probably it should be religious reasons, but in fact it's the health aspect of it.

Not to mention that NFP, in all of its various forms, has come such a long way. It is so much more reliable today than in years past, and there are so many materials out there to make it more user-friendly, even if you have an irregular cycle.

Voila!
Click here to see the many different methods of NFP.

FIVE!!!

I can't believe Aidan is 5!
I worked on this video all day Saturday. It's long (12 mins), maybe unnecessary, but I wanted to do it for me. I'm sharing it, yet I don't expect you to watch it all (again, 12 mins long).
I wanted it saved in my own special here, my blog.

I'll post pictures later from his birthday, but for now let me just say that I am so proud of Aidan. He truly is an amazing kid with a heart of gold. I love him so much, and God really blessed us with him. He has made the past 5 years of my life the best 5 years.

Here's to you, kid!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Menu Plan Monday--April 13, 2009

Monday: Crockpot Chicken & Potatoes
Tuesday: Honey-Mustard Pork, green beans
Wednesday: Pita Pizzas
Thursday: Oven-Fried Honey Chicken
Friday: Black Bean Soup w/ tortilla chips

Happy Birthday to Michelle!

Happy Birthday, Michelle!

Another family birthday. :)
Today is my niece's 8th birthday(8, right?).

She is one of Aidan's favorite people, and we do hope to see her soon.

Her birth was kind of complicated, but we are so grateful she is here, and same for Liz, too! (her mom).
Have a wonderful day!
We love you!!

It's Nivek's Birthday!!

Happy Birthday to Nivek,

otherwise known as Kevin!!

Kevin is my 2nd oldest brother, now 45 years old, I think. He's currently living in California and we don't see him nearly enough.

Kevin is unique. He is unbelievably smart, resourceful, and his survival skills enable him to outdo the common person, in my opinion.
He is a protective brother and fun uncle. I miss him and wish my kids knew him better.

Kevin is also schizophrenic.
To a lot of people this means they won't get to know him better. To many, it means they can't see past that word....that label. "Schizophrenic". Yes, he is mentally ill. But he is also one of the most normal people I know, in different ways.

He is honest to a fault, his memory is impeccable, and his heart is golden.
It's unfortunate that he struggles with this illness, as it does prevent him from living what most of us would consider a "normal" life.

However, Kevin is such a gift. He has taught us so much.

Kevin was diagnosed right around the time I was born. He was 17. Since I was a newborn, I have known him no differently. I don't have the memories of him growing up, or of his childhood like some of my siblings do. My older siblings may remember him before he started to "change".

What's amazing, though, is that Kevin has taught me that you love someone know matter what. Regardless of illness or disability, you love them. Especially if you are from the same family.
Kevin, through his life, has taught me that the generosity of others can truly save a life.
The generosity of others, as in complete strangers, providing him with food/shelter, has saved him time & again.

I know God makes no mistake, and Kevin was put on this earth for a reason.
He is my brother and I love him.
Happy Birthday, Kevin! I hope you have a great day!

Wordless Wednesday: Almost FIVE!

From that sweet little baby...seems like it was yesterday

to the present...


Is my firstborn really going to be 5 on Sunday?!

Happy Birthday to Crystal!!

It was a blast celebrating Crystal's 28th on Saturday night!
Not so much Sunday morning...the price of a girls' night out, I suppose. ;)

Today is Crystal's actual birthday, but Saturday night we headed out to a Mexican restaurant, filled ourselves silly with some margaritas, then even blessed the ears of the other guests and sang some karaoke. (and I swore I would never do karaoke...fortunately I wasn't up there solo. NEVER will I go solo!)

Crystal wanted something non-embarrassing & low-key, so we made sure there were plenty of balloons, accessories (like candy bracelet, sunglasses, leis), Happy Birthday Sombrero crowning...you know, nothing to embarrass the birthday girl.

The food was good, the drinks were better, and the company was great. We had such a fun time!

Thanks for the invite, Crystal!
I hope you have a wonderful birthday, and a great 28th year! :)

The rest of you, stop by her blog and wish her a Happy Birthday!

Menu Plan Monday--April 6, 2009

Monday: Angel Hair Pasta Chicken

Tuesday: Tropical Black Beans & Rice

Wednesday: Meatloaf Muffins, potatoes, green beans

Thursday: Crockpot? (maybe beef stroganoff)
Friday: Pita Pizzas

Check out Laura's site for MPM participants.