{Major} Jaxen Update

Wow, seems like a long time since the last time I updated.  Just goes to show you how busy my life has become!  No one very said that raising kids was easy, and now I know why!  It's the most difficult yet rewarding job there is.  But I think I'm doing a pretty good job at it.  Although some days, my children would tell you differently!

Jaxen has gone through all his testing and we've had our meeting with the school district.  I finally have all the paperwork and results in hand so I can share with you all.  Sorry ahead of time if this is long, but they tested so many areas!

First off, I got the official diagnosis for Jaxen's sensory testing.  Jaxen does demonstrate sensory concerns. The tests showed that Jax is not overly sensitive to input from his environment.  He scored in the probable difference level in the low registration and sensation seeking areas.  Which indicate that he seeks sensations MORE than other children his age.  Children who are sensation seekers are active and continuously engage in their environment.  The often make noise all the time, fidget, rub or explore objects with their skin, chew on things, and wrap their body around furniture and people as away to increase input during tasks.  They may appear excitable or seem to lack consideration for safety while playing.  The low registration score indicates that Jaxen may be missing cues in his environment, especially in the auditory area.  This could be due to his constant need for movement and sensation seeking behaviors which do not allow him to notice more subtle things.  He scored in the probable difference levels in four out of nine areas overall.  These scores indicate that he is a definite sensory seeker. 

This means that once he starts school, Jaxen would be provided a sensory 'diet',  This 'diet' would provide him with scheduled, regular times when Jaxen would be guided to play in ways that would meet his sensory needs.  For example, his teacher could not take away recess for bad behavior.  And there could be times when Jaxen becomes a distraction in the classroom that a para would come and take Jaxen on a walk or engage him in an activity that would meet his sensory needs and enable him to return to class ready to focus on classwork.

Even though we did not report any hearing or vision concern, Jaxen was tested in both areas.  He passed a functional vision screening in both eyes.  He also passed both the Puretone Hearing Screening and Typanogram screening for hearing loss. 

For Speech and Language, our main area of concern, Jaxen was tested with three different tests:

The first test, Goldman-Fristoe Test of Articulation-2, assesses the child's ability to produce consonant sounds.  With an average score being 100, Jaxen scored a 69 with 63 errors.  This scores him at BELOW expectations for his age.  He could not produce all age appropriate sounds in at least one word context.  The errors that he made, should be correctly produced by the majority of 3-year-old children.  Jaxen's errors were substitutions and omissions of sounds.

The second test, Receptive-Expressive Emergent Language Scale-3, is a 132-item checklist that uses observational information reported by the parents to identify any major receptive or expressive language problems in infants and toddlers up to three years of age.  {This is the test that Jaxen took at 20-months old that scored him with an age equivalent of 10-months}  Again, with an average score of 100, Jaxen scored a Receptive Language Score of 83 with a Below Average Rating and an Expressive Language Score of 76 with a Poor Rating.  The total Language Ability Score for this test was a 75, putting him at an age equivalent of 21-months.  {He was 34-month-old at the time of testing.}

Receptively, Jaxen understands just about everything {it's not uncommon for this score to be below average} but expressively, Jaxen has some work to do.  He is unable to use a least 50 words, say at least two new words each week, use real words when something has happened to him, use words ending in with -ing, have definite beginning and ending sounds, use words when needing help with personal needs, tell you where something might be (in, by, on), and refer to more than one by adding (S) on the end of words.

The last speech and language test, was a Speech Sample.  This test identifies his sound errors.  A 3 year old should be about 75% intelligible to an unfamiliar listener.  Jaxen was judged to be about 50% intelligible.  This test also inspected Jaxen's oral structures and revealed no abnormalities that hinder speech production.  His mouth, tongue, lips were intact and symmetrical.  Jaxen demonstrated appropriate strength, range of motion, and accuracy of his oral musculature.  Which verifies his burn injuries are not the cause of his speech delay.  His scar tissue is not limiting his ability to produce sounds!

With a score of 100 being average, Jaxen scored a 108 for Cognitive and Intellectual Skills.  Which means even with the speech delay, Jaxen's IQ is ABOVE expectation for a 3 year old.  {We NEVER doubted his intelligence!  He is TOO smart for his own good!}

Academically, Jaxen was given a test called the DAYC (Developmental Assessment of Young Children), which is five sub-tests that measure cognitive, communication, social-emotional development, physical development, and adaptive behavior.  With an average score of 100, Jaxen scored an 84 with a below average rating. 

And finally, Jaxen scored a 120 in the area of social-emotional skills.

SO, after reviewing ALL this information, Jaxen meets criteria for Sound Systems Disorder - Articulation and/or Phonology.  The evaluation report documents the extent to which Jaxen's sound production is outside the limits of State designated normative data and addresses the adverse education impact of the child's sound system disorder.  The student is unintelligible to the unfamiliar listener and the team has determined that as a result of the disability the student requires special education.

So the good news is Jaxen will start speech classes at Cass-Midway in December.  He did not qualify for preschool services.  He is super smart and the ONLY thing is lacks is the speech and language.  Once his speech is caught up, all his other scores will improve also.  At this point there is no need to doubt that Jaxen won't be a caught up and ready to enter kindergarten on time.  He's got plenty of time and a lot of people in his corner.  We meet with Jaxen's 'Team' next week to put on paper a plan of action.  His team not only includes Jerry and I, but also the Elementary School Principal, Speech Teacher, Director of Special Services, and the Parents As Teachers Director. 

Checking In

Whew!  Things are getting a little crazy around here.  Every kid has something different going on and Jerry is getting to work a ton of overtime at work!  Which has been a total blessing, it couldn't have come at a better time.  But with him being gone an extra 2 days a week, it's been a struggle to rearrange my schedule and take all the kids to appointments that I didn't plan on taking them to.  But we are surviving, let's start with the youngest.

TYLER

Tyler's lead screening hasn't come back from the lab yet, I blame the government shutdown.  I think it's driving the nurses crazy, they keep calling me to tell me that it's still not back.  The rest of Jaxen's blood work came back and it wasn't perfect.  So little man must get his blood drawn again next week.  Tyler's white blood cells were elevated, which could mean something as simple as he was fighting some type of infection.  However, the scary part is that it could also mean something as horrible as leukemia.  So they want to recheck to verify the white blood cell count went back down to normal levels.  I'm not freaking out yet, because I honestly don't think anything is wrong with him.  He is a very healthy child.  But it's always nice to get the bad things ruled out completely.  So keep him in your thoughts because next Thursday or Friday is going to be a rough day for him.

Ty has finally added a few more teeth to the bottom jaw!  LOL, besides the two front teeth, Tyler just got his first set of molars.  It's quite funny how he has the front teeth, then molars but missing the ones in between on both the top and bottom.  I imagine teething has been the reason that he's been a total bear lately!

JAXEN

Since the last time we wrote, Jaxen has had his R.E.D meeting.  Basically, we had a meeting that went over everything we knew of Jaxen and determined if there was any addition information or testing needed.  He has about 3 - 4 more tests that need to be done to determine if he qualifies for services when he turns three.  It's all been a little overwhelming lately, he is doing so well and has come a long ways. . . I just hope he can continue to get additional services before he has to start school.  

Jaxen's tests are on November 1st at a Preschool in Belton.  Then two weeks later, November 15th, we find out if he qualifies for services beyond three years old.  Fingers crossed, I would love to see him continue on with at least Speech Therapy.

JACOB

This kid is going through some type of middle child phase. . . he has to be!  He's a mess. Crying about everything, getting angry about silly things, causing trouble just to cause it, and destroying things.  At first, I thought he was acting out because Jerry was gone more than he use to be {and I still do to a point} but now I think it's a boy/age thing.  The other little boy we watch after school is doing the same thing and driving his mom nuts, too!  I've really tried to make time for just Mom and Jacob activities and when Jerry's home he tried to include Jake in the "mainly" stuff.  Like tinkering in the garage.  I think he's just trying to find his place in the family.  He's not a baby anymore, he's a big kid. . . but he's not the oldest.

Jacob is doing really well in school, we have been having our issues on the bus.  And I'm afraid it won't be long until he gets an actual bad note sent home.  He doesn't see the bus as an extension of school, he see it as playtime with his buddies and that's getting him in trouble.  Jake is definitely a follower.

CHLOE

Little mama is doing good.  She's got her own thing going on most of the time.  With her is mostly Girl Scouts or the orthodontist.  She's doing great in school, really proud of her and the effort that she's putting towards her school work.  Third grade is suppose to be the harder transition.  And according to her midterm report card she's getting all A's and one B.  

It's been a while...

Whew, it's been a long time since my last update.  I am hopeing to have more time to update this blog now that I have an awesome phone that is blogger friendly.  Hopefully, now I will be able to update from anywhere... lucky you! :-)

Lots have been going on around here since the last post, and there it's no way that I can go back and catch you all up, so we will just pick up from here. 

A couple weeks ago, our family has started a new reading tradition.  We make sure to take time after dinner /before bed to sit and read a story out loud.  Jacob it's starting to read and with our help he is responsible for reading a paragraph, Chloe is responsible for a page and Jerry and I take turns as needed.  And I'm proud to say, as of tonight we have finished our first book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone.  It was so much fun reliving the wizarding world with the kids.  Jacob was hilarious when he finally figured out the Harry was a wizard!  It was fun listening to Chloe *guess* who was the bad guy.  She had everyone pegged as the bad guy, everyone except Professor Querral. Lol.

We are in the beginning phase of getting Jaxen transferred to the school district for his speech therapy.  Tomorrow is our transition meeting, where all our questions will be answered and new tests will be ordered to determine how far Jaxen has come and how much farther he needs to go.  I am exited for the new phase, but I do not want to say goodbye to our speech lady who has worked so hard to help us get Jaxen to where he is today!  Wish is luck tomorrow!

Jacob and Chloe are both doing well in school.  Jacob comes home with more redirects and gets in trouble a lot more than Chloe ever has, but truthfully nothing has been completely out of line.  And most of the boys get in just as much, if not more trouble. 

Tyler has finally found his voice.  It's a lot of baby talk and screaming to be heard but it's music to our ears.  He has yet to speak real words but I think it's coming.  I believe he is still behind but I know what we are doing now!

Heidi. Job. Stress.

Wow.  Where do I start? 

One of the main things keeping me from this blog for the last month has been my stress level with my pending employment.

Here's the story:
On May 1, 2012 because of a weight restriction I was forced to start maternity leave. At that time I was told by the HR Manager at DC 6065 that I would have a job when I returned to work, just not MY current position. I delivered my son on June 13, 2012, shortly after I received notification that my job was no longer job protected and on July 24, 2012 my position would be up for grabs.

On August 1, 2012, after getting a release to return to work on August 4, 2012, I went in and talked to the HR Manager who told me that I would have to apply on line to job positions in the DC and I could not return to work until I had a position. However, my old position had not been posted or filled yet. He said it could take up to a couple pay days to start working again. I received notice that I had until September 4, 2012 to find a position or else?!?! I have since applied for 9 different positions and have currently been turned down for all of them. I am at the end of my rope, I never thought it was going to take this long to find a position. I have been employed with Walmart for over 9 years.

I love working for Walmart and haven't had a single problem until now. I feel as though I am being punished for taking maternity leave. Had I known that nothing was guaranteed, I would have rethought or fought the early maternity leave. But I was told point blank that I would have a position when I came back. I never knew that I was going to have to reapply for jobs without a guarantee of position which could ultimately result in my termination from the company.

What is the next step? I have never had anything less than a meets or exceeds expectations on an evaluation. Do I just sit back and get fired for nothing? How can I get a position back within the DC? Surely I am qualified for any position Walmart has to offer - In the store level, I have worked as a sales floor associate, jewelry sales coordinator, layaway/service desk, money center/site2store, cashier, CSM, and Department Manager, and on the Distribution Center level I am a fork lift driver.

I love this company. With all the negative press and associates that just want to bad mouth our company, I stood behind it, welcomed change and embraced it. I am dedicated, strong, and positive associate. I'm not saying that I have bad days, but it never shows at work. I am a hard, independent worker. I take pride in this company, it's my company. Nothing has ever been handed to me and I worked hard to get where I've been and where I am currently within the company. I feel as though I am an asset to ANY facility and getting told that I could get terminated without any reason - is difficult to swallow.

It has been a super stressful time with all this uncertainty.  One thing was certain - I HAVE to have a job.  There is no way we could survive on one paycheck.  No way at all.  The fact is we are struggling now, things need payed, things need done.  Groceries or bills?  What do you pay first?  Arg!  It's been stressful.  We never thought I'd still be without a paycheck one month after I was able to return to work.  Even though the stress is there, Jerry and I have gotten everything taken care of.  When we think there is no way to get all the bills payed - we do.  When we think there is no way to stock up on groceries - we can.  When birthdays and school picture days come - everybody gets what they need.  I am so proud of Jerry and I - these days of struggling are hard and I can see how they pull marriages apart.  Jerry and I have taken life by the horns and pushed on.  Stress is there, all the time.  But the kids don't see it, it doesn't get in the way of life.  We went on living.  And I'm SO happy to say that it's paid off.  There isn't anyone else I'd like by my side though all of this.

 

After giving the DC a month to find me a position, Tuesday I put in a transfer request back to a store.  Basically, I'll take ANY position to keep me from termination.  After hearing nothing, I went to Raymore Walmart and found Shawn (co-mgr) and straight up asked if he had a position for me.  He laughed and playing said yes.  Then his jaw dropped and an evil grin crossed over his face when he realized I was serious.  He was like a kid Christmas morning.  After explaining to him that I had to have something by Tuesday or I'd be terminated for failure to return off LOA.  He said he'd put me in any position to keep that from happening.  But he had Department Manager positions opening up and he wanted to make sure that I'd still be able to qualify for them (normally there is a 6-month wait after accepting a position).

 

While I was there, the store manager returned from lunch and told me that the manager from Harrisonville Walmart called asking about me wanting to know if I'd be a good HBA Department Manager.  Of course, he said nothing but good things about me and then told him that he didn't want to share me and that Raymore wanted me back.  Now I haven't been officially offered the HBA Department Manager yet.  But Harrisonville is closer to home and a guaranteed Department Manager.  Both pros!!  However, Raymore pays more and can't offer me a department manager department manager yet.  There are some opening soon, just not opened yet.  Raymore did hint that it wouldn't be long before Departments came open and they are lacking in experience. 

 

So basically, I have a big decision to make.  I went from pending termination to more than one option!!  I think I'm leaning towards Raymore, even though they could only give me a cashier/sales floor position as of now, there are promises for department manager with more pay than Harrisonville.  And I KNOW, that if a kid has an appointment and needed to come in late/leave early they would let me.  I don't like shopping the Harrisonville store, the people are rude and the store is trash.  Even though it's closer and a Department Manager position, I'd be stuck for at least 6-months and I like Raymore so much better.  I have friends in Raymore, and Management is willing to take me back without a second thought.  And they'll reinstate me all my time in and pay if the DC does in fact terminate me.  Raymore is like home and I feel they have my back 100%.

 

Management was super excited and before it was all said and done I had 5 member's of management in there telling me not to worry.  No matter what the DC does come Tuesday, the store can reinstate me and give me a position.  So I am to enjoy my holiday weekend and we will figure it all out next week! 

 

Oh the stress - thanks for visiting but go away!  I am so thankful for everyone and their positive words to me.  I really have great friends and some wonderful angels looking over me.

This is how I juggle. . .

Just Imagine.  6:30pm.  Four kids hungry.  An 18-month-old screaming for attention.  An infant wanting to be held.  Dogs barking.  Phone ringing.  Total chaos.  One Mom.  Yup, that's my life!  What do I do?  Sit back and smile.  :-)

Pancakes for dinner.  It's quick.  It's easy.  Chloe and Jacob take Jaxen to the boys' room and play with him while I pack up Tyler in the sling and get busy in the kitchen. 

Come knocking on my door while Jerry's at work, around dinner time and this is what you will see:

I'm a baby wearing mommy, just trying to get things done.  What will you hear?  Screaming, Crying, Laughing, Giggling, Fighting.  Oh, the joys of motherhood just bounce off these walls!  :-)

And I count my blessings, that this little man -

. . . Can sleep right through it all.

Forgive the lack of updates. . . things get really, really crazy around here sometimes!

Sad News

For those of you that know my Godfather, Joe Irons.  This is the email that I received from him today.  Not sure if you guys knew what he was going through, but his email saddened me.

My mailing address is ************. How is everybody doing? Well I have been going to the Moffitt Cancer Center since Feb. I came down with Leukemia and I've have been getting kamor every 3 weeks. Than I get blood transfusion every once and a while. I go for a bone marrow transplant on the 15th of August, My baby brother Jeff was a 100% match and I got him flying down on the 30th of July. Well I'm getting tired I'm going to close----- Love ya Joe

I'm getting ready send him pictures of the kids.  If you have time, let him know you are thinking about him....
Love to all

I took out his address for privacy reasons, if you need his mailing or email address, let me know - I have both.

July - Photo A Day

This post will be updated daily - or as often as I can - for the month of July!

#1. Self Portrait -

Feeling pretty good!  At 24 days post pardem... 1st time that I tried my jeans on and they fit!!

#2. Busy -

Yeah... With an 18-month old and a newborn - it's always chaos!! 

#3. Best Part of Your Day -

Watching a sleeping baby... naptime means quite time in this house!

#4. Fun -

Kids cooling off in the swimming pool!

#5. On the Floor -

After a moment of eerie quiteness, I find Jax playing Hi-Ho-Cherry-O!!

#6. Chair -

Tyler isn't safe anywhere!! Jaxen can climb into Tyler's highchair by.him.self!

#7. Garden -

Jerry cutting down dead trees... my garden will be in that spot next summer!

#8. Lunch -

Mmm, Egg Salad Sammich!

#9. Big -

The baby bunnies are on the MOVE!!

10. Your Favorite Color -

Pics

Not too much is happening around here. . . just staying indoors and out of the heat wave.  We are getting to spend a lot of quality time together - cleaning house, getting ready for visitors this weekend!!



Jaxen, Mommy & Tyler

Jaxen and Tyler

Mommy & Tyler

Good night y'all!!

So Blessed

We are so blessed as a family to have so many people who care about us.  Nothing is going un-noticed - Jerry and I appreciate everything that everyone has done for or bought us. 

Today was an awesome day, it reminded me to count my blessings and be thankful for everything I have!  Not to mention, these simple acts of pure kindness made me feel really special --

How beautiful are these?!?!  These are the flowers that were delivered for Jerry and I from our friends at the Walmart Distribution Center! 

These alone brightened my day!  And if that wasn't more than enough - my wonderful neighbor, Nina and her husband brought us over some dinner and dessert - just because. 

I didn't get a "before" picture because we were so excited to eat it!  But here's the "after" picture of our dinner. . . Brisket, Baked Beans and Macaroni and Cheese!!

Followed by a delicious dessert!!  Everything was perfectly, mouth-watering, delicious!!  I am so thankful for our neighbors. . . especially after the 'you-know-what's' we had at the last place!!

1 week.

Whew!  I've only been home 6 days and it feels so much longer than that!!  I'm grateful that the time is going slowly verses super fast.  Tyler is such a blessing and an amazing baby.  He's pretty mouthy when he thinks he's starving but other than food being involved, he's an easy going kid. 

Since being home from the hospital it's been non-stop.  Of course, our new non-stop is a lot less than what it used to be without baby.  Tyler and I came home Saturday, June 16th after a quick trip into Walmart to get my prescriptions filled.  Because from that point on, at least for two weeks, it's everyone or no one when it comes to getting out of the house.  First off, I can't drive.  Which stinks.  Jerry has to be my taxi driver.  Second of all, I'm not suppose to lift anything weighing more than the baby,  Which means that leaving Jaxen with me is hard.  I can't pick him up.  I can't put him in his chair.  I can't really change his diaper - because he kicks.  I can't be the jungle gym that Jaxen wants me to be.  So either we all stay home or we pack up all 6 of us and head out.  And going out is exhausting!  :-)

Sunday, June 17th - Father's Day - we stayed home and relaxed.  I made my lists of everyone I have to call on Monday morning.  The farthest we went was outside.  The animals all needed a little TLC and the kids got to play and run around like crazy.  Jerry played t-ball with the older two while Jaxen did his own thing.  It was a nice evening outside with the family.  A family friend stopped by to see the baby and chat - she even brought us some Panara Soup and Bread for dinner. It was delicious!! 

Monday, June 18th - After calling everyone I needed to and filling up our schedule for the week.  We had to get everyone ready and get out the door.  Jerry and Tyler had doctors appointments.  Tyler's was his newborn checkup - to get him established at our doctor's office.  Mr. Tyler weighed in at 8 pounds 3 ounces and 20 inches long.  We have to bring him back next Monday because his color was a little off - not a huge deal, since he was early, but they want to make sure we don't have to run blood tests, especially if we don't have to.  Jerry's appointment was to get him vaccinated with the DTaP shot.  He's the only one in the household who is not vaccinated with that shot and there is a lot of whooping cough going around.  In order for him to get the shot, I had to get him established with the doctors office too.  So now, the only two not established with our new doctor is Jacob and I.

Grandma and Grandpa stopped by to see us.  They were out shopping for fireworks.  Kids were happy to see them.  After they left, we had another visit from a friend and another dinner delivered to us.  This time it was fried chicken with potato & macaroni salad.

Tuesday, June 19th - Not too much happened around here.  Jerry and Chloe took a good part of the day to volunteer at the KC Pet Project Animal Shelter.  They took our foster dog Begonia back so that she can get adopted and they came back with another round of foster dogs.  But because of their age, these foster dogs go back in a week to get adopted out, they just aren't old enough yet.

That evening we all got to watch Chloe's last ballgame of the season.  It was a lot of fun and she is already looking forward to next year!

Wednesday, June 20th - Tyler and I had an appointment at 10:30am in Harrisonville.  We under estimated the time that it would take to get everyone ready and in the car - and ended up being a little late to the appointment.  However, they weren't busy an were still able to see us right away and get us back out the door.

We went to the bank to deposit my check and to Walmart - had to fix some things that we were over charged for, pick up some baby formula for Tyler, and some thicker material for Jacob and Jaxen's bedroom curtains. . . we are tired of them getting up before 7am because the sun comes up!

On the way home, we stopped by the Distribution Center to verify Jerry is getting his pay for this pay period and to show off Mr. Tyler.  We got to see a few of Jerry's managers and the General Manager over the DC.  However, it was a quick visit because we needed to get home to feed the kids.

We got home with enough time to eat lunch and get naps in, then we were off to the ball fields for Chloe's Coach's Pitch Pictures.  Which I got to preview and they look awesome! :-)

Thursday, June 21st - Today we have done nothing!  It's been great. . . just bummed around the house.  Played outside.  Watched movies.  Relaxed.  = )

Friday, June 22nd - Tomorrow is cleaning day.  Our lovely neighbor has insisted in making us and bring us dinner tomorrow evening.  So what better excuse than that to have everyone help clean house!  There is plenty of vacuuming and laundry to do!!

No big plans for Saturday or Sunday - just bumming around the house getting things done.  It's suppose to be a hot weekend for us, so staying in the AC sounds good to me!!

It's A Boy!

Introducing Our Newest Addition!!

Tyler Grayson Daily

 

Born on Wednesday, 

June 13, 2012 at 3:32pm

8 pounds, 9 ounces

19 1/4 inches long

Stocking Up on sales!

What's a mom to do while sitting around bored on Maternity Leave?   Okay, maybe not exactly bored but I feel like I don't get anything accomplished during the day and that's frustrating.  I'm beginning to think I will have to work most of my life because I can't stand just sitting around.

Anyways, back to the point!  Our local grocery store has had some pretty awesome sales this week and of course, they are such good deals that they limit the quantity that you can get.  SO, I go into town everyday and hit the grocery store AND Walmart to double my amazing deals.  Here's what I've been able to get this week and I still have tomorrow to go for the sale!

Pepsi Products {12packs, 24oz 6-packs, or 12oz 8-packs} are currently 4/$10 with a limit of 4.  Which makes them $5.00 a case. . . currently, Walmart has the cases on sale for $5.98.  We buy Pepsi products basically every week, so it was a definite stock up!!  Just in this picture alone, I spent $47.50 and saved $45.41!  Not pictured is the 12pack in the frig, the two 24oz 6-packs, and the two 12oz 8-packs in the garage refrigerator.  {Which would bring  my total to spent $60 and saved $57.36!}

*And I know I will get 8 more 12packs tomorrow after Chloe's ballgame before the sales end!*

The 10.5 oz bags of Cheetos were on sale for $1.49 with a limit of 3.  So far we bought 6 bags of them at the grocery store, spent $8.94 and saved $12.

Not Pictured - Country Mart has Oscar Mayer Lunchables 10 for $10, which we comp-ed at Walmart {$1.58}, spending $20 and saving $11.60.

Not Pictured - Nabisco Chips Ahoy! Cookies are on sale for $1.49. {Now last week they were on sale for $1.99, so we had a couple packages of them already}  Chloe talked me into 6 more packages at the grocery store - spent $8.94 and saved $13.20.

Today, I walked into the grocery store with the kids and found the fruit snacks are also on sale today and tomorrow.  These packages of fruit snacks were $0.99 with a limit of 4.  And on top of it all - I had a couple of coupons for $1.00 off 2 packages.  So I spent $1.96 for all 4, saved $2 in coupons, and saved $7.84 in the store ad.

Grand Totals: SPENT $99.84 and SAVED $104! 

Now, I know that's not an "Extreme Coupon" episode - but I think I did pretty amazing this week.

I'm already looking forward to the new ads that start on Wednesday, hopefully they have some more deals that I can stock up on!

Spring Break

Friday, March 9th - Spring Break started out great!  Aunt Joanna and Uncle Caleb came down and took Chloe and Jacob to the movies. . . both of them loved watching The Lorax.  Mom, Dad and Jaxen had Subway for dinner.  It was a nice relaxing evening for us!

Saturday, March 10th - Mom & Dad worked.

Sunday, March 11th - {25 weeks} Mom & Dad worked. . . Daylight Savings Time was really hard on me and the kids.  Jerry lost an hour of work -- the rest of us lost an hour of sleep and when you are getting up at 2:30am you feel it!!

Monday, March 12th - Mom & Dad worked.  Girl Scouts turned 100!!

Tuesday, March 13th - Chloe had a dentist appointment in the morning.  She woke up complaining of a tummy ache.  Then a headache, then she didn't feel good. . . she was basically a nervous wreck.  I was too, but I didn't want her to be scared.  Her and I went to her appointment together, the boys all stayed home. . . didn't need them all scared of the dentist office.  Let me tell you, Chloe did WONDERFUL!  I couldn't believe that she let them pull her teeth without any numbing medication!  The dentist reached up and tried to wiggle them -- they weren't entirely ready to be pulled by hand so he grabbed the tool and *POP* *POP* just like that they were out.  She sat up and they put gauze in her mouth -- that's when she tasted the blood and got all bug eyed.  I couldn't help but laugh at her and tell her she was done.  The dentist told her that she did better than Daddy did -- she was floating on cloud 9!  = )

Chloe and I made a trip to Walmart before coming home to the boys.  We let Dad sleep until about 3pm and then we all headed to the bank and Uhaul to get a hitch put on my vehicle.  We ate at Applebee's for dinner before heading home. . . Kid's eat free on Tuesday nights!

Wednesday, March 14th - We all got up at 4am to head out for the day.  We went to Urbana to see Jerry's family.  It was a nice visit, just wish we had more time and seen them more often.  We looked at and bought a tractor while we there.

We headed for Warsaw for lunch and then turned in my Wedding Ring. . . getting the diamond replaced!  I can't wait to get it back in a couple weeks.

After our errands in Warsaw, we headed to Sedalia to see Amanda and Jeremy's house.  We spent the afternoon with them until Mom and Dad got out of work.  Then we headed to Walmart for S'more fixings and then to Cole Camp.

We had a wonderful evening with family, laughing, talking, and roasting marshmallows over a campfire!  Kid's played hard and were filthy by the time we packed up to leave.  We didn't get home and in bed until about 130am!  It was a long day!

Thursday, March 15th - Thursday morning we were woken early because Jerry's Grandpa and Grandma were here to deliver the tractor.  It was nice to see them again and it was nice to show off our new home.  I wish they would visit us more often. . . the kids loved being with them.

It was a little later than I would have liked, but we got the kids to Susan's house and to my doctor's appointment on time.  {See the post for my doctor's appointment #5 for the details}  Afterwards, we had some lunch -- needed real food after that glucose drink! -- and stopped in at Game Stop.

After we picked up the kids, we went looking for a new couch / love seat set for the living room.  Jerry and I disagreed about what we wanted . . . so we came home to think about it.   He wanted a *new matching set* -- really wanting to do something nice for me.  But I wanted a *new* inexpensive set. . . I didn't want to spend an arm and a leg on something that my kids might destroy in weeks!  In the end, we are both happy with what we got and I was able to get it at half the price of a real furniture store.  The couch and love seat are brand new and so soft!

Friday, March 16th - The nieces and nephews came over for the entire day!  9am - 10:30pm.  Susan and Bob needed some time together and they are always there to watch my kids when needed.  We had a lot of fun and they wore me out.  We painted bird houses, rode the tractor, played outside, played the XBox and put them all to work!  = )

I was able to make a trip to Walmart with Jaxen to get the things we needed for lunch and dinner.  When I got back, Jerry ran to town and rented a Uhaul trailer and picked up my couch and love seat.  Amber helped us move the new furniture in and the old couch down to the basement.  While we had the trailer we also moved the deep freezer from the garage to the basement.  And before turning the trailer back in, Jerry got the lumber and fencing he needed.  The trailer worked out nice and we got a ton accomplished -- even with 6 kids under foot!! 

Saturday, March 17th - St. Patrick's Day!  Jaxen turned 15 months old!  Mom & Dad worked.  I pulled a muscle on my side and spent all evening on the heating pad . . . hopefully, I can make it through the rest of the week.

Sunday, March 18th -

Update

Tuesday, February 14th - I got the opportunity to attend Chloe's Valentine's Party at school.  It's always nice to see her interacting with kids her own age and to see what she's like out in the big world. . . not under mom and dad's wing. 

Wednesday, February 15th - All around Girl Scout Day for me!!  Girl Scout Meeting from 3pm - 5pm.  Girl Scout Service Unit Meeting and Nuts/Magazine Training from 7pm - 9pm.

Thursday, February 16th - Doctor's Appointment - Update to come in a different post!

Friday, February 17th - Jerry, Jaxen and I got Jacob dropped off at school and headed to Warsaw to get our taxes done.  And let me just say, 3 kids - a new house - Jerry going to school, added to a pretty nice return from both federal and state!  :-)  We should be able to get a few things for the house and set a bunch aside for when the new baby gets here and I'm not working.  *Knock on Wood* This is the first year I can remember where we don't have something pressing with one of the vehicles. . . new transmission, roll-over accident, needing new car, etc.  Kind of nice to actually get the return and not HAVE to spend it so fast!

Jerry's sister picked up Jacob from school since we were running about 30 minutes later than we expected to.  Once we got home, Jerry was able to climb the tree and get Jasmine down.  Stupid Cat.

The boys and I got to enjoy the lovely weather while watching Daddy climb the tree.  I'm glad I got some pictures of Jaxen that day, because it wasn't until later that night when I realised he turned 14-months old!  Which means only 4 more months until new baby gets here.  *Ah! Freak out moment.*

I know the last two posts are backwards, but it made it easier for me to update it that way.  I could switch them, but I don't want anyone to miss all the updates.  Next update: Doctor's Appointment.

Saturday Picture Post

While the other two were at school on Thursday, Jaxen fell asleep on the couch.

 Jacob playing with his Tonka trucks outside on a gorgeous February day!

Jerry working on getting the fence posts up.

Jacob checking out the fence line.

He really seemed to know what he was doing. . . ;-)

Jacob showing off his super strength!

Looking at the dog park from the back porch!

Forget buying a fence stretcher. . . we have the redneck version - the Explorer!

Jerry and Jacob working together, the dog doesn't like the looks of this. . .

Father / Son Moment. . . ♥

Once she got home from school, Chloe helped out too!

Jaxen checking out his spot at the kids table.

However, he would rather stand on the chair.

Our Sun Room. 

Our dining room table. . . room for everyone!

Jaxen can even join us at the dinner table, instead of his high chair.

Chloe and Jaxen, enjoying our first dinner on the new table - KFC.  =)

Jacob likes his new spot. . . it's booster free!