How?

How can my heart feel so full of love, but empty at the same time? I just ache to help a loved one thats going through a difficult time.

What?

I've had a hearing loss for over a month now. It started shortly after the mucus nastiness. I thought I had fluid in my ear, but a trip to the doctor showed otherwise. Apparently, my eustachian tubes are plugged with mucus. The treatment was Mucinex-D and Nasonex (2 sprays 2x a day). I have finished 2 boxes of Mucinex-D and a bottle of nasonex and still can't hear out of my left ear. I'm very glad to have my right ear hearing again, but I'd really like to hear out of both my ears. picky, picky, I know. Any suggestions- I'm all ears.

therapy

Due to some asinine issues with our pharmaceutical insurance my meds didn't get here when they were supposed to. Ergo, I went a week without my antidepressants. Not good. I guess when things are going good, you kinda forget how bad things were that led you to get help and start therapy and so going without it doesn't seem like such a big deal. And it is. a big deal.

I was crying on the phone with a complete stranger over the shipping date of my medicine. And that wasn't the worst part. *Sigh*
Thank goodness for on-call doctors that respond quickly and recognize the urgency in situations.

I'm much better. And this will never happen again.

new method

potty training wesley has been extremely frustrating. But the biggest thing is I haven't been consistent. Since I'm trying to organize myself and get an order to things around here I'm giving it a go again. Wesley is definitely old enough and mature enough to be out of diapers. We're going to work as a team this time. His job is to listen to his body and tell me. My job is to get him to a potty and remind him to listen to his body. I even have a potty that will travel in the car until we nail this skill. Pray for us.

fyi

it's official. no more pregnancies.

a little vasectomy humor

Healthcare issue

I think what bothers me the most about this healthcare scam is that, if this was in use last august, I would've been blind or dead before I got the care I needed.

Like this Mother in England.

bedtime woes

Josie has done great without the paci. She cried for 2 minutes at naptime and whimpered at bedtime, but hasn't asked for it since the first day without it. However, she still having a hard time staying in bed. She's so tired, but she won't stay still long enough to fall asleep at naptime or bedtime. I have to end up sitting in the room, but that only keeps her in bed. She'll still toss and turn for an hour before passing out.

Any Suggestions on how to keep her in her bed and help her develop good habits for falling asleep easier?????

so far this year

After feeling gypped of our 2 weeks of Ben at home (recuperating from the 1 inch hole the Dr. cut into the back of his neck for an infection), we had record lows in our area at the same time our heater stopped working. We were able to get the home warranty people to call someone out here to check it out, but since it was the weekend they couldn't get the part until Wednesday. Pam lent us 2 space heaters and after tripping a couple breakers, realized we have a screwy wiring set-up in our house. Unplugging the washer outside & running an extension cord through the old doggy door, we were finally able to get them both working and keep the house warm & toasty.

The day after the heater was fixed the water heater stopped working. Are you laughing yet? Called the gas company and for only $100 they could give us a new 50 gallon water heater, install it, and fix the piping/venting necessary(we had a 30 gallon tank) and they were able to come over that day. So awesome!

As they left, the water heater guys informed me that my main water line was now leaking, but they couldn't get my water turned off, so I'd need to fix that soon. I wrote down what they said I needed to buy and what to replace. Ben got Pa-pa Joe to come over and the two of them got it all taken care of - after the water company came out to turn off the water (the shutoff valve was seriously stuck).

So after that trying week, we have a much better outlook over here. We are very grateful for the modern conveniences we are blessed with and now know we can make it through imperfect times as a family.

Zoey

When Ben & I started dating I was working at a vet clinic. It was one of my favorite jobs because I got to work in the kennel with all the animals and didn't have to adopt any. However, one day before closing some kids brought in a kitten they found in the woods and I ended up taking it home for my Mom, since her cats were seriously old. The kitten had other plans and attached herself to Ben and would come running everyday when he came to see me. Accepting this was his cat, he named her Zoey. She even moved into the apartment with Ben before I did. She always preferred Ben over me and if we were sitting together she would only sit on the opposite side of him, never between us. Once we bought the wrong cat food and she informed us by dumping over the bowl. We didn't want to waste the new bag, so we mixed it in with the correct food. That sassy cat dumped the bowl over and picked the correct pieces out of the food. She definitely helped prepare us for some of the frustrations of parenting.She was a very gentle cat and never hissed or growled even to dogs or other cats. Once she reached adulthood she quickly became known as Fat Cat and would respond to Fatty as well. When Carlise was born she weighed 10 lbs. 4 oz. and Zoey still outweighed her. In fact, Carlise was 3 months old before she outweighed Fat Cat. Zoey enjoyed being around all the children especially if she could tease them. All 3 children started crawling because Zoey would sit just out of reach and when they moved close enough to grab a fistful of fur, she moved again just out of reach. She would play this game for 30 minutes and keep the baby crawling. But she also lovingly endured much abuse from the curious babies.Over the last year, we saw her health decline and slowly lose her Fatty status. She stopped socializing and couldn't jump up on our bed. The day after I was discharged from the hospital this last time I set up a vet appointment. Ben took her and we were informed she was severely jaundiced and was dying. We don't believe in making animals money pits and declined blood tests/treatment since no treatment would return her to her former self. She was 7 years old, disoriented at times, would still purr if I petted her, and wasn't crying in pain. We decided to make her as comfortable as we would and let nature take its course. On September 13th she passed away in a stupid hot pink pet bed that she always refused to be in. Even in her disoriented state, she would almost bolt out of it. But it ended up being her choice for her final moments.
Even though she was a pet, she was still an important member of our family and it's kind of hard to lose someone that you've had longer than your marriage. Sometimes Ben & I will call for her or think she is by our feet before we remember.

And we're horrible parents because we still haven't told the children! Don't you either!!

among other things

I've been sick this week, so if you call & it sounds like a man other then Ben answers- keep talking, it's just me. Coughing is wreaking havoc on my vocal cords right now.

I've felt like the world's worst mother this week. I normally refuse to get in a pool with all 3 kids by myself just due to safety concerns. But I braved it (with my insta babysitter neice Leighann) and went to an in-laws pool for swim day on Wednesday. Carlise ended up getting a 2nd degree sunburn. I did use sunscreen, but forgot to re-apply after drying her off for a snack & more swimming. I think it looks worse simply because she has porcelain white skin. I'm very grateful for Silvadene cream (Thank you Mom!!!!). But I still hate that it happened & due to my stupidity. Poor kid.

Oh, and I finally posted something on my private blog.

the sickies

We've all been sick around here pretty much since Carlise's Princess Party on the 13th. I'm really tired of EVERYONE being sick, ok so the dog isn't sick. I can even deal with all 3 kids being sick at once or one of us being sick w/ all kids healthy, but this is miserable. Finally took the kids to the dr today and got them a z-pack because apparently Carlise has a double ear infection, Wesley's left ear is infected & Josie's right ear is infected. So after dropping $75 today just on medical, I better start seeing some improvements around here soon. I need my smiling babies back! They make everything better. =]

post-it notes

Josie is getting bigger everyday. She learned a new word this week: Wal-Mart.

Wesley has finally given up the paci & is interested in using the potty.

Carlise is the ring leader & tries to keep the young ones in check. of course there are good & bad sides to this. They repeat everything she tells them to repeat & tend to play whatever game she wants. And I have found her on occassion trying to throw her weight around - literally.

not the baby

i was running my fingers through Josie's hair in the back when she reached her hand back, pulled mine, and told me, "No." It's the first time she's said no, and I think I felt my heart ache a little.

Cleaning Yet Again

I feel like we've been cleaning non-stop for a month. Cleaned the new house to move in, cleaned the old house when we moved out, did the yard work at the old house, and lately we've been doing the yard work at this house. We had 3 years worth of leaves that had to be cleaned up. We had to take care of the leaves so we can take care of the fence. Once we get the fence done then I can work on pretty things like flowers.

Arrrgh!

My. computer. is. dead.

Moving

Moving Sucks! ya'll know what I'm talking about. and well we discovered this time that it's even worse with little kids.

We are officially moved out of the old house and in our new place. It took a total of 2 weeks to get the new property cleaned out, painted, and ready to move-in and get everything out of the other home. Ben took a few days off work last week and for the most part we've been able to get everything done by ourselves.

Thank yous go out to Momma Pam, Aubrey, & George (& Brian!) for helping us with watching kids & painting. Very appreciated, especially the child care!

We still have to finish painting the trim in the master bedroom, paint the master bath, touch up paint around the house, pressure wash the exterior, mow & weed-eat the lawns, sand & stain the front door, gloss the wood cabinet doors, wax the kitchen floor, & replace the carpet in the entire house.

The biggest thing though is we must find Yoda a new home. Anyone interested in adopting him?

How to Break a WoW addiction

This game is having a negative affect with the marriage of way too many couples that we know. So because we do love them and want them to stay together. I figured I'd post it here for all.

How to Break a World of Warcraft Addiction

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

The definition of "addiction" is the state of being enslaved by something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming(such as narcotics or gambling), to such an extent that to discontinue the habit or practice can lead to severe trauma. In other words, you love something so much that you have developed a habit of using it or playing it to such an extent that not doing so leaves you feeling cranky or nervous, and you are becoming disinterested in other areas of life.
Some experts believe World of Warcraft can be "addictive". Here's a way to break your WoW "addiction."

Steps

1. Admit you have a problem. This may be hard, but accepting that Warcraft has taken over your life is the initial step into overcoming your addiction.
   
2. Consider the following: Imagine the day that you first bought the game. If you knew everything you do now, would you still have bought it? Now the follow up question: Imagine yourself in two years, still playing WoW, looking back on today when you are making the decision to quit or keep playing. How do you feel about your decision to continue?
   
3. Find out what has caused your addiction. What makes World of Warcraft so appealing to you? Is it the fact that it has different continents that you will never go to? Is it the fighting? Is it your "unique" role as a tank or a mage? Is it the happiness of 'pwning noobs'? Whatever it is, try to minimize this happiness in WoW, and make it a pleasure that you could also get in every day life.
   
   • Take a martial arts class. Kick some real ass. Crit in real life. Many gamers are very interested in the martial arts, but never study it. Take up some sort of martial art that is similar to your character in WoW. For example, if you use a sword in the game, then take up fencing, Kendo, or SCA fighting. Your sword skill goes up much faster in real life.
     
   • Read. Novels have just as much excitement and adventure as WoW, but you can expand other skills -- such as critical thinking and vocabulary -- in addition to those that interactive storytelling and game play will build. Try to equip gear that increases your reading ability (Such as monocles), this will increase your WPS (Words Per Second).
     
   • Play a less time consuming video game with all of the rewarding feelings of WoW.
     
   • Do live action RP (LARP), especially if you were from a RP server.
     
   
   
4. Burn yourself out by finding the ways to cheat at World of Warcraft. Find a private server to play on, with ultra fast leveling/gold. Cheating through the entire game in an hour will get you burnt out very, very quickly. #Make it a joint effort. Believe it or not, many people play World of Warcraft simply because their friends play it, and they find it enjoyable to spend time with them in WoW. If this is the case, then convince your friends to stop playing (with these steps, if needed), or even better, find another game to play. Otherwise, explain to your friends and family what you're doing, and ask them to help you stay on track. When you can't trust yourself to keep away from WoW, you have to trust someone else to stop you.
   
5. Set up parental controls for yourself. Make it so your play-time is limited, and use a complicated password that you are sure to quickly forget. Or, ask a friend or family member to set the parental controls with a password you don't know.
   
6. Schedule other activities with your free time, so you won't have time to play WoW. One of the most effective way is to get a part time job and book every free time you have to work. Hang out with your friends, play basketball, engage in extra curricular activities at school (such as clubs or sport teams) or volunteer. The important thing is that they keep you outside of your home, away from your computer. You can find that there are many things that are just as exciting as playing WoW. Remember, your "guild" online is no substitute for the company of real friends.
   
7. Give away your bags and gold (don't mail them to an alt) and delete your character.
   
8. Sell your account. There are many players and lazy people out there, willing to pay for an existing account. This is a great way to stop playing, because then someone else takes your character, and you won't be able to control it any longer. This is a nice way to quit, but not stop addiction.
   
9. Beat the game. When all else fails, play until you reach the highest level possible. Many players get to the maximum level (at least until Blizzard releases another add-on pack) then look back and realize with disappointment that they've been following what is known by many gamers as the 'role-playing game grind', or the extremely repetitive and ultimately fruitless efforts of gaining gold, levels, and experience. Because when it's all said and done, a dead man's possessions are not important; it's the memories that count. So go out and make your own, now, in the real world.
   
10. Do activities that are productive in the real world but allow you to have the same satisfaction of leveling up like getting fit, learning to cook, succeeding in school courses. Get your artisan cooking level, first aid, and fishing skills up in real life. Maybe you can find something useful to do. Also, try smokes almonds. Next time you wanna play a paladin, try some almonds. Not the sugar free almonds, but normal ones. your a winner!
    

Video

In this video, you will see what it takes to set yourself free of this highly addictive game.

Tips

• Addictions to video games trigger brain activity similar to any other addiction. So don't be surprised if breaking the addiction seems difficult at first.
  
• People play games because they seem to find reality is less interesting, in reality, there are many more constructive things to do. Find ways to make reality more interesting, that will help.
  
• Evaluate yourself to see if you are using your "WoW" addiction to escape problems in your life. If you have problems at work, see about improving your education (to get a better job). If you have family problems, see about improving your relationship with them.
  
• You can also find support online. There are support groups on Yahoo and Google Groups, and the WoW forums can sate your desire to see what you're "missing" as you quit.
  
• Track the amount of time that you spend playing WoW. Associate a dollar value with that time, for example: 6 hrs/day * 7 days = 42 hours. 42 * $7.0 = $294.00 per week. You can see that your time IS money, and even working a job for minimum wage is a better use of your time.
  
• Get a stopwatch and measure how much time you spend waiting in the game (for guild members, flight paths, long walks, etc.) and compare it to the overall time played. You may find that close to half, or even a majority of your time is spent doing effectively nothing.
  
• Calculate how much of your time you spend doing nothing each month against your monthly subscription fee, and see how much money you're throwing away.
  
• If you use a router, block the port WoW uses to connect. This disables your connectivity to the WoW servers. You can also block this port with Windows Firewall or other firewall software, such as ZoneAlarm. You can find this port in Blizzard's knowledge base for WoW
  
• Remember that all of your accolades and achievements in WoW are virtual and do little for you in real life. While your virtual life is blossoming, your personal life could be deteriorating. If so, that is reason enough to stop playing.
  
• Realize that you can always go back to playing WOW when you are old or disabled, which is probably in a few decades when WoW will be rotting in video game history. Right now there are better things to do. Ride a motorcycle, run away to Australia, date, have children, things you can do only when you are young. When you are old you can play guilt free. Also, by that time gaming will be a lot better and extension packs will be cheap. Blizzard is not going anywhere.
  
• See a professional psychologist to discuss your addiction. Get help.
  

Warnings

• Your payments continue even after you smash everything. Don't forget to unsubscribe.
  
• If you find yourself opening a new account even after following these steps, you should seek professional counseling for your addiction.
  

Related wikiHows

• How to Cope With World of Warcraft Maintenance Day
  
• How to Control a wikiHow Addiction
  
• How to Defeat a MySpace Addiction
  
• How to Overcome an Addiction
  
• How to Solo on Warcraft 3
  

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Break a World of Warcraft Addiction. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

What to do?

I came across an interesting website. It's that of Rachel Cornell - Professional Nagger. If her services weren't so out of my budget I might try it. But then again I'm not sure how that would actually work since despite what I may want to or need to do, the kiddos almost always come first. Josie's currently cutting 4 or 5 teeth (all top) & fighting a nasty cold, Wesley's in the "I'm scared of everything" stage which mean he wants me to hold him if it even looks like I'm available (and sometimes when I'm not), & Carlise wants to hold onto my arm, hand, or finger whenever she wants comfort. So getting stuff done hasn't really been happening.

But I need to be getting projects checked off my lists and they've all taken too long as it is so I can't put them off until the kids get more independent. Any tips?

Ugh!

Ben is out of town with work. Hopefully he'll be done this afternoon & won't have to stay until Sunday. And since he's gone I made a project list for myself. Only Carlise & Wesley woke me up at 5:3o this morning. They didn't like my reasoning of "it's still dark outside so you need to go back to bed." Thankfully we all went back to sleep quickly & easily. However, I woke up 30 minutes later feeling very sick and haven't improved much. Of course this doesn't happen until I have things I need to get done & Ben isn't available to take care of the children.

Busy, Busy, Busy

sorry about the lack of posting, but we've been busy with our house. I don't know how Courtney managed to blog at all while renovating their whole house. These are just projects to spruce up the place. They've been on our plate for awhile, but now that Josie is almost a year old we finally feel like we have the energy to do more.

Our latest observations of our babies:

Josie gets excited when it's time for bed and has a little party in her crib for a few minutes before passing out. She will be whining and just pitiful, but the moment she realizes we're getting her ready for bed, she's one excited camper.

Wesley LOVES his sisters. Loves to annoy them that is. That boy will watch them to figure out how to aggravate them and make them scream and then he sits back and smiles. Punk!

Carlise is VERY observant of behavior. Not just ours, but every single person she sees. And then she likes to repeat and imitate. So, fellow shopper at Wal-Mart, please don't be alarmed if you see me making a mad dash down a row with a heavy cart full of children to get away from your swearing. I'm holding off on that behavior for as long as I can, thank you very much. She has plenty of attitude for now.