The Brick House

OK, my lovely readers and followers, it's time to get serious for a moment. Picture this. You're in your mid twenties. You're about 3 or 4 months pregnant, you have a 1 year old and a 6 year old. You, your husband and your children get off a greyhound bus after spending two days on that said bus with grumpy kids, morning sickness and motion sickness. You're in a town you've never been to before that's filled with in-laws that in nine years, you've never met. You think you're going to be able to stay with one of these family members only to find out that that's not true. Your family can only stay there one night. Now what? You have no job, no food, no money, no home. What do you do?

If you are in Washington Courthouse, Ohio you call Gaye Huffman. Gaye is the Program Coordinator of the local homeless shelter,  The Brick House. I don't know if any of you have ever had to stay at a homeless shelter before. Unfortunately, we have, even before this. The Brick house is like none other I have ever seen before. Yes, it was still scary. I'm not the type of person who does well with change or the unknown. But the staff at The Brick House did everything they could to put us at ease.

From the outside, you would never guess that this is even a shelter. Like, it's name, it really is a large brick house. I guess staying there would be kind of like a mix between having room mates  and living in a dorm. If you're a family, like we are, they try to put you in a room of your own. Single women are roomed together. There are four good sized rooms upstairs plus a full bathroom. Downstairs you have Gaye's office, a large living room for the adults, the kitchen, a half bathroom, a play room for the children with a baby gate for safety, a bedroom for the House Mom, storage rooms, and the stairs leading to the basement where there are 2 washers and 2 dryers.

Everybody has assigned chores and you have designated times for bathing and doing your laundry. I know it might sound like a pain but with so many people sharing one shower, it's really necessary. There are also weekly parenting classes that you have to attend as well as a 9pm curfew. Each family is responsible for cooking their own meals but a lot of times a few of us would pull our resources and make dinner together.

The best part about The Brick House though are the resources available. Gaye has connections everywhere in this town. As long as you're doing your best, she will help you find a job, apply for assistance and find housing. We were placed in the Transitional Housing Program. This is a 1 year program where you have to be either working full time, going to school full time, or doing both part time. Your rent is based on 30% of your income. And you can even get help with your utilities through Community Action.

Thanks to The Brick House, my family has had more stability in the past two years, than we've had in a long time.

Thursday Old Lady Hop!

 

Today I'm linking up with the cinfuly delightful Cinnamon for her Thursday Old Lady Hop. I guess I'm an old 28 year old! lol

Here's this weeks questions...

1. Since we’re talking about the word Virtue, which definition of that word do you most closely identify with?

 
Faithfulness: Steadfast in affection or allegiance; loyal.

I'm fiercely loyal to my friends and family, no matter what the cost or the situation. I may tell they I don't agree with them or that they're being a dumb ass, but I also let them know that I love them no matter what and I will always stand by them. And may God have mercy on anybody who tries to hurt or mess with somebody I love!

2. Which virtue(s) do you think you need to work on the most in order to be the person you want to be?

Confidence: A feeling of one's powers or of reliance on one's circumstances. Faith in oneself.

This is a virtue I really need to work on. It's always been a weakness of mine. But with the help of my amazing friends who are just as faithful to me as I am to them, I'm working on it.

Alright, your turn. Go link up!

Time for more potty training

I took Holly to the doctor today for her 18 month check up. Everything is great. She's in the 70th percentile for height and the 90th percentile for weight. She got 2 shots which she was not at all thrilled with. Poor Hunter almost cried too cause he didn't want his baby sister hurt. The best part of this check-up, the doc says Holly is ready to start potty training! I'm thrilled and a little sad. My last baby is getting to be such a big girl, but just think, in 6 months I could be all done with buying diapers!!!! I started Jordyn on potty training at 18 months and by her 2nd birthday she was done. Hunter is just now getting the hang of it at 3 1/2. He just uses them to sleep now. Holly still seems so little to be using the big potty. I'm trying to figure out if I want to use the potty seat or the cushion seat that goes on the potty. I'd like to just use the cushion seat on the big potty but I guess that depends on how she feels about it. Oh yeah, Hunter finally learned to lift the seat so no more pee on the seat! YAY!!!

Can men and women be just friends?

This is a repost from earlier this year.

This is a question I've been thinking about for some time now, "Can men and women be just friends?" I asked my friends on Facebook this question last night. There doesn't seem to be any one right answer. Some said No, they can't, some feel that Yes, they can. But both seem to feel very strongly about their opinion. I keep thinking back to my friendships over the years. I have quite a few male friends, but the ones that I seem to be the closest to are the ones I have some sort of history with. Most of it is innocent history, boyfriends from high school but it's still history. Somehow it seems that the connection we shared then allows us to have a deeper connection now. Is this wrong? These boys from my youth are now men, some of them married, most of them have children. I've never been truly intimate with any of them. Is this what makes the difference? If I had ever been sexually involved with these friends, would we still be friends today?

But what about emotional intimacy? Since I have known these men since we were kids I'm able to talk to them on a deeper level. It's different then talking to my female friends. They give me a whole different perspective on things. Men and women see things so differently that it's nice to get an "inside" view on men. There's many times when a male friend has helped me work through a problem better than my female friends.

Another variable here is that my close male friends live in a different state. Would be still be able to maintain our "just friends" closeness if we lived closer to eachother? Is the physical distance what allows us to stay such good friends? I can't find any one right answer to this. It seems to all depend on the people involved and all the different variables.

In The Belly of Jonah Book Review

When I saw nothing else but this title my first thought was that it was going to be about the Biblical account of Jonah and the whale. Then I read the back of the book.

"Then she heard the squeak of a knob turning, and the hose on the beach wiggled to life with a hiss. Her heart raced and her mind willed herself awake. She sat erect, fighting gravity to keep her head from lolling toward her chest. He was coming toward her again, the hose hissing near his feet. Her instincts told her to run, but when she moved to stand, her legs were too heavy to pull from the water. Her arms too heavy to throw a punch. It was hard enough just to breath."

Wow, definitely not what I expected! But in a good way. From the very beginning this book draws you in. It keeps you guessing and turning pages as you greedily follow Liv Bergen and the FBI team who are scrambling to catch the twisted de Milo murderer. Sandra Brannan has a way of really letting you into the character's head. You can almost feel the adrenaline that's running through their bodies with each new discovery. You can see the wheels turning in the mind of the monster, plotting his next move. This is definitely a must read and I can't wait to get my hands on Brannan's next book featuring Liv, Lot's Return to Sodom.

Who loves Avon?!

Who doesn't love Avon?! If you don't, you're seriously missing out on some amazing, fabulous, wonderful products! So for those of you who haven't been properly introduced to Avon, or maybe just haven't had anybody to order from for awhile, this post is for you. May I present Andrea. She's a stay at home mom of two wonderful little boys, an almost life long best friend of mine, and my favorite Avon lady. Now, on to some of my favorite Avon products.

First up is their Moisture Effective Eye Make-up Remover Lotion (reg. $4.00 now on sale for 0.99). This is one of the best creations ever! If you're like me then I know you get frustrated by how little eye make-up actually comes off when you wash your face. You get out of the shower, thinking your all nice and clean, glance in the mirror and find out you look like a raccoon. So irritating! That's where this amazing stuff comes in. Put a little on a cotton ball, wipe your eyes, and abracadabra, no more eye make-up! It's the best disappearing trick ever! 

Now lets pamper your senses! This Rare Pearls gift set is a perfect treat for yourself or somebody else. This set comes with 1.7 fl. oz spray ($23), a shimmering body powder ($5.50), a 6.7 fl. oz body lotion ($10), a 6.7 fl. oz shower gel ($10), and a 1.7 fl. oz roll-on anti-perspirent deodorant (0.99). All of this for only $19.99!!! How can you pass up a deal like that?!

For those messy little creatures we lovingly refer to as our kids, we have Avon Kids Bath Time Body Paints, These are awesome, fun, and cheap at only $1.99 each. My kids love them! And they are even great for kids with sensitive skin. I should know, since two of mine have it. And they come in such fun, mouth watering scents (bubble gum, cotton candy, candy apple, coconut custard, grape and cherry) that your kids will be begging for bath time. My son, who hates to get washed, has a blast and doesn't even realize he's also getting clean! 

Is jewelry your thing? How about this Filigree Bold Bracelet. I actually have this exact bracelet and I love it! It goes with absolutely everything. You can make it dressy or casual. It's the perfect compliment to any outfit! And the price is perfect too at only $14.99. It's so worth it!

I could keep on going all day about Avon's amazing products but you're just going to have to go visit Avon and see for yourself!





Fall Festival 2011

It's that time of year again for the Fall Festival in our little town. I have to say though, last year it was so much better! Granted it was only $1 each to get in and kids under 12 were free, which means all of my babies and last year I don't remember it costing anything to get in. But there  just wasn't much to do this year. Except eat that is. And OMG did we eat! I don't think any of us are going to eat again for like a week. And now, everybody in my house is asleep but me...it's not even bedtime yet! I hope they all sleep through the night still.

 

This is only HALF of an Extreme Buckeye! Plus we had already eaten an  Extreme Brownie!

 

Holly eating the rest of the Buckeye.

Jordyn & Hunter munching on hot dogs.

 

This was the most HEAVENLY Apple Dumpling with ice-cream!!!!

 

Jordyn & Hunter in the bouncy house. Poor Holly wanted to go in too but she would have been trampled.

 

Hunter driving a truck.

 

Holly & Jordyn driving a truck.

 

Holly on the way home!

Facebook posts that made me giggle (#2)

Here's round 2 of Facebook posts that made me giggle. Some are mine and some are borrowed. If you recognize one of yours, thanks for sharing the giggles!

Father's Day is to thank your dad for not pulling out. Mother's Day is to thank your mom for not swallowing you..........just sayin!

I'm convinced that people who like their own statuses, also masturbate while looking at themselves in the mirror

A kid sat on the stairs with his cat and his smarties. As his mum watched he put a smartie in his mouth licked the cat and moved down a step. He then put another smartie in his mouth, licked the cat again and moved down another step. His mom puzzled at his actions asked what are you doing? He replied, I'm getting some practice and for when I'm older. How's that his mum asked? I'm popping pills, licking pussy, and moving on.

I am NOT convinced Bin Laden is dead! He just accepted my friend request..

Please copy & paste this to your status if you are constantly being asked to copy & paste something to your status by friends who copy & paste things to their status... Many people won't copy & paste this, but my true sarcastic friends will copy & paste it because they know this was copied & pasted from a dear friend in need of more stuff to copy & paste... Thank you!!! And don't forget the ♥... :o)~

Sad news! Please join me in remembering yet another great icon of the entertainment community. The Pillsbury doughboy died yesterday of a yeast infection and traumatic complications from repeated pokes to the belly. He was 71, Doughboy is survived by his wife, Play doh, 3 children, John doe, Jane doe, and Dildo plus they had one in the oven. Services were held at 3:50 for about 20 minutes.

another day.....haven't decided what mood I'm in yet.

Totally just dug a large bug out of my baby's mouth. He was pissed l was digging in his mouth. First l got the body like wtf! And had to go back in for the head in total mommy style. YUCK!

Remember when Blackberry and Apple were just a fruit?

YES!!!!! People I am a DORK THROUGH AND THROUGH,,,,but at Least my wife thinks my Lawnmower is Sexy/ Yeah! I know Tractor, but I am poor so all I got is a used Lawnmower....

I Had To File a Police Report Last Night: I fell asleep, and when I woke up I could not find my little friend, thought he fell off, or ran off,,Then I remembered, I was in the dark, without glasses on.....Dam it!!!!!!!

Roses are Red, Nuts are brown, Skirts go Up, Pants go Down, Body to Body, Skin to Skin, When it is Stiff, Stick it In, The Longer its In, The stronger it Gets, It goes in Dry, Comes out Wet, It comes out dripping,and it starts to Sag, Its not what you Think …its a Teabag! Nasty People wtf were you thinking!
Rules of me:... #1 I am always right...#2 Just in case I am wrong see rule #1.

Do not ever laugh in the bathroom it will make people think you are playing with yourself..

Early Childhood Education-Guest Post

I know I vent a lot of times on here about my precious little ones driving me crazy, but I want to take a moment to stress how important it is to read to your kids. I know things get stressful and we don't always want to take the time to sit down and read a story to them. But it really is such a good way to bond with them. And it also helps develop their language and comprehension skills. I'm by no means an expert on any of this but I do have an expert guest posting for me today.

Kathleen is a Communications Coordinator for the Atlanta day care facility, a member of the AdvancED® accredited family of Primrose Schools (located in 16 states throughout the U.S.) and part of the network of day care preschools delivering progressive, early childhood, Balanced Learning® curriculum.

Literacy at Early Ages:

Building a Foundation for Success

By: Kathleen Thomas

Several studies and trials have found that being exposed to books and related activities when young can help a child be successful in school when they are older. Some parents may not know when they should start to read to their kids. What some of them may find shocking, however, is that a positive relationship with books can be instilled in their children the moment they are born. At first, reading should involve pointing out the pictures and talking in a variety of voices. The discussion you have with your child doesn't actually have to be what is written in the story. In fact, it's recommended that you personalize the book to better interest your child and get his attention.

If you want your child to grow up to love reading, it is essential that you make time to read two to three books to him every single day. As he gets older, this reading time can become the two of you reading together or him reading to you. This needs to be in conjunction with the reading they are doing in class. Dr. Spock's Baby Basics author Robert Needlman, MD, states that one of the most vital aspects of creating a reader is sharing books with him from infancy. This is something you don't need a prescription for - instead you need to set aside a few minutes each day to sit down, connect with your kids, and read to them. The event must unfold in a way that is entertaining for your child so they will be engaged and not bored.

Book selection is also important to making the reading time you and your child share enjoyable. Choose books that you like to read so that you can get into the story and use entertaining voices and movements as you read to your child. The story you read should be interesting yet simple so the child can follow. Repetition in books makes them easy to remember so that even preschoolers can help you tell the story. Your child will likely want to hear his favorite books again and again, which is another reason you should choose books that you don't minding reading multiple times. Your child will notice your appreciation for literature and will soon begin to love it himself.

The following suggestions will help you and your family create an environment that fosters positive relationships with reading.

Fill your child's bookcase stories appropriate for his age on a variety of topics.

Read at least two books every day from the time your child is born. Support them to get into the story with you when they are older. 

Keep a couple of your child's favorite books in your vehicle for them to flip through when travelling or waiting in traffic.

Get involved with the subjects your child is learning in preschool. Find books that are related to these topics so the learning can be continued by reading at home.

As your child gets older, encourage him to begin reading his favorite books to you. Allow him to tell the story in his own words if he hasn't quite mastered the art of reading just yet. The story is likely to be a little different each time he goes though the pictures, which only means he has a creative imagination and can interpret the pictures in many different ways. He is understanding that books are used as a form of communication, which is important in literacy.

As children grow, one of their top priorities is to master language and parents can faster this learning by communicating with them through with books, songs, and other forms. Reading to your child fosters the understanding of the written word and that the pages within the book cover provide the reader with a story. Cognitive development is supported by reading to your child, so be sure to grab a book and read every day!

Teaser Tuesdays

Linking up with She Who Blogs Behind the Rows for Teaser Tuesdays. Open up your current read, and tease us a little bit...

"The least those idiots at the Bureau could have done was to name him the "Aphrodite murderer," a more accurate and poetic name than the more popular name-Venus de Milo-for the same statue." 

More on this book later, when I do my review on it.