SHE WENT POSTAL

My Husband, has been a mail carrier for over 13 years now. He, as well as his fellow carriers, go through many ups and downs. From legitimately injuring themselves on the job. To faking an injury, just to get some time off. Carrying mail, is one thing that, I could never do. I tell my Husband that, I could never do his job, even if I tried. Yes... they are paid very well to carry mail. They have sick leave, weeks of vacation, and full benefits. However, consider all of the things that they have to put up with in doing so. My Husband tells me that, it get's harder and harder to carry mail each year.


He means that, the Supervisiors are told from "The Higher Ups" what numbers are to be run on the Mail Carriers. For instance, it should take you so long to case you're route, as well as carry it. If you are either long or short in doing so, they will be sure to tell you. My Husband's favorite Mail Customers are those, who ask "are you sure that's all of my mail?" Thye are actually looking for their Government Assistance check. Yet, I digress. These points were made, in order to prepare you for the News Story that we saw this morning.

Yet another Carrier, in California went crazy. She shot many of her fellow carriers, then turned the gun on herself. My Husband is going to tell his Supervisior about this, sometime this morning.
Meaning that, "if you keep pushing us, with all of these senseless rules and regulations" we might turn on you. Ya'll appreciate your Mail Carriers!

COLOR ME TIRED

Yesterday, I got the stupid idea that, I would go to Lowe's to get house paint. Interior house paint that is. Our home is only seven years old. However, the paint inside our house, is as old as well. Again, they must have used the cheapest paint that they could find. If you rub a smudge off of the wall, the paint will come off too. Also, the paint has chipped off of the base borards in the bathrooms. You can't even get a mop anywhere near the base boards, without the paint coming off.

It was actaully Saturday when I decided that we needed to paint. I was returning the kitchen trash can, and the large, plastic dry dog food contained to it's normal palce. This is when I saw huge paint chips gone from behind both of these containers. Gee... that looks cute I thought. I am also out of touch up paint, now what? Hey... I know, we can paint. No... here's one better, I can paint. I'll never get any help fom anyone else around here. I also bought a crackle paint kit for, the boys bathrooms sink cabinets.

I thought that, I should start small, before I tear up the whole kitchen. Number two son did help me with that, when he got back from "The Doner's House." I guess that, kids don't mind helping to paint. It's brobably actually kind of fun or something. Two tiny caninets are fun, a whole kitchen is not. So... I decided to go very pale yellow in the kitchen. I picked this color because, I collect blue and white decorative plates that hang on the wall. It sounds ugly, but it will look beautiful.

My plan is, to get rid of all of the peanut butter color paint, that is throughout the entire house. My Sister-In-Law, just painted a room in their house this color. However, after over three years of looking at peanut butter, I am tired of looking at it. Well, I've got to get busy ya'll.

MORE BAD NEWS

Last night, my Bother was over delivering my "old divorce papers." My Attorney lives next door to him. She had said, while I was in there a couple of weeks ago; "I'll take them next door when I'm finished with them." Anyway, my Bother, Husband and I were visiting when the phone rang. I looked at the Caller ID Box, and notice that, it was a very close childhood friend of ours. His Mother babysat us in her home, along with a million different other kids, for about 10 years or so. Sam is actuyally my age, but stayed in better contact with my Brother.

I guess guys have a tendency to do that. However, I felt it strange that he call me, he never had before. Then again, he's only had my home phone number since this past Christams Eve. I just happened to answer my Brother's cell phone, and it was Sam.
My Brother thought he'd be funny and answer our phone for us. My Bother's laughter quickly faded, and his face sort of fell.

The next thing that I heard was "Man... I'm so sorry." Well, all of us grown ups know what that means. Yep... someone has died. That is the adult answer, when we don't know what else to say, and to give our immediate respect. My Bother quickly mouthed to me, "His Dad died." I was certainly shocked to hear that. I was just wondering if they were back in Indianapolis, or back in Florida at their winter home.

My Brother then hands the phone over to me, but first says "Beth wants to talk to you." I find out the gist of what happened. He had been back and fourth to bed all morning. Although, when some friends came by after breakfast, he decided to get dressed and get up. Appearently, that only lasted a short while. He decided to go back to bed. At this point Barbara had been checking on him every 10 to 15 minutes. However, when she got there the last time, she could tell that he was gone by the way he was laying.

She gave him CPR until the Paramedics got there. Sam said that, they worked on him for an hour, but to no avail. Sam said that, I thought that we had him until atleast 80 or 86. Telling me that, this was the average age of an adult male. My mom said that, she thinks that he was about 75 years old. I'm sure that his Funeral Arrangements will take some doing. He will have to be released from the Coroner's Office in Florida, then be flown back to Indianapolis before they can have the Funeral. Ya'll pray for them!

BROTHERLY LOVE

I'll never understand this. However, the one person who I thought was polar opposite from me, really isn't. That person is, my brother. I'm not sure if, our likenesses stems from any of the following. Maybe it's that, we are both selifish and stubborn. Possibly becasue, we shared the same parents. It could be that, we're both adopted and spoiled. I suppose that, we could be suffering from some dysfunction. Our just proudly that, we suffered through and survived, the wrath of our parents upbringing.

It seems as though, our Mother has been sitting on "The Pitty Potty." It's true, both she and our Dad only live three minutes from me. You would think that, I'd be over there every day. Wrong, I really hadn't spent in serious time over there since New Year's Day, when she made dinner for all of us. My Dad brought this to my attention, via my son. He called last night, with a pittiful attempt to get his point across. Something like, "I just wanted to talk to you becasue, I havn't seen any of you for a while."

Wow... could you just trun and twist the knife in, a little more? That was a cheap shot, I must say. You know, using my son and all.
I suppose that, it wan't intentional though. So... shortly there after, I called my Mom to see if she wanted to tag along to Wal Mart with me tomorrow. She said no, then started with the crying, interrogation, and guilt. I tried to counter back with, "well you never come over here either." If you never learn anything about me, you'll soon find that, I'm stubborn and will not be guilted into anything.

I then called my Brother, to tell him of this needless conversation. I said that, "since she metioned your name too, I thought I'd tell you that, "she's on a rampage." I told him of what, she said. She said that, "D wouldn't know if we had been dead for six months, unless someone told him." This is when he said, "I've got half a mind to take my butt back to Indiana." I said, "can I go too?" This is because, we were both bron and raised in Indiana. However, we havn't lived there in over 21 years.

I then jokingly raised the point that, "this is why people put their parents in nursing homes." She informed me that, I could come by more because, "I don't have that much to do." Yes, even though I don't work away from the home, I just sit around all day. I said that, "I'm just busy with the house and kids." She said, "only every other weekend." She means that, I only have all three of our boys, every other weekend. She forgets that, I don't have a housekeeper to clean my house like she does. Furthermore, she has two small dogs, and I have to bigger, younger, wilder dogs.

Again, my Dad could care less if, she doesn't cook every night. My Husband tends to like fresh, hot meals after he gets home from work. I also have to do the laundry, and iron for three people. My Mom doesn't iron anything. I told her that, you are either at the Dr.'s office, at the store, or are with your friends. She said, "I have to go do things with my friends, I get bored and can't just sit around here." It's one of those, damned if you do, damed if you don't situations. I try to not need them for any thing, and this is what I get. I suppose that, she's just feeling not needed. She needs to make up her mind.

When I was getting ready to hang up the phone with my brother I said, "well... I need to get off here and go back to ironing my kids school clothes." Then I asked, "do you know why?" He replyed, "because you don't have anything else to do." At first, I had half a mind to go straight over there early today, bearing flowers or something. However, again, I won't be guilted into anything. Good luck with ya'll's folks this weekend!

HELP FROM MY COUSIN

I have gathered the troops, so-to-speak. My very distant cousin, whom I've never met, is going to assist me. She is a far better genealogy researcher then I'll ever be. You should this this wonderful Family web site that she put together, about our family. I suppose that, this takes time and even money. Both of which, I don't have any of. Again, she was very floored, when she read my story about my Husband's Mother. Her exact words were, "I'm speechless."

Never-the-less, I gave her every detail that I had about my Mother-In-Law. I all but scanned every document that I had. No... not really. I just included every detail, in the one E-mail to her. She'll probably be overwhelmed when she read's it. She'll probably have to make a time line with dates on it. So... we'll see how this truns out. I'm excited to see what she will find. Se ya'll!

RESTING IN PEACE

In reading some of my previous posts; you may be familar with all of the genealogy research that I have been doing. All of which, is in regards to my Mother-In-Law. I still call her my Mother-In-Law, even though we never met. I realize that, I should be calling my Husband's Step-Mother, my Mother-In-Law. However, after our astrangement, I can nolonger do that. I also understand that, she did raise both he and his sister, and their half sister. It still makes no sense to me to do so. My reason being, I feel that she did so, out of a sense of obligation.

Again, that is all "water beneath the bridge." It's amazing how, the emotional scares that you're parents give you, never seem to heal. I also find it amazing how, some of us who had rough beginnings, are still here and entacted emotionally. I've said that, we all should be far worse off then we are. However, we've somehow overcame the odds. I'm not speaking of myself so much. I was just simply put up for adoption at birth, and given a better life.

Never-the-less, while watching TV in bed last night, I asked my Husband a question. I said, do you think that, you Mom is at rest? At first, he said, "no." The reason he gave was, because of how tragicly she died. Then, changed his answer to, "yes... probably" and that, "she's probably over it, and may be reincarnated or something by now." I thought, if anyone could sense that either way, it would be him.

I was guessing that, the Mother/Child bond is forever. Also that, this is something that the test of time can never erase. He has also said before that, "she's my guardian angel." I suppose that I believe him. Tell ya'll's Mom that you love them today!

A FAMILAR VOICE FROM THE GRAVE

Yesterday afternoon, I got quite a suprise in the mail. I had completely forgotten that, a Massachusetts Genealogist was doing some research for me. I'll bet that, it's been two months since I've talked to George. So long that, I had forgotten anyway. Never-the-less, he found two more articles about, my husband's long since deceased Mother. We have recieved about four or five other articles in the past year. However, these two, are both altogether different.

One of those articles, even had a small picture of her in it. The other article, named every Police Detective, and Medical Personel, that worked on her Murder case. George informed me that, he knew that a cople of those Detectives were dead. I suppose from News Paper articles that he had seen in the past. Otherwise, he would have tried to contact them himself, he said.

To my suprise, I personally found out that, more then a couple were dead. I ran all of the names that were included in the big article, through the Social Security Death Index. Can you believe that, "all of them mentioned were dead?" Yes, all of the Police Detectives, and Medical Personel. I guess I shouldn't be shocked. Her murder happened in November of 1972. Furthermore, it remains a "Cold Case."

To be honest, I am completely disgusted with both the Massachusetts State Police Department, and the Chelsea Police Department. In the past, they both claimed that the other probably had those Police rerorts. Until yestreday afternoon, when the Chelsea Police Department finally said that, "they probably had been destroyed years ago." The records clerk said that, "you know that we didn't have computer in those days," and that "everything was hand written." No... I just fell off of the Turnip Truck yesterday.
What kind of stupid question was that supposed to be?

My Husband asked me, "how can they just destroy those records, that is still a cold case?" I fully agree, this is somone's parent that we are talking about. I could care less that, they were hand written, and not in a computer data base some where. They should assign someone to do that, beofore they destroy the paper files.
Oddly enough, yesterday was also my astranged Father-In-Law's 64th Birthday. Coinsidence, or was my Mother-In-Law trying to tell me something? I wish that, one day we will find our the truth about her death. Catch ya'll later.

THE TRUTH BE KNOWN

Last week, our next door neigbors, we're Burglarized. It's not actually a break in, when the front door was left unlocked. Again, my assignement was, to alert the rest of the neighbors on the street. I did that, for the simple reason of, keeping everyone safe. A keep your eyes and ears open kind of a deal. Our street, is a small family, why wouldn't I feel obliged to do so?

This weekend, I was given some news. Some news that, "I was to keep on the down low." An information exchange, if you will. However, I'm completely disguted to find that, one of my neighbors is not who I thought they were. Not only do they bash people behing their backs, but their also dishonest. It seems as thought, someone said that, they were broken into, when they wern't.

That's noting to be making lihgt of. That's almost like saying that, "I won't be able to come to work today, because my Grandmother died." To me, you're just asking for it in the long run. That's a serious Karmic mistake on their part. What I'm saying is, you are all but asking, for that to really happen.

This absolutely makes me crazy! Honest to God, if I knew their insurnace company's, I'd call them. This is exactly why, insurance premimums are so much. It's Jack Asses like my neighbors, who are reporting false claims. This makes eveyone else's insurance premimus so costly. Don't they know that, "INSURANCE FRAUD IS ILLEGAL?" Ya'll are a couple of Jerks!

THEN AND NOW ...Beautifully Written

Recently, I was reading "just" the profiles of some Blogs that I have been scanning through. It seems as though, most people are going above and beyond, just the basics. How is that, they are so forthcoming with the intimate details of their emotional state. My just simply reads, Married, Mother, College-Educated, Stay-at-home Mom. Simplicity at it's best. Having said that, I've decided to delve further into my "inner psyce." How I got to be, the person I am today. All of the little pieces of what makes me... me.

Let's start from the beginning. I was born in 1970, so obviously I have quite of bit of my Birth Mother's "left over Hippie and Flower Child in me. I was also born in Indianapolis, Indiana, so I've got a little of the nasal accent left. In High School in the late 80's, I dressed very Punk, and listened to that sort of music as well. To tell you the truth, it takes me back, and I still think it's cool. Let's call that, "My Dark Erra." Punk has now been renamed Goth, or Gothic for those just wondering. In the mid 90's when my son was born, I tunred into "The Mommy." So, I toned it down, and decided to dress appropriately. I was also a member of, the "First Wives Club." As if that matters at all now. All of that work, and for what?

While dating my second Husband, I discovered that he was a "Part-Time Hick." He still looks fabulous in those Wranglers I might add! So, I decided not to fight the "Inner Redneck" in me, and bought jeans, boots, and hats. I am so "Cowboy Fashion Conscious" that, I know what hat to wear for what season. Your Black Felt, is for October 1st to April 1st. Your straw hat is to worn from April 1st back to October 1st. However, you may also wear your Black Felt if it is serious dressing up. Also, the more X's on the inside of the the felt, the better the hat. You should also, get your jeans starched heavily by the dry cleaners. They can do it better then you ever will at home. I'm guessing that, Ms. Redneck had been there all along.

When I'm just putting around the house with the dogs and kids, I wear my Levis and an old sweat shirt. My hair is up in a Pony Tail 95% of the time, and my make-up is never on. My husband does not love that look by the way. I have deamed her "The Tom Boy." She's also the one who plays Touch Football with her boys in the front yard. I am very capable of dressing up beautifully, when I need to. My husband calls her "That Girl." Meaning that, he goes to bed with "That Girl" and wakes up with "The Tom-Boy." It's amazing how that happens. So mostly, what reamins is, "The Redneck" and
a "Tom Boy."

"Momma Mia Schofield", is the wife of Mr. Schofield. She showed up, a few years after they were married. Yes, my Husband is 3/4 Italian. His Grand Mother's maiden name was DiTullio. She and her parents, actually came to America from Italy on a boat. I have started learning to speak Italian in the past year or so. I even speak Italian swear words to my kids. I have struggeled with the decision of wheather or not to, convert to Catholicism. I'm starting to become a pretty good Italian cook as well.

The Former "Punk" is nowhere to be found. Both the "Mommy" and "First Wife" are gone too. The "Flower Child" will forever be with me, both in body and spirit. Some traits are just unchangable genetics. You'll see the "Flower Child" mostly in the summer when it's warm. I have learned a lot from her though, she's my free spirit. She's also the "Life's Teacher" to my children.

She has traveled many roads in her search for simplicity and truth. She's also the one who, doesn't freak out about sex and nudity. She could care less if, you take a Pee or Crap in the woods while we're at the Lake. Just watch your shoes... She says, "It's just Nature man" and "Keep On Livin" in her Oklahoma drawl. This accent, took me over 21 years to unconsciously obtain. I'm sure that, there are many other characters who reside within me. However, they do not hang out as much.. See ya'll and all of "your alters" later.

ANOTHER WEEK OF WORRY

I had my taxes firgured yesterday. Once again this year, I am going for the Rapid Refund. I can't honestly believe that, we're still getting a refund at our age. I suppose that's what happens when, you still have dependents living at home. It's Friday once again, all three of the boys will be with us this weekend... oh joy. Seriously, they aren't that bad. The older they get, the more I can stand them. They are just small adults at this point. Not considered adults to most people. However, if you can speak clearly, take your own bath, use the bathroom by yourself, and feed yourself, you're an adult in my book.

Still no word from my attorney, of how my former husband reacted to "getting served." I'll try to call them once more today. I still have to go by the C.P.A's office, and get grocerys at Wal Mart. It is a never ending cycle, don't you think? Furthermore, it's "Funky Friday", which means the dogs need at bath. They get one every Friday. Speaking of dogs, our new puppy will probably get to come and live with us next week. I will have potty trained two puppys, in less than one year. What am I thinking? Ya'll have a happy Friday.

LOCK IT UP!

Yesterday monring, my Husband noticed two Police cars next door at the neighbors. This was only after our Boxer Puppy was barking his head off at something. He was actually barking at the water meter reader. However, that was what made him notice the Police cars in their drive way. After the Police left, we called our neighbor. My husband asked, "are you Ok?" She said, "no...come over and I explain." Again, she is divorced, and lives alone with her two High School aged children.

Long story short, the have been robbed during the night. Not exactly broken into either. You can't get broken into, when you accidentally leave the front door unlocked all night. Normally, this is the kind of town, where that never matters. PODUNK... Oklahoma, never has had much trouble with thieves. No... Podunk is not the name of my Hometown either. I just wasn't going to give the real name of it. I have to protect my idenity somewhat.

Anyway, they had stolen $ 50.00 out of her purse, a PDA, a Digital Camera, and their printer to the computer. Strangly enough, the town's Police was already down the street, taking a report. Someone, had set the cab of the neighbors truck on fire. It didn't manage to completely engulf the inside. The fire smothered itself out, after the truck door was shut. Having said that, both my husband and the Police think that, it was the Illegal Aliens from Mexico who are on the loose.

Appearently, their is a dangerous gang from Mexico, who are trying to reside here illegally. The Police in the neighboring town managed to catch a few on Tuesday. However, there are still many that remain uncaptured. So, at my neighbors request, she asked that I alert the neighbors. I did so because, she has only lived here since last November. Quite honestly, they were all stunned to hear the news. Again, this is a small town. Although, I can promise you that, they wouldn't have made it out of our home alive. If you get my meaning. So...ya'll lock it up too.

PROTECT ME PLEASE

Last Friday, I was so wrong about my E-Husband getting served his "Legal Papers." To get you back up to speed, this was regarding a Visitation Modification. My Attorney's Office, actually served him yesterday. Although, I did not receive any phone calls, E-Mails, or visits. Can you believe, NOT ONE phone call to inquire "just what the hell did I think that I was doing.?" I thought that, I knew how he would react; maybe I don't. However, I'm sure that, he's still the same old "Jack Ass" that he ever was. That... I do know for sure. He's probably actually less than a complete Jack Ass then he use to be. He saves, the Holy Reign Of Terror on me, for his wife.

I will bet that, she hit the fan when she heard about those papers. It is proven that, Control Freaks can't "just not" do something that doesn't envolve them. That's why we're at this point to begin with. She thought that, she could compartmentalize my son. Meaning that, she would just tuck him away somewhere else, every opprotunity she got. If it were just her, her husband, and their daughter; then all would be right with the world. If my son were no where to be found, then he wouldn't effect her life. Wrong... Ya Big Old Hag!

Gosh... it seems as though I'm reverting today. I'm acting like a child. Well, that's ok, it's just you and I. After all, I think that somthing would be really wrong with me if; I didn't think like a child from time to time when I'm injured. We can rationalize all day long that, we're adults. However, sometimes you just want to go back to the Play Ground, and beat the crap out of someone. Thirty Something doesn't make us any less human. Having said all of that, my wonderful Husband will be here today. He will come to my aid, if my Ex-Husband decides to be a jerk. It's Wednesday dinner night for he and my son. See ya'll!

ITALIANO

Buon giorno... That's good morning in Italian. Yes... I bought an Italian phrase and dictionary yesterday. My husband, son and I decided to get out of the house, and went to Hastings (the book store). My husband and son wanted to go there for the video games, I wanted to go for the books. I love books, and love to learn. I don't always have to attention span to finish them. However, I do my best. I was even putting sentences together last night. I think that, I'll ask for a bigger, more detailed Italian book for my Birthday in March. Hopefully, it will have a CD with it.

I was looking for a book on Yoga too, they didn't have one that I could find anyway. I need to start doing somehting not so strenuous. I'm still being carful with myself, due to my surgery recovery. If I had my way, I'd buy some brushes and canvas too. I was planning on painting a picture of my now deceased Mother-In-Law. I think that, my husband would appreciate it. I plan on expanding my horizons, and leaning all sorts of differnt things this year. I just feel like a learning sponge.

I also plan on leaning all that I can to lean about the Catholic religion. My husband and his family are Catholic. I have several books on it, but they are boaring. My sons and I are going to convert, or get confirmed should I say. It should be an interesting year. Vedere Tu piu' tardi'! (See you later)

THE GOOD WITH THE BAD

It's only 9:30 A.M., and I'm already both disgusted and relieved. My Mom called at 8:40 to see how my ex-husbands behavior was, after getting served yesterday afternoon. I was sound asleep, thank you so... very much Mom. My son called from his cell phone. He said that no one seemed to be upset, over his Father being served his papers. His step-mother had already gone to work, and he was the only one up. Furthermore, they made no plans for this weekend. It seems to be all good in his world today.

However, after speaking with my husband, I "just had to" hang up on him. I stated that, I was in no mood, to hear his belittlement. Again, I am going to start a journal, just to let him know, just how bad that he makes me feel. I get so tired of the daily disparaging remarks. You've heard the old saying, "if you can't say anything nice, then don't say anything at all." I am going to make a conscious effort to live that. I get so tired of everything, not being perfect in his eyes. No one, or nothing, is every the way "he" wants it.

From someone that was born into nothing, and came from nothing, he sure doesn't act that way. Appearently, I'm not Martha Stewart, a sex kitten, or a working Mother. Furthermore, I am still paying for his ex-wifes sin's. Meaning that I have to go beyond, and be an ever better person the she was on her worst day. I still don't work, even though I need to be. I don't dress up, put on make-up, nor do my hair everyday, like he wishes that I would. I'm lucky to get a shower, and put on a clean T-shirt, bra, underware and jeans. I may not look cute, but I'm clean, and I smell pretty good.

I was informed this morning that "THE HOUSE ISN'T IMMACULENT" like it should be, "IT'S ONLY PICKED UP." I had heard other things that didn't exactly make me feel good. However, it was that remark, that made me hang up. It is time to knock him down a peg or two again. His Mom told me a long time ago that, both he and his father need that. I think that, "Boy... you better remember what your knees are for." Se ya'll.

HIT THE FAN

IT... is going to hit the fan this afternoon. I'm sure that, my ex-husband isn't going to be in such a "swell" mood when he picks up our son this evening. Remember, I met with my attorney Wednesday? Life as he now knows it, is going to change. Hopefully, he won't make an ass out of himself, in front of both my brother, and my son. He better not, take anything out on my son as well.

My borther is going to be here this afternoon, to make sure that none of the above happens. I'm sure that, I've lost you all. I just can't say too much just yet, especially today. That would be putting the cart before the horse. I'll talk to ya'll more tomorrow.

TO BLOG... OR NOT TO BLOG

I am considering to, just shut my Blog down. I'm thinking that, no one ever reads my Blog. I never get any comments. Am I that boaring? For months, I have has the worse time joining a couple of Blog Rings. I honestly don't know what I'm doing wrong. My husband and I have tried to figure it out. If anyone can help me I would appreciate it. Se ya'll!

AND SO IT BEGINS

In just a few short hours, I meet my Attorney. I will find out just how expensive it is going to be to both retain her; and put a stop to my former husband's Visitation Violations. The legal term is called, First Right Of Refusal. Which means if, he decides to leave my son with a Babysitter, I have the first right to refuse what he is about to do. I have the right to say no, bring him home to me. This is in case I don't know, or approve of who the Babysitter is. I have no problem with my former in-laws taking care of him.

It is the strangers, who are the supposed friends of my son's step-mother who I have a problem with. Just as my husband said, "if you don't know their last name, or address, then you don't know them." Again, we explain to our son that, even though they may know and trust them, we do not. I entertained the idea of, just rechecking with my former mother-in-law to see if, she helped put a stop to all of this per my request.

This way, no one would have to spend the money to take care of this. However, just as both my Attorney's husband and my husband said "this needs to be legalized." In the instance that, they keep leaving my son with strangers to take care of. Ya'll pray for me.

IF IT DOES NOT FIT

I took all three of my sons, and the two neighbor girls to mass with me last Saturday evening. After over three years of living here in our town, I finally decided to try the Catholic Church. My family and I, are actually members of the Catholic Church the next town over. However, since we moved here, we have quit going. That actually isn't true. There are a lot of factors as of to why we do not attend church there anymore. My son attended school there for first and second grade as well. Again, there is much more to it.

When the previous Priest/Father was there, we ran into a lot of problems. I was in the process of converting to Catholicism. Graciously, my husband was attending those Religious Education classes with me, as a refresher course. I had also turned in, the required paper work to annul my first marriage. Father Ben suggested that I do so, for a couple of reasons. Number one, it would take some time, and have to go beofore the "Catholic Court." They would decide if, an annulment was in order. This process could take up to a year. I guess Physical Abuse was ify.

My husband's first marriage would even take less time to annul. According to Father Ben, the Catholic Church never recognized that marriage in the first place. His/their reasoning was, it never took place in a Church. My first marriage however did. I'll tell you, I was not happy when Father Ben made that reference. When he said that, the Church didn't recognize my husband's first marriage. You'll never guess who got married down town, at the Justice Of The Peace? My husband and I got married down town for several reasons.

The first reason being, we had both been married before. We were not going to put out a lot og money on a big, needless ceremony. We were so in love, that a big ceremony was not necessary. Another reason was because, it was Thursday. Thursday was my husband's day off that week. Sounds crazy doesn't it? Actaully, we had a bigger wedding planned, and in the works. Our Justice Of The Peace wedding took place in November. Our bigger wedding was to take place in February on Valentines Day. However, my husband decided to get a Compound, Open Fracture on his leg.

Gosh... I really got way off the point didn't I? What Father Ben was suggesting was, that even the most simplest things could not happen, before many others were to happen. I had to convert, or get confirmed in the Catholic church. Both my husband and I had to annul our first marriages. All three of my boys had to get Confirmend and Baptised, before they could Take Communion or got to Confession. It was like all of this had to happen before, he would even think about Baptising my children in the Catholic church.

Both my husband and I have been having some interesting conversations regarding God, Jesus, and the Bible. If I tell you what we were dicussing, it's hard telling what kind of response I'll get. So.. I have decided to spare you. I will tell you that, we have entertained the idea of looking elsewhere for a religion that fit us better. The religions/churches that we grew in don't seem to fit us anymore. Although, the ones that I did research last night on line, don't seem o fit either. Nothing seems to neither fit, nor answer the questions that both my husband and I have. Ya'll have any suggestions?

PEACE OF EARTH

Did you ever notice, just how much noise there is, when all the kids are home? We have all three of our boys, only every other weekend. Thankfully, our middle son lives with us. Anyway, when it's just my son, husband and I, it's very quiet. However, when all three boys are here, it's deafening. Then, you throw in the other four neighbor kids, and it's madness. Some people might enjoy the noise. Although, I am not one of those people. I am more of a, children should be seen and not heard person. Not actually as bad as that sounded.

Schofield Law #1 states, that "NO CHILD, ANIMAL, ADULT, PHONE, TV, RADIO, OR BOOR BELL; SHOULD WAKE UP MR. SCHOFIELD ON, HIS ONLY CONSISTENT DAY OFF." This is also why, the kids and I went to Mass on Saturday evening. So that we all didn't have to go on Sunday. Never-the-less , I had to go in and swat number three son on his behind yesterday morning. He and son number two, were playing with the army men, on the floor of son number two's bedroom. Son number three, is only nine years old and still has a very squeaky voice. It can honestly get on your're nerves.

Ever since my husband and I began dating, they have been told this. You know, regarding The Schofield Law. Yes, even before we were married, we blended our weekends together with the kids. We always knew that, we were going to be together anyway. It was only a matter of time. Anyway, after I left the room, son number three told son number two , "that didn't hurt." Son number two said, "it wasn't supposed to." I had told son number three, "if you are going to scream, and act like a two year old, I'm going to treat you like one." That's why I swatted him once, on the behind.

At this point in our marriage, I had never lais a hand on either of my step-sons. I have always let my husband do that. Again, none of the kids have really ever given us much reason to spank them. Not that they have ever received a spanken before mind you, they have. Anyway, as my husand but it, "it was only an attention grabber." Having said that, it is once again quiet in our home, for atleast another two weeks that it. Take care ya'll.

WE'RE MOBILE

This weekened, is our bi-weekly visit with the other two boys. My son lives with us, and is only gone the weekends when, the other boys are gone. We were eating dinner yesterday evening, and I was talking to all three boys. Suddenly, our oldest whipped out his new cell phone. Appearently, his Mother had bought him one for Christmas. I made sone #2, go and get his. He proudly produced his "Fire Fly" cell phone, to his older brother.

He knew that it wasn't exactly the same thing as a real cell phone. However, he is proud of it none-the-less. Again, son #1 didn't tease him in that regard either. He said, "that's pretty cool." Then, they exchanged cell phone numbers that the dinner table. Actually, I had to do that for him. It's funny, how last week my husband was throwing a fit about son #2 having a cell phone. However, when son #1 got one, it's not that big of a deal. It's actually pretty convenient now. We don't have to chase them down to tell them to come home, or wonder what they are doing. Last night for example, they were down at the neighbor girls house. Just to be sure, I called to see what they were doing.

I also had my brother, put son #1's cell phone number in his phone as well. Son #1, is always calling, to give him a hard time or something. I was talking to my husband later and said, "do you realize that, two out of three of our kids have cell phones?" I'm sure that, son #3 is feeling a little left out. Again, he is entirely too absent minded to have even the "Fire Fly" cell phone just yet. When we were younger and went outside to play, we were just left too face the world and whatever it held in store for us. Do Ya'll remember those days?

JUST FRIDAY

I'm glad that today is Friday. It has been a long week. I'm seriously considering going into politics. Remember, I have been righting all of the wrongs in our lives this week? A small political job in our fair city, to start out. Maybe I could start out as a mamber of the city council. I have never once considered politics, it doesn't interest me. However, I do wish that I had a voice, that could be heard in some format. I've always loverd journalism. Although, I've never been formally trained. Just on the High School Newspaper. Anyway, I don't have too much on my mind today. Ya'll have a good weekend.

THE FIRST NOEL

THE FIRST NOEL

This is a picture of our new baby girl NOEL. She is 14 days old today.

SUPER MOM

Do you ever feel like, you spend most of your time just fixing things. I'm starting to feel that way lately. My husband is disgusted with the morning sports coverage, on my favorite channel. Therefor, he wants me to E-Mail them to complain. For over three years now, we have been complaining about the large trash dumpster pick up, across the street at the day care. They think that, it's necessary to both pick up, and slam down that large dumpster before, our alarm even goes off. Again, my husband wants "me" to contact the media. There is a local news caster here, who takes care of such issues.

My husband and I were at Wal Greens yesterday afternoon, picking up perscriptions. I have been telling him for months now about, the pharmacys neglegent behavior. They wait ten minutes, before they even acknowledge that you are there. I had decided that, I would change pharmacys. I even told my son's step-mother about this. She works for Wal Greens, but at another location. She suggested that, I just call their corporate office, and they would "fix" the problem.

In November, there was a recall on the cruise control of my husband's truck. Guess who had to go and get that disabeled, while waiting on the part? Today, my assignment is, to go and get that done. Tuesday my husband informs me that, there is dog nose prints on his passenger side window. Last week, I had met him for luch, and took our Boxer puppy up to see the breeders. So... just wipe it down yourself... Jeez!

Yesterday, I had to call our newspaper, and find our why our Sunday paper wasn't being delivered. I also had to contact our Attorney, to find out what we can do legally, about my former husband leaving my son with strangers. This past weekend, I also had to repeatedly lecture our son because of this. Keep in mind, Saturday I also had to go buy him a cell phone to yet again, prevent this from happening. Monday, I also had to contact the McDonalds corporation regarding our local McDonalds. It is now owned by Hispacics, who speak broken english, and forgot most of our order. Don't get me started on this topic. I am forever "righting" the wrongs of idiots. Why can't people just, do their freakin jobs? Why can't people just, do what they are supposed to do? Later on ya'll.

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

Never-the-less, at my request my friend told our son of, her disheartening childhood story. To put it delicately, she was taken advantage of repeatedly by, her first step-father. We explained to him that, if this happened in her home, imagine what can happen to you when exposed to complete strangers. Most children are either kidnapped, molested, or killed by either family members, or close friends of the family. I don't think that, he believed us. However, we armed him with that information too.

I also made several phone calls yesterday, to see what I could do legally, to prevent my former husband from leaving our son with strangers. I won't tell you from where I heard the imformation, but I will say that, I may stand and chance. I have just got to get the ball rolling soon. So, with his new cell phone and the constant lecturing, our son may survive. Meaning that, he may live and advoid any future poor baby sitting sitations, that my former husband may put him through.

Our number one priority is to, make him ask his father what is more import. His social appointments, or his son. He has pledged to ask him that question, before he is possibly put into that sitation in the future. Catch ya'll later.

VISITATION VIOLATION

My former husband, and my son's father, has done his damnest to consistently irriate me. He and his wife, my son's step-mother are still repeatedly leaving my son with friends. It is becoming very appearent that, she does not have time to take care of my son properly; while they have him for visitation. My former mother-in-law says that, they are both so busy with work, school, and his half sister. This is why when, an opportunity presents itself, they take full advantage of it. Meaning, when they have an opportunity to "leave my son" somewhere else, they do it.

Evidentally, his step-mother's mother, had another knee replacement this past week. A lot of time has been spent at the hospital during her recovery. Appearently, his step-mother's friend Stephanie just volenteerd to take my son, his half sister, and step-cousin while both of them were at the hospital. My son said that, they had a great time both eating and playing games at the pizza planet. I don't doubt that at all. However, once again, my son did not know her last name nor address.

To make a long story short, my husband and I spoke to our son quite frankly on, the possibilitys of what can happen when you are in the company of strangers. This goes far beyond, the somewhat innocent "Stranger Danger" that we have always taught our three sons. I talked to our son about just what could happen to him. We made him aware of several things. Number one, you could be raped or molested. I didn't spare any detail in describing what it might be like being raped by both men and women. We explained to him that both men and women rape children.

My husband told him that, before he met me he dated several women. He stated that, nine out of ten women that he dated, had been raped. We told him that, my husband's former wife had been raped by two men. This actually happen to her while she was in the army. She even ended up having an abortion. Yes, I told him about that too. Our second point was that he could be kidnapped, and taken far away. I told him of, the millions of children that are, kidnapped and then sold to someone in a foreign counrty; to work in prostitution for the rest of his life. Ya'll pray.

THE CELL PHONE DELEMA

I went against my Husbands's wishes, and bought my son that cell phone. Let me explain, it's not actually a reall cell phone. It is made by Cingular, and is called a Fire Fly. It call only dial and receive the phone numbers that are programmed into it. It has both a Mom and Dad button on it for direct dialing, and then will hold 20 additional numbers in the phone book. My husband wasn't as upset as I thought that he would be. He's over it now.

I honestly wish that, I would have bought that for my son, beofore he went to his Father's for the Holiday. He, his half sister, and step-cousin, got left with his step-mother's freinds again. It's a long story, but I have enlisted the help of an attorney. Maybe with the help of my former Mother-In-Law, we can put a stop to this. However, so far she has chose to respond to my E-mail request. What do ya'll think?