A blog about our family in Lafayette, Indiana

Aw, yeah...
Wed July 2, 2008 by Amy
Mike has had a song stuck in his head lately...he sings it often, plays it on the computer and dances his heart out to it.  You'll never guess what it is....do you give up?  But I'm never gonna give you up.

Hahahahaha....awesome, right?  I especially love the moves that good ol' Rick Astley has perfected.  Mike mimics them well.  There's this thing going around on the internet called Rickrolling.  I could have done a better job of rickrolling you, but I didn't feel like coming up with some elaborate made-up video clip only for you to view Rick Astley. 

Oh, and you're welcome....for helping you get the song stuck in your head...and the lameness of Rick.  Oh, and Alex danced naked to it while in the process of getting his pajamas on.  He just couldn't help himself.  Like father like son :-)  (Wait, I just re-read that...Mike did NOT, I repeat...did NOT dance naked to it).  Anyway...

Butterflies...
Sun June 29, 2008 by Amy
are meaningful to me.  Since Lydia's passing, every time I see one I think of her.  I don't really see them all that often, which makes it extra special when I do have that moment. 

Did you know that a butterfly is a Christian symbol of resurrection?  The caterpillar signifies life here on earth.  It disappears into a cocoon and appears dead, but later emerges as a butterfly...far more beautiful and free than before.  Lydia emerged from her cocoon a glorious butterfly, bound not for this world but one very close by.  When I see a butterfly, I think of Lydia's new life in heaven, where every part of her is perfect... and I feel peaceful.

Yesterday I received a beautiful gift in the mail from some old friends from my mom's group in South Bend.  A card with a butterfly magnet on it, with a note that it was meant for us with our magnetic wall  :-).  AND a special card from the Potawatomi Zoological Society (zoo in South Bend) that reads:

Dear Focosi Family,
A commemorative brick has been purchased in memory of Lydia Grace.  The brick will be placed in the walkway that paves our new butterfly immersion exhibit--a lush and beautiful garden filled with butterflies.  The brick inscription will read:  IN LOVING MEMORY OF LYDIA GRACE

Isn't that just the neatest thing??? I don't even keep in touch with these friends like I would like, so I am especially humbled that they would do this.  It is such an appropriate way to honor and remember Lydia and I cannot thank them enough.  I can't wait to see the exhibit...gives me an excuse to get up there.  SB friends-play date at the zoo, anyone???

I leave you with this...a butterfly in Lydia's garden in our yard.

This Week
Thu June 26, 2008 by Amy
I feel like this week has been SO busy...I've hardly had any time to sit or pick up around the house, or anything.  It has been GOOD busy though overall.  I'm going to re-cap this past week....maybe that's lame, but I don't really have any other material in me than that.

Family Fun
On Saturday, our anniversary :-), we had my beautiful friend, Jessica, and her family over for a cook out.  Alex adores her kids Helene and Luke and we like their dad, Scott, just okay, too :-)  We had some hot dogs and sides and then the kids got their bathing suits on and had water balloon fights.  It's crazy how quickly those water balloons disappear, yet are so time-consuming to fill up.  Then, we made our famous elephant ears, haha...we had to share the love!!  Believe me, we are not going to be making carnival food on a regular basis in our home. We are saving the greasy delights for special festivities only.  We could not stop laughing over the kids' responses to the elephant ears.'  It was hilarious.  The three of them were playing upstairs as we were getting the dough frying (we did not tell them we were having this treat ahead of time).  One by one (a few minutes' apart) they came down the stairs in like a trance.  With big eyes and grins..."What's that smell?  What are you making?"  It was like better than Christmas morning (their reactions)...seriously, it was very funny.  They couldn't wait to get their grubby hands on one when it was done...but they were so hot and they had to be patient.  Luke was the funniest of all because he loves cinnamon sugar pretzels from the mall.  Pure joy, I tell ya.  Anyway, after the grease fest, we worked off a little of it by playing some old school dodge ball (with light beach balls...nothing aggressive).  I can't remember the last time I played (I was having elementary school flashbacks of getting beamed in the face with those hard, rubber balls and my glasses breaking/cutting into my cheek, not kidding).  The guys kept making up rules that they conveniently remembered when it would help them out in some way.  Jessica is awesome at dodge ball, of course.  The kids had a lot of fun, too.

Saying Goodbye
Sunday was our pastor's last with our church.  It was a bittersweet day.  He is moving on to Mesa, Arizona where his wife has her dream job in oncology and he has been hired as senior pastor at a Methodist church there.  Alex and I went to a reception for Pastor Jim following the church service.  Mike was not feeling well and was out of commission for the entire day, so Alex and I fended for ourselves, which is unusual for a weekend as we are very used to our family time.  Anyway, back to Pastor Jim...Mike and I really connected with him and I just felt such a special fondness for him that I can't explain.  I know I can attribute it to how much he helped us through the pregnancy and afterwards...and he met Lydia (only a handful of people can say that) and loved her.  And he often expressed his love for us (which I've never experienced with another pastor).  We always made it a point to give each other a hug anytime we saw each other.  He is such a special man who has blessed so many and I know he will continue to do so in stupid Arizona (just kidding).  I am happy for him, but he knows he will be missed.  I am looking forward to meeting our new pastor since our congregation has heard a lot about him.  His name is Scott Mann and he is from North Webster, I think?  He and Pastor Jim are best friends....I'm sure God has a plan for our congregation and I am looking forward to this next phase of the journey.

VBS
Now, as far as the rest of the week....our church's Vacation Bible School is going on.  And in order to get Alex to be able to participate in it (must be 4 to be a part of it), I HAD TO volunteer (is that an oxymoron?  heehee).  I was anticipating both me and Alex getting a lot out of it.  So, we have been there every morning this week from 9-11:30.  Alex is having a blast.  I am a "group guide" for 22 five year olds.  Thank God I am not the only group guide.  There is another mom and teenager with us...and they are very much needed.  And today, God sent Katie (the children's ministry director's daughter) to help us out.  She was amazing and has learned a lot from her mom who is also a PreK teacher.  I love children, do not get me wrong.  But this has been a VERY tiring week...they are quite the handful.  Apparently they were never taught the terms--listening ears, zip your lips, bubble in your mouths (actually that was a new one to me), hands to yourselves, line up, sit down, hold hands, obey, the list goes on and on (I might be exaggerating a little, okay..no, I'm not).  I feel like a drill sergeant and I don't like that at all.  I want to enjoy this experience more, I really do.  I vowed today that I would at least not LOOK as stressed as I felt (I typically cannot hide my stress, at all).  I think I accomplished that today...smiling while yelling, haha.  Overall, I have met some very sweet children (except for a few.  One minor, minor example of what one little girl did who looks deceiving like a little princess---I went to grab her hand and she yelled, "ow!"  Believe me, I did not hurt her in the least...she just knows how to play people and is something else).  Anyway, it really bothers me that the names I completely have to memory are those who are misbehavin.'  And then there are the sweet angels who get lost in the crowd and I don't even get to know them.  I did often praise good behavior today.  One more morning of this...and a dinner/program tomorrow night.  I will miss seeing some of them :-)  Oh, and I just hug Alex extra tight and give him lots of kisses after the morning is over.  Makes me really appreciate him!!  Speaking of Alex, I have to tell you what he calls one of his teachers for VBS.  Her name is Rebecca....and he calls her Chewbecca, which I figured out is a combination of Chewbacca (Star Wars) and Rebecca.  I shared this with her and we got a good laugh--too cute.

Fun Stuff
We have spent a couple of afternoons playing with friends this week and got to go to Chick-Fil-A.  Love that place...how they run their business and what they do for the community.  We got free kids' meals coupons through VBS.  The past two evenings I have attended different womens' outings through my bible study church, EFC.  We had a "Fun in the Sun" fellowship night on Tuesday at Camp Tecumseh.
And then I have started participating in a Summer Study on Wednesday nights on this Christian book about marriage.  It's fun to discuss with women in an intimate setting and I think will be very helpful in all of our marriages.  Jill Savage, the founder of Hearts at Home, is the author.

This week's challenge for our Summer Study was to make our husbands' favorite meal.  I didn't have to rack my brain too much to know what Mike's favorite meal is.  So, for the first time ever, I made the Focosi family's homemade spaghetti sauce with meatballs.  Sure, I've assisted Mike in the past, but he's always been the one to primarily make it.  But, I made it all on my own and it turned out really well.  He left the table "stuffed," which is how I know I/the meal was a success. 

NOT Good?
Today, something big happened.  Something huge!  The grand opening of....the new Goodwill on the south side of town...and it was AWESOME.  Totally insane, but awesome.  This Goodwill is only like 1/2 mile from my house..this is good (hence their name), but also, oh, so bad. Think... my Dollar Tree problem.  Really, I don't generally have a Goodwill issue, but since we have one so close...and it's huge and organized and TONS of new stuff in the box (discounted) directly from Target (way more than I'd ever seen at any other Goodwill), this may be a problem that I need to work hard to overcome (i.e., keep on driving).  I could easily ride my bike there though...maybe I should...then I couldn't buy as much.  Although we've been wanting to get a bike trailer.  Anyway, I thought my legs were going to go out from under me when I first entered the store.  It's so pretty.  I never, ever thought I'd use that word to describe a Goodwill.  And it doesn't have THE SMELL...not yet, anyway.  And I said it's very large, right?  And the books they offer...it's not just one measly shelf on a wall of books....a few rows of books...categorized, hello?!  It's the closest version of Half Price Books in our town, I guess.  There were a LOT of people in that store today.  Think...a couple hundred, or so, die hard garage salers under one roof.  So, I've realized taking Alex with means spending more money than I intend to, but often I don't have a choice (regarding taking him).  We found some brand new Scooby Doo books and other miscellaneous books for him, a Scooby Doo video, a brand new (in the packaging) Indiana Jones Lego set (retails for $20 online) for $4.99.  Let me tell you this was THE find.  This grandma was talking to me about the Lego set...how it's her grandson's favorite thing ever and if there are any more.  I helped her look, but didn't find anything.  She kept eyeing me and my box and seriously, I would NOT put that thing down in my cart (which was off to the side) because I just knew she would snatch it.  You did not see the look in her eye, okay???  I found a cute, new Old Navy sleeveless shirt for $3.  I didn't get to explore the store as much as I would have liked because I couldn't maneuver the cart well amongst the crowd.  I was about to check out with like $15 worth of stuff...that's not too bad, right?  Well, instead of having the typical impulse items (gum, candy, magazines, etc.which are relatively cheap) at the checkout, they have these "special" shelves right at the check out with cool kitchen gadgets and other pricier (but discounted) things, including this inflatable pool (new, in the box, of course).  Mike and I have been talking about getting an inflatable pool for a while now.  I am such a sucker...but I knew we wanted one and pictured us spending way more than $14.99 (this is regularly $29.99).  So, yep, I left spending $32, which I personally think is a lot to spend at Goodwill.  I vow to you right now that I am going to set some Goodwill limitations, I really am.  I just need to put some thought into that and will try not to go there in the meantime!

Exercise (lack of)
I can't remember the last time I truly exercised (something like 10 days ago?).  I hate that.  Between vacation and the packed schedule this week I have not been able to get to the Y during my regular times. Cardio is so important to me, but why don't I at least do something like 100 sit ups in front of the tv (I really haven't been watching much tv lately though) or leg exercises, or something?  Hey, if there was a way I could do floor exercises while on the computer (which is on a desk), I would!!!!  I'm all about multi-tasking!

In Need of Prayers
My dear friend, Lindsay (the one with the beautiful voice who sang at Lydia's service) is just into her 19th week of pregnancy.  She has been leaking amniotic fluid for 8 days now and it's already a miracle that she has not gone into labor yet.  The goal is to AT LEAST make it to 25 weeks to help the baby's chances of survival and quality of life.  She is on the strictest of bed rest and is, generally speaking, at peace with what God's plan is for her baby and their family (which includes her wonderful husband, Mike, and their adorable daughter, Ruby).  You can read all about Lindsay's thoughts, life on bed rest and their baby on their blog:

www.not2us.net/blog/

She is blogging extensively because...well, what else is she going to do in bed ALL DAY LONG?  They have her laptop propped up nicely so she can be on the computer comfortably. 

I adore Lindsay, I truly do.  I don't use the word "adore" lightly or feel that way about just anyone.  I love her, admire her, and am a devoted friend to her.  She has the BEST sense of humor (actually similar to mine, hee hee) and our husbands (both Mikes) are a lot alike.  Oh, and I razz her about being my young friend...she's like 25?!  But wise way, way beyond her years!  Lindsay is on my heart constantly, just like I continue to think of this friend (who lost her twins at 19 weeks).  Lindsay has been such an influential friend and Christian in my life. I thank God for her daily and I KNOW He will take care of her (and her family) during this time in her life, and always.  And even though I tell her ALL of the time, I needed to publicly put it out there how much I love and care for her and will be here for her always, just like He is.  Please check out her blog, find out more about her (and her baby)...you'll probably start liking her right away like I did.  And comment on her site...she's getting a TON of hits today with a post about suggestions for helping to pass her time on bed rest and she's totally flattered that people read her blog.  But, most of all, please lift her, the baby, and the entire Goodwin family up in your prayers!

Five Years Ago Today.....
Sat June 21, 2008 by Amy

Happy Anniversary to us.  It has been an amazing 5 years.  I thank God for bringing us together and keeping us together through the sunshine and the rain.  We feel truly blessed to have one another.  I love you, Mike...then, today, and always!!

Oh, and for your listening pleasure....our first dance song.  Love it.  Okay, well this is the first time I've seen the video.  It's slightly weird, but good music and lyrics :-)  I'm going to go dance with my husband now.

Getaway to Brown County
Fri June 20, 2008 by Amy
Mike and I enjoyed a 3 day mini-vacation this week to Brown County, mainly Nashville, IN.  It was very relaxing and low key, just what we needed.  It's so pretty there and we'll have to get back in the fall.  We did a lot of shopping, walking, eating, talking, Scrabble-ing, hiking, horseback riding, reading, eating, shopping, walking.  We definitely want to go back and bring Alex sometime, too.  It's a lovely 2 hour drive from Lafayette and you can easily stop at the outlet mall in Edinburgh on the way--we did!  I fell in love with this ice cream.  The shop is actually located in Columbus, IN right off of I-65.  So, so good.  I have a ton of recommendations of must-sees, must-dos, must-eats if you plan to go sometime....let me know.  And I'll join you!  Here are just a few pictures to share :-)

Question to our readers: Where is a nearby place that YOU like to get away to for a night, or two???

Elephant Ears
Mon June 16, 2008 by Mike
A Father's day that ends with elephant ears can only be called: The Most Awesomest Father's Day, Ever!

Amy and I made the tasty deep fried carnival treats last night in our own kitchen. We were very surprised at the outcome. Delicious is all I can say. I have now satisfied my elephant ear fix for the entire summer.

Sorry county fair. No longer shall I wade through your unbearably sweaty crowds or sidestep your sideshow freaks to feast on the ear of the pachyderm.

...Carney party at our house!



The dough, pre-fried (above).




Sizzling to perfection




Generously topped with cinnamon sugar




Also with powdered sugar.




A breakthrough in carnival elegance




Deliciously evil.

We're crazy, yes. Our kitchen smells like a festival but they tasted soooo good.

Recipe: County Fair Elephant Ears.

The Best Daddy in the World!
Sun June 15, 2008 by Amy
Happy Father's Day, Daddy!!  I love you SO much.

Love,
Alex

Some Randomness... Which Of Course Will Involve Mentions of Food
Thu June 12, 2008 by Amy

• My first food reference in this post..have you tried these?  I didn't realize they made this dark chocolate version (been out since 2006?).  Where have I been?  Not that I'm a huge dark chocolate fan.  Apparently I had bought a discounted bag of these (in spring colors) after Easter and just now opened them up (that is hard to believe that we held off that long, seriously!).  They are delightful.  Here's something good to try, eat a couple of these with a pretzel stick, heavenly!  I've never even done this with the regular ol' M&Ms, why not?  I only did it today because I happened to have the pretzels out on the counter at the same time I was opening up this bag...beware, they're addictive!
• Went back for a follow-up appointment for my plantar fasciitis to the podiatrist today.  I've been wearing my tennis shoes with the lovely lift/insert most of the day, doing the stretches, taking anti-inflammatory meds and laying off the fitness walking as best I can for the past few weeks...it's tough!  I think it's a little better, but still bothering me so I'm going to try a couple of other things and go from there.  If it's still bothering me in July, I will be getting a hydrocortisone shot in the foot and have been explicitly told I would then need to lay off of it for a couple of days to get it to work (I recorded this conversation for Mike to hear...just kidding).  I may need to send my kid away if it comes to this...so I can recline with my poor foot up and watch some tv marathons for a couple of days, hmmm...what would I watch?  By that time we may finally be down to the basic cable as we've been talking about it forever!!  Well then, I guess I will be watching Matlock and Murder, She Wrote...shoot.me.now!  I think I should just get a pair of these and call it a day!  Hey, those puppies are classic, versatile, neutral....can't lose!!  Oh, and those make me think of the FACT that I am always the youngest person by 50 years (easily) at the Foot Clinic...hahaha.  Sad, but true.
• Can you guess which store I've been dropping the most money at lately?  Especially considering we're trying to have a budget in place.  You would think Target, Macy's, DSW Shoe Warehouse (if we had one in Lafayette), Old Navy...nope. Just at my favorite store of all time.  I could write a whole post on this store and all that it offers, but I don't have time tonight.  I really, really should be banned from this place OR we should have a category in the budget specifically labeled Dollar Tree.  Yeah, that sounds good :-)  Certainly a lot of their toys are cheap and break quickly, so I'm not so fond of them, but it's amazing what all you can buy there.  I just need to start going there before doing my major shopping!  Well, I had probably not been there for a couple of months, seriously, and went thereon Tuesday (It's your fault, Kristy!) and spent $22 (that's a lot of goods) and then somehow I ended up at the other location today and dropped $17...aaah!  I am out of control.  I can't even tell you what all I bought (as in I can't remember off the top of my head)...but it's all good.  I am very selective about what I buy there.  I'm telling you though...with the way all of the groceries have gone up in price (I'm feeling it, don't know about you), they may need to change their name to the Buck and a Quarter Store, or somethin.'
• Speaking of money...I spent $38 to fill up my Saturn today.  Gas was $4.14/gallon.  Aaah...I can't stand it.  Of course, the Jeep Cherokee easily costs $60 nowadays.  I know a lot of you probably drive minivans or larger SUVs that cost a lot more to fill up.  As much as I always thought I wanted a minivan, I'm glad we don't have one now.  These gas prices are a major a reason why we don't get up north to visit friends and family more often, which stinks.  Also, (you may think I'm kidding, but I'm not), driving to West Lafayette is considered an outing/trip nowadays for us.  I am just sticking around my side of town as much as possible lately.
• My next food reference....yesterday I made homemade strawberry shakes with strawberries we picked last weekend and this ice cream, in vanilla of course for this kind of shake.  I have only tried a couple of the flavors (including Cappuccino Chocolate Chunk), but this is so good for being healthier ice cream...fat free, slow churned....only 1 Weight Watchers point/serving which is unheard of!  Tonight we made Rootbeer shakes with Diet A&W and the FF vanilla.  Have you ever had a rootbeer shake?  I can't remember who introduced me to them, but I started getting them when I was dating Mike (it's obviously basically just a blended rootbeer float), but you can order them from DQ even though they're not on the menu (you may stump some of their employees though) and there's no guarantee that they'll make it right...may be too runny or not rootbeer-tasting enough. 
  
• The past two nights we've been doing some slipping and sliding on a slip and slide my friend got for a good deal at Walgreens.  Last night I was fully clothed, but I did it to try to get Alex to actually slide.  It helped a little (he ran around on it a little more, but didn't do much sliding), but was not as successful as I would have liked (for getting cold and wet in my clothes).  There is some evidence in the form of pictures, but I look like a beached whale in them (as I am just laying on the S&S in misery) and the photographer has been warned that they better not end up on her blog, or else....Oh, and the past two days were glasses-wearing days, so I had to take them off to slip...and slide.  Oh, brother.  Such a blind klutz...it's a miracle I did not hurt myself...truly it is. 
  
• Oh, my last food mention...but this is a gross one.  I saw these at Dollar Tree the other day.  Ewww.  Burger King Ketchup and Fries as a crunchy snack?  I thought it pretty funny though considering my recent post (that really stirred things up in the internet world I might add, hahaha).  See, once again BK's desperation shows.  Their sales of the hot fries have plummeted so they must try to sell them for a buck in a bag at the dollar stores. It's really, really sad...and disgusting.
• And finally...I have a different song in my head from the 80s (even though I still hear Footloose often since Mike burned it to CD for Alex...we're blaring it constantly and he is learning the words!).  My friend, Beth, is giving away a Zune on her review blog.  I had not heard of this mp3 player with tons of awesome features until she posted about it, but I'd love to have one.  Anyway, she is asking those who want to enter the contest for the giveaway to comment and name their favorite song.  Well, how hard is that?  I have so many.  So, I posted two...Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison and....Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves.  Oh, yeah.  Try to listen to that song without moving, I dare you!!  We even made sure it was played at our wedding reception.  So, now I can't stop singing that one!  Did Katrina and her waves ever record anything else???  I would dance like crazy to it RIGHT NOW (since it's playing on my computer speakers), but between my tender right foot (I joke that my Native American name would be TenderFoot) and all of the slip-sliding I did the past two days, I am hurtin.'  Dance for me, will you???  Better yet, dance with your kids to it!!  They'll love it, too :-)
  

I was apparently very link-happy tonight...I have never posted so many links in one post.  Sorry I made you click so much, but hope it was worth it!

Question for our readers:  At which store do you end up spending more money than you should?  Meijer and Wal-mart (besides my Dollar Tree addiction) are hard places for me to limit myself...gotta stick to my list, but it's so hard!!!

Overheard At Our House
Mon June 9, 2008 by Amy
Just a couple of funny things Alex said today....

Mike had one of the cable music stations playing on the tv yesterday (which he sometimes does...another reason to keep the cable!) and he and Alex were being silly and dancing to different genres of music, namely 70s and 80s.  Well, Alex really enjoyed a certain song, so much so that he asked to listen to it today.

"I want to hear loose feet." 

Gee, can you guess what he was asking for?  Footloose, baby.  Now, you've got it in your head, huh? Well, I do because we watched a YouTube video of it twice.  Go on, watch it!  It will definitely take you back.  I saw that movie SO many times as a child (we had it on video).  It really made me want to watch it again.  Mike would make fun of me excessively if I did.  Do you remember that Sarah Jessica Parker played Rusty, Ariel's friend?  (Seriously, I did not remember their names and needed to look that up).  But I do vividly remember her dancing in the chair, squirming to get up on the dance floor.  And there are some frightening scenes in that movie, ya know?  That I didn't remember until watching that video (and didn't want Alex to see), like when messed-up Ariel straddles the two cars and is heading straight for a semi, playing a  "game" of chicken with tractors, the bar fight...I know there's more. But, who can forget some of the memorable songs from the soundtrack?  Let's Hear it for the Boy, Holding out for a Hero,  Almost Paradise, Dancing in the Sheets (not to be confused with the STREETS), Hurts so Good.  Alright, that's enough loose feet for now.

Earlier today, I was slicing up a bunch of strawberries to freeze and there so happened to be a humidifier on the counter that Mike was soaking vinegar in to clean it out.  Alex came down the stairs and asked,
"Is that a strawberry machine?"

Speaking of strawberries, when I was trying to decide whether or not to take Alex strawberry picking today, he kept chiming in that he wanted to go.  Sure I'd like him to have the experience, but I wanted a LOT of strawberries and it was so hot today. I ended up letting him go though. He was really looking forward to it.  He seemed to have some knowledge about strawberry picking.  Little did I know where that supposed knowledge came from and then he revealed it...Caillou went strawberry picking once.  Oh, really?  With who?  Clementine (whoever that is...his friend, I think).  Alex spoke up and was very worried on the drive there that we had forgotten our basket (which apparently Caillou had brought in that episode). I assured him they'd have baskets at the fields.  Just for the record, I can't remember the last time Alex watched Caillou.  I WISH he would watch a nice PBS show like that, but it doesn't keep his attention ever since he was exposed to Scooby Doo.  I know there are a couple of people who read this blog who I can personally thank for that initial exposure to Scoob, ha!  Anyway, Alex really had this fantasy or idea of what strawberry-picking would be like and I totally saw the wheels turning in him when we got there.  We were in our row and he was just very still and taking it all in, realizing this is not nearly as much fun as Caillou made it appear to be.  He picked maybe 10 measly berries of the 9 pounds I purchased, oh well. Did I mention it was hot???

And another kinda funny thing overheard in our house today (that I cannot quote verbatim, maybe Mike can chime in on this AND maybe you had to be there), but it was something I did/said.  Okay, I borrowed this 20 questions game from Lindsay.  I had never played it before and I've been a little obsessed with it  since I started messing with it.  Basically, you come up with something--an object, whatever--and the little thing will display 20 different questions to try to eliminate and figure out what you're thinking of.  You answer the questions by pushing the buttons...yes, no, unknown, sometimes.  I just really get a kick out of this thing...it has been right on in guessing some things that I have no idea how it came to figure out (I have won sometimes though as well...meaning, it didn't figure it out).  Anyway, this morning I'm playing with it again and just raving about how it possibly guessed the word right when Mike said, "maybe it's voice activated".  I know sometimes I had said aloud, "I'm going to try to get it to guess ____".  But, I'm like whatever, I knew he was just teasing about the possibility of the machine hearing anything I say to try to figure out my word.  However, as I was going through a line of questioning regarding my word, "skateboard," I was getting a little suspicious of the thing apparently and I whispered something to Mike.  He didn't hear me at first.  So, I (frustratingly) whispered it just a little louder, "Is a skateboard ____?"  Whatever...I don't remember the question, but I wasn't sure how to answer it, so I was consulting him.  He could not stop laughing that I was whispering to him because I didn't want to say my word out loud for fear that maybe this thing did have a little microphone in it.  It was a funny moment.  I'm not an idiot, but I was starting to get a little paranoid.  Well, the stupid thing guessed "bike" so I won!!  I just could not get over (which is why I was suspicious of voice-activation) how it guessed "pizza" the night before.  It never asked if it was round or if it was a food....so, how did it know????  Spooky!

Controversial?
Fri June 6, 2008 by Amy
So, the other day, I felt the need for some McDonald's when we were driving around that area at dinner time.  I noticed the light at that particular intersection was not working, but I didn't think much of it.  I pull up to the drive-thru and see a sign on the speaker that says, "Sorry, we're closed because we have no power."  Are you kidding me???  I was really craving their Diet Coke...not to mention the food.  Okay, fine, I'll settle and go across the street to Burger King then.  The thought crossed my mind that BK might be in the same predicament, but it was fleeting and I headed over there.  As I pull up, I see several employees standing around outside.  Obviously, they're not open.  I was just going to peel out since I knew what was going on, but one of their employees kept waving her arms at me.  So, I stopped and she (of course) said, "Sorry, we're closed because the power's out."  I said, "Darn, I already tried McDonald's, but was hoping you guys would still be open."  And one of the male employees jokingly yelled, "Oh, so we weren't your first choice?"  And I retorted with, "Well, ever since you changed your fries years ago..."  THEN, I peeled out, tires screeching (just kidding about the exit, but not about what I said). 

First of all, let me say, God did not want me eating fast food that night, apparently (I really made up for it today though, ugh!).  Secondly, Mike was not with me that night.  When I told him about this situation and encounter later (not really thinking that much of it), he found it hilarious and said I needed to blog about it.  Not sure why.  Probably because it is true--Burger King is NEVER our first choice when choosing between it and McDonald's and I got called out on it by one of their own :-)  I really did not think much of it when I said that McDonald's was closed, but SNAP, I was busted.  Who cares?  Anyway, back to how McDonald's is ALWAYS our first choice.  Like I mentioned, because of the fries!!!  Mike and I equally have strong feelings about it and are in agreement completely (see why our marriage works so well?  haha).  I went to Burger King often as a kid and throughout my younger years (I sound old!) and loved it.  There was never a fry issue.  I have fond memories of the place, including searching through their trash to look for my retainer that I had inadvertently thrown away (since it was sitting, wrapped in a napkin, on my tray).  Fun stuff--it has happened to ALL of you, several times, who wore retainers as kids!!!

Anyway, there was a point in time when they significantly changed their fries.  Mike and I were trying to remember when and he said something like 10 years ago.  He has such a vivid memory for the important stuff, I tell ya (really, he has an excellent memory).  Sure enough, my web savvy husband found
 this article. 1997....that's when my love affair for Burger King fizzled (apparently...I didn't remember the specific time frame we broke up) and McDonald's slid into first place for me.  And I know they've changed the fries some even since this major change, but the verdict is still the same...blech, blah, no thank you.  Don't get me wrong...certainly if we end up there, I begrudgingly force those fries down because that's what you have with a burger, but we don't end up there that often (unless we have a coupon for a free sandwich, or something--I'm not kidding).  Their fries have a crispy coating on them...this is our issue.  They're just not right.

So, I thought this situation I found myself in the other night brought up one of life's major dilemmas...McDonalds or Burger King???  You know I am saying this all in jest, right?  (kinda)  I don't frequent McDonald's THAT often and I certainly don't ponder this decision on a regular basis, but I know it's a little controversial, huh?  Yeah, I know this blog tackles the serious issues.  So, again, I do not know either establishments' menus extensively, nor have I eaten a huge variety from it, but just off the top of my head, how do I compare the two?

FRIES--well, you know...duh.  McDonald's fries are All-American.  Best when hot and salty and dipped in ketchup.  Although, this is the truth...listen carefully...they are the only, I repeat ONLY, fries that I will eat WITHOUT ketchup (such as when you go through the drive-thru) because they are THAT good.  Am I right, or am I right???  (Oh, and I've seen "Super Size Me" and it initially bothered me a little--as far as the fries not breaking down appropriately once ingested--but I got over it pretty fast--wanted to mention in case someone was going to comment on this!).

BURGERS--Honestly, I might throw you for a loop here, I prefer the flame-broiled goodness at Burger King. I like the Jr. Whopper or just a cheeseburger.   Seems like better quality meat and not as much bun as at McD's.

CHICKEN--Let's see...as far as individual chicken pieces, BK wins by a landslide with their tenders vs. McD's pathetic nuggets.  I'm sorry, but again, it's the quality of the chicken (and the breading, too).  And I've always had a soft spot for BK's original chicken sandwich (with the long bun...do they still prepare it this way? Haven't had it forever).

REFRESHMENTS--I am partial to McDonald's drinks in general.  Their Coke and Diet Coke is sweet and the best out there.  Ain't nothin' beats a McDonald's Coke except...their Sweet Tea :-)  I also enjoy their French Vanilla Cappuccino, although not every McDonald's location sells it (which is very frustrating, I must say).

HONORABLE MENTIONS--Vanilla soft serve ice cream cone at McD's (only 3 Weight Watchers points), the original Egg McMuffin and Hash brown at McD's--do NOT get me started on those coin-shaped greasy hash browns at BK (do they still do those?  I have no idea).  McD's apple pie, but dang that hot gooey, apple-ness burns the crap out of your tongue, right?  I know if you're a big onion ring person (like Mike), they're pretty good at BK...a good substitute for those "fries."  See, that's the thing, they know their fries are nasty, so they offer substitutions...besides the onion rings, aren't they offering like cheesy tots or something weird as an alternative as well.  What is THAT about?  Desperation, I tell you. 

Okay, I could probably go on and on about other miscellaneous menu items, but I shall stop there.  If this post stirs anything in you at all, please comment and share your opinion because I KNOW some of you have strong opinions about this topic, or am I the only one???  See, this blog tackles real-life issues and is SO scandalous!!  Heehee!!

Oh, and when you look back at my list....you will see that BK wins in some of the really major categories like Burgers and Chicken, but the fries are the clincher...and keep me coming back for more...and more.

So, which do you prefer....McDonald's or Burger King???  And why???

Mike:

I pretty much agree with Amy. McD's fries are the best but I prefer the taste of the BK burgers.

I have an idea, everybody should hop into their Hummer H2's and buy a Double Whopper with cheese then idle across the street to McDonalds for a large fry and Coke. All the while lighting Cuban cigars with dollar bills. Can you think of a better way to spend your economic stimulus check?

...And If anyone says Hardees is their favorite, I'm deleting their comment.

Realities of Life with Sick Alex
Thu June 5, 2008 by Amy
We are on Day 4 of Operation: Trapped Inside and it's so much fun!! (hear the sarcasm as you read that)
What has happened since our Monday night drama of attempts to get Alex to take Tylenol and antibiotic?  Not much since we're TRAPPED INSIDE, but I'll re-cap some of the highlights.

1. Alex has eaten mint chip ice cream with chocolate syrup (tainted with Azythromycin) every morning for breakfast the past two days.  He gets 2 more days of ice cream for his morning meal, lucky kid. I know I win Best Parent of the Year (sarcasm, again), but it is the only, I repeat ONLY, way to get that stuff down him.  He is a controlling baby about taking ANY kind of medicine, but most of the medicine he fights tastes like candy.  They  make it so sweet these days. However, this particular antibiotic is disgusting.  It's very deceiving in that it is called cherry flavor, smells like cherry, and initially tastes like cherry.  But once it sits on  your tongue for 1 second, it turns into a hairspray-ish, chemical taste.  I am not exaggerating.  I would not ingest that stuff for anything (except maybe mixed into some chocolate syrup and ice cream!).  So, for once anyway, his fight of taking medicine is pretty legit.
2. I end up living an unhealthy lifestyle when Alex is sick.  I am not able to go to the Y, like I normally do, since I can't put Alex in their child care.  I can't use our treadmill because of plantar fasciitis.  I am forced to forage in the pantry SEVERAL times a day since I can't go out and do something.  Mike should put a lock on it (like he locked me out from TLC years ago when I obsessively watched Baby Story, Wedding Story, Dating Story, ah...those were the days).
3. The tantrums, oh...the tantrums.  I really don't attribute these to the pneumonia at all.  They are ALL Alex, ALL the time :-)  Yesterday we went round and round, and round again!  It started with refusal to get dressed on his own, even though he can do it with some prompts and direction.  He wanted me to dress him and he needs to be more independent, so I was not going to dress him, total fit.  Then, he was punished more for his screaming during his time out.  After that, he wiped snot on a blanket, aargh, and I saw some on his hand and made him go wash his hands.  He did not move a muscle while standing at the sink, so I (a little forcefully) washed his hands for him.  Total fit because HE wanted to wash his hands, hahaha.  There was so much more, but the big clincher was refusing to apologize.  Took a long time, but I finally got that MUCH-deserved apology.  There was a lot of screaming (totally on his part, NEVER on mine, insert evil laugh that turns into a cry) with all of our windows wide open.  These houses are so close together that I'm sure everyone around heard.  Oh wait, that's right the houses are empty on both sides of us, evil laughter again.
   
4.  Speaking of our foreclosed neighbors, remember all of that trash that we shared with you??  Well, Mike contacted the homeowners' association and it got picked up...I'm sure the neighbors will get billed.  Remember, these folks are not living there anymore, they just come by often to pick up more stuff.  Now, two days after all of the trash was removed (oh, it was a lovely sight!), the old neighbor spent a lot of time (in the middle of pouring down rain) loading up his van from the back and bringing it around front (several trips of this) to display double, I repeat DOUBLE, the trash that was pictured last time. Uh-huh.  I opened the door and just glared at him.  He didn't notice me.  I wanted to say something SO bad, but Mike held me back.  He's always doing that!  We joked that he must think there is a trash fairy.  And Mike said, bet he wishes there was a mortgage fairy.  I know that's bad, but I'm fed up with the trash, people!
5. Back to all of the windows being open in our house....it was hot up in here yesterday!!  Mike is not about turning on the air unless he absolutely has to.  I pleaded with him last night about me and Alex going to a local pool/water park with friends with tons of convincing reasons why we should and he did not budge.  I was very upset with him that he was forcing us to be trapped in this hot house for another day.  I woke up to the AC on today, Hallelujah!!!  It's killing him, I know.
6. Many hours of TV have been watched in this household the last few days.  Yet another reason why I was nominated to be Parent of the Year :-)
7. So, apparently, because we can't be out in Mother Nature, she came to us... in the form of ants in the house.  I walked downstairs yesterday to find several crawling around in various places along our baseboards in the living room.  Alex is very good at spotting ants and really helped me out to kill those suckers.  So, we ended up doing some major floor cleanin', pullin' out furniture, ant-sprayin' and a lot of sweatin' yesterday.
8. Ceiling fan--we have been searching for one for our bonus/game room upstairs.  It gets so hot up here and a ceiling fan would do wonders.  We agonized over the size and type and finally found one we really liked.  Mike spent almost 3 hours installing it last night.  He did a great job, but it's too low!!  And there's no adjusting it...apparently it's meant for much taller ceilings.  We do like to dance with Alex and, at times, we jump up while dancing and if that baby was on, um, yeah...  And it's quite massive and ends up being the focal point, which is not the goal.  Bummer, it's so pretty though.  So, I'm enjoying the look of it and the breeze until the weekend when we'll take it back.  It stinks that Mike has had to and will need to do more hard labor with this...but sometimes things like this are trial and error.

I guess this kind of sums up the past couple of hermit days.  I've never been THE most social person, but all it takes is being cooped up for a while to realize I NEED some social contact from the outside world.  Especially with friends, aah...going stir crazy.  But I now have some child-left-behind plans for tonight, so that's something to look forward to.

Six Months
Tue June 3, 2008 by Amy
It was six months ago today that we welcomed Lydia into this world. It was six months ago today that we said goodbye. I wish I had something poignant to say on this special date, but I don’t. I feel like all of my energy is directed toward my living child who needs me today.

So, instead of my attempt at meaningful words, I am sharing a video with you. I thought it was the perfect day to share this music and moment with the world. This is a video of our friends, Lindsay and Mike, singing at Lydia’s memorial service. The acoustics and lighting are lacking, yet it is still beautiful and perfect. I just love them so much for blessing us (and now all of you) in this way. I requested two songs that I thought reflected our feelings about Lydia and God: It Is Well With My Soul and Wonderful, Merciful Savior. The message still holds true today. Lydia—when in my womb, when born and passed in my arms, when in heaven and NOT physically with us here today—was and continues to be well with our souls. He is a wonderful and merciful savior And He gives us the healing and grace.

Happy Summer?
Mon June 2, 2008 by Amy
UPDATE: Alex's fever at 4:30 this afternoon was 104.6.  I was advised by the dr's office to go to Urgent Care.  After a thorough exam and chest x-rays and such, they have determined that he has bronchial pneumonia (I really don't think this has anything to do with the tummy issues he had been having before, just something else to add to the list).  His temp is down quite a bit now, but we have had THE most frustrating night as parents ever.  I mean that.  Taking his new antibiotic and Advil was a major issue tonight.  Without going into detail, it was awful. Yes, we are the parents, but you CANNOT make someone eat or drink something that they're not willing to.  You just can't force someone's swallowing mechanism to do it.  We are at our wit's end and don't know what to do with him right now.

I say this not to seek out advice about our strong-willed, um, child (I have so many other choice words I could use to call him right now, and I have with Mike), but I shall refrain.  I say this just to share we had a rough night.  In the big scheme of life, I know this night will probably not stand out and we will have MANY  more challenging things to face as parents, I do know this.  So, I am just speaking from my experience as a parent of this 3-year old.  It was just one of those nights where I felt like I'm not cut out for this parenting thing and just truly at a loss right now.  Just being real here.  I'm praying tomorrow will be a MUCH better day and Alex will be more agreeable (that's a good way to put it).

I apologize that I haven't posted a real post in some time.  My creative writing juices are not flowin'.  Okay, that sounded kind of gross.  Anyway, I only have the energy for a hodge podge photo gallery.  Hope you look through them all :-)  You'll know why I questionably say Happy Summer with the last pic that shows what we're up to today. 

I saw the Sex and the City movie yesterday.  It was so great.  I know it's not up everyone's alley and certainly had some short risque scenes (which is why it's rated R), but it really is a movie about amazing friendship and the strong bond between the 4 women.  I loved seeing it with a great girlfriend.  It may have helped that we had both watched the series and felt like we truly knew the characters.  They do a little background in the beginning of the movie for those who are not familiar with the series though.  The writing is so funny and I just loved it.  The ending was perfect :-) 

Weekend in Review
Mon May 26, 2008 by Amy
We had a busy, yet fun holiday weekend. Lots of pics and commentary--take a look!

Lydia's Legacy Article
Mon May 26, 2008 by Amy
My friend, Nettie, writes for LafayetteMoms.com.  She interviewed me a while back for an article about our story and Lydia and it's featured on the site today.   You can read it here.   It was a challenging article to write as she was limited to 500 words.  I know I couldn't eloquently sum it all up in 500 words, but she did a great job. 

I hope you all are having a wonderful Memorial Day with family today.  I have many pictures to post from the weekend.  Will probably do tonight!

Transparency
Wed May 21, 2008 by Amy
Tonight's Women's Bible Study (the last of the season until the Fall) was very emotional for me.  I almost didn't go because Alex was sick, but I'm so thankful I have a wonderful husband who came home early to care for him so I could attend.  I had NO clue that tonight's gathering would be any different than any other for me, but that just shows how amazing this place and these women are.  As others were freely sharing on this last intimate evening together before the summer, I found myself struggling.  I'm not one who talks in excess at Bible Study...I take in a lot.  And not that I talked ears off tonight either, but I just revealed some feelings that have been really surfacing in me lately.  Sometimes I get to that point when surrounded by these beautiful women.  I found myself crying in that safe place.   Something that someone says could trigger the emotions.  Tonight there was a lot of talk about trusting in the Lord and how we all have a story.  Those two key aspects kept coming back to me and I needed to share what I was feeling, stronger than ever, in that moment.

Trusting in God, trusting in God...can be a scary thing.  And I can honestly say I never gave it a whole lot of thought before my pregnancy and Lydia.  The verse that helped get me through those several months was Proverbs 3:5-6 (which I know I have mentioned on here before).  Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.  I repeated this to myself and relied on this truth throughout the difficult times.  I believed in it wholeheartedly at the time.  I NEEDED to trust God knew what He was doing.  I clung to it.

But somehow, some way, I have let this belief (my trust in Him) go by the wayside in a sense.  Or I just haven't given Him the credit He's due that everything will be alright and He will get me through.  And what I'm mainly referring to is having another child.  Trying to get pregnant again.  And bringing a healthy, thriving baby home.  I want a baby, another little Focosi, so badly.  I can honestly say though that I have never been more scared of anything in my entire life.  It is a fear that is SO deep and I didn't really realize (and probably still don't) how deep until tonight. A fear of losing another baby.  And if I have this much fear now (and I'm not even pregnant yet), how much anxiety will I be feeling when I find out I am with child (God-willing)?  Have my dr. appointments?  The first ultrasound?  The many weeks and weeks of pregnancy?  Delivery?  Wanting more than anything else to bring that baby home....As I mentioned this evening, I have physically prepared my body like I have been advised to do by doctors.  I take an excess of folic acid and prenatal vitamins.  But God is really working on my spiritual and emotional health, to get me ready to not only seriously consider getting pregnant again, but to calmly and peacefully endure the pregnancy and have our future baby, hopefully.

I revealed this, not in so many words, but in emotions and a lot of tears tonight.  And I'm realizing that tonight was a huge step for me (and Mike) to thoughts and the reality of a future baby Focosi. And I have felt a little more trust in Him as the night has progressed.  Thoughts like...He knew I needed to be at Bible Study tonight and made sure that happened.  He wanted me to hear others' comments to stir the emotions in me and speak up/rely on others in such a safe place.  He made sure I was prayed over and prayed over again and that I would come to know that the beautiful words these amazing women said to me were not only true, but were really from Him.  He uses others as vessels and He used my friends tonight.  He made sure I heard the song, Alabaster Jar, which has lyrics including:

Here I am, take me
As an offering
Here I am, giving every heartbeat
For your glory take me
The time that I have left
Is all i have of worth
I lay it at your feet, lord
It's less than you deserve
And though I've little strength
And though my days are few,
You gave your life for me
So, I will live my life for you

So, my real-life nearby or long-distance (or strictly Internet) friends, I share this with you to let you in on how fearful and anxiety-ridden I am (at this point) about having another child.  I am revealing my fragility to you so you can keep me in your thoughts this upcoming summer (and beyond!).  To pray for serenity and peace for whatever lies ahead and for me to just lay my many fears down at His feet.

Please know this is just the beginning of a slight sense of comfort regarding thoughts of another child.   I am more hopeful tonight than I had been, which is a blessing.  I can tell you right now that I will probably write many future posts referencing this very topic.  Be patient with me and I could use any and all reassuring thoughts.  I know it's hard to know what to say though, I really do.  And I really am trying to cast my cares (anxieties, worries), but it is a process and I am forever a work in progress.  Maybe this sounds better...clay in God's hands. He's forever molding and shaping me into an even more beautiful display of myself...how He sees me.  Wait--does that sound vain?  Cause I'm not!

I love and/or think fondly of SO many of you who read our blog.  I just truly thank you for your unending love, support and compassion.

P.S. It's 11:00 pm and I haven't watched the season finale of American Idol yet...aah!  David Cook is by far my choice, but he'll be successful no matter what.

A Vomit Day
Wed May 21, 2008 by Amy
What is going on???  I kinda thought we were in the clear after a healthier few days.  He's puked three times in the last three hours.  I'm sorry this has become a medical blog...it's more annoying to me than you!!!  Just letting you know why I'm MIA today.

We Got Through It
Tue May 20, 2008 by Amy
Update: The upper GI came back fine (no mal-rotation of intestines) and his blood sugar was well within the normal range.  Not sure where we go from here!  He has been feeling fine for the past week, so I'll just keep praying that he stays healthy :-)

Thanks to those who commented with words of encouragement and those who prayed for Alex. 

I brought all of this up to Alex yesterday morning while we were driving around, nothing too detailed, just the simple facts.  He freaked out, so I was pretty worried.  Then, I casually brought it up two different times last night basically explaining the plan/schedule for the morning and how Alex had to help me remember to do/bring certain things.  He was very calm when we talked about it last night and I was then hopeful for this morning.  He woke up just fine and we went over the basics one more time.  We applied numbing cream  on the areas of his arms for the blood draw (hoped this would help at least a little!), brought Scooter the puppy dog, a maze book, and a snack for afterwards as he had to fast.  He didn't seem scared or apprehensive at all.  I couldn't help wondering when the s*!t would hit the fan. 

He was still calm, but more quiet (I could see the fear in his eyes) when he laid down in the chair at the lab.  But he was not kicking, screaming, thrashing like last time, Praise God!  Even when they inserted the needle, he said, "Ow," and cried some throughout the draw, but we didn't have to hold him down much and really it was 100 times better than in the hospital.  However, after it was all over, this kid was PISSED OFF.  Seriously, he was way worse after it was said and done than during.  Many people that worked there and in the waiting area were giggling a little watching his reaction afterwards.  It was difficult to get him to then go down to X-ray cause this kid was mad.  But, a fun elevator ride helped do the trick. 

He was just fine waiting in X-ray.  He knew he would have to drink something and would get some pictures taken of his belly.  To my surprise, he was called back to get the X-ray by someone he knows, Miss Kim, who works with the kids at Elston Family Church on Wed. nights.  I was so happy that he saw a familiar face during something that was scary for him.  Who knew that putting on a little green gown would set him off again?  Aargh.  He threw a fit over something so ridiculous.  He was in just underwear and his tennis shoes (cute, huh?) for a while until a pretty X-ray tech (remember, Alex has a thing for cute young ladies with bubbly personalities) talked him into putting the gown on.  A promise of a donut afterwards also helped to get him in the room calmly.  Alex wanted daddy in the room over me (sniff, sniff), but that's okay.  I could hear most of the conversation outside the door.  It took a while to get him to drink all of the barium (I don't think it was flavored actually, which is kind of silly with kids).  He  sipped it rather than big gulps like they needed, but he eventually got it all down and then they took different pics of his belly.

Alex did really well, considering.  We were very proud of him and we're so glad it's over!!  I'll let you know the non-results.  Seriously I think this all was a waste of emotions and money (not that I WANT anything to be wrong with him), but I know sometimes you have go through these tests to rule things out before finding the answer.

In other Focosi medical news, I finally saw a podiatrist yesterday.  My right foot has been bothering me off and on for a few months, specifically in the heel area and sometimes into the arch.  It kills first thing in the morning when I get out of bed and especially with a lot of walking/exercise.  So, I have a heel spur (which I think sounds hilarious) and plantar fasciitis, fun stuff.  The first course of action is doing (and not doing) some things for the next few weeks and see how my foot responds to this plan.  Stretches prior to getting out of bed every morning, wear comfortable (tie) shoes with an orthotic pretty much all day long, anti-inflammatory prescription, and lay off a lot of the exercise that I normally do (total bummer when I'm trying to get healthy).  I can bike or swim (not going to happen because requires me to put on a bathing suit), so I need to get creative with exercise and definitely try to cut back more on my eating since I will not be getting the exercise that I'm used to.  Really, it does make me sad that I can't do my fitness walking or step classes, but I've definitely been injuring it more and not allowing it to heal by continuing those forms of exercise. 

When I went to pick Alex up from Mike (they hung out at work together) and he asked how the appt. was, I told him I was put on bed rest for 3 weeks.  The look on his face was PRICELESS.  So mean, but so funny.

Sorry to bore you all with this lame stuff.  I knew many of you wanted an update on this morning though.  I'll get back to some fun posting soon!

To Prepare Him, or Not...
Sun May 18, 2008 by Amy
First of all, thanks to everyone who posted comments in the last entry about saving money.  I was giddy to receive that many comments!  It's a hot topic.  I'm sure we'll be posting more about it later.  Oh, and apparently you're not supposed to re-use sandwich baggies, aargh.  I guess that kind of rings a bell now that it was brought to my attention.  The plastic in the bags breaks down and releases chemicals into the food, which is not good.  Mike is doing all kinds of research on plastics now and will probably post something about that later.  Bummer...guess we'll have to find a frugal alternative.

Anyway, I am dreading this Tuesday morning.  Alex is having more blood work done to check on his blood sugar again AND he is having an Upper GI done to check for malrotation of his intestines.  I'm dreading both procedures, but especially the blood draw because he will freak out and I just don't know how to handle or help prepare him for it.  Please pray that Alex will do okay with this and that I find the right words to prepare or comfort him.  Do you have any advice for me?  Do I talk to him about it ahead of time or spring it on him?  Pros and cons to each...if I bring it up much, we will not be able to get him out the door.  He has been that traumatized from last weekend (an attempted blood draw and then kicking and screaming for 15 minutes the 2nd time).  If I don't tell him until we're there, I will feel like I've tricked him and the result will not be good in other ways.  Either way, I'm screwed.

The Upper GI could be just as traumatic, but for some reason I'm not as worried about this.  Maybe because there are no needles involved and he hasn't been permanently scarred from it already.  Basically an x-ray is done of his abdomen while he drinks a flavored barium (that is still probably disgusting to a picky 3-year old).  I know it will be hard to get him to drink it. 

And honestly, the more I think about this, I feel like both procedures are unnecessary and that REALLY bothers me to be putting him through unnecessary pain and trauma.  Makes me sick.  I just highly doubt he has this malrotation of intestines from reading about it online (because we're all doctors now thanks to the internet).  And I don't think he has high blood sugar because I think it was just stress in the hospital.  However, I'm not a certified doctor (yet I don't think his doctor is convinced he has these things at all, just precautions).  But I am his mother and that sure counts for a lot!

Any advice will be GREATLY appreciated!  Thank you!!!

Lame Instant-Messaging and Saving Money
Wed May 14, 2008 by Amy
Mike and I 'IM' each other during the day sometimes.  Today I shared a "thread" with him from
lafayettemoms.com (a local moms forum) about ways that moms try to save money, which is something we're constantly trying to get better about (we've come a long way).  He read through the different comments and this was our exchange afterwards.  It's lame, but I think he's funny.  Back story...apparently Mike reads the local moms forum, which I think is cute.  And there were mentions on this thread about how some of the moms make inexpensive homemade potpies. 

 mikeATwork: yeah. i've been reading that. We must be behind the times in the pot pie dept.
 Amy: what are you talking about? i made it last week
 mikeATwork: oh, right. i stand corrected. i thought i saw pot pies mentioned twice in that thread.
 mikeATwork: Bunch of pot pie eatin' mothas.

I did make a WW friendly pot pie from scratch last week....it tasted like butt.

We are currently reading the book, America's Cheapest Family.  It's very interesting.  I'll probably share more about it when I'm done reading.  Oh, and I prefer the terms "frugal" or "cost-conscious," but you can call me cheap!

Off the top of my head, here are a few things we do to save money:

Mike currently takes the CityBus to work at least a few times a week.  It saves us a ton on gas money.  It is free for him as a Purdue employee.  In addition, he gets a great calorie-burning walk in on the way to and from the bus stop.  On the days when he takes the bus, I then drive the Saturn, which is much better on gas mileage than the Jeep.

We utilize the library often.  We rarely BUY a book anymore and go to many of the programs they offer.  The library is such a great resource.  Ooh...I've gotta get that book read because I'm sure it's due back soon.

We either shop at Aldi or shop the ads at a regular grocery store.  We typically shop at Meijer, if not at Aldi.  I love their sales/prices and the Meijer brand of products are good.

Mike keeps this house way too cool in the winter/hot in the summer.  I can't stand it, but I know we're saving money.  We definitely have thermostat wars in this house.

We quit subscribing to the newspaper because just about everything can be found on their website.

We have cut back on eating out big time.  It's one of those expenses that you have nothing to show for except for a fatter you-know-what.  We love going out to eat on occasion, but it's much more special now when we do.

When milk or bread are on sale, we buy extra and freeze.  Just pour a little milk off the top before freezing.  Take out and put in the fridge at least a couple of days before you need.  Shake it up each time....you can't taste a difference.

When we rent a movie, we ALWAYS rent from Redbox.  We only rent on nights we know we will watch it and just keep for 1 night.  You cannot beat $1/night (on Mondays only you can get a free movie with a coupon code!).  We will never pay $4 at a Blockbuster or Hollywood video again.  It's so convenient at the McDonald's down the street.

Neighborhood garage sales are fun.  I used to have more luck there for clothes for Alex when he was younger, but not so much anymore.  Otherwise, I try to shop end-of-season sales in the stores and buy for next year. 

Don't laugh...but we started washing our sandwich baggies.  We go through those things fast.  Not only is this better for the environment, but also on our wallet, heehee.

I know there's so much more we do, but that's all I've got tonight.  I'll post more once I finish the book.

Another thing we're grappling with...canceling the cable.  Kara, I know this has worked well for your family.  We really need to still research how much we'd be saving and if it would be worth it for us.  It would probably be a shock to our tv-watching systems at first, but I think we'd get used to only having a few channels?!  Aaah!!!

Oh, and we're also in the process of coming up with a much more strict budget, or I should say, A budget, period.  I always hear that creating a budget and sticking to it (limiting yourself to only spend a certain amount/month in various categories is actually MORE financially-freeing than not having anything in place at all.)  I believe it.  We need to come up with something that is strict, yet effective and do-able for us.

So, my whole 5 readers (prove me wrong!), what are some things that you do to save money/cut costs? Please share. We can all improve in this area!

Oh, and Amy Clark, you are exempt from answering this question, as you have an entire website and blog almost entirely dedicated to this topic.  If you have not checked out my friend's site, you need to!  She's brilliant :-)

P.S. Just like has been the case lately, this was just going to be a post about Mike's funny line from "IM"ing today, but has turned into so much more.  I'm looking forward to reading your comments and heeding your financial tips!