Asperger Syndrome

(Spaghetti dinners are the messiest! Chaz is the second child from the right with the big spaghetti smile.)


I wanted to journal about my son Chaz because it might help someone out there who is going through the same thing with their son. Also, I would like to give a Christian perspective on my thoughts. For four years I have struggled with my son and being that he was my first, I thought his behaviors were typical for a boy and I overlooked them. (And disciplined a lot). I realize that there will always be someone who thinks they're a doctor and that they know the diagnosis but I just label that as "ignorance" and walk away. They have not lived with my son on a day to day basis. However, I have many people supporting me including my pastor so I feel I can move forward and help Chaz with great confidence.

First off, my 5 year old son was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome (and ADHD) last week. Another way of putting it is "Autistic-like qualities with developed speech. They can seem like any other kid in some ways but have problems in the social arena. There is a long list of what Asperger is and they usually have to meet all of them to be diagnosed with it.

I will not be despaired because I know that God made Chaz and He trusted Chaz to our care knowing this is who Chaz is. Aspergers can be a gift and a curse at the same time. Chaz tends to have "sensory overload". Sometimes he can handle noise, other times he'll cover his ears and start to get really upset and panic. He is literal about things that you say often times. Chaz is very aggressive and is seen as a bully at times. He can go from completely calm to very angry in 5 seconds flat. Certain clothing bother him and certain types of shirts drive him nuts. He has to have things lined up and will follow patterns. Usually people can mistake his behaviors as a result of "improper parenting" because his behaviors can look like a boy who is just rude or aggressive.

The bright side, is often these kids grow up very bright and intellegent. Einstein was thought to have had Aspergers and some other successful people. They have one particular area of focus and often will only speak of that and can seem obsessed about that subject. I am grateful that Chaz I am grateful that Chaz is high functioning.

  Aspergers is a neurological disorder and not a cause of something. It is not curable but I do believe that God can heal him. Most importantly, I know God has a special plan for Chaz. I only feel blessed that God would entrust Chaz into my hands to take him on this journey. I hope my journals will help anyone else who is facing a difficult time in their lives. Yes, it has been an unbelievably hard 4 years for us, but it is God who gives us the strength. I pray that you too would look to God for answers and not despair. The world will tell you that all hope is lost, but God gives life and it more abundantly if you seek him and make him your Lord and Savior. I know that God didn't bring us this far just to leave us. He has a special plan.

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Our Scare of the Day

Oh man, the trials of life! After my Homemakers class today, I headed to my sister Tammy's house to drop my son off. She invited us inside. As her and I were talking. I heard a "thud". I heard all the boys yelling that Kyle (my 2 year old) landed on his head from the top of the bunk bed. Oh my gosh! I went in the room and Kyle was just laying there. I held him and it was like holding a raggety anne doll. He was so limp. I couldn't get him to stand, lift his head or arms. I was so scared. I realized then that he had a small gash in his head and his tongue was bleeding. Tammy said, "Do you want me to call 911?!". I said instead I will drive down the street to the ER. My kids stayed with Tammy. I talked to him the whole way there, left my car with the valet and rushed in the ER checkin. I still had to carry him. Right away they took him in and gave him a cat scan. He just laid there as they put cotton swabs in the little whole of his head. They said normally kids would be screaming. I found out that he only needed 2 stitches but no swelling of the brain. Kyle did have a minor head injury and I do have to bring him right away to the doctors office tomorrow. Ironically, I have 2 other appointment at different places so the day will be full. The days have been more than full since Chaz (my 5 year old) has seen every doctor I could imagine in the last weeks. Tomorrow, and the following weeks, I have more tests for Chaz. I think Kyle will be okay. It took a few hours but he finally started playing and being himself again. I thank God because it could have been so much worse! He had fallen from the top of a bunk bed, completely upside down, straight onto his head. I thank God it was only minor injuries. I loved the valet parking at Thunderbird! It was nice to just pull up, take my son out and have them park the car. That was a blessing. Usually I am extremely picky about which hospital I go to (Scottsdale on Shea) but Thunderbird really surprised me about how wonderful they were and fast. If God gave us children then He will also give us the strength to raise them. In good times and in bad. Even the scary. : )

Stop and Smell the Roses

Chaz had a tough day at school today so when I went to pick him up, he cried in my arms for awhile. He said, "Mommy? Will you take me to the park and play baseball with me?" I was thinking about all the phone calls I had to make and things I had to get done. But I know better to stop and smell the roses in life. Chaz will never be 5 years old again. I said, "Sure, Chaz". So we played baseball for awhile, then they played in the sand. Daddy met us up at lunch time and played with the kids. It was a beautiful day. Sure I didn't get as much done, but my son wanted to play baseball. So baseball it was. :)

Calling Jodee in South Africa

It took me forever yesterday to figure out how to call my sister in Cape Town, South Africa. My gosh. I tried every number possible but I wasn't getting through. I used to work at a software company where I called internationally all the time. But for the life of me I couldn't remember. Finally, after an hour, I wrote Pastor Zeable in another part of South Africa and he got me the right number. By the time I got a hold of Jodee (at my time 2pm), it was 11pm for them and they were heading to bed. I asked her how it's been going finding a place to live but she said that they've looked and looked. Everything is just so expensive. I also asked her how it went trying to get used to the new time zone. She said after the plane landed, the next day was their anniversary and they forgot because they were so tired. I can understand! It was good to hear my sister's voice. I'll be calling often now that I know how to get through! : ) I can't wait to fly up and see her. My mom and dad are gonna go in September.

Baby's New Swimsuit

Charles bought his little girl a swimsuit today. Okay, I know it's a little early, but that's okay. Daddy couldn't resist how cute it was so he got it for her. Is this the beginning of a little girl's overloaded wardrobe just because a daddy couldn't resist her sweet smile? I'm glad he has a good career! Whew! One more girl in this family and he might have to work some overtime! : ) Just kidding. My husband means so much more to me than just a few more dollars (or a few hundred). I'd rather have him home (or out) and enjoying himself instead of working his life away.

Field Day

My nephews Kelvyn and Geoffrey had field day today at school. They did really well! So, as a celebration I took them to McDonalds and they got happy meals. Geoffrey got 1st place and Kelvyn got 3rd place in the races. Aunt Jenny is proud of you guys!!!

Bonnet Trouble

First picture: HAT On. Second Picture: Hat (coming) OFF. Hee, hee. I'm training Ivy to have things on her head since in the summer I want her to be protected. I did that with all of my other kids so they would wear hats. Sometimes it's a challenge but eventually they surrender. ; ) On the second picture, you can see who is my next challenge. : D

Pigtails

I once made fun of Leslea when she brought little Tiffany to church with a microscopic pony tail on the top of her head held by a tiny rubber band. Now....I'm trying to make pigtails on Ivy even though there is not much to hold. I was laughing about it today. Now I understand. : )

My Husband, Charles

Thank you, God, for my awesome husband! Only You knew he was the perfect match for me! We both realize how good of a balance we are for each other. We both love camping, hiking, playing sports, board games, shopping, and so much more. We have the same views. We both love politics. I'm glad God did the choosing because if I had tried to pick my own, it could have been a disaster. I prayed that God would show me whether or not Charles and I were meant to be together. I felt so strongly in my heart that this is who God had for me. God will show you! I had dated someone for 4 years previously and I had checked feelings about it that this is not who God had for me. Thank goodness I married Charles. God knows the heart of people way more than we could know. Go to God in your decisions! He sees things that we don't see. We see what they want you to see. I thank God He gave me my Charles.

Chuck E. Cheese Fun

After I picked up my nephews from school we headed to Chuck E. Cheese. Tammy and I figured that Geoff would meet us there after work. After we were there for 4 hours, I wondered if Geoff was okay because he hadn't made it. The kids had all spent their 120 tokens and gotten their prizes. So I called Tammy at her store. She called Geoff and found out that Geoff made it to Chuck E. Cheese but at a different one! : ) I'm sure the boys got their fill of Chuck E. Cheese today! LOL! I only had 5 kids there with me because my mom wanted to spend some time with Ivy.

Farewell Party

This entry is a little late but I wanted to share it with you before I put it in the February archives. This farewell party was held on February 22 for my sister Jodee and her husband Dan before they left to Cape Town, South Africa. To see more pictures, click on link below.

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Nephew-sitting

Sometimes I pick up Kelvyn and Geoffrey from school and watch them awhile. We like the time with them. They're always wanting to play with Ivy so she has some fans. :) Today they said, "Aunt Jenny, can you take us somewhere fun?". I said, "What's more fun than coming to my house? There is everything to play with there! Video games, a drumset, Legos, the whole GI Joe collection, toys galore, and a fun and annoying little cousin Kyle that will constantly pull on your shirt and kick you under the table when I'm not looking." Hee, hee...

Kid's Club

I've been taking my boys on and off to the kids club for 5 years. It's a great way to meet other moms and get the kids out for an hour of fun. They always give gift certicates out afterwards. Persephone is really good with kids and she travels around the state. Chaz went on the stage playing a cow while they say the "Old McDonald" song. He danced and danced but Ryan cried when I tried to have him go with Chaz. Ryan just played with Ivy.

Shots today

Ivy had her 6 months check up today. She's really 7 months but I got behind with such a busy schedule. Anyhow, she had 3 shots and was not happy about it! I told the doctor, "you must have the nurse give shots so that the kids don't hate you". He smiled and said, "I'm not dumb!" :) Anyhow, she weighs 16 lbs now so she's in the 33 percentile. But she's right on for her length. She's just a little girl!

Charles and Virginia 1998

One of the best days of my life. Marrying my best friend and love. Charles is truly a gift to my life.

Happy Anniversary

HAPPY 11th ANNIVERSARY TO MY SISTER JODEE AND MY BROTHER-IN-LAW DAN (March 5)!!! I'm sure their anniversary day was spent being tired since they are trying to adjust to the new time zone in South Africa. I hope you still had a wonderful anniversary. Love Jen.

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Daddy time

Daddy cuddling his little girl after church. Charles play drums for the song service and he just got back. I couldn't go to church again because I had the 24 hour flu bug. It passed through the family but I think all is good now. It seems like something keeps going around to where I can't go to church but I think it's safe now. I sure miss going.

I Thank God for My Blessings

I'm lovin' my Ivy Joy. She is my pride and joy. My little girl. I had three wonderfully cute boys and then my surprise followed. It was a wonderful surprise. Being a mom is a blessing. Children are a gift from God. I thank God for my friends and family. For my best friend Brianne. For my husband, Charles, who is the love of my life.

Welcome to our Family Site!

I've always loved to have journals so I thought I'd have a way to share mine. I have to figure it out a little but I'm happy to share it with you. Be patient as I learn.

Virginia (Jenny)Revoir

Future Home

It seems like I've been waiting forever to own a home. It's not that I couldn't, I just didn't have that desire. When we finally decided to, we discovered what a credit report was. We paid off all of our debt in a years time and then applied for a new home because I didn't want a fixer upper.
It's a 4 bedroom with two baths. I know it's totally God. Just keep praying that the final approval will go through. They'll start building this model in two weeks. I just want to be settled so badly. More importantly, it's nice to be out of debt. Lorraine Holguin has been my angel and is a wonderful person to do business with.

McDonald Adventures

Oh, how I love to go to McDonalds. Do you know that a childless man once said to Charles and I, "No one ever goes to McDonalds anymore. I'm pretty sure they're gonna go out of business anyday." HAHAHAHAHAHA! Charles and I couldn't stop rolling over that one. Unfortunately, no NICE restaurant has ever caught on to that idea. Like a nice PF Changs with a room for people you hire to babysit. Ooooohhhh, I would be their greatest customer. We would walk in every Friday night (or every night) and say "hello, we would like the usual". Oh man! Could you imagine?! They would get sick of us because it would just be another excuse for Charles and I to have date night. So for now...it'll have to be McDonalds. I'm sure after we were there for 4 hours today, the people were beginning to wonder. I even had them warm up a bottle for Ivy. In fact, they should have a meal dedicated just for moms. It'd be the McMommy special. A salad, Big Mac, Diet Soda, (a jalepeno to go with a burger for those moms who like some spice in their life), and a warm bottle to go. Oooohhh....And the special surprise, instead of a toy, could be a diaper and wipe pack. Maybe I should call the corporate office. Don't thank me now...wait till the commercial comes out.

Great Questions

1- If you won a million dollars, how much of it would you give to charity? Tithes and Offerings to my church of course! Then I would send money to my sister in South Africa.
2- Describe what you looked like in the 5th grade. Like a complete dork. I'd rather not talk about it. Ugh. I had blonde hair....okay...I'll stop there. It's just not a good stage in my life.
3-Do you think you have a good singing voice? Yes, but not fantastic and unfortunately I get too nervous sometimes and freeze up a little. I wish I was Celine Dion. Dang, that girl can sing. But I would try to bring the songs more up to date though. Charles would disagree maybe. She's one of his favorites.
4- Which would be harder to give up, TV or chocolate? I don't have a TV but it was hard to give up because of the movies. I used to love Braveheart and Clueless! But now I actually have a life so I'm happy I don't have it.
5- If you could change your name, what would you change it to? Ashley, Ivy, or Jessica. Already thought about that. My mom almost named me Ginger. It's a good thing it's not my name because I probably would be teased with the name "Ginger Spice".
6- A cat darts into the road and you hear a thud under your tire, do you stop? Yes and cry, and cry and cry...then have a funeral.
7- A friend has chronic bad breath, do you say something? If so, what? No, I'm not like that. But I know Brianne would say it! She's like that!
8- If you had to move to another country for a year, which one would you choose and why? New Zealand!!!!!!!!! Beautiful!
9- If you had only 15 minutes left to live, what would you do? Hug my family, hug my family, and hug, and hug until I croak. That's kind of like my Grandma Ivy. She only had 2 weeks to live and she was only 22 years old with 2 little boys. She was so pretty and sweet from what everyone said.
10- If you could remain one age for the rest of your life, what would it be? 25...(Rachel, I have to agree. I feel great at this age. Oh wait. I'm 26 now. I still agree with 25). In June I'll be 27...sigh...
11- What kind of food is your best friend? Anything that's not cold. I love food, it's sickening. I can eat 2 value meals for lunch from McDonalds.
12- What is your worst habbit? Biting my nails. I've been doing it since 5 years old. Arrrghhh!
13- Name the best bad movie you ever loved. Braveheart. There is just one bad scene. I have no idea why they had to add that part. Such a small part but enough to make you go "Hey! Did you have to add that?!".
14- Do you make friends easily? Oh gosh...yes. It's crazy. I made a friend today in the grocery store. We talked forever and then I remembered that my family was at home waiting for lunch. Charles should know by now not to send me out on errands! He says I always make a friend and never come home on time.
15- When is the last time you cried? This is so dumb...Okay...I cried not long ago because my husband left for a planned guys night out to play games and I missed him so I cried. It's so ridiculous how we can't be apart. You'd think we're newlyweds or something...I also was sad the other day because someone was unnessecarily mean in the nursery. Didn't cry though. Such a tough cookie...I just forgave them instead. That's what keeps me happy.
16- What will the last line of your obituary say? Um, mine would say "Finally, something to make her stop having kids!" Or "Fun and ridiculously crazy, weird at times, but we still loved her."
17- What was your first job, how much did it pay? Wendy's making $5.75 an hour. I was supposed to go on vacation for 3 weeks to California with my best friend at the time (I was 16). Well, they forgot I was going on vacation and demanded that I don't get on the airplane or I'm fired. Hello! I chose to be fired! So, after vacation I got hired on at Souper Salad for a whopping $5.75 and hour. Boy was I lucky! (Couple of weeks later that Wendy's burned down. No, I didn't do it.)
18- Which Brady would you be if you had to? Marsha. Everyone calls me that anyway so I guess that's who I'd be. People say "Marsha, Marsha!"
19- Name the movie you would star in if you could be the lead in any film ever made. Clueless. Oh man! That's one of mine and Charles' favorite movies! (When we were dating I found out Charles owned that movie). He loved it. Him and I still quote from that movie. "I'm outie"!
20- If you had to give up one of the 5 senses (sight, hearing, touch, smell, taste), which one would it be? Smell, it would do me good since I'm always walking down isle grocery stores realizing that some rude person left a cloud of stinkiness.
21- What is the most valuable lesson you have ever learned? Not to care what other people think about me. Just feel sorry for them. Miserable people are usually the rudest. Also, I hate clicks. I will never ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, did I say never? ....be in a click. I say "the more friends, the merrier!" Clicks hurt people.
22-What is the worst thing a friend has ever done to you? Gossiped, spread lies, and spoke about my past. ARrggghhh! Those people are such losers! I've learned to leave it in God's hands though. That's the best lesson.
23- If you could give your parents any one gift in the world, what would it be? An easier life for my hard working dad and a beautiful home for my mom with maid so she could pursue her love of art.
24- What is the last good deed someone has done for you? My awesome mother-in-law and father-in-law watched our kids for 4 hours so Charles and I could have a date at gold at Castles n Coasters last friday. My angel friend, Brianne's mom, is letting Brianne and I go to her spa she owns so we can have massages before a party! I love Brianne. I love her mom too. Sigh. There are so many wonderful people in my life.
25- What is your least favorite fashion trend? Punk hair on girls (yuck!), or old lady skirts on young woman. (Double yuck!).
26- If you had triplet daughters today, what would you name them? Ashley, Jessica, Asia.
27- Tell about a time when you laughed inappropriately. I always laugh inappropiately, it's ridiculous. I get the giggles and then it's hard to stop. Especially on stage singing on the platform. I love singing with Karen. She's my favorite singer. She's goofy, I'm goofy, we joke, and then it's hard to keep a straight face. I wish I could sing with her every Sunday.
28- What makes you happy? Living my life with Charles. He is the love of my life, my best friend, my shopping pal, my volleyball friend, and my camping mate. I love spending my life with him. I'm so lucky. Could life get any better?
29- Ever think you might have ESP? What the heck is that? If it means what I think, .... like God telling you about someone? One time I was in a restaurant and I was about to leave. God told me to confront a couple next to me. He wanted me to tell them that "God sees their sin (adultery). He loves them and wants their hearts back". I can't remember exactly. I thought they were married because I saw rings. God wanted me to say that He sees their adultery?! My gosh, what if they were married to each other? I tried to walk away but God was convicting me so bad I had to turn around and do it. I told them and it turns out they were committing adultery and were married to different people. Turns out that the girl was a backslider. She looked really shaken. I told her God loved her and God is married to the backslider. I think I ruined their date.
30- Name the one super power you would like to have. I would NEVER want to know what people think or to be able to see through things. I think I would love to fly. I used to dream about it all the time.
31- Name the one household chore you wish you never had to do again. Dishes..I wish I had a dishwasher. Still, I hate doing dishes. It's never ending. I should get used to it if I want to keep having kids. I'll train my kids soon though when they are old enough. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA....HA!
32- If you could name only one song as the best song of all times, which would it be? "I'll be waiting for you" by Celine Dion. That is mine and Charles' song. He dedicated that to me because he waited for me for a year before we actually dated.
33- How old do you wish you were right now? 18 and skinny
34-Name three things you wouldn't do for money. Anything to compromise my beliefs/morals or that would violate God's 10 commandments. 35. What would you name triplet sons? We've totally run out of names for boys!! I'm telling you...I do not like any other names. Charles and I have gone through baby books 3 times and I hate all of them! Help me!! If I have a boy next (when I get pregnant in the future), I don't have a good name! They are all so common and I don't really want a bible name because everyone does that too.
I guess I'll just have to have 3 more girls because I have 3 girls names.
36. What are your short term goals? Get my house built (taking forever), have more babies (that never takes forever), and keep my nice weight frame. ( I need to lost 10 lbs right now though).
37. What are your long term goals? Stay married, raise my kids in Christ, have more children, be a better woman of Proverbs 31. Oh, and dress more stylish. Yes, that is important. I like to look good for my husband.
38. What do you value most about yourself? My sense of humor.
39. What do you dislike the most about yourself? My forehead and my extra 10 lbs. I think I'd like to go on the Slim Fast diet. My friend lost weight doing that.
40. If you could say anything to any world leader right now, who would it be? Good job, President Bush.
41. Is the glass half full or half empty? Half full... probably cause I drank the other half. (LOLOLOLOLOLOL! Rachel, you're hilarious! I agree about the glass half full. That's how I see life. Everyone is silly about kids these days. They make it harder than it actually is. That goes with most things! When you have the right attitude it changes a lot of things for you. Most importantly, ridding yourself of selfishness. When you stop thinking about yourself and your needs constantly, you are happy to do things for others. That's what the bible is all about!
42. If you could go back to high school, what would you change about your life? I would've joined the basketball team since the coaching was begging me, I would've joined marching band since they asked me, I would've played baseball because it's one of my loves, I would've never dated another man till I met Charles. Then again, I appreciate Charles that much more because I realized how truly unique he is.

My Fear of Square Dancing

I am second row from the bottom, third person from left

The one thing in school I hated with a passion, was square dancing. Don't get me wrong, I loooove country music. If I ever was in a band, I'd be in that one. (Country Rock though, not Country and Western). Anyhow, in 5th grade, we had to learn. The boy that was supposed to be my partner just got done wiping a big snot off his nose. Without cleaning his hand, he offered his hand to me as his partner. He was assigned so I had no choice. I pleaded sick and ran out of the room. Junior High School I remember having to square dance in gym. I said uh oh. Ain't no one getting me to square dance so I ran out of there too. Same story in high school. So, today, over 10 years later, I was faced with my fear. I walked into my homemakers group (all women), which is in a big room, and noticed there was no chairs. I looked around and saw the cowboy (older) man that had some music. Uh oh. I heard him instruct us to find a partner. I raced to the coffee maker and hid behind it. (It's a big one) They kept saying that someone needed a partner. I looked around pretending to be busy, thinking "no way in heck are they getting me to square dance". Why, oh why, did this have to be Donna Otto's birthday wish? (Homemaker By Choice's leader and founder). It was her birthday and she wanted to make us all square dance. (Hardy har). People kept trying to pull me into the ring but I refused. But when Donna Otta physically dragged me by the hand and put me with a partner, I had to comply. After all, what is a friend to do on her birthday? (Scream and run away). But no, I had to square dance, right in the front. My gosh. So it had caught up with me. My elementary school teachers must've prayed this on me. Teachers can be so pushy. Sigh. So the music started. I had to learn all the dances. Do-si-do (however that is spelled), line dancing, the new line dance (to New York, New York), and a few others. I had some fun after I got them all down, but boy did my legs hurt in my heels. We learned about 5 dances. Afterward, I grabbed Donna by her shoulders, looked her straight in the eye, and said "I only did this for you. I will never do this for anyone else. Happy Birthday!" After all, it was all ladies. I wish I had a picture to show you. Donna Otto is a wonderful lady so we all did it for her. Arrghh!!! Hopefully next years birthday wish won't be for us to do the polka. (I won't give her any ideas).

Goodbye

Well, I babysat my niece and nephews one last time today before they move to Cape town, South Africa. It's bittersweet because I'm so happy for them to go and be missionaries. But on the other side of it, my heart is broken. I will miss watching the 4 children (ages 9, 7, 4, 2) that I so love very much. Last night I was just thinking how I'd love to babysit them one more time before they leave. Jodee came by today asking last minute if I could watch them all day so they could take care of some paperwork business. I was overjoyed to have the opportunity. When they walked back out the door at the end of the day, I felt my heart break. : ( I'm glad it is breaking for it's reason. They're not moving away just to pursue a better job, or a different church, or just to move to a different state. They have roots where God planted them. Now they are following their destiny. So if my heart were to break at all, to see them leave, this is the best heartbreak I've ever had.

Baby Shower for Lerin

Lerin from my church has one little girl and just had a baby boy. So, we all met at a club house for the baby shower. Congrats Lerin!

Tongue Twister

Have you ever had this tongue twister?

I was discipling my son Ryan. I spanked him and sent him to time out. When he disobeyed again I said a "blooper". I wanted to say "Come here and be quiet". Instead what came out was something of mixing the two sentences. So I said, "Ryan, be queer". Ryan, said "What mom?" I had to look the other way and smile because I didn't want him to see me laughing. I just said "Never mind". That was one weird tongue twister. (Sheesh).

Joke on Pizza Hut Driver

Hee, hee...the other night Charles and I were at Pizza Hut and we decided to play a joke on one of the delivery drivers. This is so gross. I changed Ivy's poopie diaper (which smelled horrible bad that particular time), and then placed in behind the drivers backseat. That way, they won't see it and when they get in the car, they won't know what the smell is. LOL! That was a fun joke of the day, then we took off! Oh, I wish I could see the guy's reaction! I got another good one for someone (probably Roger) but I have to go to the joke store to buy it.

VR

Happy 9th Birthday, Hanna!

Happy birthday to my niece Hanna. We love you!

Valentines Day 2006

My husband surprised me at 6am with flowers and a card. For Valentines I got him a nice watch he's been wanting for some time and a card. I'm so happy to celebrate this day with him. He's my best friend and love.

Aunt Jodee

My sister Jodee dressing up Baby Ivy. Jodee was always doing sweet things for Ivy, buying her clothes, and dolls, and shoes. She loves dressing up a little girl.

Picture Day

Hi,

It seems that Ivy does not like picture day. She'll be happy as a lark...until you walk into a photo studio. I start thinking that all is well, Ivy is happy, this is gonna be a different session this time!!! She's smiling. Then I set her down for her first pose. She gets that look on her face. Uh, oh. Here it comes. She stares at the lens as if it were a one eyed alien. Then her lower lip quivers, Her eyes wide, a flash snatches her picture. Then she breaks down into an emotional mess and cries big crocodile tears. Oh dear. She looks at me as if to say "Mom? Why....?" Finally after a few (hundred it seems) serious and emotional shots, I tell the Lady that I'll walk around and calm her down. She never gets over it. I cuddle and kiss her. Give her the pacifier. A promise of a college tuition. Nothing works. Well, after awhile I head back. I lift my chin and say "This is as good as it gets, just take the darn picture". (I say that to myself of course). I walked in the studio and said "Look, just take the picture... I don't care what happens. Just snap away!" She does. I set her down at an all time record and before Ivy could say "Take-me-to-the-mall-and-let-me-max-out-dad-credit-cards" we get several shots. I'm happy, she's happy, that poor picture lady is happy. And after being at the mall for 6 hours. All my kids are happy. That said in done. Here's a picture of Ivy. Serious. But it's a picture. : ) I kind of like it.

P.S. We did get a smile later (a miracle!) but this one is still cute.

Virginia Revoir

Cute photo

This is My husband, Charles, cuddling Kyle, Ivy, and Ryan. I'm not sure where Chaz was. He must be playing GI Joe's.

Chuck E. Cheese with Nephews

This was a fun night at Chuck E. Cheese with my nephews Kelvyn and Geoffrey. They all were dancing like crazy. It was fun to watch. My sister Tammy kept telling me to go up and dance so I did. Tammy is always daring me ever since I can remember! : )

Christmas Photos

Our boys. Here is Ryan 4, Kyle 2, and Chaz 5.


Chaz and Ryan doing Christmas art at Nana's house.


All of my parents Grandkids in one picture. It was a interesting photo session! It was okay that Ivy was slipping because in the other pictures, one of the other kids was always doing something funny. So this was the best one.


Virginia and Ivy at Jodee's house for Christmas Eve.

Christmas Office Party

It was a wonderful Office party with Charles' company. It was at the Sheraton Hotel with incredibly yummy food. Everything you could imagine. Then there was dancing which Charles and I didn't participate in. Instead we visited with others. All through the night they gave out prizes through drawing of names. As the night went on the prizes got better and better. We won a $250 gift certificate to Fry's Electronics. Then we played Poker (with no gambling involved of course). We stayed out till about midnight or so and had a great night. Brianne babysat my kids so Charles and I could just relax and have fun!