2AM Ramblings

It is TWO in the morning...So please keep that in mind when reading these random ramblings. :) 

So..I know that I have written about my lovely In-laws...but unfortunately I have another rant to type, having to do with them..

Last Friday, Mike's parent's asked if they could keep the three older kid's for the night. This isn't unusual..although it's been close to a month since they've been over there due to Mike's mother having surgery. 

Anyhow..We said YES!! 

Saturday morning..they came home. Jace did not have an appetite (although he did eat Breakfast with them) and was complaining of a stomach ache around lunch time..that lasted through the entire day. When trying to figure out what was wrong with him..we learned that they had a large amount of sugar/candy/junk foods. 

Now...Everyone knows that we  do not allow the children to have much of that AT ALL. Mike's parent's are aware of this as well...but apparently have decided (yet again) to not respect our parenting decisions and to do what they please. Doing what they please meant allowing the kids to eat as much candy/sugar/junk as they desire while over there.

The list of what all Jace ate was enough to cause Mike and I to feel sick to our stomachs. WE couldn't eat all that...so you KNOW that a child shouldn't either. 

ALL of the junk likely made him feel ill..and he ended up throwing up last night. 

The more that these situations occur..the more that I get frustrated and angered over it. These situations make me believe that they don't need to stay overnight with them. I hate keeping the kids from their family..I don't like that and I don't normally think that is appropriate..but what do you do when family can't respect our wishes and parenting plan and follow those same rules over there?

I struggle with this..especially this weekend. What am I supposed to do? 

This isn't the first time that a situation has occurred that shouldn't have...and they KNOW how we feel about certain things and they have no problem NOT following our parenting plan.  It's just not OKAY. 

I know that by us putting our foot down (yet again)..they will likely pitch a fit..but they need to understand that WE are the parents. WE make decisions that are best for the children. They don't raise them..they don't provide for them..they don't cook for them..they don't nurse them to health when they are ill, and they sure as heck don't pay the bills. 

Right now..I believe that the best thing for US to do, as the parent's..is to allow them to have the kid's for a couple of hours..and then return the kids home that night. I don't want to completely keep them away..I don't want to do that AT ALL..but if they aren't going to respect our wishes..then these changes need to happen. 

Frustrating. 

Simple acts

I was browsing around the internet and stumbled upon this photo. 

I wanted to share this photo for a couple of reasons. 

1. This guy is AWESOME! 

2. Simple acts can go a LONG way. 

The first thought that came to mind when I saw this picture..was how awesome this man is for taking time out of his day to stand outside with a sign..waving to complete strangers..Just to say hello! 

Without even knowing...a simple gesture like the above..can mean the world to someone. We don't know what other individuals are going through. We have no idea what hardships the individual at the grocery store is going through. 

My thoughts on this are simple..

We can ALL learn from this man. We should ALL make an attempt to tell a stranger hi...or smile at everyone we walk past. We should ALL take the extra time out of our days to help make someone's day better. That simple smile you give..or a hello that is said..or even an act of kindness given to someone.. It can make a larger impact on someone than we could even begin to imagine or comprehend. 

Anymore...society is technology dependent. We spend more time on our phones texting, or on our computers..than we do having an actual conversation with someone face to face. That is a sad fact that we need to change. 

So...my challenge for you:

Make it a point to smile or say hello to at least one stranger...every day. 

Make a point to open a door for someone...help someone put groceries into their car...etc. 

Not only will YOUR day be brighter..but you will impact others in a positive way. 

Urgent Care.

*Sigh*

So....

Our youngest son, Jayden, has been ill for the past few days. There's cold junk circulating the schools and our household. On top of Jayden catching that (and having symptoms 5 times worse than the others that have caught it) he came down with a rash that has covered the majority of his little body. 

We've done everything we can from home and decided this morning to take him in to be checked out. It's hard seeing your children miserable and ill...but he didn't seem like he was getting better and the rash just bugged me even more. 

Around 9:00AM , I began calling the Dr. office to see if they could fit him in. Unfortunately, the Dr. is at his other office that is near an hour away. He won't be returning to this office until Friday.

Crap.

After looking him over, observing him this morning, and talking to one another, we decided that we would take him to Urgent Care. The Urgent Care that we take him to has a system that allows you to get in line via Phone or Computer. Once it places you in line, it sends you updated texts that inform you of how many people are ahead of you and how long your wait time is. Once we received the notice of 20 minutes and 2 people ahead of us, we packed Jayden up in the car and headed out. We live about 20 miles away. 

While we were in route, My husband checked the updated time and it was 6 minutes. 

We get to Urgent Care and go to the desk to sign him in and the lady just kind of gives me blank stares as I'm telling her that we texted to get in line. She then tells us that it will be about an hour and a half and that they summon you via these texts to let you know when it's your turn. 

Ok. 

So, puzzled, I inform her that the past two texts were 20 minutes and then 6 minutes. I explain to her that we don't live here in town so once we saw the 20 minutes, we headed out so that we would arrive on time.

She again repeats her self, stating that she didn't summon us to come in.

Ok. 

So...Why did we get two texts with those times? 

She had no answer. Again all she did was repeated herself on being summoned in when it's Jayden's turn. 

So..there's nothing we can do at this point but to wait AT LEAST an hour and a half....sitting...with a miserable and sick 1.5 year old...Yeah..OK. 

So...both my husband and I are highly irritated at this point but decide to just sit and wait it out because it was important to us that we get our little man looked at. While we are sitting there waiting, someone called in. The lady informs whomever she's speaking to on the phone that it won't be until around 4pm if she wants to get in line for Urgent Care. She tells the lady that the Urgent Care is packed.

Now..I know that many people get in line via the phone and internet option..but aside from us..there was only ONE individual that was in the waiting room. ONE. If they were so packed, why were there no other individuals in the waiting room? Especially if they were in line and close to being seen? 

Yeah...I don't have an answer for that either. 

My husband and I decide, at that point, to leave. 

So we left..completely pissed off and irritated. 

We left...worried about our little man who we couldn't seem to get in to be seen. 

He's currently sleeping and has done fine this evening..but that doesn't change the earlier events as well as the fact that I want him seen just to be sure.

I DO plan on filing a complaint over this mess. I'm not sure who was responsible for the texts..whether there is a system error they need to look into or whether the woman that was working the front desk just wasn't doing what she should have...but something needs to be done. 

Urgent Care is there for a reason....

Pug love!

I have looked forward to being able to post a picture (like above) for a VERY long time. Meet Dobby. Dobby is a 6 month purebred PUG. That's right. I FINALLY have my pug! It still doesn't seem real. Anyone that knows me..KNOWS just how much I've wanted a pug. I'm obsessed. Really. 

Every day...for a couple of years now..I have actively kept my eyes and ears open for the possibility of locating a pug. Age wasn't important. I just wanted my precious pug. I was convinced that pugs just don't exist in our area. I've had NO luck...Until Friday. Friday I happened to have been lucky..SUPER lucky...And with the help of my mom and amazing husband..Our family is now blessed with a new member...Dobby the pug. 

:) 

He is AMAZING. He is such a loving pup and all of the kids are just so happy to have him in our home. Jayden has taken well to him and has been enjoying Dobby's playful attitude and tons of puppy kisses. He always makes sure that he returns those kisses. LOL.  Trey is just in love with him..and I honestly think that this pup may do the boys some good. Jace doesn't really have as much interest as the other kids..but he does enjoy playing and running in circles with Dobby. LOL. Keisha is an animal lover..so it's no secret that she just can't get enough of Dobby. The only downside to that is that I've had to make sure she  doesn't neglect her little brother because of the pup. Jayden LOVES his sissy! 

My heart is heavy

It is after two in the morning and I have found myself laying in bed with a million different things running through my head. I'm sure we all have times like these..and of course conveniently, they happen when we should be resting for a new day! 

There are a few things that are heavy on my mind and heart tonight. I figured that since I am unable to fall asleep at the moment..maybe jotting some ramblings down will help clear my mind. 

1.  For the past week, a round of cold virus has been going through our home. Trey started it, Keisha caught just a tad of it, I caught it, and Jayden now has it.  When Jayden catches anything...he catches it hardcore. The past two nights have been without much sleep as I am up with him for the majority of the night..trying to nurse him back to wellness. Aside from all of the cold symptoms, he's now formed a rash that (although not noticeable unless you are staring at his bare skin) has covered the majority of his little body. The combination of everything has had me a worried momma. If he doesn't improve tonight, Mike and I will be taking him in tomorrow. We had believed that the rash was likely due to changing our laundry detergent..but I'd rather be safe and see what the Doc. says.  I hate when the kiddo's are sick...they are so miserable and there's nothing I can do to just make it leave their precious bodies immediately. :( Sad momma face! 
2. I have two friends (well...one is more of a former friend) that have been on my mind lately. The first is a close friend of mine who has shared many high's and  low's with me. She's been there for me through an assortment of events. We are currently seperated by distance, which always sucks..but we keep in touch via social networking and neither of us ever hesitate to be there for one another when needed. She is currently battling some personal demons of her own. Although I know 100% that she is extremely strong and WILL get through these obstacles...my heart aches. I hate that she's in the situation to begin with. I hate that I can't be there for her to physically show her support..and I hate that again, I can't do anything to help or make it go away. I find myself wondering how she is..and how she is. Does she feel lonely? I could understand that feeling...and I WISH that I could just let her know that she's not alone. 
3. Another friend..or well...former. I'm not real sure how to explain that one. The short version is that this individual is someone that I was close with for many years. We were best friends that were connected to the hip. We got each other..we knew one another more than anyone else..and at times...more than we knew ourselves. A few years ago...we had some problems that led to us cutting ties to our friendship. It was pretty rough. Anyhow...I recently heard from her and received an update. She's been going through a lot of medical problems and had admitted to doing some things that not only do I not agree with...but It makes me sad. Sad to know what she's doing. Sad to know how this will affect her life (even though she currently doesn't see that...or even see the downside to it). It saddens me because I can relate to the frustration, anger, dissapointment, questions, and scared feelings that come with medical issues. Sad because she has children. Children that need their mother.  Her and I aren't close anymore. I hear from her maybe once every couple of months now. But despite us not being close...I do care. It's hard for me not to care about others. It doesn't matter whether I know the individual or not..and it doesn't matter whether we are close, or no longer speaking. 

Life just sucks sometimes. 

The games we play....

Now that I am finally becoming more comfortable with my new laptop (Can I just say that I really dislike Windows 8?!)..It's time to review more games! 

OMG FORTUNE is not my cup of tea. Aside from the fact that I'm playing some fort of wheel spin/slot type game....it has what appears to be disney princesses' or other childish theme's. Am I the only one that finds this to be a tad disturbing? 

Regardless...I don't have much good to say on this one. 

Slotomania! 

If you like slots..then give it a go. I try to get into it..but honestly...I'm not big on slot's..which makes it really hard to right a review that isn't with automatic judgement. I don't have anything bad to say...I gave it a shot and everything ran smoothly..without a bit of lag. 

Unfortunately Fruit Ninja Frenzy is no longer available to play. Although they still have the game listed, a game page, and the link to play...It no longer exists.

I suggest they remove all of that if they are closed down...bummer!

The name is this game is Stick Run. 

If you know what Flappy bird is...then you'll understand that this is similar to that. What does that mean? Well I suppose that depends on what you think of Flappy Bird. I not only found that this game was super easy...but I feel as though the past ten minutes I spent playing this game were ten minutes that I'll never get back. LOL. 

Duck Dynasty has taken over! Just when I thought I had escaped the madness, I found this game. What did I learn from this game? I learned that duck calls won't make themselves. HA! I had the privilage of virtually dragging Jase to the workshop!

Ah..the good ole 90's! I love the 90's! 

This game was pretty interesting. I enjoyed it. I really enjoyed seeing things that I haven't seen or heard of it YEARS! I ran in to some that I didn't know and it allows you to post it on your wall for others to help. :) 

Another pick for anyone that enjoys slots! I played the American Idol slots and did pretty darn good. But..as you already know, I am not a fan of slots. I get bored easily.  Despite my general dislike for slots, I had no problems when giving this a try. Everything ran well and I didn't run into any bugs or lags. :) Play on! 

Bummer! This game was down for maintenance. Hopefully it'll be back up soon so I can test this one out! :) 

At first glance, this game looks similar to the Papa Pear Saga. I am a regular player with PPS..so I'm interested to see how I like this game..

I played about 5 or 6 levels. It is similar  to the PPS game..but I did enjoy it! I think this game might be on my list of games to play regularly. 

This may not be The Walking Dead..but I DO love my Zombie's! Do you think maybe they could sweet talk Daryl into coming to Zombie Island? HA! 

Apparently they didn't like that idea... LOL

I could not get this game to load for me. Tried multiple times and it acted as if it kept bugging out after 1-2 minutes.

This game is down for Maintenance. Either my timing stinks...or these games just don't like me! 

When you go to play this game..a page pops up letting people know it is no longer available to play. Bummer...again.

Would not load.

Let the games begin!

As I stated in my last entry...I am working on trying/playing every game that Facebook has to offer. There really isn't a reason for doing this..I just decided to do so. While playing them, I am writing my opinion on each game. Let the games begin......

Are you a fan of UNO? If so...this game is a MUST!

I love UNO...Probably because it's one of the only card games I know how to play. HA. 

This is a fun and  fast paced game. It took me a minute to figure out how to call  a UNO (Press the LAST button..FYI.) but I probably would have figured that out quicker had I read the directions. 

I enjoy this game and I hope you do also! 

Alright...So..I must admit that I wanted to just pretend like I didn't see this game. HA!

I don't know what an Angry bird does or why there is a game about birds that apparently need some anger management..but I do know that my boys love Angry Birds. 

So..Let's see what the hype is all about, shall we? 

1. The load time on this game was less than impressive. If I go to play a game..I don't want to wait ten minutes for the game to even load. 

2. After 7 Rounds/Levels...I finally stopped. It just seemed repetitive and boring. Obviously a game for the young-ins. :) 

This was another game that caught my attention due to the name..but up until just now..I've never heard of it. 

Alright..So this game falls under Trivia and Puzzle. They show you pictures and you have to determine who it is. The pictures are a younger version of each celeb. 

Though I like games like these...It was pretty boring. It didn't hold my attention long..and if you know your celebs..it probably won't hold yours either. Not challenging enough! 

If you enjoy slots..this may be right up your alley. I really don't play slots unless I have a chance at some real money. Haha. 

I enjoyed playing slots..I won pretty darn good (too bad it's not real money.) 

Unfortunately...another game that didn't want to load for me! Boo. 

My husband is a fan of Pawn Stars. I, myself, haven't watched an entire episode...and likely never will. I just can't seem to get into the show. LOL.

Although this isn't the worst  game I've tried out, It wasn't the best either. I got bored quickly.

I love Match games..which is what Eggies is! There's only one problem with this game..which is the one reason I will never play this game again.....

There are no levels. 

You play one level and try to increase and beat your previous scores. 

Cake anyone? :) This  game is another match game. WOOHOO. Did I mention how much I enjoy those types of games? 

And unlike eggies, this one has over 70 levels! Woohoo!

Unfortunately....After reaching all goals on level 1. It freezes. I refreshed after waiting for awhile and the same results. 

YES! :) Finally a game that wants to load correctly. 

I'd type a random review..but honestly..I actually like this game and would rather continue playing. HA!