Sorry I haven't updated for a while. It's stupid, but I don't like to blog unless I'm the only one at home. Everything just gets too confusing if the kids are at home, and somehow, Bari has tonz to talk to me about at the same time if he's home. So, it is just the Sam-boy home with me this afternoon.

He had another appointment at Children's this morning. It was with the Psychologist. They met for about an hour and a half, had a little break and then met again for another hour or more. All of this was to help assess if Sam has Autism. I met with Dr Mack after Sam was done. Dr Mack didn't have the Speech assessments, but from his testing today, he saw little or no indication of Autism. He did say Sam is a 'very interesting child'. Yes, I agree. But everything that was an indicator of some challenge, could be directed to his ADD, and not Autism. He is recommending Educational testing, he thinks Sam has learning disabilities of some kind. This also can be attributed to the ADD. We have the final meeting in early January where all of the information is in one report, and recommendations are made at that time.

More news. Joey is home with us. He came home the day before Thanksgiving, when the rest of us were up North (aka: The Great White North) with my mom. I had mixed feelings when he was released. The judge originally said that Joey wouldn't get any more 'chances' - he had to make restitution for everything up to that moment in court- the 180 days and all that. Now, the same judge said, 'well, I don't ever do this but........I'll let you out, but you have to still full fill the probation requirements you had originally.' I'm afraid that Joey will never learn that he has to finish anything-----. He always seems to get away with something. Well, on the bright side, he got out Wednesday, spent the weekend between our house and his girlfriends, and went to church with Katy on Sunday. Monday had an appointment with his probation officer, filled out job applications, and today went on an interview and was hired at a factory near Middletown. Unfortunately, he goes in at 3:30 pm and works till 1am. He Can't Drive. So, what do I do? He is really trying hard to get a legit job, and there isn't much out there. So, do I drive him and make my husband not-so-happy (it's unfair to say Bari would be mad-), or do I not drive Joey, and make him try to find something else-and look like I'm not supporting him the whole time. Just because he gets this doesn't mean he has to stay if something else better comes along. And it also doesn't mean he will always have those hours. Although, if you have any idea of my schedule, those are probably the only hours I could take him somewhere. Anyway, I have to admit, that although it is really hard to have him at my house, it does seem like things may be getting a little better for him. The road is long in his case, but right now, he really seems to be trying to do the right things to move forward in his life.

Katy is feeling well, Joey even felt the little guy moving around. She is a cute little-momma-to-be. Josh is laid off for at least a month. They were doing ok with it all until there were problems with the heath insurance coverage. Because of all the specialists that she sees, it is a major concern. They are counseling with their bishop, and he is helping them through this. It is nice to know that she has a good relationship with him and can go to see him for whatever council she needs. Josh has been taking the discussions with the Missionaries, and has a tentative baptism date of Dec 15. They seem to be happy together, even with such big trials so early in their marriage.

I know I have some kind of other news, but I'm tired, and my brain is mush. Oh, and Sam has come into the kitchen and wants my attention- what did I say about writing ALONE in the house?

My job is ok. Busy isn't even the word for it. Being 'caught up' with my projects is impossible, there is always something more to do for someone. Both of the designers we work with are placing big orders that they need next week, and then one of the other stores took a large commercial order for the University of Phoenix. Along with the frames and mats we cut daily for the other stores, and our own orders. At least now, we can send the big framing orders to the Fab Frames Montgomery store and let them cut and join, we'll mount, glass and finish-fit. It really helps. There is a Christmas party at the new owners house in a couple of weeks, it should be interesting. This week is Bari's Christmas party. There just isn't enough time (another reason I haven't blogged). And the reason I need to go---- love you all!!!!!


ps---to my favorite Gordonfan- I will address your tag another day- (sometime soon I promise)- and I think Chelle tagged me too- - - -Sorry!!!!

Not every day is this busy- - - what was I thinking?

Keep in mind that my day isn't over yet.

6:30am- wake up, start making Madeline's lunch
wake up Madeline
wake up Sammy
find clothes for Sammy, and encourage him to put them on
clothe myself

7:10am- Bari comes in from taking Bari Ray to seminary

7:13am- I leave for Children's Hosp.
7:45am- appt with the psychology dept for Sam

9:10am- pick up Sam and drop him off at school (only a little late)
9:40am- get to work
- fix paperwork for my boss
- cut 2 Double multi-opening mats on the Wizard

3pm- Leave work
3:30pm- get home
- pick up living room- wait for plumber
- start supper

4pm- Sam is home from school
- wait for plumber

- - - - -it is now 4:10- the plumber is late - - - -so should go the rest of my day - - -

4:20 -- Leave to pick up Madeline from Art Club at school
4:45pm- back home-
- finish making dinner
- help with homework ( if Sammy doesn't finish his workbook packet, he won't be allowed to go to Webelows tomorrow)

5:45pm- leave to go to Sammy's school

6pm - Conference with Sam's teachers (all of them)

6:20pm - back home
6:30 - leave for church

7pm - Meet with Bari at church for our Dave Ramsey class tonight

9pm- leave class

9:20- get home and (hopefully) find all the kids in bed already. (Most of the time they are)

10Pm - CRASH!!!!!!!



Where is the plumber?????????????????

What next ???????????

I only have a couple of minutes to update the drama in my life, and yes there is drama.

Sammy had his speech tested at Children's hospital on Monday. I have no idea how it went. I was a little surprised at some of his answers, but then again, when am I not surprised at Sammy? I'll let you know when I hear anything about the testing.

I also heard from Joey. He is doing as well as anyone could in his circumstance. It is hard to talk to him. I don't know what to say most of the time. All I can do is encourage him to try to go to the church, and educational meetings as much as possible. I think of him every day. Mostly at night when it is time for bed. I think of him in his 'room' and how noisy and uncomfortable it must be there.

When I got back to work Tues (after taking off Monday for Sam), I got the big news. Yes, BIG news. I can hardly stand it. - - - - -My store (all the Fastframe franchises in Cincinnati) were sold- SOLD-- - - S-O-L-D. To the owners of Fabulous Frames and Art. They have 3 locally owned stores in Cincinnati. The new owners are closing the West Chester store, and laying off one employee (not me)- . I've heard that everything is supposed to stay the same for 'a while'. We are all assuming that means 'through Christmas'. But we don't know for sure.
The new owners are taking over this coming SATURDAY. Yep, November the 1st. Not a lot of time to tie up loose ends or anything. And to really make it difficult(er) - (which isn't a word)- we are finishing up an order from one of the designers. It is a bear- large canvases we stretched, painted the sides and float - framed. My arms hurt most every night.

So, once again, I hate DRAMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The big news- - - - drum roll please .........

I only have a minute to blog-

Here's the news, Katy had her sonogram this morning, and - - - - - -
it's a BOY!!!!!

She's doing well. There are more tests and dr's appointments mid November- we'll find out more about any Preclampsea (sp) then. Right now things are Fabulous. -

I think I like 'grammie'-( for now anyway. )

More news later-