Where's Morgan?

Morgan's way of hiding... You can't see her, right? I have been looking for Morgan for days and can't find her anywhere!!!

Futbolito (Little Soccer)

Jaden started soccer today. These pictures are of her first practice, and that is her coach. There are seven 3 & 4 year olds, so it was really funny to watch. I don't know how much she learned, but she had fun anyway. They dribbled the ball, and made shots into the goal. He taught them to do toe taps and freeze with their foot on top on the ball. Jaden did about 1/4 of what he said. The rest of the time, she was off in her own little world, fascinated with the soccer ball. One day, she may be the next female David Beckham.

The class is run by coach Camilo Ardila and is part of the On The Ball organization. You can find out more information at: http://otbsoccer.net/aboutus.html

Minute Clinic

What do you do if you find yourself sick and without insurance? Well, you could go to your primary care physician. My doctor said the visit would cost between $170 & $400, and they need the money at the time of service. Then, if you need prescriptions, well, it could easily get to $1000 total. I have been putting off going, but I have been sick for 6 weeks. Now, I know I have sinusitis and my lungs hurt really bad. So, I had to go somewhere, so that I wouldn't wind up in the hospital with an even bigger bill.
I went to Minute Clinic. It's a clinic inside CVS. I had never been to one before. While I knew it would be the same service as my primary care physician, and was shocked at the big difference. I was seen by a nurse. No doctors in the house... She listened to my lungs and checked my vitals. She then entered the information into the computer, and the computer told her what to do... Huh??? Well, it is called "minute" clinic, but good grief! I guess I got what I paid for. For $59, I walked out with a diagnosis (sinusitis and bronchitis) and a prescription for an antibiotic. The starngest thing that happened is when she asked me if I had ever used an inhaler. She told me that I had wheezing in my lungs. I told her that my daughter had the machine at home and the Xopenex that goes with it. She told me to use her medicine... Huh? Is this for real?
It was a very surreal experience. Anyone who has not seen the Michael Moore documentary "Sicko", check it out today. http://www.michaelmoore.com/sicko/index.html It is great!!! It is not about unisured people, but underinsured people. However, it covers a problem that we have in America. I had access to Cobra after I was laid off from Countrywide. However, our insurance was so bad that I would have had to pay a lot of out of pocket expenses plus the premium ($1110 monthly for our family of 4). So, I didn't see taking the insurance as an option.

Thoughts on Thanksgiving

Here are some thoughts to ponder on Thanksgiving:

The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving. ~H.U. Westermayer

"Some people complain because God put thorns on roses, while others praise Him for putting roses among thorns."Anonymous

"You say, 'If I had a little more, I should be very satisfied.' You make a mistake. If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled."Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Hard at work

Hi, everyone! I hope all is well. We have been busy with these work assignments lately, so I haven't had much time to sit down and type. We have been so busy, we have had to put Morgan to work. Hahahahahaha!! Both LeCount and I were supposed to be working today as well, but the assignments fell through at the last minute. I am kind of relieved because I am exhausted, and we will be working all day Friday and Saturday, and celebrating Thanksgiving on Thursday with Uncle Ray and Aunt Sally.

Yesterday, we went to Grandma Leslie and Grandpa Lyale's house. We celebrated a pre-thanksgiving with them. We ate tons of food!!! It was delicious!!! Then, Morgan and Jaden decided that they wanted to play with Uncle Kevin's computer (it looks like so much fun!!!) We also got our family picture taken for our CHristmas cards. I am not going to post it on here until after we send the cards out, though. The picture taking was a nightmare. I think Dad and Kevin took about 50 pictures, and then, we just chose one that was semi-decent. I mean the picture turned out pretty good, considering all that we went through. Good grief!!! I'll post another blog soon.

Two front teeth

I finally got a picture of Morgan's 2 teeth- here you go (see above):

And she's off...

Well, Morgan has really been getting around lately. She is cruising all over the place!!! She also walks while pushing a toy that moves with her. The most fun to see is when she knows she only has to take a couple of steps to get from one spot to another, and she'll let go and walk 2 or 3 steps without support (sometimes not making it). That little rascal has shown that even though she got off to a rough start at the beginning of her life that doesn't mean she can't do everything she wants to do. Jaden started walking at 11 months, but at this rate, Morgan will be walking steadily before her 10 month birthday. Go, Morgan! She is really something!!!
I will try to get a video of it to upload on here, but I can't guarantee anything. I tried this morning, and every time she sees me pull the camera out, she crawls over to me to get her hands on the camera. We'll see...

Need a Laptop

Available for a limited time. If anyone is interested in getting a laptop... You can get one for $399 (and $200 is counted as a charitable donation). It is only for the next 2 weeks, so here's the site: http://link.laptopgiving.org/u.d?dGQlSN_gNuI_RHzdH=91

Fred Claus

I finished my first weekend of open checking for Warner Brothers. That is what I talked about in my earlier post. I had the opportunity to watch the film 18 times!!! Of course, I only watched it all the way through once, and then, looked at different bits and pieces the other 17 times. The movie was great. I think it gets about 4 stars from me. It wasn't perfect, but there were several parts that were tear jerkers and others that were funny. You can check it out here: http://fredclaus.warnerbros.com/ I also saw trailers for movies coming up that I just have to see. Coming up in December- This will be hilarious: http://www.chipmunks.com/ Alvin and the Chipmunks. And coming up February 8th, Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins: http://www.welcomehomeroscoejenkins.com/ And coming out Summer 2008, Get Smart: http://getsmartmovie.warnerbros.com/ Check out these movie web-sites, and tell me what you think.
I will be doing open checks for Fred Claus again this weekend and the next weekend, but I hope to do some more open checks for Warner Brothers soon. Maybe I will get to do the one for Alvin and the Chipmunks.
Talk to you soon!

Work at home

Have you ever thought about working from home? I have thought of it many times, and have tried and kept trying to do things that maybe one day I would be able to stay at home permanently. Everyone who knows me knows about my book business that I started back in 2000. I started it by selling my own books and CDs that I didn't want or need anymore. Now I have tens of thousands of books to sell. However, that only brings in a few hundred dollars a month.

Well, since being laid off 2 months ago, I have found so many things out there. It is exciting to see that it is possible to stay at home and still bring money into the household. Right now I am really getting into a field of mystery shopping/auditing/stocking. For example, today I mystery shopped Tommy Hilfiger Kids. Not only did Jaden get a new dress that I will be reimbursed for, but they also pay me for my review of the store.

When I got back from that store, LeCount went to Dollar General to do an audit of their trac phones. It only took 10 minutes.

My biggest project is coming up this weekend. I have to go to McKinney's theatre and count heads. It will be grueling because I'll have to see "Fred Claus" about 100 times, but hey, it beats having a Monday to Friday job and paying for day care. The "Fred Claus" assignment is for this weekend and the next 2 weekends. I have to count how many people go in to watch the show (at every show time slot). So, it will be a 12 hour job.

I am excited about all I have learned about work at home opportunities. Maybe I will write a book about it. Hahahahahahaha!!!!! But, seriously, no one ever tries to tell you that you don't have to join the rat race. And, it's ok to stay home with your children. In fact, to me, it is the best way because no one can love your children like you do.

Good night!

The Clean Team

We took half of the day today to clean up about 1/3 of the house. We did cleaning & organizing. A few days ago, I had made a trip to the 99 cent store and picked up about 50 storage containers. Then, today we got busy. I contacted a professional cleaner earlier in the week, and she said that she could come out on Saturday. She is going to come back next Saturday to do another 1/3 of the house (bathrooms and bedrooms), but the last 1/3 we will probably have to do on our own because it is a lot of sorting through boxes. We are going to have to throw away a lot of this and give things to charity. At least we are off to a good start.
LeCount and I worked right along side her while keeping an eye on Jaden and Morgan, but hopefully, next Saturday we will have someone that can babysit them while we clean. Hopefully, by the time Morgan's birthday comes around the house will be spotless, and we can have a big party... Hahahahaha!!!
FYI- If you need someone to clean your house, let me know because Belinda did a great job. I'll hook you up with her!

What's in Mineral Wells, TX?

Well, Crazy Water, of course- you can check it out on this web-site: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/healthsciencetv/stories/wfaa071031_mo_crazywater.1c5da782a.html & this one: http://www.famouswater.com/ They showed this water on the news on Wednesday night. By Thursday morning, Whole Foods all over the area was all sold out. They told me they would have more in the morning, but it is all first come first served... So, I could make a trek (30 miles) to Plano by store opening at 8AM, and I may or may not come out with one bottle of this crazy water... Or, I could make a trek to Mineral Wells (130 miles), and I am guarenteed to pick up a bottle or two.
So, off we went at 11 AM today. We got home from that long trip around 6:30 PM. It was quite an adventure. We came home with 35 gallons of water and 2 liter bottles.
Just FYI, for anyone who may be interested, If you have one of those 5 gallon water jugs, you can take them up there and get them filled. They charge 80 cents a gallon. You can even bring your regular 1 gallon jugs if you want to. However, if you get the 5 gallon jugs they have there, it is approx. $11 for the 5 gallon jug and then 80 cents a gallon. Or they sell the 1 gallon jugs prefilled for $2 a piece.
I don't know how long it will be before we go back because my back is still sore from the ride- I can't even think of going back right now. Have a great night!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

">

Halloween

Last night was the first celebrated Halloween for both Jaden & Morgan. I think it was nice that we didn't go trick or treating the first 2 years of Jaden's life. For one thing, she wouldn't have understood it. The other thing, Morgan and she got to go for their first time together.
We took them to the mall. The trick or treating started at 6PM, and we were right on time. There were a lot of kids!! Jaden had fun. She was so funny because people were wanting to put the candy in her bag, but she had them put it in her hand. She would inspect the candy to see what it was, and then, put it in her bag herself. Several times, after getting candy, she would just stand there waiting for them to give her more!!! Then, she would turn to me and say, "Is that for other kids?" I guess she thought she was supposed to get all of the candy. It was a trip!!! Morgan didn't do any trick or treating, but a couple of people gave her some lollipops.
After we made the lap around the mall, we were out of there by 6:45 PM... I know that wasn't very long, but Jaden was happy to have a bag full of candy. Considering I am only letting her have 2 pieces a day, the candy should last her until next Halloween! Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!!!

Exhausted!!

Kacey went home around 6:15 PM today. Jaden was upset to have her leave, but they got to spend 3 days and 2 nights together!! I guess Jaden just wants Kacey to live here. I do love Kacey, but I am exhausted. It's not Kacey's fault, though, it is all mine. I went into full entertainment mode- I want to make sure the girls had the absolute best time ever. We did so much.
In fact, today, I took all three girls to Jump N Land in McKinney. We were there from 2:30 PM until they closed at 6 PM. Jaden had started to get a little grumpy... She was sad that Kacey wouldn't be going back home with us, and she was just plain worn out. We got home, and Jaden at a little dinner. After her dinner, she took a bath, and then she went and sat down on the reclining chair. I walked away for maybe 5 minutes, but I returned to look for her when she was just too quiet. She was sound asleep in the chair. Poor baby!!!! Just worn out!!! It was only 7:30 PM at that time, but I guess she couldn't keep her eyes open one second longer.
On another note, now that our internet allows us onto blogspot, I thing I'll be able to put together some slide shows for this site. I wasn't able to do it with our satellite internet, and so I just had to post pictures one by one. Now I am going to go back and delete the pictures and post slide shows... That way you can see more pictures and you won't have to scroll all the way down the page... So, stayed tuned for that. Good night!

Trunk or Treat

Well, we had fun at trunk or treat Friday night. The girls were just adorable in their costumes (I know that doesn't mean much coming from a mom- of course I think they were adorable!!) Once Jaden figured out what she had to do to get candy, she was running from car to car. She has never gone trick or treating before, and she didn't even know what Halloween was. Now she has a bagful of candy.
Morgan was clueless about what was going on, but she didn't mind having her bumble bee outfit on at all. In fact, it was the cutest thing because she was crawling around, and with the wings on her back, she really did look like a huge bee!!! A 19 pound bee, hahahahaha!!!
We went to the church where my parents and Uncle Kevin go, so we got to spend time with them, too. Grandma Leslie was a proud grandma showing off her bumble bee to everyone!!! She didn't want to put her down (yes, she loves her grand daughters).
Kacey went with us. She didn't know what trunk or treat was. She knew that she was getting into her costume, but she thought it was just like a Halloween party. When the trunk or treating started, she went crazy!!!
When we got home that night it was late. Kacey was spending the night... of course, like all sleep overs, it was a late night. Jaden, Kacey and Morgan giggled and played until 11:30 PM- and I made them go on to bed.

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

">

A few days in Bastrop, TX

Hi, everyone! We got back from a little vacation on Monday night. We spent several days with Grandma Frances in Bastrop. We had a great time visiting and even going on a little road trip to San Marcos & Austin. Rain came down Sunday night and a cold front came through. We all woke up freezing cold. Jaden had a runny nose, Morgan had a cough, and I had a sore throat. By the time we got back to Anna, TX, Jaden was doing better. Morgan and I are still sick. In fact, it is 2:45 AM, but I am wide awake because every time I lay down, I go into a coughing fit. LeCount is going to take Morgan to the doctor tomorrow. Since we don't have insurance, I won't be going, but after the struggle Morgan went through earlier with Pnuemonia and RSV, we just can't take a chance that this may be something (or develop into something) more than a cold.
Since we were gone for several days (5 in all), we have been doing a lot of catching up around here. A lot of laundry and unpacking... But, it was worth it.
We have a big day today, too. I am going to pick up Kacey from school today. Then, we will come back to the house & get the girls' costumes on. Jaden is going to be a black cat & Morgan will be a bumble bee. We are going to go up to the church for trunk or treat later on tonight, and then, kacey is going to spend the night. Jaden said that she wants to sleep in her Dora tent inside. We'll see. Then, Saturday we will head out to the bouce houses or something else fun. Hopefully, I will start feeling better and not spread this nasty stuff around.
Well, I am going to lay down for awhile and see if I can fall asleep. Good night!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

">

Local Fall Festival

We had another fun time yesterday. The city had a fall festival. Actually, it was the School District. It was a little fundraiser with lots of games, bounce houses, food, art & music. Kacey, Aunt Audra, and Clay came with us. I think the whole city was there and then some because it was packed. We got there right when it started at 4PM, and by the time we left (6:30 PM), cars were parked everywhere!
Jaden had a lot of fun playing with her cousin. She followed her around everywhere. There really wasn't much for Morgan to do, but she did eat some pizza.
I noticed a couple of days ago that Morgan actually has 2 teeth that came in on the bottom, but I still can't get any pictures of them. They are still so small. I feel something on the top, too, but she won't let me see them- so, who knows how many she will have by the time they are big enough to see.
Well, Morgan is crying for me to hold her, so I will blog more another time. Take care!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

">

Morgan's First Tooth

The day finally arrived yesterday- Morgan has her first tooth. She won't let anyone look at it, but you can sure feel it!!!
On Friday we went to Toys R Us in Plano to pick up a birthday present for Kacey, and we ran into the Power Rangers. Jaden doesn't even know who they are, but she posed with them for a picture. She also go their autograph & played in the Power Ranger Bounce House. Then, we went on to Willow Bend mall, where both Morgan and Jaden got to play on the toys. Morgan was crawling everywhere!!! (trying to keep up with big sister)
We don't have anything planned for today. I know a lot of people will probably be doing a lot of shopping today with the Colombus Day specials, but we are going to stay home.
I hope everyone is getting a chance to read our blog now. I will keep in touch this way. Talk to you soon!

Fall Festival

Ok, it's not exactly called a fall festival or a pumpkin patch, but every year in the fall, Owen's Farm opens up for Big Orange Pumpkin Farm. I just call it the Pumpkin Patch. We went last year, and Jaden loved it. This year we went during the work week. Since Uncle Scott was in town for the week, we were able to all go together (Uncle Scott, Grandma Leslie, Grandpa Lyale, and our little McLaughlin Family). It was scorching hot outside. In fact as I type this I feel the remnants of yesterday on my skin (a nice sun burn).
So, Jaden fed the animals. They come right up to people (ducks, too), so Jaden put the food in her hand and let the animals eat it that way... And sometimes, she would just throw it on the ground. Morgan just sat back and watched, and said "duh, duh" (while I was telling her they were ducks).
Then, we went on a hay ride, and ran around looking at the pumpkins. We got to each pick out one. So, now we have 3 pumpkins in the house. I guess I need to find some pumpkin receipes so that I can put them to good use- to feed us :0)
After the Pumpkin Patch we went to lunch at a Tex-Mex restaurant called El Paso. Then, We went to the Marr's house for some visiting. By the time we headed back home at 3:30 PM, both of the girls were exhausted & fell asleep on the way back to Anna.
As you can see, we had a good time. Today is chore day, so there won't be anything exciting to write about that. Ha, ha, ha, ha! I'll write more soon! Take care everyone!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

">

backtrack

Ok. Just to backtrack a little. We have done a lot in the past few months. I am really going to have to start taking more pictures, too. We went to a high school football game (Richardson). We had a wonderful time; except for the fact that Richardson's team was HORRIBLE!!! I mean, the worst of the worst... and they were playing against Pearce, which made the lose even worse (if that is possible). I forgot to bring the camera, so I don't have any pictures of that.
We have gone to the mall a few times to walk around (hey, it's free to look), and also to play in the play area. I did get some pictures of that, so I'll post those.
Tomorrow we are planing to go to Owen's Farm for their annual Pumpkin Patch. Last year, Jaden had so much fun, and we got a lot of good pictures. This year, we are going during the week, so Jaden will get to pick out a pumpkin (free- with the price of admission). Plus, they have hay rides, etc. I will update the blog tomorrow with all of that. Hopefully, I will have some good pictures to show, too. I hope everyone is well. And I hope someone remembers that my blog is still out here in cyberspace to be read. I know everyone has given up on me... But, really, we are up and running now :0) Talk to you soon!