Lunch Mystery

Gabriel has become a picky eater since his hospital stay. I would be the same way after his ordeal with food. Poor buddy.
Our week day routine involves me picking up from school at 12:30. I ask him what he would like to eat. If I fail to ask him, he might ask me for something as we near the house. Since we live 15-20 minutes from town, it adds quite a bit of time to our day to turn around to get him what he desires.
Yesterday I asked him what he would like for lunch as part of our usual conversation at 12:34 pm. He told me that he wanted to go to the restaurant that has movies and pizza. Hmmm... a restaurant that has movies and pizza? I asked, "was I there?" "Yes" he replied. "Was Daddy there?" Then he started getting agitated. "Yes! Don't you remember?" he inquired.
Thankfully we drove past the restaurant and he pointed it out. Pizza Hut was our destination of the day! Andrew and I have taken him to the Pizza Hut buffet once and there are three tvs in the eating area.
There is NO way I would have figured out the restaurant that has movies and pizza if we hadn't driven past it. I'm grateful we drove past it or it could have resulted in a meltdown that is medically dangerous. Unfortunately, I drive past Pizza Hut every day if I don't take an alternate route. I need to remember that alternate route home to avoid a daily trip to the pizza buffet.

No More Toddlers

The kids are past the little toddler stage. While their budding independence is incredible, I long for the moments when they needed me in a different way.  

Lane is usually exhausted when she comes home from school. I didn't waste a second when she asked to on my lap.  She quickly fell asleep curled up on my.  

We were content. 

Elsa Pumpkin

The 2014 holiday season has begun. Lane brought home a paper pumpkin project for school. I've helped create many paper jack-o-lanterns but this one was especially fun.  

The typical jack-o-lantern wouldn't do for Lane. No, she wanted a special one. As we looked through templates for pumpkins online, Lane was thrilled to see printable stencils   

She picked a princess Elsa stencil and we set to work. We cut a pumpkin out of orange paper and added our stencil.  She glued the green stem on top and added glitter for a finishing touch. 

Here it is -- our kindergardener's fall creation.  

Bus Accident

1st Responder Wireless News

ST CLOUD, FL (OSCEOLA) *SCHOOL BUS MVA* NOLTE RD AT CANOE CREEK RD. R53 ON SCN W/ A SCHOOL BUS REAR ENDED BY A CAR, 5 JUV ON THE BUS, ASSESSING FOR INJ. FL56
09/29/14 03:54 PM

FINAL U/D ST CLOUD, FL (OSCEOLA) *SCHOOL BUS MVA* NOLTE RD AT CANOE CREEK RD. R53 ADV NO INJ, CX ALL BUT SQ53 FOR ASSISTANCE CLEARING DEBRIS. FL56
09/29/14 04:19 PM

Two of the five juveniles were my children. Thankfully they weren't injured emotionally or physically. But, seriously, a bus accident?!!

I received a text at 4:09 stating that there was a bus accident and my kids wouldn't be home for a while. I waited for Gabriel's teacher at our home so I was unable to get the kids. 

Andrew received a phone call and he left work immediately. I was concerned about the kids but andrew said that after everything we have been through, he was okay. 

When Andrew arrived at the scene, there were police officers, an ambulance, and a fire truck.  The bus was at a stop sign when a car hit the bus from behind.  The car went under the bus.  Everyone appeared okay. 

Florida law states that someone at an accident scene needs to be seen within ten days by a physician.  Otherwise any injuries can't go toward an insurance claim. To be safe, we took the kids to the doctor and they continue to appear fine 

Caring Bridge

I have updated information about our lives on the Caring Bridge site. Life has become quite a challenge but we are finally figuring out a new routine and a new normal. Please feel free to comment and be updated on this site: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/gabrielmai
Thank you for your continued support and love. We are all grateful for it.

K and 3

Lane and Alex have been in school for one week.  

They both love school this year and it is exciting to have a kindergardener and two third graders 

Gabriel hasn't gone to school yet since he returned from the hospital on Tuesday.  He says that he wants to go back and wants to meet his new teachers and friends. 

They will all take the bus this year.  Even though it's more challenging to get them up earlier, it's much easier to walk them to the bus in the morning.  There are no arguments about getting in the car, they just walk up the bus steps and wave good bye. 

Wow. You're an asshole

You're an asshole when.... Your 9 year old nephew is fighting for his life in the ICU and you're busy taking selfies at the dentist.  You don't bother to mention his battle. You don't care - why? Because you're an asshole. Yes Erin, that's you.  The selfish bitch that we all know you are and I'm calling you out on it in my blog.  Few people are fooled by you.  If you change and give two shits about your biological family, I will eat my words. But really, if someone is unable to do something for you, you don't reach out to them. 

I'm the one who drove with my three young children when you were very ill.  I cleaned your house full of dog feces and maggots.  I loved planning a shower and bachelorette party for you.  I didn't love when you called me selfish and kicked me out of your wedding as I sat in an ER alone, right before having surgery. 

I did that because you are my sister.  You always will be.  I will also call you out when you're a selfish asshole.  

Gabriel will continue to battle.  And unless you step up to the plate, these three gorgeous children of mine will never know who you are.  Because someone who lies about me having gonnerhea and whatever filth you said, doesn't deserve them.