Sleep Apnea

My husband had a sleep study done years ago. For those of you who don't know, it's where you go to the hospital overnight, and they hook you up to machines while you sleep, checking your oxygen levels and breathing. When Junior went, they thought the machines were malfunctioning, because his oxygen level was reading 46. When they brought a new machine in, it gave the same results. He also stopped breathing every few seconds, which they were extremely concerned about. They diagnosed him with severe sleep apnea and sent him home with a bi-pap machine. Whenever he sleeps, even napping on the couch, he has to wear this mask over his face that forces air down his throat, keeping his airway open. The first night he used he, he slept like a baby. He got up the next morning and said he hadn't slept that good in years.

Recently, he has started snoring again, even with his mask on. This is a sign that he either needs a new study done, or a new mask. I know the seal on his is ripped, and that could be part of the problem. It's just that the mask costs around $400, and we don't have that right now. I'm hoping when he gets back into the clinic, they can replace it for him. It's so important that his machine works properly to keep him alive. Sleep apnea is not something you want to take lightly. If you or your spouse snores, look into having a study done. It could save your life.

Ribik's Cube

My brother-in-law Mike called me a geek. Why, you ask? Well, because I got excited over a rubik's cube. My mom got me one for Christmas, and it is one of my favorite gifts, right behind my new Wolfgang Puck griddle. Mike mixed it all up, and while I didn't do it quickly, I did solve it.
Now, every time I solve it, one of the kids messes it up. Then I solve it again. They try to solve it, but give up after a few minutes. I tell them to practice, and they will be doing it in no time!

Senior Chatting

You have all heard over and over again how I met my husband. Now I want to hear your stories. Were you high school sweethearts? Did you meet in college? Was it a blind date like me? I love hearing the stories about how people met their spouses.

It's easy when you are young, and there are so many opportunities. School and work offer you the chance to meet many different people. But what happens when you are married for a while, and you lose your spouse, either by death or divorce? How do you go about finding someone to spend time with? It can be scary, because you have been out of practice, so to speak, for so long. There are programs available online, like Senior Chat rooms, that can help you to meet people who are around your age and share your interests. It takes a little bit of the pressure off, because you aren't on a face to face date, and you can decide before giving any information about yourself whether or not you want to get to know a person better. You still have to be very careful, but this is a good way to get your feet wet.

It beats moving to Florida!

Christmas Cupcakes

This was my contribution to Christmas dessert ~ mini cupcakes. I made chocolate, with red and green frosting. They came out so cute, and they tasted great, too!

I had some cookies, too, and they were also good. I swear I gained 10 pounds!

Help Those Teens Learn

Are you the parent of a teenager? I am, but just recently. My son turned 13 in November. I'm not sure if age is a factor in this, but this year is the first time he has had trouble in school. The subjects are more specific, because he now changes classrooms throughout the day. Luckily, the district offers in school tutoring, so he does get some assistance, The problem is he could use more help. Brightstorm is perfect for helping High School aged children. They offer courses specific to each subject, like algebra and writing. They even offer SAT prep. This is a fun way for kids to get the extra help they need. You can sign up for a free brightstorm acocunt and check out a free episode of each course. This allows you to see before you buy, and I gotta say, once you see how fun and effective the courses are, you will not hesitate in buying them for your child. Let's face it, if the kids won't enjoy the programs, they won't do them. I have this problem with my son. If I ask him to do a math problem, it takes forever for him to get to the answer. But when I give him twenty dollars in the store, he can have it spent, right down to the last penny, in about two minutes. When it relates to him, he can do it.

I recommend you sign up for a free account so you can check out the programs they offer. This could be the thing that gives your child the assistance they need.

Catching My Breath

It has been a crazy couple of days. My sister and her family arrived safely yesterday from NY. I can not believe how much her kids have grown. Of course, she says the same about mine! I am going to be so busy for the next few days. We are planning a trip to the zoo, which should be interesting. We've never been in the winter months. Maybe it won't smell as bad as it does in the summer...

No Call List Information

I am one of millions of people who hate telemarketers. I have put my name on the do not call list, but sometimes people get through. I don't know who they are, because their numbers do not come up on my caller ID. If you get the same kinds of calls, trying to find no call list information can be frustrating. Sometimes using Phone Number Trace is easier, as they can tell you who called from that annoying number.

Merry Christmas From Me To You!

I hope Santa is really good to you.
I hope you get everything you asked for.
I hope you have a wonderful holiday, filled with family and friends.
I hope you eat great food and enjoy every bite.
I hope you are safe, and happy.
Merry Christmas!

Big Ideas

I know, you all are probably tired of hearing about chat rooms. But, I believe that everyone has a soul mate somewhere, and for some people, this may be the way they connect with theirs. As most of you know, I was set up on a blind date with my husband, so I know how hard it is to meet someone on your own. I have always been heavy, and had no idea there were BBW Chat rooms just for bigger people. Go figure.

Camera Fixed!

I have the best brother in the world! I called him this morning, and he fixed my picture problems. Okay, maybe he just showed me a way to get around my problem, but hey, I can download my pictures now, and that's the important thing. I love that he is a computer guy. The other night we downloaded something on my computer allowing him to get on mine from his at his house. It's pretty cool!

Asian Chat City

I have been writing a lot lately about chat rooms. Not because I go into them, but because there is such a variety out there. From bikers and vampires, to Latina and Asian Chat rooms, if you are looking for a certain type of person, I'm pretty sure you can find a chat room dedicated just to them.

My Lovely Ladies

This is what you get when the kids steal your camera in the McDonald's playland. I know it's a little blurry, but you can really see their blue eyes. Aren't they beautiful?! (I know. I'm biased) I just love their self-portrait.

Payday Loans

A few weeks ago, my husband and I discovered that we just weren't going to have enough money to get the kids Christmas. Bills were piling up, as usual, and we just didn't have the cash. With my husband only getting paid every two weeks, we have to make the money last. It was just our luck that he gets paid the day after Christmas.

We decided that we would go and look into payday loans. My husband went online and looked up various sites. I wasn't comfortable giving out our checking account information online, but my husband felt it was okay. Let's just say that I was right. The site he was looking into had a lot of fine print he didn't bother to read. A few days later, I had over $30 taken out of our checking account. It seems the fine print signed him up for an identity theft program. I called the company immediately, and while they did cancel his account, they refused to refund my money.

We did end up getting a payday loan. We used a local company instead of one online. If you would rather apply from home, use a service like Yellow Leaf Financial. They can direct you to lenders who may be able to help you. My only advice is to make sure you read the fine print carefully.

The Finished Product

Don't they look yummy? I think Santa will really enjoy these. I made the little round ones on the bottom racks. They will probably end up on a tray to share with my family on Saturday. We aren't seeing my brother and his family on Christmas. They are going to Colleen's on Saturday when my sister is here. She's coming from NY and I can't wait to see her! Oh, and we're going to see Twilight on Friday night! YAY!!!!!!

Family vacations

Two summers ago, my sister planned a family vacation to the beach. She rented a house for a week, and split the cost with my two other sisters and my brother. Unfortunately, I was unable to go because of money. This year we are financially in better shape, and are hoping to plan another family vacation. Picking the destination is the hardest part, because we need to find somewhere that has something for everyone. The guys in the family love to golf, and of course, the girls love to shop. I was thinking of heading to the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing. It is located in the heart of Historic Downtown Branson, Missouri, on Lake Taneycomo, across from the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel. If we were to go in the winter, we could take advantage of their Winter Escape Package. The hotel is only minutes away from the area's 49 theatres, so there would be plenty of things to see. There are also outlet malls nearby, so shopping wouldn't be a problem. The guys would have their golf courses, and the kids would love a day at Silver Dollar City. If I remember correctly, they featured this park on an episode of 17 Kids and Counting, when the Duggar family went there for the day. It looked like something kids and adults would both enjoy. Vacationing here would offer something for everyone, and with it's 242 guest rooms, suites, and condos, and amazing view of the lake, I'm sure we will be comfortable and relaxed. Isn't that what vacationing is all about?

Sugar Cookies

This morning we made sugar cookies. As you can see, the kids had fun decorating the cookies with colored sugar and sprinkles. I think by the time they went into the oven, they were more decoration than cookie! I didn't care, though, cause these are what they will leave out for Santa tomorrow night. Wow, tomorrow night! I can't believe it. I'm so excited!!!

Settlement Advance

Are you suing someone for personal injury? While waiting for your settlement, bills and other expenses tend to pile up. With pre settlement funding you can get an advance on your winnings so that you can pay your bills, or just spend the money you are entitled to. It's a simple process to see if you will be approved, and you will know within 48 hours. Don't let an injury ruin your credit. Get an advance today.

Sleep...What Is That?

Here it is, again, 1 am and I am still up.

This insomnia is getting old.

It doesn't help that I am having serious computer issues.

The good news is that my brother said I have the "facebook virus" and I ran my anti virus stuff, and hopefully that took care of it. It took about 4 1/2 hours to scan my while computer, so hopefully I am good to go. I'll let you know as soon as I try dropping my ecards tomorrow.

If I am still having problems, I am going to scream!

CEIVA Digital Frames

I've got a wish. But it's a secret.

My husband and the kids keep asking me what I want for Christmas. I wanted all the Twilight books, but couldn't wait until Christmas to read them, so that's not going to work. I want the new Dean Koontz book, so maybe they could get that.

Here's my secret wish. I would love a digital picture frame. These are so cool! They even have ones now where you can upload pictures from your phone, without the need of your computer. CEIVA Digital Photo Frames are like that. Right now you can go to their site, and virtually sit on Santa's lap. Just download a picture of yourself, and they work all the magic. Make sure you tell him what your Christmas wish is, because it shows up in his book. They are even giving away $500 prizes to one lucky winner each day. I know this is the perfect time of year to come into a little extra cash. I am, thankfully, done with all of my shopping, but I do know a few people who are waiting until the last minute.

These picture frames are pretty cool, so make sure you check them out. And while you're there, sit on Santa's lap, and make sure you tell him that I was a good girl!

Ryan's Craft

While I was totally frustrated with my computer today, Ryan sat and made this adorable Christmas tree out of craft lace and beads. He made a green one too, but my computer is giving me a fit when I try to download pictures. In fact, I am ready to throw it out the flippin' window today. Anyway, he made these out of his head, no pattern, and I love them. Not bad for a 13 year old boy with ADHD. He hopes to make enough to give as gifts to his aunts and Grandparents.