Live Fee Or Die

Nope...it's not a typo. I really meant to spell Free as Fee. Why? Well, let's just say that the great state of New Hampshire doesn't seem to be living up to its state motto these days.

In the news today, was an announcement that anyone who needed to register their vehicles in the next four months had better hurry up and do it TODAY, as TOMORROW the new fees would be implemented. Hun? I didn't see that headline this morning on WMUR, and yet there it was this afternoon when I checked the news. Maybe I just missed it because I was just in to check the weather real quick. But, if you read the article, the information was only just posted...today.

For those of you, who like me, didn't know of this change coming so soon you can click on the WMUR link above for the news article...which by the way was a little blurb on the side of the screen. It seems to me they had far more "warnings" for the impending change over to digital television than they did for this little diddy!

Anyway, suffice it to say...this will be the last time you will see the VANOKDS license plate on our vehicle. Due to the new fees that our lovely state government has decided to place on everyone in the state, such things as a vanity plate have become a far to expensive way to show our state just how "free" we are. Not only did the fee go up for a vanity plate...$40 vs. the $25 initial cost...but you will now be charged the $40 ANNUALLY!! Ummm, last time I registered my car, I don't remember receiving a new plate with my stickers...hmmm.

Plus, in addition to your regular state and local fees for registering your vehicle, you will have a minimum $30 charge depending on the weight of your vehicle. All total, that's an extra $140 we have to come up with for our two vehicles. (Hubby's car has a vanity plate too.) Thank God my kids don't weigh much!! :)

I absolutely refuse to give my irresponsible state $40 of my husbands hard earned cash for the "privilege" of having a vanity plate every single year. I'd rather make them shell out their own money to make me a boring one. I strongly urge anyone out there who has a vanity plate, to consider doing the same. It's time to stand up and hold those responsible for the state our state is in...accountable!!

Sevin Stitches

A friend of mine has just opened a new Etsy shop. To celebrate she is giving away one of her Monk's Bags . Please follow the link below for your chance to enter the contest as well as to see some of the great things she is making!!

http://sevinstitches.blogspot.com/

He Did It!

Everyday it's a battle. Everyday, Mike and I try to figure out the best way to deal with the many issues that Ethan presents us with. One of the longest battles we've had is in potty training. We officially welcomed him into the world of underpants and toilet use in February of 2008! In general he uses the toilet pretty regularly. We have found that the reasons for his wet accidents are the usual...he's too preoccupied, doesn't want to stop doing what he's doing, or is just plain lazy! However, it's been a battle to get him fully trained in doing a BM without accidents. We are constantly faced with the questions "is it autism, sensory, or 6 1/2 yr. old behavior??" Then we try to come up with an answer and a solution. Needless to say we have tried everything! And in Ethan's defense he is still on a laxative, (he's been on one since he was 18 months old!), so if it's been a couple of days since his last BM, we'll "up" his meds. to encourage his body to go. This sometimes results in a "got there a little too late" accident which is obviously beyond his control.

Well, yesterday I had had it! It's enough that I still have four other children in diapers, (another post for another day) so it's not hard to imagine that I find myself losing my patience so much quicker when my oldest just can't seem to keep his underpants clean. So, I came up with yet another plan. Ethan wears a pull up to bed at night because he absolutely cannot stay dry that long yet. In the morning, he is supposed to come down, use the toilet and change out of his pull up into a pair of underpants. Last night I told him that from now on, when he comes downstairs he is to change from his overnight pull up into a new pull up for the day. He really didn't like that idea, but I told him that he would be allowed to put underpants on as soon as he did his "stinky" on the toilet.

He did it! He got down from the breakfast table this morning, declaring that he had to "go", and in he went. No accidents. He is now happily sporting his favorite underpants. So, we'll do it again tomorrow, and the day after that and the day after that. It's too early to determine whether it was autism, sensory or 6 1/2 yr. old behavior...but if I were to make a determination based on just today...I would tend towards the latter! :)

Rebekah or Emma...Who's Who??

It is incredible how much these two look alike...they could be sisters! In the top picture is Emma...I believe she was around 20 months old. We thought she had very little hair, and compared to others she most definitely did, but if you look closely her mom was able to put enough together to make her trademark "whalespout" hairdo.

Then we have Rebekah...who's tiny amount of hair can't even hold the tiniest barrette, never mind a "whalespout"! But their smiles are very similar as are most of their mannerisms. Mike and I are often amazed at how much she reminds of our niece.

Even Rebekah was confused by the picture saying, "look, look it's Bekah, I sitting". I then told her that it was actually Emma in the picture and she said, "it's Emma...wearing Bekah's clothes!" :)

They Are Getting Soooo Big!

It's hard to believe that these "little" guys are 10 months old today!! Yipes, where did all those sleepless nights go?? These two monkeys are both growing nicely as their 9 month check up revealed.

Caleb (baby on the right), is weighing in at 17 lbs. 5.5 oz and 27 1/2" long while his brother, Eli (obviously...other baby), is weighing in at 17 lbs. 7 oz and 27" long. They both have their two lower central incisors...and they know how to use them. As a matter of fact Eli has been nicknamed "Zombie Baby" by his father, because every time Mike goes near him, Eli attaches himself to Mike's arm and begins to chomp! Those little teeth hurt!

Of the two, Caleb is much more adventurous, while Eli is content just staying put. Caleb has developed this breast stroke, land style to get around. I wonder if we put him in water if he would actually swim! Needless to say he gets faster every day...which has forced me to sweep even more than the 3 times a day I was already doing...as well as...you know...wash the floor...every now and then.

As for Eli, he just started to venture out into the kitchen. Up until now, he's been pretty content just sitting in their toy room watching, or playing with whatever is around him. He has a pretty controlled fall, so if he needs to he'll just kind of fall over, and then with a combination of rolling and pushing forward with his feet, can get to where he needs to go.

They continue to amaze us as they become more and more interactive with each other. And although they aren't holding hands as much as before, it seems to be that much sweeter now when they do.

Happy 4th Birthday Joshua!

Every year the 4th of July brings about cookouts, celebrations and time spent with family and friends. For the past 4 years we have been blessed to have another reason to celebrate. Our little guy, Joshua. He was born on this day, 4 years ago and has continued to be our spirited little firecracker ever since. His dependent independence his given us a glimmer into how strong he will be as he gets older...once he lets us out of his sight. His smile is a window into his soul which is pure and bright and wonderful. His hugs and kisses are a never ending sign of just how much he truly loves us with his whole being. And even though at times, he makes the worlds loudest and most obnoxious noises, his gentler, quieter voice when he says, "I love you too, Mommy", brings happy tears to my eyes.

Your Father and I wish you only the best Joshua, as you continue to light up our days with your very own special kind of fireworks!

We love you!

Happy Birthday!