Last Halloween

This picture was taken last Halloween.  Notice Joshua.  You would think that he was mad or irritated or something, but that wasn't the case.  This was him last year on his medication.  He was so much like a zombie.  So much so that one of his closest friends thought there was something seriously wrong with him.  This was the point that we decided to take him off his medication.  That was the day that we got our child back!!  I would much rather him struggle and be happy and have a personality, than to dope him up only to have him like a zombie.  Not sure what the boys will wear for costumes, but will try to have pictures posted soon.

October Fun

Last week was candy corn week.  I painted their hands one day and forgot to get a picture.  We also made this candy corn picture.  We celebrated Jack's birthday a few weeks ago and I also took them to the pumpkin patch a few weeks ago.  I'm lovin the fall!!
     In other news Jack and Jacob went and camped out at the coast and went fishing.  They were very successful.  Jack's best friend went and they caught over 100 fish.  We also went to the fair Friday.  Golden Corral gave their employees the day off and free tickets, so we took full advantage of it.  It was so much fun.  Jacob's class took a field trip there Monday.  I wasn't looking forward to going back, but it was youth day and we had a scavenger hunt through the exhibits.  I actually saw a few places that I never knew existed, so it was fun to go back.

Pumpkins and such....

This week was pumpkin week in our house.  We did a "five little pumpkins sitting on a fence book" and then yesterday we were supposed to go to the pumpkin patch.  Instead, we did a "5 little pumpkins on a fence craft" and they also wanted to do some painting, so I painted their hands to make pumpkins.  I hope it clears up tomorrow so we can go, because I have nothing else planned for the day.
It's been a discouraging few days.  I think it just may be the rainy blah days.  I feel like this dark cloud hangs over us lately with things.  Jack's doctor is not helping him the way he needs to be helped, my medical bills are still coming in, the unexpected goof last week that caused  me $160 last week, some other personal trials that are going on, the car battery died this morning (I am hoping that is all it is), and I think someone was trying to accuse my two younger kids of something this morning of something I KNOW they didn't do.  Even through all of this the last little while, I can't get the thoughts that none of this took place without God knowing about it ahead of time, and without him allowing it to happen.  We've been blessed so much that I can't dwell on the "black cloud" that has been over us.  I know there are other people who are much worse off than I am, and this stuff is just minor.  I think of the words of one of the songs that says "This is the stuff that drives me crazy, this is the stuff that's getting to me lately, in the middle of my little mess, I forget how much I'm blessed".  Thank goodness tomorrow is Friday and thank goodness God is in control.

Feeling horrible

I'm feeling horrible right now, but at the same time grateful for a husband that doesn't get upset with me.  Just when we got cleared of all his medical bills (which weren't too bad) I come along and have some doozie medical bills.  So far I am about 27k and counting!!  Just when I think we are done paying, I check the website only to find more bills are coming in.  We don't have to pay the $27k or anything close to it, but we are still paying a pretty penny on things...too much!  The stress of it all is driving me nuts.  Then last night I did something stupid.  Well, maybe not stupid, but an honest mistake.  It was an honest mistake that cost me $161.  Yep, this dark cloud hanging over the McLean household just won't go away and most of it is because of me.  I should be happy on this Friday, but right now I'm wishing we had a money tree in the backyard.....not to be rich, just to pay off these BIG unexpected bills that have occurred all because of me.  Thank you my love for not getting angry at me, but for loving me and telling me we will get through it.!!

Apple week

I tried to unload my phone pictures, but I made a mistake and now they won't unload.  This has been apple week at our house.  Yesterday we made these apples and we are going to do another apple project tomorrow.  I guess I should have done this a week earlier since we are not in October.  It's been keeping me on my toes having a "theme" week this year.  I can't just wing it any more.  Jack's mom took him out of preschool to be with me (and also because their schedule was changed due to her new job) so I want to keep her happy.
Everything else at the McLean household has been pretty quiet.  I think we may be back to "normal" if that is possible!!